If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist in London, KY, then you should seek the help of a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer. A London motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek the full compensation you need to pay your unexpected medical bills and cover your lost wages if you cannot work due to your injuries.
Our Kentucky Courage attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer vigorously pursue the full compensation motorcycle accident victims deserve. Contact our London, Kentucky law office today at (877) 809-5352 to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney during a free initial consultation.
Common Motorcycle Accidents in London, KY
Motorcycle crashes can happen in various ways. They often happen because of another driver’s negligent actions or failure to watch out for motorcycles. The chances of a motorcycle rider being injured by another driver are high due to the smaller size and weight of motorcycles compared to larger passenger vehicles and trucks. Some common types of motorcycle accidents include:
- Rear-end or side-swipe accidents resulting from failure to keep a proper lookout – A driver’s failure to observe a motorcyclist on the road is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers’ failure to see motorcycles in their blind spots represents a danger to motorcycle riders. All drivers have an obligation to remain alert for other vehicles on the road.
- T-bone wrecks due to other vehicles making a left-hand turn – Left-turn accidents at intersections involving motorcycle riders are common. These accidents typically occur when a driver is waiting to make a left turn and fails to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudges its approaching speed. A motorcycle rider may be unable to avoid a collision if a car turns unexpectedly in front as the motorcycle proceeds through the intersection. The crash victims may sustain serious injuries or fatal injuries.
- Side-swipe accidents due to lane switching – Some motorcycle accidents occur when the driver of a car, truck, or SUV attempts to change lanes and strikes a motorcycle. If a truck or car driver makes an improper lane change into a lane occupied by a motorcyclist, it can result in severe injuries to the motorcycle rider.
- Collisions arising from reckless driving – When another driver recklessly operates their vehicle, a motorcyclist is at an increased risk of being in an accident. Aggressive driving, impaired driving, tailgating, road rage, and speeding put all drivers, including motorcyclists, at risk of accidents.
Because motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed passenger compartment and airbags, riders are vulnerable to more severe injuries in crashes. Riders are subject to ejection from their motorcycles in collisions, which can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, and other significant injuries.
Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Kentucky
While the factors contributing to a motorcycle accident can vary, there are some common causes. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that some of the most common contributing factors include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Failure to monitor blind spots
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor vehicle maintenance
In a recent year, there were more than 1,500 motorcycle crashes in Kentucky, resulting in 99 deaths. This amounts to approximately four motorcycle accidents each day. Motorcyclists should take safety precautions, remain alert when riding, and wear helmets to help prevent head injuries. However, even the most cautious motorcycle riders cannot prevent other motorists from acting carelessly or taking their eyes off the road.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in London, KY
Under Kentucky law, motorcycle and automobile accidents have a two-year statute of limitations. Accident victims who have serious injuries have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Before the filing deadline, a lot of work has to be done to investigate the cause of the accident, submit an insurance claim, and prepare a lawsuit. Failure to file your lawsuit by this deadline will likely result in the judge dismissing the case.
It is critical to retain an attorney after the accident. Contact an experienced London, KY, motorcycle accident attorney immediately. When you hire a lawyer promptly after an accident, the attorney can gather and preserve evidence and accurately assess your injuries and their impact on your life.
Dealing with an Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Wreck
A law enforcement officer will respond to the scene of an accident after receiving a 911 call and complete an accident report in most cases. If the police do not respond, Kentucky law requires you to complete a Civilian Traffic Collision Report Form. This is your first step to initiating your case if the police do not investigate the accident.
You also must report the accident to your insurance company so your insurer can open a claim. The company will assign a claim number and claims adjuster to your case. The claims adjuster will initiate an investigation to determine who caused the crash. You should seek legal representation promptly and leave communications with the insurer to your attorney. It’s easy to say something that an insurance adjuster can use to minimize or deny your claim.
Kentucky law requires motorcyclists to have liability insurance. If you have Personal Injury Protection coverage as part of your insurance, the policy should cover reasonable and necessary medical care up to the policy’s limits, regardless of who caused the crash. Personal Injury Protection benefits are referred to as no-fault insurance.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our attorneys will help you through the complexities of the insurance claims process. We will pursue a motorcycle injury settlement on your behalf. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will be prepared to go to court if the insurance companies involved refuse to offer a fair settlement for your injuries and financial losses. When you retain our London law firm, you can rest assured that we will demand the money you need after an accident and pursue full and fair compensation.
Hire An Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident
If you need a motorcycle accident attorney in London, KY, call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. We have the skills and experience to handle your case. Our London personal injury attorneys offer a personalized approach to each case. You will receive the one-on-one attention our clients have come to expect. Through careful case preparation and strong legal advocacy, our attorneys will help you demand full compensation. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at 877-809-5352 for a free consultation. One of our attorneys helped a husband and wife who were injured while riding their motorcycle obtain a jury verdict of more than $3,000,000 in Laurel Circuit Court.
Motorcycle Accidents FAQ
We’ve answered some of the questions our clients ask most often for you here.
What do I have to prove in a motorcycle crash lawsuit?
To seek money from the at-fault party for your injuries, you must prove that another party was responsible for the accident. Each motorcycle accident is different. Your attorney will work to establish the fault of the other party by gathering information to use as evidence when building your case, including:
- The crash report
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Video surveillance footage from any traffic cameras or nearby businesses
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstructionist reports
How long will my motorcycle accident case take?
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle wreck and have mounting medical bills, you might be anxious to recover money to cover your medical expenses and to replace your lost income. Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, and your attorney will need time to prepare a strong case to support your claim.
Generally, a motorcycle accident where the victims sustained minor injuries could be resolved within a few months. However, motorcycle accident cases typically involve significant injuries that may require surgery and months of physical therapy. The length of time you receive medical treatment for your injuries will affect how long your case will take. Negotiating a settlement generally won’t occur until you’re healed and your medical expenses are known.
Questions of liability can impact the time it takes to resolve motorcycle accident claims. For example, if the negligent driver you believe was responsible for the accident disputes their liability, the case may not be resolved without litigation. A trial may be necessary for a judge or jury to review the evidence and hear from witnesses who saw the motorcycle accident. The number of cases on a court’s docket can affect how quickly your case is heard. We will work hard for a quick resolution.
