Toledo Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents

Supersport motorcycle riders at higher risk for death | Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers

Chuck Boyk — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:42:00 GMT

According to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, those who ride high performance motorcycles, or super-sport motorcycles, are four times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident. With speeds as high as 190 miles per hour, super-sports are very dangerous for the non-professional rider. To put speed into perspective, 190 miles per hour is also the take-off speed for a 747 airplane.

Our Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers see the devstating effects that fatal motorcycle accidents can have a family and their community. If you are going to ride a motorcycle, do so responsibliy. Mind the speed limit, and always wear your helmet.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Helmet use imperative to prevent motorcycle accident brain injuries

Chuck Boyk — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:17:00 GMT

“Careless car drivers injure motorcycle riders on a regular basis,” said Ohio motorcycle accident attorney Attorney Chuck Boyk. “For the past 25 years I have seen much more serious injuries and death due to lack of motorcycle helmets. Individual freedom is nice, but being alive and healthy may be more important.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation is starting to require helmet manufacturers to place a larger, tamper-proof DOT label on the back of certified helmets. This larger label would not only make it harder for riders to wear novelty helmet in states that require DOT certified helmets, but it would also help riders in all states recognize a safe helmet to use in order to prevent personal injury in the event of a motorcycle accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcycle riders. NHTSA also predicts that an unhelmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a nonfatal injury than a helmeted motorcyclist when involved in a motorcycle accident.

If everyone riding a motorcycle would have used a helmet in 2006, roughly 752 lives could have been saved nationwide, and 24 lives in Ohio.

Ohio law requires that motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet at all times. Ohio law also requires all riders, regardless of age, to wear some sort of protective eyewear while riding a motorcycle.

Even the safest motorcyclists have no control over other drivers on the road, and must prepare to ride defensively and obey all posted traffic signs, in order to prevent an Ohio motorcycle accident. Make sure to use proper turn signals, mind the speed limit, and always stay visible to other vehicles around you. Wear a helmet while riding, regardless if the law requires you to.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Ohio motorcycle lawyers can give you a free consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Prevent personal injury from motorcycle accidents, always wear a helmet

Anneke Kurt — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:52:34 GMT

As the weather warms up and snow disappears from the pavement, more and more motorcycles are dusted off brought out on the roads. When preparing a bike for its first ride of the year, riders should also prepare to wear a helmet, in order to prevent personal injury in the event motorcycle accident.

The chance for a motorcycle accident increases as drivers get used to sharing the road with motorcyclists when bike season starts, which is why it is so important to protect yourself.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcycle riders.

All Ohio motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet at all times. Ohio law also requires all riders, regardless of age, to wear some sort of protective eye wear while riding a motorcycle.

Even the safest motorcyclists have no control over other drivers on the road, and must prepare to ride defensively and obey all posted traffic signs, in order to prevent personal injury from a motorcycle accident. Our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys urge cyclists to use proper turn signals, mind the speed limit, and always stay visible to other vehicles around you. Wear a helmet while riding, regardless if the law requires you to. As with all types of motor vehicles, never drink and drive.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Anneke Kurt

Personal injury from motorcycle accidents preventable

Anneke Kurt — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:12:53 GMT

A motorcyclist is 37 times more likely than someone driving a car to suffer wrongful death in a car accident in 2006, per vehicle mile traveled, according to the Insurance Information Institute. They are 8 times more likely to suffer personal injury as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Over 4,800 people in 2006 suffered wrongful death as a result of motorcycle accidents in the United States, with the number of fatalities increasing every year for the past nine years, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The risk of a car accident or motorcycle accident is higher for those riding bikes, since there is no barrier between the rider and the road. Motorcycle accidents can also occur when drivers of motor vehicles do not see the motorcycles, especially at intersections, at night, or in blind spots.

Our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys have seen the devastating affects personal injury and wrongful death from motorcycle accidents have caused to families, and encourage motorcycle riders and those who share the road with riders to be careful and obey all posted traffic signs. Never drink and drive a car or a motorcycle, and avoid speeding or swerving around other cars. Always wear a helmet, even if it is not required by law. Helmets save lives.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Anneke Kurt

Powerful, light bikes cause more motorcycle accidents

Anneke Kurt — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:22:41 GMT

Increased horsepower, older drivers and lighter bikes are causing more deaths than ever in Toledo, Ohio and around the country.

The number of motorcycle deaths has more than doubled in the past ten years, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as more than 4,500 people die each year in motorcycle accidents, with over 87,000 motorcycle-related injuries. Toledo, Ohio lost nine of its citizens in 2005, while 94 were injured, according to the Toledo Blade.

Lightweight motorcycle bodies combined with increased horsepower make up the new models, often called "supersports." These bikes, some of which have the same horsepower as a Honda Accord but are a fraction of the weight, entice the driver to test the acceleration of the motorcycle. Riding at high speeds, often above the speed limit, puts the bikers at a greater risk of having a crash and causing personal injury to themselves or others. Since an average of 51% of motorcycle riders do not wear helmets, according to the Insurance Institute, many of these fatalities are believed to have been preventable if a helmet was used.

Many middle-aged American men are going back to riding motorcycles as they approach retirement. But the cycles they rode 20 or 30 years ago are nothing compared to the high-powered machines on the road today. Often these "born-again" riders underestimate the motorcycles and overestimate their own abilities, causing motorcycle accidents.

