Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Garfield Heights, OH
Garfield Heights has plenty of great back roads for motorcycle riders looking for a scenic ride, like heading north on Route 534 to Geneva-on-the-Lake. The fun can come to an abrupt halt if a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident. If you were injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, a Garfield Heights motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Czack Hobbs Law Firm has used its knowledge and experience to recover damages owed to victims of distracted drivers, a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Our team understands the complexities of Ohio’s motorcycle laws and can advocate for fair compensation in your case. Our legal team has four decades of combined trial experience, and we put our clients first.
Motorcycle Traffic Safety Facts
Data from the Ohio Department of Transportation show there were 15,582 motorcycle-related crashes statewide in 2024. Each local police department is responsible for collecting data related to crashes in its jurisdiction.
The Garfield Heights Police Department (GHPD) is located at 5555 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. The GHPD reported there were 1,258 motorcycle-related crashes in 2024.
Riding a motorcycle can come with increased dangers on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the following in a 2023 report:
- 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities
- The fatality rate for motorcyclists is nearly 28 times that of the passenger car occupant rate
- 34% of motorcycle drivers who were killed in 2023 did not have a valid motorcycle license
- 41% of motorcycle drivers who were killed in a single-vehicle accident were under the influence of alcohol
- In states like Ohio, without universal helmet laws, 51% of motorcycle drivers who were killed in 2023 were not wearing a helmet.
- There were 82,564 motorcyclists injured in 2023
Statute of Limitations in Ohio
In Ohio, you will have a period of two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe is extended to the age of 20 years old if you are a minor when the accident occurs.
If an individual is deemed mentally incompetent to handle their affairs, the statute of limitations may be extended until they regain capacity, or a representative can be appointed.
If your injuries are not immediately apparent, the discovery rule may apply. This means the statute of limitations period may start when you discovered or should have discovered the injury. In these scenarios, the plaintiff is responsible for demonstrating that they exercised reasonable diligence in identifying the injury.
The court may consider whether the injury could have been discovered earlier. There are precedents established in the Ohio courts that emphasize the importance of the plaintiff’s awareness of the injury and what caused it.
If you fail to file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may forfeit your ability to pursue compensation in court.
Garfield Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, there are a lot of complicated steps to complete to ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve. The team at The Czack Hobbs Law Firm understands the importance of client-focused legal services and can help you navigate the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim in Ohio.
Please contact the office to learn how we can help you.
