If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Paducah, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation from the person responsible for the accident. The personal injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more. We have decades of combined legal experience and have won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.
Every motorcycle accident claim has its own facts. Let us review your accident and explain your options for holding the at-fault driver accountable. Let us put our experience, skill, and commitment to work on your behalf.
Call us at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Paducah motorcycle accident lawyer.
Why Choose Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer to Deal with Your Motorcycle Accident?
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, Kentucky Courage™ is our motto. Each of our lawyers is an active member of their community and a fierce advocate for their neighbors. When a fellow Kentuckian is injured through no fault of their own, our attorneys have the Kentucky Courage to stand for the injured person against large insurance companies.
Our team recognizes that serious injuries can make it hard to earn a living. As a firm that handles personal injury lawsuits, workers’ compensation claims, and Social Security Disability disputes, we’re capable of helping our clients access the full range of compensation and benefits they need to rebuild their lives after serious accidents. The lawyers you see on TV in our Kentucky Courage commercials are the same ones who will work with you in pursuit of justice.
Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often more devastating than car accidents. One reason is that motorcyclists lack the physical protection that an automobile passenger compartment provides. Consequently, motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injuries such as:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Road rash
- Torn, pulled, or strained muscles
- Broken bones
- Back or neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycle crashes may cause more severe than car crashes, they have similar causes. Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Intoxication– Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reflexes, putting them at higher risk of making a mistake that causes a motorcycle crash.
- Blind spot negligence– Drivers should always check their blind spots before changing lanes. If they don’t, they may overlook a motorcyclist in a lane next to them and cause a sideswipe accident.
- Dangerous roads– Some motorcycle accidents result from hazardous road conditions such as potholes, slippery surfaces, or malfunctioning stoplights.
- Reckless driving/road rage– A driver who deliberately disregards traffic laws or behaves unsafely puts everyone around them, including motorcyclists, in danger.
- Defective components– An accident could happen if a motorcycle or nearby vehicle has faulty brakes, tires, steering, or other components.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Paducah, you need to talk with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help you understand your rights to pursue full financial accountability.
Who Holds Responsibility in an Accident Involving a Motorcycle?
Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who is financially liable for your injuries and related losses. The driver who hit you may be at fault and financially liable. But the determination of financial responsibility may be more complex in some situations, including:
- Working drivers– If a driver causes a motorcycle accident while on the job or driving an employer-issued vehicle, the driver’s employer may be liable for your injuries
- Harmful road conditions– If a local government or transportation department doesn’t promptly address dangerous road conditions, the agency may be liable for any resulting accidents.
- Mechanical failures– Manufacturers can be liable when the parts they make are defective and contribute to an accident.
Regardless of the circumstances of the motorcycle accident, your lawyer must prove a causal link between another party’s actions and the injuries you suffered in order for you to recover compensation. That is why you need to seek experienced legal representation.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
How much you could recover in a motorcycle accident case depends on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. Generally speaking, your lawyer will pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages
- Damage to your motorcycle
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Lost quality of life.
Many personal injury cases never see a courtroom, ending instead in a settlement between the at-fault party and the injured one. Your lawyer will attempt to secure the compensation you need through a settlement. But if the insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, then taking your case to trial could lead to a better outcome for you.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Paducah
After a motorcycle accident, taking the following steps can protect your legal rights to compensation:
- Seek medical help– Your health is always the most important thing after a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel uninjured or only notice minor injuries, you should still seek medical examination immediately. A doctor can identify and treat injuries such as concussion symptoms that you might not otherwise notice. The treatment could create valuable documentation for your case.
- Notify the authorities– A police officer will respond to a serious crash and write an official accident report. The report documents the drivers involved and contains potentially valuable evidence about the incident.
- Gather information– Get the names, license plate numbers, and insurance information of others involved in the accident, and take photos or video of the accident scene. If your injuries prohibit you from doing so, ask someone you trust to do it on your behalf.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney– Talk to an attorney who understands the complexities of motorcycle accidents and has a track record of successfully handling such cases. While you recover, an attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can handle your insurance claims and investigate the accident further.
Time Limit for a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Kentucky
Kentucky’s statute of limitations allows a two-year filing period for motorcycle accident lawsuits, beginning on the date of the accident.
There are many steps that your legal team must take before filing a lawsuit. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible puts you in the strongest position to seek the full amount you need.
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Paducah Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The Paducah motorcycle accident law firm of Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer is available 24/7 to answer your questions. For a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys, contact us online or by phone at (877) 809-5352.
