Motorcycle Accident Fatalities
Columbus, Ohio
In 2008, there were 4,967 motorcycle crashes in the state of Ohio. More than 200 of these crashes resulted in deaths. The percentage of motorcyclists killed who were not wearing a helmet was 67 percent. Ohio motorcycle accident attorney Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. knows how difficult it can be following a motorcycle accident, and has experience helping people through the complex legal maze of building a case against wrongdoers.
Motorcycle accidents appear to be on the rise across the country as more and more people look for alternative ways to conserve gasoline. This increase means more motorcyclists are on the road, increasing the odds of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are lighter and smaller than cars, making them harder to perceive and more vulnerable in a collision. Motorcycle riders also have less injury protection during a crash. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Excessive speed
- Failure to observe or react appropriately to the motorcycle
- Adverse weather conditions
- Driver inattention or inexperience
Motorcycle riders have the same rights to the road as drivers of other vehicles. Most motorcycle riders know, however, that they need to drive defensively to ensure their own safety. Although other drivers should expect to see motorcycles under all traffic conditions, driver inattention remains one of the leading causes of motorcycle accident fatalities.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many types of motorcycle accidents, all of which can lead to a fatality. Some of the most common accident scenarios are:
- Car turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Car striking the rear of a motorcycle stopped in traffic
- Head-on collision with an oncoming motorcycle
- Motorcycle veering off the road to avoid an impact
Ohio's Motorcycle Laws
Because of the perceived link between motorcycle accident fatalities and not wearing a helmet, Ohio has the following requirements for helmet use:
- Motorcycle drivers 18 or under must wear a helmet
- Motorcycle passengers 18 or under must wear a helmet
- Novice motorcycle riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet
You never know when a motorcycle accident may occur. Statistics show that wearing a helmet increases riders’ chances of surviving an crash.
Eye protection is required of all motorcyclists in Ohio, regardless of experience level.
As with all vehicle drivers on Ohio's roadways, motorcycle riders are required to carry liability insurance.
If a loved one of yours has been the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident, contact Columbus Ohio personal injury attorney Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A., for a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss the potential legal rights and begin building a case against the wrongdoers.
