Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

There are serious safety risks involved in riding a motorcycle. One of the most serious risks is the threat of other drivers being negligent or unobservant of motorcyclists. According to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, in 2017 there were a total of 782 roadway fatalities, with 78 of them involving motorcycles.

Nationwide, there are over 100,000 people injured in motorcycle accidents every year. A collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle is not the same as an accident involving two vehicles. Motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that may result in permanent disabilities, severe physical, emotional and financial damages or death.

Traffic Fatalities in Kentucky by Year and by Category

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This firm is fantastic. They made everything so easy and stayed in contact. Adam handled my case – if I could choose 2 words to describe him it would be intelligent and genuine.

- RACHEL

Louisville personal injury lawyer

Hiring an experienced Louisville motorcycle accident attorney is the smartest thing to do

Highway Safety Goals

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety sets goals each year in an effort to decrease motorcyclist fatalities. The department aims to lower fatalities by changing driver behavior, fixing problematic roads and bridges, and protecting vulnerable drivers like motorcycles. The department is working to change driver behavior through a mix of education and increased enforcement.

People on motorcycles face a higher risk of being in a fatal accident than other motorists. Motorcyclists are nearly 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash. In 2014, motorcycle accidents accounted for 1.3 percent of all Kentucky vehicle accidents, but 12.1 percent of all fatal accidents. Drivers are particularly vulnerable; 94 percent of those killed in motorcycle crashes were drivers.

Kentucky motorcycle accidents
Kentucky motorcycle accidents
Kentucky motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

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Ninety-four percent of those killed in motorcycle crashes were bike drivers

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Six percent of those killed in motorcycle accidents were riders/passengers

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Fifty-four percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved at least one other vehicle

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In 41 percent of fatal accidents involving another vehicle, the vehicle was turning left in front of the biker

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Motorcyclists are nearly 27 times more likely to perish in an accident than occupants of a car

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Approximately 43 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

As with any type of motor vehicle accident, causes can be varied. However, riding a motorcycle is unique, and there is one cause of motorcycle accidents that is less common with other types of vehicles, and that is not being seen.

Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Faults with the motorcycle including improper customization or defective components and parts

Dangerous or faulty road conditions

Drivers not seeing the motorcycle, making sudden stops, opening a car door, changing lanes or turning in front of a bike

Distracted driving

Speeding and unsafe lane changes

DUI/DWI

Can I Recover Damages in a Louisville Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accident injuries may result in high settlements or jury awards. Several factors influence compensation, including the extent of economic damages, property damage to the vehicle, intangible damages suffered by the victim, and the degree/nature of the negligence involved in the accident.

Motorcycle Safety and Helmet Use

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 62 percent of motorcycle collision happen on major roads not classified as Interstates, and roughly 12 percent of fatalities happen on freeways and interstates. The remaining portion of accidents happen on smaller local roads.

Kentucky mandates that all motorcycle riders under 21 must wear a helmet, as must passengers, those borrowing a motorcycle, and those with an out-of-state license. According to the NHTSA, helmets save 1,772 biker’s lives annually. The NHTSA also indicates that 740 more lives may have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn proper helmets.

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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The most common injuries in a non-fatal motorcycle accident include soft tissue injuries, chest injuries, broken bones, road rash, amputations, traumatic brain injury, abdominal injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis.

The at-fault driver in a motorcycle accident can be held responsible for current and future medical expenses. In addition, you may be able to seek compensation for lost income and losses due to diminished earning ability, as well as pain and suffering caused by the accident.

In an accident claim, the victim/plaintiff must prove the other motorist was unreasonably careless or broke the rules of the road, and the at-fault motorist’s actions were the direct cause of the accident resulting in your injuries. A motorcycle helmet is not relevant to how and why the accident occurred. It is the accident that caused your injuries.

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Non Use of a Helmet Can Affect Your Case

When a motorcycle rider chooses to not wear a helmet, this can be seen to increase their liability when an injury crash occurs. It can also limit the amount of compensation that can be awarded to the injured rider.

For compensation to be denied, the non-wearing of the helmet has to be pertinent to the injury or injuries being claimed. For example, if the rider suffered a broken leg and is filing a lawsuit based upon that injury, the fact that they were not wearing a helmet has very little to do with the injury. However, if the motorcycle rider suffered a brain injury which could have been prevented or lessened in severity, then the fact that a helmet was not worn could reflect negatively on the motorcycle rider.

Kentucky helmet laws

On July 15, 2000, Kentucky legislators passed HB 619, which no longer required those 21-years-old or older to wear a helmet.

Additionally, the legislature did away with a law that required motorcyclists to prove they were covered by health insurance. Bikers under 21 years of age, whether they are operators or passengers on a motorcycle, are required to wear helmets. The same holds true for those who are operating a motorcycle on a permit, or who have had their motorcycle license for less than one year.

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Bikers under 21 years of age are required to wear helmets

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The Importance of Hiring a Louisville Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

Been injured in a motorcycle accident? You may have a right to recover funds for your medical expenses and other losses. Hessig & Pohl can help you navigate the complicated legal process to obtain the fair and equitable compensation that you deserve after your motorcycle accident.
Call Hessig & Pohl for your free consultation at 502.777.1111