Even though thirty states, including Ohio, do not mandate helmet use, the importance of the protective gear should not be ignored. Wear your helmet at all times when on a motorcycle, whether as a driver or a passenger. Obey the speed limit and make yourself visible to other vehicles on the roads by staying out of blind spots, using directional indicators and by not swerving in and out of traffic. Keep the roads safe for yourself and other drivers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Anneke Kurt

Motorcycle fatalities increase in Toledo and across the country

Dale Emch — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 06:00:17 GMT

Our office has known based on calls we've received that motorcycle accidents and deaths have been on the increase. A story in the Toledo Blade revealed the stats of what we've only surmised from anecdotal evidence.

In an interesting and well-written article, the Toledo Blade reported that last year the number of motorcycle fatalities across the country rose 5.1 percent last year over 2005.

Most of the accidents are caused by car drivers who simply don't see bikers, either turning in front of them or pulling into their lanes. Some of that is hard to combat, but being defensive as possible is a good start for anyone who gets on a motorcycle.

The Blade also found that the jump could be attributed to more bikers on the road and an increase in the average age fo motorcyclists.

As Toledo, Ohio, motorcycle accident lawyers, Chuck Boyk, Mike Bruno, and Dale Emch understand the dangers bikers face on the road every day. We've seen an increase in motorcycle accidents in Toledo, Bowling Green, Swanton, Findlay, and throughout northwest Ohio.

We've encourage bikers in previous blog posts to consider taking safety classes that focus on defensive driving techniques. Owens Community College began offering a safety class this summer. If you can't change the habits of car drivers, at least you can try to protect yourself.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Dale Emch

Motorcycle accidents increase with summer heat

Dale Emch — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:01:34 GMT

A rash of motorcycle accidents seem to have taken place recently around Toledo, Findlay, and Bowling Green. As a personal injury lawfirm that handles motorcycle accidents, we naturally see more motorcycle accidents as the summer wears on.

Two fatal accidents occurred in northwest Ohio on Sunday. In Hancock County, near Arlington, Ohio, Perry Fletcher was riding his motorcycle on Madison Township Road 177 when a minivan backed out of a driveway into his path, according to the Toledo Blade. Mr. Fletcher died from injuries he suffered after he had to lay the bike down in an effort to avoid the collision. He was lifeflighted to a Lima hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

In Toledo, a motorcyclist died after racing on the Anthony Wayne Trail at speeds estimated up to 100 mph. The rider became tangled with another biker who also was racing down the road, according to The Blade.

Obviously, you're just asking for trouble if you ride a motorcycle - on a main city street - at speeds anywhere near 100 mph. But riding a bike is always dangerous, which is why most motorcyclists learn to be defensive drivers. Our office encourages motorcyclists to take a safety course, such as the one that's offered at Owens Community College. The classes offer tips on how to avoid accidents and teaches riding skills that can keep bikers out of trouble.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Dale Emch

Just say no to recorded statements

Chuck Boyk — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:01:00 GMT

A major mistake that I have found in my 24 years as a Toledo, Ohio, auto accident attorney is unrepresented people giving recorded statements to the insurance adjusters. The goal of the insurance adjuster is to lock the injured person into a set of facts that can be used to discredit the victim and their injury. This helps the insurance company pay less money.

After I am hired to protect the legal rights and maximize recovery for the injured person, I order up a copy of the recorded statement. Here are but 4 examples of what I have found over the years:

1.The client tells the adjuster they are not injured in the accident: Unfortunately, the client, a week later, began treating for serious injuries that developed a few days later. The statement is used to discredit the injury, the cause of the injury, and the credibility of the client.

2. I'm not sure if my injury is from the accident or a prior problem: That's nice to know, however, if you are not sure then the insurance company will be happy to keep their money and let you foot the bill for treatment.

3. I was not wearing my seatbelt or glasses: The injuries are your fault for not using a legally required safety device. The accident is partially your fault for not being able to see.

4. I knew the driver of my car was drunk but I rode with him anyway: Assumption of the risk is a defense under Ohio law. You may be determined to be more than 50% at fault for assuming the risk.
We sometimes will give a recorded statement later in the case. That is done for strategic reasons only after the client is fully prepared for the questions. The lesson is to not voluntarily give the insurance company ammunition to harm your case.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Treat consistently if you're injured in an accident

Chuck Boyk — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:02:03 GMT

Something that drives me crazy after 24 years as a Toledo personal injury attorney are clients who destroy their cases because they're not familiar with how the process works. A major pain for me are clients who claim they really have serious personal injuries but do not get consistent treatment to justify and help prove their claims.

I am a strong believer that actions speak louder than words. Someone who is legitimately hurt seeks medical treatment in a consistent and timely matter. A client has a duty to ask tough questions and be proactive with his attorney and doctor.

Over the years, I have seen on a regular basis the insurance company make the following arguments against some of my clients:

1. The client missed 75% of his physical therapy visits. If the injury was that serious, the client would have followed the doctor's orders.

2. There is a 60-day gap from the emergency room visit until the first doctor's visit. The injury you are claiming must be the result of some other trauma that happened in the 60-day time period.

3. Your client treated for 6 months on a regular basis and then returned to work. There is a 3-month gap of no treatment and then the client gets surgery. Some work related issue must be the cause of the surgery. We will pay for the 6 months of treatment.

Consistent treatment and documentation is the key to proving your case. Act as a reasonable person under the circumstances. Your actions speak louder to the insurance company than your excuses.

To learn more about these issues, please order a free copy of The Ohio Accident Book, which I co-authored.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk