Shepherdsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If a negligent driver causes an accident while you are riding a motorcycle, it is likely that you received significant injuries and suffered substantial damages. When trying to recover your health, you should consider contracting with a Shepherdsville motorcycle accident lawyer to act as your legal representative.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys In Shepherdsville, KY
Your dedicated personal injury lawyer will help you hold the negligent driver responsible by taking full advantage of the settlement process, and if necessary, our justice system. It is highly recommended you obtain assistance to ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Rights, Responsibility, and Consequences of Negligence
When operating a motorcycle, you have the right to expect that other drivers on the road will act responsibly and operate their vehicles safely. If another driver behaves negligently, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or any other activity that takes attention away from driving.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Texting and Driving: Sending messages or using a phone while driving.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, or ignoring traffic laws.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, it is crucial to consult with an attorney immediately. Gathering evidence of negligence is the first step in establishing fault and building a strong case.
What to Do When Damages Occur After a Motorcycle Crash
After a motorcycle accident, it is essential to identify and document all damages. This documentation is critical for establishing the amount of compensation you are entitled to. You should keep records of:
- Medical Bills: All expenses related to your treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up visits.
- Lost Wages: Income you have lost due to your inability to work following the accident.
- Loss of Future Income: Potential future earnings you might miss out on due to long-term injuries or disabilities.
- Loss of Property: Damage to your motorcycle and any other personal property.
- Future Health Issues: Anticipated medical needs and associated costs.
- Loss of Future Opportunities: Career advancements or job promotions you may be unable to pursue due to your injuries.
An experienced Shepherdsville lawyer specializing in motorcycle collisions can help you thoroughly document these damages and recover the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Consider When Deciding Between Settlement or Trial?
Deciding whether to pursue a settlement or go to trial is a critical step in your case. Here’s what you need to consider:
Settlements
- Preferred by Both Sides: Settlements are usually preferred as they provide a quicker resolution and reduce the stress of a trial.
- Negotiation Process: Settlements require intense negotiations with professional negotiators from insurance companies. These negotiators aim to minimize the amount paid out, so having an experienced attorney to represent you is essential.
Trials
- Complex Process: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. This involves a lengthy process with strict procedures and deadlines.
- Court Requirements: An experienced attorney will ensure that all court requirements are met and that your case is presented effectively.
- Final Resolution: A trial can result in a more significant compensation if the court rules in your favor, but it also carries the risk of not receiving any compensation if the case is lost.
Factors Affecting the Value of a Motorcycle Injury Claim in Shepherdsville
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to consult with an attorney to understand your legal options fully. Evaluating the value of your injury claim involves considering various factors. While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, a skilled motorcycle injury attorney can provide an estimated range based on these factors.
Liability for the Motorcycle Accident
One significant factor is determining who is liable for the accident. Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence law, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not 100% responsible. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Thus, understanding and proving the degree of fault is crucial in maximizing your claim.
Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance
Kentucky is a no-fault state, which means insurers must provide personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs regardless of who is at fault. However, this requirement does not extend to motorcycles. Motorcyclists must opt for PIP coverage separately. If you do not have PIP coverage, you may face a $10,000 offset in any injury claim against an at-fault driver.
Available Insurance Coverage
The amount of insurance coverage available significantly impacts the value of your claim. Kentucky requires a minimum bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, discovering the at-fault party’s insurance limits may require legal action. Additionally, if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may seek compensation through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Assessment of Damages
Evaluating the damages sustained in the accident is essential. Common damages include:
- Medical Bills: Costs of immediate and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to the inability to work.
- Loss of Future Income: Potential earnings lost due to long-term injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
The severity, duration, and impact of your injuries on your daily life and future opportunities are considered in calculating pain and suffering damages. Historical data on jury awards for similar injuries can also provide a benchmark for potential compensation.
How Much Insurance Coverage is Available for a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
Another very important factor in determining the value of a motorcycle accident injury claim is how much insurance coverage is available to you for your injuries. Unfortunately, Kentucky law does not require at-fault drivers to disclose the amount of their insurance policy limits. Thus, in many cases, the only way to discover how much insurance is available from the at-fault driver is via the discovery process after a lawsuit is filed.
First, look to see how much bodily injury liability insurance coverage the other driver has, whether or not they own other automobiles with insurance policies that may provide you with insurance coverage, or if they have an umbrella insurance policy that may apply. According to Kentucky law, Kentuckians must maintain minimum bodily injury liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
If the at-fault party did not have insurance, you may be eligible to recover compensation for uninsured motorist benefits under your own insurance policy, provided you have this type of insurance coverage on your motorcycle policy at the time of the accident. Or if the at-fault party did not have enough insurance to cover your damages in the accident, you also may be eligible to recover compensation for underinsured motorist benefits, provided you had that type of coverage on your motorcycle at the time of the accident. Determining how much insurance is available to you for your damages following a motorcycle accident must be investigated.
Contact a Skilled Shepherdsville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is complex and requires professional legal representation to maximize your compensation. Attorney Tate Meagher is a highly qualified Shepherdsville motorcycle accident attorney dedicated to advocating for his clients and achieving the best possible outcomes.
At Meagher Injury Lawyers, we handle motorcycle accident injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless your case is successfully settled or adjudicated. We charge no upfront fees, and all initial legal consultations are free. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait—call Tate!
