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.