Motorcycle accidents typically involve serious to catastrophic injuries. When a motorcyclist and any other type of vehicle collide, the motorcycle rider has far less safety protection than the vehicle occupants. This is why it is so important for drivers to keep their eyes open for all potential hazards. They could miss a motorcyclist, a bicyclist, or even a pedestrian.
If you were injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Toledo motorcycle accident attorney right away. At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, we have years of experience helping clients with all types of personal injury lawsuits, including motorcycle accidents.
Here is a look at some of the most common types of Toledo motorcycle accidents we have handled over the years.
You might assume rear-end collisions are not common because the motorcyclist is directly in front of the vehicle. Unfortunately, when a driver is distracted, they can easily miss the motorcycle slowing down or coming to a complete stop. They may also misjudge the stopping distance.
Motor vehicle operators commonly fail to yield the right of way to motorcycle riders, which results in a high number of claims. Many times, it is because the driver is inattentive or makes a sudden rash movement. In other cases, some drivers do not care that they should be yielding the right-of-way. They try to push the motorcycle rider into a game of “chicken,” which sometimes has disastrous results.
Sideswipe collisions are also common types of motorcycle accidents. If a motorcyclist is in a driver’s blind spot or they are not paying close attention, they might sideswipe a motorcycle while trying to change lanes. If a motorcyclist is splitting lanes in heavy traffic, another driver might suddenly swerve over into them.
Even the best motorcycle rider may lose control of his bike at some point. Weather conditions, hazards on the road, other vehicles making abrupt movements, etc., are a few of the things that could cause a motorcyclist to wipe out. Oil slicks, manhole covers, painted street letters, or even train tracks can also present hazards. If a motorcycle rider drops his bikes and wipes out, another driver could run into them if they were following too closely or were not paying attention.
If you were injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, do not attempt to pursue a claim for damages on your own. Let an experienced personal injury attorney help. Motorcycle claims can be complex, and the at-fault party is looking for any opportunity to put liability back on the motorcycle rider. Contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.