Cincinnati Aggressive Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Aggressive driving poses a risk to anyone on the road. Even skilled drivers may not be able to predict what the aggressive driver will do next, making it hard to react soon enough to prevent an accident.
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to aggressive driving accidents. In one recent year, the Ohio State Patrol reported 224 motorcycle accidents in Hamilton County alone. Accidents are dangerous for any type of vehicle, but the fatality rate for motorcycle accidents is nearly 29 times that of car accidents per mile traveled, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by an aggressive driver, you might be owed compensation for your injuries. Contact the Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorneys of Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC today at (513) 351-5997 for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Although it is possible to file a personal injury claim directly with the insurance company, hiring a skilled attorney can potentially increase your compensation and make the process go more smoothly. The claim process is rarely as simple as it seems, and small mistakes can cost you in the long run.
In order to receive compensation, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault, as well as provide clear documentation of the full extent of your injuries and other losses. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence from various sources, negotiate with the insurance company, and ultimately advocate for you throughout the entire process. There are many challenges that can come up during the course of a motorcycle injury case, and our team can help you navigate these challenges with ease.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
When drivers intentionally engage in unsafe behaviors, especially to intimidate or show anger toward other drivers, it is considered aggressive driving. It is becoming an increasingly big problem, and a study by AAA showed that 80 percent of drivers expressed feelings of anger or aggression while driving at least once during a 30-day period. Some common aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Blocking other vehicles from changing lanes or passing
- Intentionally shining high-beam headlights at another vehicle
- Driving too slowly in front of another vehicle
- Using offensive hand gestures or yelling at another driver
These behaviors are especially dangerous to motorcyclists because if they get in an accident, the rider does not have airbags, seatbelts, or the sturdy frame of a vehicle to protect them.
Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Aggressive Driving
Everyone who uses the road is responsible for driving carefully to protect their own safety as well as the safety of those around them. In order to prove that another driver is at fault for an aggressive driving motorcycle accident, you will first need to demonstrate that they breached this responsibility by engaging in dangerous or negligent behavior and that this action caused an accident. You will also need to prove that the accident caused your injuries and other losses.
For example, if the driver of a car is weaving in and out of traffic, they may not notice a motorcycle. If this causes a collision, the weaving driver will likely be liable for any resulting injuries to the motorcyclist.
Determining liability is not always easy because there are at least two sides to the story. However, our attorneys have experience gathering evidence from multiple sources to understand more about what led up to the accident. We can examine police reports, medical records, and vehicle inspections, and we can utilize accident reconstruction and interview witnesses to gain a clearer picture of liability.
Common Types of Injuries in Cincinnati Aggressive Driving Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries can be especially severe in motorcycle accidents caused by aggressive driving. Some common injuries include:
- Deep cuts and abrasions
- Bruising
- Road rash
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Disfigurement
Traumatic accidents can also cause mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to seek medical attention for all symptoms, whether physical, emotional, or cognitive. Not only will medical treatment aid in your recovery, but your medical records will also serve as written evidence of the scope of your injuries, which is essential in seeking compensation.
What Type of Compensation is Available?
Each situation is different, so we cannot guarantee any specific amount of compensation. In general, you might be owed compensation for:
- Present and future medical bills
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lower quality of life
- Property damage
If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident caused by an aggressive driver, Ohio law allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. This can help compensate for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support from the deceased, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish that the family may suffer after the loss of their loved one.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
Many people are unsure about hiring an attorney because they fear they can’t afford it. When you choose our firm, this is not something you need to worry about. We operate on a contingency basis, which means you will not owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you. At that point, our fees will be paid from your settlement, so you never have to pay anything out of pocket.
Contact a Cincinnati Aggressive Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The weeks and months following a motorcycle accident can be extremely stressful. In addition to physical pain, you likely have financial hardships, changes to your routine, and a lot of emotions to process.
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, our team takes the time to understand the many ways your injuries have affected you as a person. Our client-centered approach is what allows us to secure fair compensation for our clients time and time again.
Contact us today online or at (513) 351-5997 for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you during this difficult time.
