A motorcycle accident caused by bad weather in Cincinnati can result in a significant number of injuries and deaths in Ohio. Negligent driving causes the majority of Cincinnati motorcycle accidents, but inclement weather is also a common cause. Ohio has some of the most severe winter weather in the United States. Icy roads, excessive rain, and snow flurries are common in Ohio and can lead to serious injuries.
Riding a motorcycle when Cincinnati roads are icy and slick can be extremely dangerous. Even the most experienced motorcyclists can become injured on ice that is difficult to see. In some cases, motorcycle drivers avoid losing control after driving over a patch of black ice, and they may still collide with another vehicle. If you’ve suffered an injury caused by a bad weather motorcycle accident in Cincinnati, our legal team can help. Contact Jones Kahan Law, LLC as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can fight for your right to compensation.
Motorcycle accidents can happen during perfect weather, but they are more likely to occur during bad weather. Whether it’s extremely hot out, freezing, windy, or snowing, motorcycle riders need to protect themselves from potential riding threats. Common bad weather conditions in Ohio include heavy rains, fog, snow and ice, and black ice. All of these bad weather conditions can make it difficult, if not impossible, to control a motorcycle and ride safely.
Those who’ve driven in Cincinnati know that many of our roads need serious repairs. Dangerous road conditions combined with bad weather conditions can cause seriously dangerous conditions. Forceful winds and storms can cause roads to become flooded, slippery, and covered with debris and mud. Many times, large trees come down onto Cincinnati roads during severe storms. High winds can cause an otherwise safe and responsible motorcycle driver to ride through a hazardous roadway and cause a collision with another motor vehicle.
Wind gusts, fog, torrential rains, and snow flurries can make it extremely difficult for motorcycle riders to see and navigate their way through traffic. When motorcycle drivers are not wearing goggles, raindrops can sting their eyes and make it difficult to see ahead. Rain and snow can stick on goggles and pool up, making it nearly impossible to see while driving. Additionally, high winds can cause sticks and leaves to fly into the face or helmet of motorcycle riders. Sudden drops in temperature can cause a face mask or goggles to fog up, making it impossible to see other drivers and dangerous driving conditions.
Motorcycle accident injuries are often incredibly severe because the rider often becomes ejected from the motorcycle upon impact. When a motorcycle slides on icy roads, they lose control and can easily collide with other passenger vehicles on the road. Even when motorcyclists are wearing protective clothing and a helmet, they can cause catastrophic injuries. Serious injuries from bad weather motorcycle accidents include broken bones, road rash, and severe burns.
Head injuries are some of the most common types of motorcycle accident-related injuries. While wearing a helmet can significantly reduce a motorcyclist’s chance of experiencing a head injury, riders are always at risk of serious head trauma. Head injuries caused by bad weather motorcycle accidents can include cracked skulls, concussions, or even brain injuries in severe cases. Concussions range from mild to severe, and some traumatic brain injuries result in serious long-term health complications or even death.
Bad weather motorcycle accidents also cause back and neck injuries. Neck and back injuries can be mild, requiring physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. Neck injuries can also be incredibly severe. When the spinal cord becomes injured in the neck area, the injured person can become permanently paralyzed from the neck down, resulting in a condition called quadriplegia. Victims of serious motorcycle accidents can also face partial paralysis, a loss of sensation, and a loss of ability to engage in daily activities.
Motorcyclists and drivers of passenger cars owe other drivers a duty of reasonable care. Even when bad weather conditions present themselves, drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and reasonably. Drivers need to pay close attention to the road during bad weather conditions. Before taking their motorcycle for a ride, drivers should check road conditions and weather reports to ensure that they can have a safe trip.
Motorcyclists have a duty to maintain the safety of their equipment. Every time they ride their motorcycle, they should fully inflate their tires. Drivers should also make sure that their brakes have been checked recently and that they are working correctly. If they find mud or ice in their tire treads, they should clean them out before riding. All of these safety precautions will ensure that they are using reasonable care when riding during inclement weather. Finally, motorcyclists should weigh the costs of riding during bad weather. It might be safer to wait or to use a passenger vehicle than to ride a motorcycle during inclement weather.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bad weather motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to determine who was at fault for the accident. A negligent motorcycle driver may have caused the accident. Or, a truck driver or passenger vehicle driver may have caused the accident.
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, our legal team can help you determine who is liable for your injuries. We have the professional staff and connections needed to conduct a thorough investigation into your claim. Contact our Cincinnati personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
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