Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Louisville, Kentucky
Driving a motorcycle is a fun and rewarding experience. For some, it’s become a way of life, and for others, it’s a primary means of transportation. Motorcyclists on the road in Kentucky are entitled to all of the same rights afforded the operators of cars. Yet, a person on a motorcycle is 27 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be injured in a collision than a car driver or passenger.
In 2015 alone, more than 1,700 collisions in Kentucky involved motorcycles, and 89 motorcycle accidents resulted in death. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Kentucky, the Slechter Law Firm can help. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
The Kentucky State Police report that there are more than 100,000 motorcycles registered in Kentucky. We live in a beautiful state that is both a treat to explore for those of us who live here and a popular spot for tourists on motorcycles each year. Unfortunately, motorcycles are far less visible on the road as compared to cars, trucks, and just about any other type of motor vehicle.
When a motorcycle is less visible, it only takes a millisecond of inattention on the part of another driver for tragedy to strike. Also, many drivers aren’t’ prepared to grant the right-of-way to a biker, which often causes an unnecessary collision.
Some of the biggest factors contributing to motorcycle accidents include:
Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to bikers
Drivers who violate traffic laws
Drivers who turn in front of bikers at intersections
Drivers following a biker too closely
Distracted or drowsy drivers
Driving under the influence
Aggressive driving
Driving during unsafe weather conditions
Motorcycle riders are also tasked with following the rules of the road and obeying all traffic laws. Unfortunately, a biker can do everything right and still face serious risks from other drivers. When a motorcycle and another vehicle collide, the results can be catastrophic, particularly for the biker.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When a motorcycle is involved in a crash, it is often very serious. When involved in a car crash, your body is protected by both the motor vehicle shell and the car’s safety features (i.e. airbag, seatbelts). Unfortunately, a biker has only their clothing as protection and, hopefully, a helmet. In the state of Kentucky, unless the rider is under the age of 21, they are not required to wear a helmet, and many choose to leave this safety item at home.
When a biker is injured in an accident, they could be thrown from their bike, pinned underneath their motorcycle or another vehicle, or hit by flying debris from the crash. Some of the most common injuries that a motorcycle rider is likely to sustain include:
Road rash
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Sprains and strains
Amputations
Death
Some of these injuries are incredibly serious, requiring extensive medical care, surgery, and follow-up treatment. In some cases, the injuries may never heal, and the rider will need to deal with permanent impairment for the rest of their life.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,500 people die each year in motorcycle accidents. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities in Kentucky in 2015, 57 were not wearing a helmet. The top causes of those fatalities were either:
one of the vehicles wasn’t in proper control
driver inattention
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation in a wrongful death suit.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, particularly where someone else was to blame, it’s important that you understand your rights and avoid doing anything which would affect a future claim for injury. Failing to act or taking the wrong action after a motorcycle crash could make it more difficult to collect compensation for your losses.
After a motorcycle crash, be sure that you:
Call the police and request a police report to document the crash
Collect witness contact information while you are still at the scene
Take photos of the crash scene, all damage sustained, and your injuries
Get proper and immediate medical care to document your injuries
Notify your insurance company of the crash
Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements until you speak with an attorney
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
The personal injury attorneys at the Slechter Law Firm can provide several valuable services in your case. Our attorneys can investigate the accident scene, preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be a difficult process, and our attorneys work hard to handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on reclaiming your life.
In some cases, it may be necessary to determine negligence in a case before any payments are processed. In fact, this is the question that holds up many cases and prevents innocent victims of accidents from receiving the compensation they deserve.
An insurance company will never have your best interests in mind. Instead, they will want to close their claim file after paying out as little as possible in your case. Our experienced and aggressive Louisville personal injury attorneys will make sure that your rights are always a top priority and we will fight to recover maximum compensation in your case.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident on the Dixie Highway or elsewhere in Kentucky, you should call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney immediately. The personal injury attorneys at Slechter Law Firm understand the unique characteristics of motorcycle accidents and can begin working on your case while you recover. Email our office or call us for a free case evaluation.