Motorcycle accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents and can lead to life-changing injuries. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, it’s important to understand how long you have to file a claim if your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence.
The statute of limitations isn’t just a deadline–it’s a window of opportunity that can affect your entire future. For those wondering, “How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in Ohio?”, here’s what you need to know.
You Have Two Years From the Date of the Accident
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in Ohio is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, just because you have two years to file doesn’t mean you should wait to file a claim.
Experienced motorcycle accident attorney David Chester emphasizes the importance of acting quickly after you’ve been in a motorcycle accident: “Don’t wait to hire a lawyer because it takes time to get a case ready to file,” he says. This means if you wait a year and it takes several months to collect all the evidence and identify potential witnesses and liable parties, you may have limited time left to file.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
The two-year Ohio motorcycle accident statute of limitations isn’t set in stone. There are a couple instances that can change the two-year limit:
- Wrongful death claims for motorcycle accidents in Ohio have a two-year window from the date of the victim’s death–so if a person was in an accident and ultimately passed away, the new deadline for filing would be from the date of death, not the date of the accident.
- Minors involved in Ohio motorcycle accidents can file a claim until they reach the age of 20. So, even if you were in an accident at the age of 10, you would have another 10 years to file.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
It’s not just about meeting the two-year deadline–contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident can make or break your case.
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Accident reconstruction experts rely on time-sensitive information such as skid marks, vehicle black box data, and witnesses. As time passes, these critical pieces of evidence can be lost forever, which can weaken your case.
Medical bills can also quickly accumulate without legal intervention. The longer you wait, the more complicated things can become–insurance companies want to minimize payouts, and medical providers often pursue aggressive collection strategies.
“We don’t want the client’s bills to go to collections and ruin their credit rating,” says David Chester. “Especially if the case drags out. We prevent that from happening so our clients can focus on their recovery.”
What Happens If You Delay Filing a Claim
Waiting too long to file a claim after your accident can have consequences far beyond your initial recovery. Once the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in Ohio expires, you lose your legal right to seek compensation entirely.
This means no recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages—regardless of the severity of your injuries or the clear liability of the other party.
Building a strong case takes time. Collecting medical records, interviewing witnesses, consulting experts, and developing a strategy for proving liability and damages are all things your attorney will do. “We handle each case as if it’s going to trial,” explains David Chester, highlighting the thorough approach necessary in motorcycle accident cases.
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, it’s essential to:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document everything related to the accident
- Preserve all medical records and receipts
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal representation
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible
Don’t Let the Statue of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio Sneak Up on You
Two years might sound like plenty of time, but it will go by faster than you think, especially if you are recovering from severe injuries. Each day you wait is a day that evidence fades, memories blur, and your potential compensation becomes less certain. Don’t wait–contact Chester Law Group today if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Ohio.