Louisville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you are hurt while riding your bike, a skilled Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer might help you get compensation for your injuries.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Louisville
Motorcycles are a fun way to travel. Sometimes on the road, unexpected events happen and collisions result.
Vehicle crashes often involve more than one driver. Determining how an accident occurred could be a complicated matter. Consulting with a qualified Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer might ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS
Motorcycle accidents are surprisingly expensive. In addition to needing to repair your motorcycle, you probably have incurred thousands in medical bills to treat injuries. Prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits with the doctor only add to the expense. But it is vital that you receive all necessary medical care so that your condition improves as much as possible.
Our legal team can fight for compensation. If you were struck by a negligent motorist, we can make a claim on that driver’s liability policy. We usually seek the following economic damages:
- Medical bills for surgery, rehab, wheelchairs, medication, and follow-up visits.
- Future medical care, if necessary to treat permanent disabilities.
- Lost income and future loss of income, when an accident prevents you from returning to work.
- Repairs for your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
We also recognize that injuries do more than cost you money. There is also a reduction in the quality of life. In Kentucky, you can request compensation for the pain and suffering you endure. Following a serious accident, many people cannot enjoy their favorite hobbies or go for walks with their spouse. They feel constant pain and might slip into depression or become irritable. We will seek a fair amount in a settlement to cover this suffering, which makes up the bulk of many settlements.
Myths About Motorcycle Accidents
Our clients face challenges trying to receive fair compensation after a wreck. Many insurance adjusters have prejudiced beliefs about motorcyclists, and they are not eager to offer a favorable settlement. Here are some of the top myths:
Myth #1: Motorcyclists are always to blame for the crash. This simply isn’t true. Nonetheless, some people think that bikers are risk-takers who pass illegally, weave in and out of traffic, and lane split. Many accidents are caused by negligent drivers slamming into them because the driver did not pay attention.
Myth #2: A motorcyclist wearing a helmet won’t suffer a head injury. Although it’s true that helmets reduce the risk, they do not completely eliminate it. Even people wearing an approved helmet can suffer serious concussions and other head injuries.
Myth #3: A lawyer is an unnecessary expense. In reality, lawyers will prove their value by aggressively representing your interests when negotiating with a driver or his insurer. Look at it this way: no one else is looking out for what is best for you. Not the driver who hit you and certainly not their insurer. You need someone in your corner. Our lawyers will discuss how we can assist your case in more detail. If you like what you hear, we can discuss our fee structure if you hire us. Our motorcycle accident clients never pay any upfront fees. Instead, they only pay if we win your case.
Safety Laws Designed To Prevent Motorcycle Injuries
KRS 189.285 places responsibility on motorcycle riders to take specific precautions. No one may operate a bike without a valid motorcycle license, according to KRS 189.285(1)(a). If a motorcycle operator has an instruction permit, KRS 189.285(4) prohibits the rider from having any passengers.
KRS 189.285(3) requires some motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Anyone under the age of 21 years old must wear a helmet regardless of whether they are the operator, passenger, or sidecar occupant. Motorcycle operators who have an instruction permit or valid license for less than one year also need to wear a helmet.
There are safety regulations for motorcycles, including the requirement in KRS 189.285(1)(a) of a rear-view mirror. KRS 189.285(2) mandates permanent seats and footrests for all riders and passengers. A capable Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer could understand how the law applies to motorcycle accident victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists are more often involved in accidents where a car or truck driver is at fault. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in many collisions involving multiple vehicles, it is typically because the other driver fails to notice the motorcyclist. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you should contact a Louisville personal injury lawyer.
What makes a motorcycle totaled?
A motorcycle is deemed totaled when the cost of repairs surpasses its actual cash value. This value is calculated using a combination of trusted sources, including estimates from independent vehicle valuation guides and the prevailing market prices for similar motorcycles in your locality.
How does insurance determine the value of a motorcycle?
Insurance companies calculate the actual cash value (ACV) of a motorcycle by evaluating its depreciation in relation to the cost required to repair or replace it.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists can suffer from the most common traumatic injuries after a collision. They will probably feel significant pain and probably need to see a doctor immediately once they are finished at the scene of the crash.
Many motorcyclists suffer from:
- Facial injuries—orbital fractures, scars, and contusions.
- Traumatic brain injuries—which impair a person’s memory, movement, sleep, mood, and physical coordination.
- Whiplash—this soft tissue injury can lead to headaches and neck stiffness when you stretch or tear muscles and ligaments.
- Compressed nerve—causing chronic pain and nerve death if not treated in a timely manner.
- Cervical fracture—a broken bone in the neck can cause paralysis and constant pain.
- Pelvic fracture—a pelvic fracture can make it impossible to stand or work.
- Road rash—this is a serious abrasion injury that can become infected and leave a motorcyclist with permanent scarring.
- Dislocated joints—dislocated shoulders, elbows, and knees could require bracing and painkillers to fully heal.
- Back injuries—a herniated disc or other spinal column injuries can press on nerves and immobilize a motorcyclist.
- Catastrophic injuries—blindness, amputation, paralysis, and permanent brain injuries.
Any injury is potentially serious. If you feel pain anywhere on your body, head to the hospital to have a doctor order diagnostic tests. Some injuries like road rash can become infected and degenerate rapidly. Prompt medical care will improve the chances of your reaching full recovery. You can also fully document the injuries you have suffered so that there is no suggestion that you are exaggerating your pain.
Louisville Motorcycle Accident FAQ
If you’ve been injured while riding and need guidance on what to do next, we’re here to support you. Contact Meagher Injury Lawyers today to schedule your consultation. Let’s talk about your case and how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Why Do Motorcyclists Face More Risk On The Road?
Riding a motorcycle offers freedom, but it also comes with higher risks than other vehicles on the road. When riders are hit by careless drivers, the consequences can be life-changing. Broken bones, head trauma, and long-term injuries are common in these crashes—and they often require weeks or months of recovery. At Meagher Injury Lawyers, we represent injured motorcyclists and help them pursue compensation for what they’ve lost. If you’ve been in a crash caused by someone else, you don’t have to face the situation alone.
Can The Other Driver Be Held Responsible For The Crash?
Yes. In most cases, the driver who caused the crash can be held legally responsible. You may have been hit by a driver who failed to yield, made unsafe left turns, followed too closely, or were distracted at the wheel. If the crash happened because another driver made an unsafe decision or broke traffic laws, we work to hold them accountable.
In some situations, other parties may also share fault. If a commercial vehicle was involved, the company may be liable. If a dangerous road condition played a part, the local government or maintenance crew could be involved. We dig into the details to determine who should be held responsible.
What Should Injured Riders Know About Filing A Claim?
If you’ve been injured, it’s important to take steps that protect your rights from the beginning. Start by getting medical care and documenting everything—your injuries, your hospital visits, and the impact the crash has had on your daily life. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and for less than you deserve, especially if they think you don’t have legal support.
Filing a personal injury claim allows you to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Ongoing rehab or therapy costs
We help clients gather the documentation they need to support these claims and push back when insurance companies try to downplay their injuries.
Do I Really Need A Lawyer For A Motorcycle Injury Claim?
Yes. While it’s possible to file a claim without legal help, having our motorcycle accident lawyer gives you a real advantage. Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements early on, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries. When we step in, we take over all communication with the insurer, build a strong case using the available evidence, and push for the compensation you’re legally owed.
At Meagher Injury Lawyers, our clients always speak with an actual attorney—not just office staff. We stay in regular contact and provide case updates so you’re never left wondering what’s going on. We fight aggressively on your behalf and are fully prepared to take the case to trial if needed.
How Do We Support Injured Riders?
We know that every motorcycle crash is different, and so is every recovery. Some riders need help with long-term medical needs. Others just want to cover their bills and return to work. Whatever the case, we take the time to listen and create a legal strategy built around your goals.
