Many Kentuckians ride motorcycles to enjoy the open road and admire the beauty of the Bluegrass State. Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, but many automobile drivers fail to look out for motorcyclists.
If a motorcycle collides with a car or pickup truck, the motorcycle rider is often the one who will suffer the brunt of the injuries. Motorcycles are much smaller than other motor vehicles and offer riders little protection in a crash. As a result, motorcycle accidents often result in serious or fatal injuries.
If you are a motorcycle accident victim due to driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek significant compensation for your medical bills and related expenses.
Contact a Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer at the law firm Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today to discuss your accident and learn how we can help you hold the driver who caused your injuries financially accountable.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents. Driver negligence is a contributing factor in nearly all motorcycle crash cases.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident causes include:
- Distracted driving – Automobile drivers distracted by phones, text messages, passenger conversations, or other activities are more likely to overlook a motorcyclist and cause a serious accident.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and certain types of drugs can impair driving abilities such as judgment, reaction time, and fine motor control. Impaired drivers may fail to notice motorcycles or fail to react in time to avoid crashes.
- Drowsy driving – A fatigued automobile driver may nod off or fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the likelihood of a preventable collision with a motorcycle.
- Aggressive driving – Drivers who speed or follow too closely have less time to recognize hazardous situations and react in time to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist.
- Driving errors – Teen drivers and other inexperienced drivers are more likely to commit driving errors, such as misjudging the speed of an approaching motorcycle and failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Dangerous road conditions – If roads are poorly maintained have large potholes or uneven pavement, the conditions could increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents.
- Vehicle defects – If a motorcycle or motor vehicle component is defective due to design or manufacturing flaws, the manufacturer of the motorcycle or faulty component may be legally liable for an accident.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to notice motorcyclists or misjudge how the motorcycle will move in traffic.
The following types of motorcycle accidents frequently occur in Lexington KY:
- Rear-end collisions – These collisions are commonly the result of drivers tailgating or following motorcycles too closely. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than heavier vehicles. If an automobile driver is inattentive or fails to leave enough room to stop if a motorcycle ahead brakes unexpectedly, the result may be a rear-end collision.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on motorcycle collisions can occur when negligent drivers drift into oncoming traffic or fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections.
- Side-impact accidents – Negligent left-hand turns are a common cause of side-impact accidents. A T-bone collision can result in catastrophic crush injuries to a motorcycle rider.
- Backing up accidents – When drivers fail to check their blind spots while reversing out of parking spaces, or garages, they can easily strike a nearby motorcyclist.
- Dooring accidents – If vehicle occupants parked on the street neglect to check their surroundings before opening their doors, a passing motorcyclist can slam into the open door. These collisions are called dooring accidents.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
If you believe that someone else caused the accident and that your insurance claim will be cut-and-dried, you might wonder, “Do I really need an attorney for a motorcycle accident claim?”
While legal representation may not be necessary in every case, a knowledgeable Lexington motorcycle lawyer can review the accident and discuss your legal options:
- Explaining your rights – Understanding state laws that address fault and legal liability can be challenging. Many people are unsure of their legal rights after an accident. The insurance company may deny a valid injury claim and it takes Kentucky Courage to keep fighting for your rights.
- Calculating the full value of your claim – We can determine the value of your claim including any anticipated future medical costs so that you can demand full and fair compensation for your losses.
- Conducting an independent investigation – We can investigate the accident thoroughly to determine the cause and identify all those who may be financially liable for your injuries.
- Communicating with others on your behalf – Our motorcycle accident lawyers will handle communications with the insurance companies and their attorneys so that you can avoid stressful interactions and focus on your health and recovery.
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf – Our are skilled negotiators. We know how to counter the tactics that insurance companies commonly use to minimize or deny valid claims.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary – If the insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, our attorneys will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf and stand up for you in court. You’ll have Kentucky Courage on your side.
Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
You must be able to demonstrate who was responsible for the motorcycle accident to recover compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
The following parties are commonly at fault for motorcycle accidents in Lexington:
- Vehicle drivers – A car or truck driver could be at fault for a Lexington motorcycle accident if the driver was speeding, distracted, drowsy, drunk, or otherwise negligent behind the wheel.
- Other road users – Another road user such as pedestrian or cyclist could be at fault if they engaged in negligent actions such as jaywalking, that caused a driver to swerve into a motorcyclist.
- Employers – If the accident was caused by someone driving a company car or carrying out work-related duties, the employer may be liable for the accident.
In some cases, two or more of these parties may share responsibility, making the claims process more complicated.
Even the injured party might be partially at fault. When this occurs, liability is distributed proportionally among all at-fault parties, under Kentucky law.
The amount of compensation you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to blunt-force impacts and crushing trauma in traffic accidents, so motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe.
Some of the most common injuries in the Lexington motorcycle accident cases we handle include:
- Face, skull, and jaw injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries such as whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Broken, shattered, and dislocated bones
- Loss of limbs
- Back injuries such as herniated discs
- Incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries
- Partial and total paralysis
- Joint injuries, especially to the knees and elbows
- Soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, or tears
- Burns from fires, explosions, steam, and chemical exposure
- Abdominal injuries, such as puncture wounds and internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries.
Damages That May Be Recovered from a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
A Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer can help you present the best possible case and seek maximum compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Depending on your circumstances, compensation for the following types of damages may be sought:
- Medical bills – The costs of any present, or future medical expenses related to your injuries, including ambulance rides, doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Incidental costs – Any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred due to your injuries, such as the costs of transportation to medical appointments or in-home healthcare assistance.
- Repair expenses – If your motorcycle was damaged in the wreck, you could receive compensation for the costs of repairing the vehicle or replacing a totaled motorcycle.
- Lost wages – If your injuries forced you to miss work while you recovered, you may be entitled to compensation for losses in your take-home pay.
- Lost earning potential – If severe injuries prevent you from returning to your usual work role, you might be compensated for losses in your future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – Settlements can include the subjective costs of the physical pain, emotional anguish, and psychological suffering you endured as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Talk to a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Lexington caused by another motorist, you should know that you’re not alone. Legal help is available. The Lexington motorcycle accident lawyers of the law firm Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer are Kentuckians who are dedicated to helping people obtain the best possible outcomes after devastating accidents.
A personal injury attorney is always available anytime, 24/7, to answer your questions. Call us at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online now to learn more in a free initial case review.
Testimonial
“I greatly appreciate this firm. They are so efficient and professional to get the job done. Carolyn was so nice to help me through this challenging time of my life. I would highly recommend this firm.”
Review by: Lisa M.
Date published: 2023
Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars
