Got hit while riding in Columbus?
Don’t know what to do next?
You’re not alone—and it’s overwhelming.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a crash, this guide lays out exactly what steps to take to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Written from the street-level view of a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer, this is what you need to know right now.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Safe and Get Checked by a Medical Pro
- Call 911 immediately. Even if it seems minor, let first responders evaluate you.
- Move off the road. Getting hit again isn’t an option—your safety comes first.
- Let EMTs check you out. Don’t downplay pain or brush it off. Delaying medical care can tank your injury claim.
- Heads up: Internal bleeding, concussions, and spinal injuries often hide behind adrenaline. Get checked even if you feel “okay.”
Step 2: Call the Police and Get a Report Filed
Ohio law requires a police report for crashes with:
- Injury
- Death
- $1,000+ in damage
If you’re in Columbus, the police will show up and file a report.
This document is gold when it comes to proving what happened and who’s at fault.
Pro tip:
Before leaving the scene, ask the officer for the report number or how to get a copy.
Learn how fault is determined when the other driver waived their right-of-way.
Step 3: Gather Evidence Like It’s a Courtroom
Don’t rely on memory.
Pull out your phone and start documenting:
- Photos of damage, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, and license plates
- Contact info of witnesses
- Pics of your helmet, jacket, gloves—any gear that took impact
- The position and damage to your motorcycle
Voice memo tip: Record your version of the accident while it’s fresh. Include details like time, location, direction you were heading, and what the other driver did.
Step 4: Avoid These Mistakes After a Motorcycle Crash
🚫 Don’t apologize. Sounds polite—but it sounds like you’re admitting fault.
🚫 Don’t sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company.
🚫 Don’t post about it on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
🚫 Don’t delay seeing a doctor or ignoring treatment advice.
One bad move can wreck your entire case.
Want help avoiding these landmines? Here’s what to expect when filing a motorcycle accident insurance claim.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance—But Don’t Overshare
- Call your insurer within 24–72 hours.
- Keep it strictly factual. No emotions, no blame, no speculation.
- If asked for a recorded statement, say you’d like to wait until you speak with your lawyer.
Not sure how to handle the back-and-forth?
Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC can handle the insurance hassle for you.
Step 6: Know the Ohio Motorcycle Laws That Matter
- Statute of Limitations: You’ve got 2 years to file your claim.
- Comparative Negligence: If you’re 51% or more at fault, you’re out of luck.
- Helmet Laws: Riders under 18 or with a license under 1 year must wear helmets. But not wearing one could still hurt your case.
- Severity Bias: Courts and insurers often treat biker injuries more seriously. That can help maximize compensation.
Learn more about how Ohio evaluates motorcycle accident value.
Step 7: Call a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer When…
✅ You’re injured
✅ Your bike’s totaled
✅ You’re missing work
✅ The other party is at fault
✅ The insurance company is giving you the runaround
✅ You don’t know what your case is worth
A real attorney does more than file paperwork:
- Talks to the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Brings in expert witnesses—like crash analysts and doctors
- Uncovers camera footage, phone records, skid mark data
- Pushes for every dollar of compensation you deserve
Need a lawyer who knows Columbus inside and out?
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today with Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC.
Step 8: Know What Damages You Can Recover
You might be entitled to:
- ER bills, surgery, therapy, prescriptions
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost wages, missed work, reduced future earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Mental health support and lifestyle disruption
We’ve helped riders collect thousands—fast.
Check out this real story…
Columbus Case Example
A rider got rear-ended on I-270 and fractured his wrist.
We handled the evidence, insurance negotiations, and medical documentation.
Result?
$85,000 settlement in under 3 months.
All medical bills and lost wages covered.
Why Choose Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC?
Based right here in Columbus at 3341 W Broad St, we’re not some billboard law firm.
We actually talk to you.
We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
We handle everything:
From medical bills to insurance headaches—while you focus on healing.
Ready to talk?
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today Or call +1 614-300-5000
FAQs
What’s the average payout for a Columbus motorcycle accident?
Depends on injury severity, who’s at fault, and insurance limits. But six-figure settlements aren’t rare.
Do I need a lawyer even for “minor” injuries?
Yes. Injuries often feel “minor” at first but turn serious. A lawyer ensures you don’t get short-changed.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years in Ohio. Don’t wait—evidence disappears fast.
Can I still file if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. But not wearing a helmet can complicate your claim, especially for head injuries.
What if the other driver denies fault?
That’s where your lawyer—and the crash evidence—comes in. Police reports, camera footage, and recon experts can prove your side.
Local rider? Injured in Columbus?
Don’t guess. Don’t wait.
Reach out to Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC for a lawyer who fights for bikers—and knows Ohio law like the back of his hand.
📍 3341 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43204
📞 +1 614-300-5000
👉 Request a Free Case Evaluation Today!