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Ohio Motorcycle Accidents: Facts & Prevention

Usually when you hear about a motorcycle accident in the news, it is one that has caused very serious damage or fatality. When a motorcyclist is on the roadway even at a low speed and they get into an accident, they have nothing protecting them from the damage that the crash will cause (i.e. airbags, seat belt, etc.), resulting in injuries and fatalities.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm have helped countless victims of motorcycle accidents and we have found that a common denominator of the cause of the accident. Oftentimes the other driver on the roadway does not see the motorcycle. This finding has led us to share not only accident facts in our blog, but also tips for motorcycle accident prevention.

Motorcycle Accident Ohio

Ohio Motorcycle Accidents Facts

The Ohio Department of Public Safety has broken down motorcycle crash statistics on a yearly basis, with the most recent results published from the year 2012.This breakdown includes the age group of individuals involved in a motorcycle accident and the number of people who were either killed or injured as a result. The table, available on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website, shows that the number of motorcycle accidents and related fatalities and injuries is significant.

Surprisingly, the age group defined in the report that has the highest number of fatalities is 51-55 and 46-50 coming in second.

The age group with the most motorcyclists injured in a motorcycle accident is 46-50 and 51-55 coming in second.

As you can see by the number of fatalities and injuries, this is a serious issue. With such a high rate of injury and fatalities, it is imperative for motorcyclists to be aware of the tips that can help to prevent their involvement in an accident, as well as protect them while they are on their bikes.

What many people do not realize is that a significant number of motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists who are at-fault in causing the accident. Accidents that involve a motorcycle and a vehicle amount to 56-percent of motorcycle fatalities, with a great majority of those being head-on collisions. 

There are many contributing factors to the high number of motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities, including the following:

  • Motorcycles are not as visible to vehicles – motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, especially at intersections.
  • Wet pavement – wet pavement affects motorcycles more than vehicles
  • Lack of barrier/protection – there is nothing holding a motorcyclist in, such as the car itself, seatbelts, or airbags.
  • Uneven roads – uneven road surfaces cause a higher risk of accident to a motorcycle than a vehicle.
  • Debris/objects on roadway – while a small piece of debris or other object on the road doesn’t affect a large vehicle, it can put a motorcyclist at risk for an accident.

Due to the above factors that can cause a motorcycle accident and the high rate of crashes that do occur, attorney Charlie Contrada believes that it is very important to wear the proper safety gear, especially a helmet. Below is a list of protective gear that every motorcyclist should wear on a regular basis:

  • Helmet
  • Protective pants (to prevent road rash)
  • Protective jacket (to prevent road rash)
  • Motorcycle boots
  • Motorcycle riding gloves
  • Raingear
  • Protective glasses

In Ohio, a helmet is not required for all motorcyclists. Those under the age of 18, and motorcyclists who have had their license for less than one year are required to wear a helmet in Ohio. There is some controversy among drivers who claim to feel safer if they do not have a helmet on. Attorney Contrada stresses the importance of helmet safety to all motorcyclists as it can mean the difference between life and death in a motorcycle accident.  

Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney

As explained above, there are many motorcycle accidents that are caused by an individual other than the motorcyclist. In this case, it is very important for the motorcycle victim and their families to make a claim for injury. Doing so will allow them to collect the compensation that is deserved for the injuries and damages caused by the accident.

Attorney Charlie Contrada has helped countless motorcycle accident victims and their families through the legal process. While these accidents can be very serious and life-altering, attorney Contrada helps to make the process easier by offering the personal attention that the victims and their families need. To speak to attorney Contrada about a motorcycle accident that you or your loved one has been involved in, or to ask questions about the legal process of filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 419.841.4400. 

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Attorney Charlie Contrada has been practicing law since 1979, focusing his career on personal injury, car accident, and mesothelioma cases. Over the years, Charlie has helped thousands of clients throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to receive the settlements that they deserve.

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