Motorcycle riding is meant to be fun and exciting and can even be therapeutic for many people. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents are all too common, and non-fatal accidents can cause motorcyclists to suffer serious personal injuries.
While many motor vehicle accidents can cause severe injuries, motorcycle accidents often have more serious consequences due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have when riding. In this article, we’ll discuss Ohio motorcycle accident statistics, common causes of these accidents, and advice for car drivers and motorcycle riders on how to prevent motorcycle accidents.
A motorcycle crash can cause a rider to experience severe and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a fatal motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation. Skilled motorcycle accident lawyers can help you seek financial compensation for injuries, lost wages, and burial expenses in the event of a fatal crash. The Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyers at Joseph Law Group are here to help Ohio residents receive the compensation they deserve. Call us at (216) 522-1600 to schedule your free case evaluation today.
Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 18,980 motorcycle-related crashes occurred in Ohio between the years of 2018 and 2022. Of those accidents, 927 of them were fatal, resulting in the deaths of 953 motorcycle riders. 9% of those motorcycle accidents involved drugs and/or alcohol, and 54% of motorcycle fatalities were drug and/or alcohol related. 72% of motorcycle riders killed and 66% of motorcyclists who were seriously injured in traffic accidents were not wearing a helmet.
In comparison to national motorcycle accident statistics, Ohio motorcycle accidents accounted for about 3.6% of the nation’s motorcycle fatalities in 2021. In the same year, Ohio ranked fifth in the country for the number of motorcycle registrations per state, according to estimates made by Statista.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of things. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is lane changing. Many car drivers check their rear-view mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, but they’re almost always looking for cars and trucks, not people riding motorcycles, which can be harder to see.
Just like other traffic fatalities, many motorcycle fatalities are caused by alcohol-impaired motorcyclists and car drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, more than a quarter of all fatal motorcycle accidents were alcohol-related. Motorcycle accident deaths that occurred at night were three times more likely to be alcohol-related than motorcycle accident deaths that occurred during the day.
Other causes of motorcycle crashes include speeding and lane splitting, or white-lining. While lane splitting is illegal in Ohio, it’s still a commonplace practice. Severe weather and unsafe road conditions also contribute to the yearly number of motorcycle accident deaths in the US. Additionally, it’s estimated that helmet use could have prevented about 37% of motorcycle deaths in 2017.
What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can cause a variety of injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Some common motorcycle crash injuries include:
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
- Facial fractures
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Death
Many factors can impact the severity of a motorcycle rider’s injuries, with the main factor being helmet use. Helmets aim to protect the head and face of a motorcycle rider from injuries caused by striking hard surfaces like the road. Motorcyclists that wear helmets while riding are less likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident than those who don’t, so be sure to wear a helmet every time you ride.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
For motorcycle accident victims, damages often include things like medical bills from any medical attention they received because of the accident or lost wages from any work they missed while recovering. Other damages victims of motorcycle crashes can file a claim for can include loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and compensation for permanent disfigurement or disability.
When motorcycle crashes result in fatalities, the immediate family members of the victim(s) can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. These can include monetary damages for any medical bills incurred before their loved one’s passing, as well as funeral expenses, missed wages, and loss of consortium, among others.
If you or a loved one has suffered from catastrophic injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages from the person responsible for the crash. A Cleveland personal injury attorney from Joseph Law Group can help you file a claim and even help you recover financial compensation for your injuries. With a long history of successful case results, you can rest easy knowing your case is in capable hands. Call (216) 522-1600 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation today.
Ohio Motorcycle Rider Laws
Many of the rules of the road apply to all drivers, including motorcyclists. For example, all motorcycle riders must register their vehicle and have a license plate, as well as have insurance and carry proof of insurance with them whenever they drive.
There are some additional rules and regulations that apply to motorcyclists only. They must have proof of endorsement or a temporary permit, and if they have a permit, they must comply with certain restrictions. Additionally, they must have some form of eye protection, whether that comes in the form of a windshield at the front of their bike, a face shield at the front of their helmet, or a piece of protective eyewear on their face.
While Ohio has very relaxed motorcycle helmet laws, there are certain riders that are legally required to wear helmets. All motorcycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet every time they ride. Newer motorcycle riders, regardless of their age group, are also required to wear a helmet until they’ve had their motorcycle endorsement for a full year. Additionally, any passenger riding a motorcycle with someone legally required to wear a helmet must also be wearing a helmet.
How To Prevent Motorcycle Crashes and Injuries
Motorcycle accidents happen for a lot of reasons, but they are almost always avoidable. Motorcyclists and other drivers can take precautions to prevent crashes and motorcyclist fatalities from happening.
For Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle riders can prevent causing accidents by being cautious when driving and by adhering to Ohio driving laws. Lane splitting, filtering, and sharing are all illegal in Ohio, and they can put riders in additional, unnecessary danger. Motorcyclists can also prevent accident fatalities by simply wearing head protection.
For Other Motorists
Car and truck drivers can help prevent motorcyclist fatalities by being extra cautious on the road, especially if they know they’re sharing the road with someone on a motorcycle. When changing lanes, drivers should always use turn signals and look over their shoulders to check their blind spots before safely moving into the other lane. Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles and can be harder to see by just using rear-view mirrors.
Drivers should also obey the rules of the road and not engage in distracted driving or drunk driving. Alcohol-impaired drivers are a danger to themselves and others, especially motorcyclists. Since they are mostly unprotected, motorcycle crashes can cause a motorcyclist to experience serious injuries.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call a Cleveland Personal Injury Lawyer at Joseph Law Group Today
Motorcycle crashes can be devastating for those involved and their families, especially when they result in fatalities. Motorcycle accident fatalities are largely avoidable, and those affected by them deserve compensation for their damages. If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, the Cleveland motor vehicle accident attorneys at Joseph Law Group can help. We have been representing Ohio residents since 2003 and will fight to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney with us at (216) 522-1600 and schedule your free case evaluation today.
