Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati, take the first step toward seeking justice by hiring an award-winning legal firm. Motorcyclists face more threats than any other party on the road. Whether you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Westwood or a commercial vehicle has crashed into you in Oakley, you deserve tough representation and fierce advocacy. A Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer is here to protect your rights.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we take on any case, and we aren’t afraid to take that case to trial. If you’re looking to refer a case to us, we are up for the challenge. With over 80 years of experience, our team knows how to get results. We have handled hundreds of cases through the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, located at 1000 Main Street in Cincinnati, and now we are prepared to take on your case and seek the outcome you deserve.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber: Experienced Legal Representation With Over $1 Billion Recovered

One of the reasons we are so effective when it comes to recovering full compensation for our clients is the fact that we have built and staked our reputation on taking cases to trial and getting the results our clients want. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we aren’t afraid of pursuing a case all the way to a courtroom, and this allows us to demand full and fair compensation for those who place their trust in us.

Our Approach

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we go the distance for our clients and work to protect your future. Every case that comes across our desks, we treat with a staunch commitment to justice. Our attorneys are proud to offer one-on-one attention and detailed counsel to clients. You aren’t simply another case number: you are someone we get to know and care deeply about.

In recent years, we have secured $8.5 million for a single client in a medical malpractice case and $28 million in a wrongful death claim. * Our attorneys know how to pursue the results our clients deserve and are dedicated to seeing your claim through to the end.

We are honored to have received numerous accolades, such as inclusion in the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and the 2016 list of Best Lawyers®. ** Allow us to bring this level of excellence, professionalism, and dedication to your motorcycle accident case today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Cincinnati

Across the United States, over 82,000 motorcycle injuries can happen in a single year, and nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities are motorcyclists. These are sobering numbers, but they should not keep you from getting on your bike and enjoying the views the Cincinnati area has to offer.

However, should you be injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand the cause of said accident. Understanding the cause can help you and your attorney better pinpoint liability, calculate full damages, and pursue a case to trial when needed. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have experience handling motorcycle accidents that are caused by the following:

• Speeding. In 2023 alone, over 11,7000 people were killed throughout the U.S. due to speeding. When another motorist speeds, it places those around them–particularly motorcyclists–at extreme risk. This is especially true if the at-fault driver is weaving between lanes of traffic. If a motorist makes one wrong move or fails to brake in time, it can result in devastating injuries for motorcycle riders.
• Distracted driving. Because motorcyclists are less visible to other drivers, they are more vulnerable to accidents that happen as a result of distracted driving. Common distractions that lead to motorcycle accidents can include texting while driving, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, interacting with passengers, reaching for something inside the vehicle, or talking on the phone.
• Impaired driving. When a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they pose an extreme danger to other drivers, especially motorcyclists. Drivers who are impaired often have slower reaction times and are more likely to take risks when operating a vehicle. Even in perfect conditions, motorcyclists can be difficult to spot. Drunk drivers will likely not see a motorcyclist until it is too late.
• Red light or stopped traffic. When cars are stopped, riders can face certain dangers due to being trapped between vehicles. It only takes a simple mistake from another driver, such as a minor failure to brake, to cause serious injuries and even death to a motorcyclist. This is especially true if the at-fault driver is not paying attention to the road and conditions around them.
• Roadway hazards. Because of the small amount of protection afforded to most motorcyclists, these individuals are more vulnerable to certain hazards that can present themselves on the road. These hazards can include potholes, debris, or loose or uneven pavement. Hazards like these can cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle and suffer serious damage in a crash.
• Driver negligence. When the driver of another car acts in negligence and that negligence results in an injury, you are entitled to recover compensation. The most common acts of driver negligence include turning in front of a motorcyclist, driving too closely to a motorcyclist, or failing to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to any of these causes, then it is highly likely that compensation is available. To take full advantage of your rights to compensation, you need to contact Spangenberg Shibley & Liber as soon as possible.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents in Cincinnati can result in a range of serious and debilitating injuries. These injuries may be minor and require little medical attention, or they can be life-threatening and, in the most serious of cases, fatal. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have handled motorcycle accident cases and defended plaintiffs’ rights in trial after the following injuries have been sustained:

• Traumatic brain injuries. One of the most serious injuries an individual can suffer in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Even when a rider is wearing a helmet, the head can still suffer serious damage. TBIs can impair a variety of cognitive functions, including your ability to think and communicate, and can also result in long-term disability, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
• Bone fractures. Due to the high amounts of force and impact that often happen in a motorcycle crash, broken bones are common. Areas most impacted by features in a motorcycle accident include the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Severe fractures, such as a compound fracture when the bone breaks and goes through the skin, can offer an increased risk for infection and will likely require surgery and physical therapy.
• Spinal cord injuries. These injuries are another kind of catastrophic injury that can occur after a motorcycle accident. These injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, and individuals with a spinal cord injury will likely experience a dramatic change in their daily lives. Victims of a spinal cord injury may also require the help of wheelchairs or in-home care and assistance.
• Internal injuries. In the aftermath of an accident, internal injuries are more likely to go overlooked but can be just as serious and deadly as other, more visible injuries. These injuries are more apt to require emergency medical attention, and surgery is likely. These injuries typically include damage to internal organs, nerve damage, and internal bleeding.
• Road rash. While this might not seem like a serious injury at first glance, especially when compared to injuries such as brain damage or spinal cord damage, it can still lead to dangerous complications if not treated properly. Road rash happens when a person’s skin makes contact with the road and will usually result in deep tissue abrasions. You may face nerve damage, permanent scarring, or serious skin infections.
• Psychological injuries. Even if your motorcycle accident does not result in serious physical harm, you can still develop some kind of psychological injury. Motorcycle accident survivors often develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which can leave them suffering from depression, anxiety, or the inability to get back on their motorcycle. The emotional toll of an accident is just as important as the physical toll.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we are here to review the injuries you have suffered to make an accurate calculation as to the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Damages You Can Recover Following a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents typically leave victims facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses and other damages. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there are a variety of damages you may be able to recover.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, our goal is to secure the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve, even if that means taking your case to trial. At trial, we are here to help you recover the following kinds of damages:

• Medical expenses. This compensation works to cover all of the medical attention you require after your accident and any necessary ongoing treatment. It can include all emergency room visits and transportation, surgeries, medication, hospitalization, and any rehabilitative therapy you have needed.
• Lost wages and future earnings. If your injuries have kept you from being able to work, either in a temporary or permanent manner, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. In addition to these damages, if the accident has left you dealing with long-lasting injuries or disability that impacts your ability to earn in the future, you may be able to file a claim for projected income loss.
• Property damage. These damages can cover all costs related to the repair or replacement necessary for your motorcycle or other forms of personal property that were damaged during the accident. Beyond just your motorcycle, you may be able to file damages for harm done to your gear, accessories, electronic devices, and any other personal property that was harmed during the accident.
• Pain and suffering. This compensation works to offer relief to victims who have suffered immense amounts of physical pain and emotional damage due to the accident. This can include conditions of chronic pain, mental anguish, stress, depression, anxiety, permanent disability or scarring, and the general reduction in the quality of life experienced after most accidents.
• Punitive damages. If the at-fault party has acted in a particularly egregious or grossly negligent manner, you may be able to recover punitive damages. While punitive damages are rarely awarded, when they do come into play in a motorcycle accident, they can offer immense value to your overall claim. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we can review your case to determine if you are owed any punitive damages.

What to Do in the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident in Ohio

If you find yourself in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Ohio, there are certain steps that should be taken to protect both your own physical health and the health of any future legal claim you may wish to file. These steps include:

• Seek medical attention. First off, even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is important that you get looked over by a medical professional. There are some injuries, such as internal bleeding, which might not manifest right away.
• Contact the police. You will then want to contact the police so that they can create an accident report. Your attorney can use this report to help support your claim.
• Gather evidence. It is important that you gather evidence, such as videos and photos of the scene and of your injuries. You should also gather the contact information of the at-fault party and any potential eyewitnesses.
• Contact a lawyer. Finally, it is essential that you speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the involved legal process and protect your rights to compensation.

FAQs

Q: What Are Ohio’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

A: In Ohio, not all riders are required by law to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. Understanding these laws and how they might play a role in your case is crucial, and your attorney is here to explain the impact these laws have on your case. In Ohio, the only riders who are legally required to wear a helmet are riders under the age of 18, riders with a novice license, or any passenger of the motorcycle.

Q: What if a Motorcycle Accident Proves Fatal?

A: If a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati proves fatal, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, our attorneys have handled countless wrongful death claims and have recovered millions on behalf of clients. In a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover certain damages, such as all funeral or burial costs, as well as any medical expenses related to your loved one’s injuries prior to their passing.

Q: How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Do I Have to File My Claim?

A: In Ohio, you have two years from the date your injury occurred to file your claim. This is referred to as a “statute of limitations,” and if this deadline runs out before you file your claim, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any kind of damages. That is why it is so essential that you hire a personal injury attorney as quickly as possible to protect your rights and interests.

Q: Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Ohio?

A: In Ohio, there are multiple parties you may be able to hold liable for a motorcycle accident and resulting damages. These parties can include other negligent or reckless drivers on the roadway, government entities in charge of poorly maintained roads, the manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts, bars and restaurants, and other third parties, such as rideshare companies or pedestrians.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer You Can Trust: Contact Spangenberg Shibley & Liber Today

If you have suffered injury in a Cincinnati motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, when you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer from our team, we strive to recover the results you most desire. Since our firm was founded in 1946, we have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of our clients and now turn our attention to you.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we can help you achieve the optimal compensation you need for your recovery. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need to call us right away. The clock is ticking, and you don’t want to lose any more time.

Call our offices today to learn more about how we can help and to schedule a consultation with our team. When you need us, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is here. Let us take your injury case to trial and recover the compensation and justice you deserve.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.