Motorcycle Accident Injuries Demand Legal Action
Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities and marking the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since at least 1975. These tragic statistics highlight how vulnerable riders are when sharing the road with larger vehicles. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a careless driver or unsafe road conditions, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Your Case
Left-turn collisions are one of the most common—and dangerous—types of motorcycle crashes. NHTSA data shows that in 42% of fatal motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was traveling straight. These scenarios often reflect a driver’s failure to yield, recognize a rider, or check blind spots.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Drivers attempting to share a lane with a motorcycle
Failing to check mirrors and blind spots before turning
Not signaling when changing lanes
Pulling out in front of a rider from a driveway or side street
Following a motorcycle too closely
Passing without leaving enough clearance
Manufacturing defects or maintenance failures
To build a strong case, your attorney will gather crucial evidence like police reports, crash scene photos, expert accident reconstruction, and eyewitness statements. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys handle this process from day one, so you can focus on healing.
Michael Bell discusses all the ramifications of motorcycle accidents.
Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Motorcycle Crashes
Driver inattention is one of the most dangerous—and common—causes of motorcycle accidents. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, distracted drivers are far more likely to overlook them when changing lanes, turning left, or stopping in traffic. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in devastating consequences for riders.
Whether it’s texting, using navigation apps, or adjusting in-car controls, distracted driving continues to contribute to thousands of crashes every year. For motorcyclists, these collisions often lead to life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or death. Proving that a driver was distracted is a critical part of holding them accountable and securing fair compensation for your injuries.
Distracted Driving Laws—and Why They Matter for Motorcyclists
Distracted driving is a serious safety issue across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. For motorcyclists, the risk is even greater. Riders are harder to see. Just a quick glance at a phone can cause a deadly crash.
When drivers text, scroll, or take their hands off the wheel, they often fail to notice motorcycles. That moment of inattention can lead to devastating injuries—or worse.
States are responding with stricter distracted driving laws. In 2023, Ohio passed a hands-free law banning handheld devices while driving. The law increases penalties for crashes caused by distracted drivers. In personal injury cases, these penalties can help prove negligence.
Michigan and Indiana have similar laws, but enforcement and penalties vary. Still, one fact holds true everywhere: when a distracted driver causes a motorcycle accident, they should be held accountable, both criminally and civilly.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we fight for injured motorcyclists across the tri-state area. Our attorneys know how to prove distraction and build strong claims for full compensation. When a careless driver causes harm, we’re here to make sure you don’t carry the burden alone.
Road Hazards May Endanger Motorcyclists
Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles don’t have the size or stability to safely absorb a sudden bump or obstacle. Common road hazards that may seem minor to other vehicles can cause riders to lose control, lay down their bike, or be thrown into traffic. These include:
Gravel on pavement – often leads to loss of traction on curves or winding roads.
Pavement edge breaks – sudden height differences between lanes can throw off balance.
Bridge and road expansion joints – large gaps or slick metal surfaces are dangerous, especially when wet.
Painted road markings – can become extremely slick during or after rain.
Standing water, oil, or debris – risk of hydroplaning or sliding.
Railroad tracks and trolley lines – narrow tires can get caught or slip on slick metal.
Fallen cargo or road debris – from tires, tools, furniture, or dead animals.
When a public entity fails to maintain the roads or a trucking company allows unsecured cargo to spill into traffic, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Does Helmet Use Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Even in states where helmets aren’t mandatory, not wearing one can still impact your personal injury claim, especially if you suffered a head or neck injury. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were worse because you weren’t wearing a helmet, raising issues of comparative negligence.
All three states follow some form of comparative fault law, which can reduce or even bar your compensation depending on how much fault is assigned to you. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will present medical evidence and expert analysis to demonstrate that your injuries were caused by the crash, not by the absence of a helmet.
Safety Measures That Can Reduce Motorcycle Injuries
Ohio has implemented measures to enhance rider safety and address the high number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. The Ohio Motorcycle Safety Education Program (OMSEP) offers training courses for riders of all skill levels. Additionally, the state has a helmet law for riders under 18 and requires eye protection for all riders.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has proactively promoted safe riding practices and reduced motorcycle accidents. ODOT improves road conditions, installs warning signs and rumble strips, and conducts regular safety inspections. ODOT partners with OMSEP to provide motorcycle awareness training to law enforcement officers. This helps them better understand how to share the road with riders safely.
Being a safe and educated motorcyclist is important. The motorcyclist’s experience and reaction can often prevent an accident that would not have been their fault.
Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Motorcycle Crash
Because motorcycle riders have minimal protection, injuries can be severe, ranging from broken bones to spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even fatal head and brain injuries. As a result, victims and their families often face extensive losses and expenses. Filing a lawsuit is crucial to fully account for both short-term and long-term damages.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
– Medical expenses
– Disability and disfigurement
– Rehabilitation
– Lost current and future income
– Pain and suffering
– Punitive damages
It is important to provide supporting evidence, such as medical records and proof of income, to establish that you have suffered these damages and collect a fair settlement or judgment.
Fatal Motorcycle Crashes and Wrongful Death Claims
Motorcycle accidents are far more likely to result in fatal injuries than passenger vehicle crashes. When a loved one is killed because of someone else’s negligence—whether due to distracted driving, unsafe road conditions, a defective vehicle, or reckless behavior—the surviving family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought on behalf of a person who died as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct. In the context of motorcycle crashes, these claims often involve careless drivers who failed to yield, turned left into the rider’s path, or were distracted at the time of the collision.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The laws vary by state, but in general:
Ohio: The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the claim, but damages are awarded to surviving family members such as a spouse, children, or parents.
Michigan: The personal representative files the lawsuit, and eligible beneficiaries may include the decedent’s spouse, children, descendants, parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Indiana: The claim is typically filed by the personal representative of the estate, but damages may benefit the surviving spouse, children, or dependents. In cases involving unmarried adults without dependents, recovery may be limited.
Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing vary by state:
Ohio: 2 years from the date of death
Michigan: 3 years from the date of death
Indiana: 2 years from the date of death
Waiting too long to take legal action can permanently bar your ability to recover damages. If you suspect negligence played a role in your loved one’s motorcycle crash, it’s critical to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
What Compensation Is Available?
A successful motorcycle wrongful death claim may include damages for:
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical costs incurred before death
Loss of income and financial support
Loss of companionship and consortium
Emotional pain and suffering of the surviving family
In some cases, punitive damages
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we understand how devastating a fatal motorcycle crash can be. Our attorneys are here to help your family navigate this painful time with compassion and legal experience. We serve families across Toledo, Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Northeast Indiana.
Learn more about filing a wrongful death claim and your legal rights.
Why Choose Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault
With more than 70 years of experience helping injured clients in Toledo and across Northwest Ohio, Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault understands the unique risks motorcyclists face. We’ve recovered millions for victims of motorcycle crashes caused by inattentive drivers, road defects, and unsafe commercial vehicles.
When you work with us, you get a dedicated attorney who will:
Investigate the full cause of the crash
Work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists
Fight to hold negligent drivers, municipalities, or companies accountable
Handle all insurance communications and negotiations
Take your case to court if necessary to get the results you deserve
We can’t undo the accident, but we will fight to make sure you and your family are not left dealing with the financial aftermath alone.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Motorcycle crashes often lead to devastating injuries and financial stress. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our motorcycle accident attorneys have over 70 years of experience helping injured riders across Toledo, Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Northeast Indiana. Whether your crash was caused by a distracted driver, unsafe road, or negligent motorist, we’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Toledo today at 419-843-6663 or reach out online for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
