Lima, Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle use and accidents are rising in number. Throughout Ohio, there are collisions resulting in serious injuries and even death every day. 

Whether your motorcycle collision occurs in Lima, Perry county, or any part of Ohio, our Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

Move quickly to protect your rights and avoid making legally harmful mistakes.

At Bensinger Legal Services, we understand the difficult aspects of the recovery, trauma, and financial costs related to motorcycle accidents. Each day, we successfully advocate for those involved in motorcycle accidents.

If you need an Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer, contact our office online or call (419) 455-1410 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents in Ohio are a serious and growing problem. Understanding the scope of the issue helps explain why having experienced legal representation matters so much after a crash.

According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and Ohio Department of Public Safety:

• In 2023 alone, 230 Ohio motorcyclists were killed in crashes — one of the highest single-year totals on record.
• Over the five-year span from 2019 to 2023, 1,045 motorcyclists died and 5,770 were seriously injured on Ohio roads.
• Motorcycle crashes make up only about 2.4% of all crashes in Ohio, but account for nearly 19% of all traffic fatalities — a disproportionately high share driven by the lack of physical protection for riders.
• 71% of motorcyclists killed in that five-year period were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
• 10% of motorcycle crashes involved alcohol and/or drugs — twice the rate seen in all crashes overall.
• Most crashes occur between May and September, when warmer weather brings more riders onto Ohio roads.
• Nationally, the NHTSA reports that motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles.

These numbers matter for your case. When injuries are severe and insurance companies are disputing fault, the statistical reality of motorcycle accidents — and the serious harm they cause — supports the argument for full and fair compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio

Most motorcycle accidents in Ohio are caused by the negligence of other drivers, not by the riders themselves. Understanding the most common causes helps establish fault and build a strong claim.

Left-turn crashes

The single most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection. The turning driver typically fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed. These crashes often result in serious injuries because the motorcyclist has no time to avoid the impact.

Distracted driving

Drivers who are texting, using navigation, or otherwise distracted frequently fail to notice motorcycles in time to react. Ohio passed a hands-free driving law in 2023 making it illegal to handle a phone or electronic device while driving, but distracted driving remains a leading cause of motorcycle crashes.

Failure to yield

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way — at intersections, when merging, or when entering traffic — put motorcyclists at serious risk. Motorcycles are less visible than cars, and many drivers simply do not look carefully enough before proceeding.

Unsafe lane changes

A driver who changes lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots can sideswipe or cut off a motorcyclist with little warning. This type of crash is particularly dangerous at highway speeds.

Impaired driving

Crashes involving drunk or drug-impaired drivers can result in criminal charges against the at-fault driver in addition to civil liability. Impaired drivers have significantly reduced reaction times and often fail to see motorcycles until it is too late.

Dangerous road conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, debris, and poorly maintained road surfaces create hazards that are far more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars. In some cases, a government entity or road contractor may share liability for a crash caused by dangerous road conditions.

Defective motorcycle parts

In some crashes, a mechanical failure — defective brakes, tire blowouts, or faulty controls — causes or contributes to the accident. When a defect in the motorcycle or its parts is involved, a product liability claim against the manufacturer may be available in addition to other claims.

Meet Our Lima, Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Aaron L. Bensinger is an experienced, driven, and committed attorney serving Greater Northwest Ohio.

His experience includes obtaining favorable jury verdicts in both California and Ohio. Mr. Bensinger also has experience and has found success in Federal Courts.

Providing personal injury services to victims of negligence in Ohio is one of Aaron’s passions. He believes that everyday people deserve a fair deal, and too often insurance companies don’t believe the same. Beyond that, Aaron provides civil litigation services to a wide range of clients.

Aaron graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He then attended law school at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio.

Currently, he is licensed to practice law in Ohio and California, and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of California and Northern District of California.

Super Lawyers recognized Aaron as a “Rising Star” in 2014 and again in 2015.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Ohio

Because motorcyclists have no surrounding vehicle structure to protect them, motorcycle accident injuries are typically far more severe — and far more expensive — than injuries sustained in car accidents.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Head injuries are a leading cause of death and long-term disability in motorcycle crashes. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and severe TBI that results in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or permanent disability. The NHTSA estimates that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The cost of long-term care for a serious spinal cord injury can reach millions of dollars over a lifetime — which is why accurately calculating the full scope of damages from the outset is critical.

Road rash

When a rider is thrown from a motorcycle and slides across pavement, road rash injuries can range from minor abrasions to deep tissue damage requiring surgery and skin grafts. Severe road rash carries a serious risk of infection and permanent scarring.

Broken bones

Fractures of the arms, legs, wrists, collarbone, and ribs are extremely common in motorcycle crashes. Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries, hardware implantation, and extended rehabilitation.

Internal injuries

Impact with a vehicle or the road surface can cause internal bleeding and organ damage that are not immediately visible. These injuries can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Amputations and crush injuries

In the most severe crashes, riders can suffer crush injuries or traumatic amputations, particularly to the lower extremities. These injuries result in permanent disability and often require prosthetics, long-term physical therapy, and significant ongoing medical care.

The severity of these injuries is one of the primary reasons motorcycle accident claims involve higher compensation demands than typical car accident claims — and why insurance companies fight them harder.

What to Look for in an Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The state of Ohio licenses attorneys. But your search for an Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer must go beyond finding a person who meets this requirement. You need an experienced Ohio motorcycle accident attorney who shows compassion regarding your situation, is near you, and is ready to negotiate your case or go to trial.

Our motorcycle accident law firm checks each item on this list. Bensinger Legal Services has extensive experience navigating motorcycle injury cases and civil litigation throughout the state of Ohio.

We are a small firm, which allows us to provide individual attention and compassion regarding your situation. Negotiation is always part of our efforts. We’ll attempt to reach a substantial settlement on your behalf, but we are prepared to take your case to court also.

What Not to Do After an Ohio Motorcycle Accident

Involvement in an accident leads to confusion and uncertainty. Our Ohio motorcycle accident law firm wants to help. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, we advise you to address your safety and health, make no further statements regarding your accident, and immediately contact our office. 

After a motorcycle accident, there are a number of things you should not do:

Do Not Ignore Your Injuries

Your health and safety are paramount. The priority after an accident must be your medical needs. If needed, seek medical assistance. Additionally, ensure your safety after the accident by not driving your damaged motorcycle. 

Do Not Discuss Your Role in the Accident 

Don’t express your views of the accident with the other driver, their employer, their insurance company, or their lawyer. Saying something seemingly harmless like, “I wish I didn’t drive that evening” can be turned against you.

Do Not Admit to Guilt. 

Don’t take responsibility for the accident. Do not apologize to others involved in the accident or say that you were at fault. Doing so compromises your ability to assign fault to others.

Make No Deals

Don’t try and make an offer to resolve anything regarding the accident. Also do not accept deals regarding settling the case. Settlements are binding contracts. Do not enter into a settlement agreement without a motorcycle injury lawyer in Ohio.

Do Not Handle Your Case On Your Own. 

Hire a lawyer who has experience in motorcycle accident cases, so the insurance company can’t take advantage of you.

We recommend contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Ohio immediately. If you choose our firm, we will negotiate for you, speak on your behalf, and represent you in all legal proceedings regarding your accident. You’re not alone.

Signs You Should Talk To an Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney

You may feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of your OH motorcycle accident.

Dealing with insurance companies, seeking repair or replacement for your motorcycle, and addressing your injuries are all important. An additional urgent consideration is finding an Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer. With motorcycle accidents, there are key indications that you need an injury attorney.

You may know to seek representation when the other party’s attorney contacts you, but protecting your rights comes well before that time.

You should immediately contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Ohio if any of the following scenarios are true:

• You are unclear regarding what your rights or liabilities are after a motorcycle accident; 
• You suffered injuries in an accident;
• A loved one died in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence; 
• The accident involves multiple parties; or
• Your motorcycle accident claim involves a medical provider or a large corporation. 

Motorcycle accidents are legally complex, and solely filing an insurance claim is typically insufficient. You need legal representation. Bensinger Legal Services specializes in all aspects of motorcycle accident representation and can assess your unique situation. 

Contact an Experienced Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bensinger Legal Services has a robust legal practice with a focus on personal injury law. Based in Northwest Ohio, we have years of experience with motorcycle accident cases.

Though based in Lima, Ohio, clients from Lima, Elida, Shawnee, Perry County, Findlay, Kenton, Van Worth, and other locations throughout the state seek out our firm’s representation. 

We focus on ensuring that each of our clients obtains the compensation we know they deserve. Our staff handles litigation of any size, including federal cases, Ohio state cases, California state cases, and administrative actions.

Bensinger has a small firm personal touch with big-city experience. Contact us online or call (419) 455-1410 for a free consultation. We will take it from there.

