Motorcycle accident
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Cleveland, Ohio
The firms in this guide
- Plevin & Gallucci Call Plevin & Gallucci: (216) 861-0804
- The Mellino Law Firm LLC Call The Mellino Law Firm LLC: (440) 333-3800
- Friedman, Domiano & Smith Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith: (216) 621-0070
- Kisling, Nestico & Redick Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick: (216) 658-1330
- Elk & Elk Co., Ltd. Call Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.: 1-800-355-6446
1. Plevin & Gallucci
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, lane splitting accidents.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, comparative negligence analysis, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Established personal injury law firm in Cleveland with decades of experience representing motorcycle accident victims. The attorneys understand Ohio’s at-fault insurance system and comparative negligence laws. The firm works with experts to examine motorcycles post-accident for evidence preservation. Provides comprehensive guidance on insurance claims and health insurance subrogation issues.
Location: 55 Public Square, Suite 2222, Cleveland, OH 44113
Contact: (216) 861-0804 | https://www.plevinandgallucci.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
2. The Mellino Law Firm LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, product liability, defective motorcycle parts claims.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective parts claims, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, motorcycle passenger injury claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, product liability investigation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Personal injury law firm with more than three decades of experience. The firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients and is committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Attorneys handle every aspect of claims so clients can focus on recovery. The firm has resources and knowledge to aggressively advocate for motorcycle accident victims throughout Ohio.
Location: 19704 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
Contact: (440) 333-3800 | https://www.mellinolaw.com
Consultation: Free, confidential case evaluation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
3. Friedman, Domiano & Smith
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, Harley accidents, sport motorcycle accidents, dirt bike accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, fixed object collisions, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Cleveland personal injury law firm with more than 45 years of experience helping motor vehicle crash victims. Licensed attorneys have secured millions in compensation for clients. The firm handles cases involving all types of motorcycles and understands Ohio’s comparative negligence laws. Always prepared to take cases to court when necessary.
Location: 1360 E. 9th Street, Suite 650, Cleveland, OH 44114
Contact: (216) 621-0070 | https://www.fdslaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, no upfront fees, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
4. Kisling, Nestico & Redick
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, intersection accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, expert testimony coordination, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Large Ohio personal injury firm with over 500 years of combined legal experience among a team of 30+ attorneys. Has recovered millions for clients across Ohio, including many successful outcomes in Cleveland. Conducts thorough investigations, collaborates with local Cleveland experts, and identifies responsible parties. Known for taking cases to court when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements.
Location: 3412 W. 117th Street, Cleveland, OH 44111
Contact: (216) 658-1330 | https://www.knrlegal.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, no costs unless recovery obtained, contingency fee arrangement.
5. Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle accidents, intersection accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, neck and back injuries.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, intersection accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Personal injury law firm that has represented accident victims across Ohio for decades. Maintains multiple offices across Ohio for convenience. Has a proven history of achieving successful case results. Attorneys are experienced with Cleveland-area dangerous intersections and roadways. Provides transparent communication at every stage of motorcycle accident claims.
Location: 6105 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Suite 200, Independence, OH 44131
Contact: 1-800-ELK-OHIO (1-800-355-6446) | https://www.elkandelk.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
Permit Holder Helmet Rules, Hit-and-Run Penalties and Punitive Damages for Cleveland Motorcycle Crashes
A Cleveland motorcycle crash claim can raise the helmet rules for permit holders and novice riders, the duties and penalties for a driver who leaves the scene, and when more than one defendant shares the bill. Ohio law also sets when punitive damages are allowed and how high they can go.
Helmets for Permit Holders and Novice Riders
Under Ohio Revised Code 4511.53(C)(3)(a), a person operating a motorcycle on a temporary instruction permit must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Under (C)(1), the same helmet requirement applies to an operator or passenger under 18 and an operator with a novice-designated endorsement or license and that operator’s passengers, and every operator and passenger must use safety glasses or another protective eye device.
A Driver Who Leaves the Scene
Under Ohio Revised Code 4549.02(A)(1), a driver who knows of a crash must stop, remain at the scene and give name, address and vehicle registration number to any injured person, the other operator or occupants and the police officer at the scene; under (A)(2), if the injured person cannot comprehend and record the information, the driver must notify the nearest police authority and remain until an officer arrives. Under (B), failing to stop is a first-degree misdemeanor, a fifth-degree felony with serious physical harm and a third-degree felony with death, with higher degrees when the driver knew.
More Than One Defendant
Under Ohio Revised Code 2307.22(A), a defendant found responsible for more than 50 percent of the tortious conduct is jointly and severally liable for all compensatory damages representing economic loss, and a defendant at 50 percent or less pays only a proportionate share of those economic damages, with a separate rule for a defendant found liable for an intentional tort. Under (C), each defendant pays only its proportionate share of the damages for noneconomic loss.
Punitive Damages
Under Ohio Revised Code 2315.21(C), punitive damages require conduct showing malice or aggravated or egregious fraud, or a principal that knowingly authorized, participated in or ratified such conduct, plus a compensatory award. Under (D)(2)(a), judgment for punitive damages may not exceed two times the compensatory damages awarded against that defendant.
Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue?
Two years after the cause of action accrues for bodily injury or injury to personal property under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10(A), and two years after the death for wrongful death under 2125.02(F)(1), subject to the listed exceptions in each section. A city vehicle or a city road brings in Ohio Revised Code 2744.02(B)(1) and (B)(3), and the limits of 2744.05.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your fault was not greater than the combined tortious conduct of all other persons, under Ohio Revised Code 2315.33. For example, imagine $80,000 in damages and 40 percent of the responsibility on the rider: the recovery would be $48,000.
Does Ohio require uninsured motorist coverage?
No. Under Ohio Revised Code 3937.18(A), a motor vehicle liability policy may, but is not required to, include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage or both.