Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Bikers in Cleveland, OH

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a driver's negligence on the road, you might think that the insurance company would be fair and pay you the compensatory damages you deserve. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The truth is that insurance companies know that they can often get away with paying as little as possible on motorcycle injury claims.

Time and again, even the most carefully prepared evidence falls on deaf ears. Too many prospective jurors have a built-in prejudice against bikers, which insurance companies use to their advantage. Getting the settlement or verdict you deserve means educating jurors about responsible riding.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we understand the challenges you are up against—and we know how to fight back. Throughout our decades in practice, we have successfully secured over $1 billion for our clients. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Cleveland are ready to put our collective experience, skills, and resources on your side and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

We have experience representing clients in all types of motorbike accident injury claims and fatal motorcycle accident cases, including those involving:

• Head injuries/traumatic brain injuries
• Back, neck and spine injuries
• Burns, road rash, and severe scarring
• Amputation/loss of limbs
• Motorcycle crashes caused by negligent truck drivers
• Accidents caused by defective tires, parts, or systems
• Motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers

Contact us onlineor call (216) 600-0114now for a free consultation with our Cleveland motorcycle accident attorneys. There are NO fees unless we win your case.

Ohio Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Ohio’s motorcycle laws can be crucial for both preventing accidents and protecting your rights after a crash. Here are some key laws relevant to Cleveland riders:

• Helmet Law: Ohio does not require helmets for riders over the age of 18 unless they are in their first year of having a motorcycle license or are riding with a passenger under 18. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety and can impact injury claims.
• License Requirements: Riders must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement and must pass a written and skills test.
• Equipment Regulations: Motorcycles must have working headlights, taillights, turn signals, and rearview mirrors.
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is not legal in Ohio. Motorcyclists must follow standard lane usage rules.

If a negligent party claims you were violating motorcycle laws at the time of the crash, our attorneys can help protect your rights and argue your case under Ohio's comparative negligence laws.

Compensation from a Motorcycle Crash

If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Ohio law. Damages in a personal injury claim can include:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medication, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work and diminished earning capacity in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, eligible family members can pursue damages for funeral costs, lost companionship, and more.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Because riders have relatively little protection in the event of a crash, they often sustain serious, even catastrophic injuries when they are hit by larger, heavier vehicles. Because of this, many motorcyclists need immediate emergency attention after a crash.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and you or anyone else appears severely injured, call 911 right away. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance. Additionally, there are several things you can do to protect your rights, including your right file a future personal injury claim and seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, to the best of your ability, try to do the following:

• Call the police and have them come to the scene of the accident
• File an official accident report with local law enforcement
• Get the name, contact info, and insurance info of everyone else involved
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident, damage to your bike, and your injuries

Additionally, in the hours and days following the accident, you should:

• See a doctor, even if you believe your injuries are not that serious
• Follow your doctor’s orders, attend follow-up appointments, and take prescribed medications
• Contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident
• Refrain from speaking to anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company
• Contact an attorney

The last point is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident. Our Cleveland motorcycle accident attorney will be able to inform you of your rights and options and help you determine if you have grounds for a case.

We will also begin immediately to gather evidence to support your claim, work with the insurance company so you don’t have to, and ultimately work to negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf. If we are not able to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, our team is fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Ohio?
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, starting from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering compensation.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You can still pursue a claim, but the defense may argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet. Ohio’s comparative negligence rules may reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the crash.

How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We can provide a personalized estimate after reviewing your case.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Cleveland, OH?

Motorcycle accident claims are not like typical car accident cases. Often, juries have implicit bias against motorcyclists, believing them to be risky, unsafe drivers. Although we know that this is simply not true, insurance companies use this bias to their advantage. They know that many injured motorcyclists fear not receiving any compensation at all and are, therefore, more likely to accept a lowball settlement than risk going to trial and losing.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP has been a leading Ohio personal injury law firm for injured riders and their families for over 75 years. Our Cleveland motorcycle accident attorneys have the financial resources needed to aggressively argue your case, as well as a network of independent experts who can help gather and evaluate the evidence needed to obtain a favorable settlement or jury verdict. Insurance companies know that when we bring an accident case to the negotiating table, it is thoroughly investigated, strategically laid out, and has the merit to bring to trial if necessary.

Call a Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP today at (216) 600-0114for your free case evaluation. Act now, before the statute of limitations runs out.

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