Additional Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Ohio

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Bicycle Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability
  

Local Resources in Lima, OH

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lima, these trusted local resources can assist with emergency care, accident reporting, transportation, towing, vehicle repairs, and emotional support. While these services can help with immediate needs after a crash, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and your claim.

Police & Public Safety

Lima Police Department – 117 E. Market Street, Lima, OH 45801. Handles law enforcement and accident investigations within Lima city limits. For non-emergency police assistance, call (419) 227-4444. For emergencies, call 911. – Visit Website

Allen County Sheriff’s Office – 333 N. Main Street, Lima, OH 45801. Provides law enforcement services and handles incidents in unincorporated areas of Allen County. Call (419) 227-3535 for assistance. – Visit Website

Ohio State Highway Patrol – Lima Post – 2005 E. Fourth Street, Lima, OH 45804. The Lima Post serves the surrounding area and investigates crashes on state highways and other roadways under its jurisdiction. The Lima Post has listed (419) 228-7072 as its office number. – Visit Website

Accident Reports & Records

Lima Police Department Records – For crashes investigated by the Lima Police Department within city limits, contact the department at 117 E. Market Street, Lima, OH 45801, or call (419) 227-4444 for information about police services and records. – Visit Website

Allen County Sheriff’s Office Records – For accident or incident records involving the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, contact 333 N. Main Street, Lima, OH 45801, at (419) 227-3535. – Visit Website

Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio State Highway Patrol Crash Reports – Crash reports for collisions investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol can be requested through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. – Request Crash Records

Medical & Emergency Care

Lima Memorial Health System – Emergency Center – 1001 Bellefontaine Avenue, Lima, OH 45804. Provides 24-hour emergency care for injuries ranging from minor concerns to major accidents, with trauma-trained emergency personnel. Call (419) 228-3335. – Visit Website

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center – 730 W. Market Street, Lima, OH 45801. Provides 24-hour emergency care and a range of hospital and specialty services for accident-related injuries. The Emergency Department can be reached at (419) 227-3361. – Visit Website

Towing & Roadside Assistance

Big Daddy’s Towing – 3615 St. Johns Road, Lima, OH 45804. Provides towing and roadside assistance throughout Lima and Allen County, including accident and vehicle recovery services. Call (419) 228-2886. The company states that it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. – Visit Website

Army’s Auto Wrecking – Towing Service – 1510 St. John’s Road, Lima, OH 45804. Provides 24-hour towing, vehicle recovery, and roadside assistance, including towing for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Call (419) 225-1896. – Visit Website

Collision Repair & Auto Body Shops

Jim Yarger’s Body Shop – 2115 Elida Road, Lima, OH 45805. Provides collision repair, frame and unibody repair, paint services, insurance coordination, and free estimates. Call (419) 223-3836. – Visit Website

Tom Ahl Body Shop – 2525 Allentown Road, Lima, OH 45805. Provides full-service collision repair, frame and structural repair, paint work, dent repair, and other post-accident vehicle services. Call (419) 670-7479 for an estimate. – Visit Website

Rental Car Services

Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Lima – 1610 N. West Street, Lima, OH 45801. Offers rental vehicles for customers who need temporary transportation while their vehicle is being repaired or is otherwise unavailable. Call (419) 225-7400. – Visit Website

Hertz – 1939 Elida Road, Lima, OH 45805. Provides vehicle rentals from its Lima location. Call (419) 222-1349. – Visit Website

Transportation Services

Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) – 200 E. High Street, Suite 1C, Lima, OH 45801. Provides public transportation throughout Lima and Allen County, including fixed-route bus service and UPLIFT transportation for eligible riders with disabilities. Call (419) 222-2782 / 419-222-2RTA. – Visit Website

Mental Health & Support

Coleman Health Services – Allen County – 799 S. Main Street, Lima, OH 45804. Provides mental health, crisis, addiction, and supportive services for adults and children. Call (419) 229-2222. – Visit Website

Coleman Health Services – Crisis Stabilization Unit – 797 S. Main Street, Lima, OH 45804. Provides crisis services for people experiencing an acute behavioral health emergency. The local crisis number is (419) 228-4673, and Coleman also lists 1-800-567-4673 for Allen County crisis support. – Visit Website

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Provides free, confidential crisis support by phone or text. Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Coleman also directs people to 988 for immediate crisis support. – Visit Website

Our office is at 1728 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45805, United States.