The Cochran Firm Ohio Settles Million Dollar Lawsuit For Cincinnati Motorcyclist

THE COCHRAN FIRM OHIO SETTLES MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT FOR CINCINNATI MOTORCYCLIST STRUCK BY VEHICLE

Cochran Firm Ohio Attorney Anita Washington, Managing Partner Michael Wright and Attorney Dennis Mulvihill of Cleveland obtained a million dollar settlement for the family of a Cincinnati motorcyclist fatally injured when a motor vehicle turned left into the path of the motorcyclist.

Citing a 1998 NHTSA article, Attorney Anita Washington stated when motorcycles collide with other vehicles, it usually the fault of the non-motorcycle driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way. Forty-three percent of motorcycle accidents occur as a result of an oncoming vehicle turning across the path of a rider. Driver’s fail to distinguish the presence of motorcycles from other motor vehicles and typically lament “I just didn’t see him.”

Although several factors can combine to cause drivers of other vehicles to overlook motorcyclists and subsequently violate their right-of-way, research indicates drivers can mentally train themselves to see motorcyclists they normally overlook. Traditional driver distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, passengers, eating, smoking, reading, shaving, applying make-up, and managing audio systems, continue to be a problem and may be increasing as new distractions emerge.

Motorists should be aware of motorcycles and avoid distractions and compensate for visual obstructions. Motorcyclists should compensate for unaware motorists by increasing their conspicuity through lane position, daytime headlights, and brightly colored and retro-reflective “see-me” protective apparel. Awareness is the key to keeping motorcyclists safe.