As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, motorcycles can be dangerous and even deadly. Even if you ride as safely as possible, there is no guarantee that the other drivers on the road will do the same. Should a motorcyclist get hit by another vehicle, things can go south very quickly.
Motorcyclists are 27 more times likely to experience a fatal accident than car drivers. Every year, over 5000 motorcycles die in crashes. And it’s worth a mention: that number could be reduced by close to 1000 if all motorcyclists wore their helmets. It’s currently estimated that helmets save the lives of nearly 2000 motorcyclists every year.
In Ohio, all riders under 18 years of age must wear a helmet and all riders must wear a helmet as long as they had a temporary instruction permit identification card. Though the State of Ohio doesn’t require most riders to wear a helmet, we strongly encourage riders to wear them.
Regardless, accidents can happen. Finding out that you’ve suddenly lost a loved one due to an accident is an immensely difficult and heartbreaking situation. Still, it is important that you take the appropriate actions to protect loved one. Otherwise, you and your family could find yourself facing mounting financial obstacles in addition to the emotional struggles you’re already going through.
What to Do If You Lose a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident
If a collision caused by the actions or inactions of someone else leads to loss of life, you and your family may have a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are very difficult for a number of reasons. First and foremost, there is the loss of a family member. Though insurance may cover medical, property, and funeral expenses, no amount of money can compensate for the loss of someone’s life.
On top of the emotional toll, there can also be a loss of income that could cause financial hardship for the household. Your loved one may have survived for a period of time, which could have led to a need for professional therapy, other added costs such as daycare, and more. Calculating that cost isn’t easy.
To make things worse, the insurance companies for at-fault parties often either deny claims or try to settle them before you or your family realizes that value of the claim.
It’s best to speak an attorney that has handled motorcycle accidents and wrongful deaths as soon as possible. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident in the Greater Cincinnati area, call The Richards Firm today. We’ll be able to help you understand your options, while navigating you through the difficult road ahead.
At The Richards Firm, we make it our top priority to be respectful and supportive of those who have lost loved ones in accidents. We know that we can’t replace who you’ve lost, but we can help you find justice and a degree of peace. And we can help you honor the legacy of your loved one by properly building the claim and obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
For a wrongful death attorney in Cincinnati and Hamilton, Ohio, contact The Richards Firm today.
