Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced Lexington, Kentucky, area motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you are the victim of a motorcycle collision. If you suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation to make up for economic losses and your pain and suffering.

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a number of factors. In many cases, an accident could have been prevented if someone had simply exercised reasonable care. When an accident is wholly or partially caused by the negligence or deliberate wrongdoing of another, a personal injury lawyer can help you receive fair compensation to help with your recovery.

Better Call Becker

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers in our Lexington office can gather your medical records and determine who is responsible so that you can focus on healing.

Additionally, advice and guidance from an attorney can keep you from making a statement or taking an action that could be used against you down the road.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent and obvious risk. Given the lack of protection in comparison to passenger vehicles, motorcyclists who find themselves involved in an accident have a tendency to suffer more severe and life-altering injuries. The following statistics demonstrate the dangers of motorcycle riding and the seriousness of injuries suffered when accidents occur, regardless of who may be at fault:

• Motorcycle riders are 4 times more likely to be injured in an accident and 24 times more likely to die in an accident compared to those in passenger cars (NHTSA: Motorcycle Safety)
• Kentucky ranks as the 8th most dangerous state for motorcyclists among all states in the US, according to a QuoteWizard study that compared data produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and registration data coming from the Federal Highway Administration
• Despite only accounting for 3% of registered vehicles in 2020, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities and 4% of all occupant injuries across the US

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Crashes

Injuries suffered in a motorcycle collision /crash can range from minor, like skin rashes and contusions/bruises, to severe and life-altering, like brain or spinal injuries, and, unfortunately in many cases, death. If you have experienced any of the following commonly occurring injuries in a motorcycle crash, consider seeking the help and support of a motorcycle crash attorney.

• Road Rash – This extremely common motorcycle accident-caused injury occurs when a rider slides along pavement or has exposed skin that rubs against the ground. Road rash injuries can be severe and necessitate in some cases multiple skin grafts.
• Burns – When motorcycle accidents involve fires or explosions, motorcyclists are at risk for sever burns, including second-degree, third-degree and catastrophic burn injuries. The most severe burn injuries can result in months of hospitalization and can even induce comas among victims, who may face reconstructive surgical procedures as a result of their injuries.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries  – Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe a motorcyclist can suffer in a crash and stand as a leading cause of fatalities. The impact of a traumatic brain injury can range from mild to catastrophic and may impact a victim’s sleep patterns, cognitive function and abilities, personality, mood, mental health, physical well-being and ability to work among other things. The severity of traumatic brain injuries drives home the importance of always wearing a helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.
• Spinal Cord/Back Injuries – Motorcycle accidents can cause herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. When fractured vertebrae compress or sever the spinal cord, victims may suffer paralysis of the body below the point of injury. Spinal cord/back injuries, unfortunately, are often permanent and may require patients to rely on wheelchairs and other assistive devices. The dependence that many victims of spinal cord/back injuries have on others for their self-care needs can drastically impact not only the accident victims’ lives but their loved ones’, as well.
• Internal Injuries - Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Soft Tissue Injuries - Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can be strained, sprained, or torn during a motorcycle accident, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Psychological Trauma – Motorcycle accidents can result in unseen psychological damage such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression or phobias related to road travel. Accident victims suffering from psychological trauma may incur significant costs needed to treat their mental health and may find their day-to-day lives significantly altered by changes in perception and behavior.
• Fractures and Broken Bones – Bone fractures are among the most common types of injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes. Fractures from crashes often occur in the lower extremities with broken leg bones prevailing as the most common type of fractures. Other areas frequently impacted by fractures include arms, collarbones, wrists, and ribs. While fractured bones typically do not lead to lifelong impairment, they do present a risk of organ penetration and can cause severe external or internal bleeding.

Collecting and Preserving Evidence Following a Motorcycle Crash

Consulting with an attorney immediately after a motorcycle collision allows them to begin collecting and preserving evidence while it is still available. Witnesses can become harder to locate as time passes, and their memory can become less reliable. Also, if the accident is caught on video, those images could be erased or recorded over if someone does not take immediate action to preserve them.

The Statute of Limitations in Lexington, Kentucky

In Lexington, you have a deadline to file a personal injury claim if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. In Kentucky, the statute of limitations allows 2 years after the accident to gather evidence and file a lawsuit against the person responsible. A knowledgeable attorney who has experience handling motorcycle accidents can ensure the necessary actions are taken in time to preserve your claim.

Establishing Liability After a Collision

Not everyone who suffers injuries in a motorcycle accident will be entitled to receive compensation. In order to recover damages, you must demonstrate that the negligence, recklessness or deliberate wrongdoing of another caused your injuries.

A dedicated Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer can gather and prepare the evidence needed to determine liability. If you did something to contribute to the accident, your compensation may be reduced depending on your percentage of liability.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in the Lexington Area

Motorcycle crashes can happen anywhere, and they can happen for many different reasons. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says most motorcycle crash deaths, 62%, occur on major roads that are not classified as interstates. An estimated 11% of motorcyclist fatalities happen on interstates and freeways, and the remaining portion of accidents occur on smaller local roads.

Accidents on any road may be caused by road defects, by problems with the motorcycle, or by decisions made by the motorcycle rider or drivers of passenger cars. Some of the top causes include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers may not see motorcycle riders. Cell phones and texting are leading causes of driver distraction. But such activities as eating, playing music, grooming and interacting with passengers or pets also commonly distract drivers from traffic around them.

Drivers Failing to Yield

Drivers failing to yield. The Gold Wing Touring Association reports that two-thirds of all multiple-vehicle motorcycle crashes occurred when the driver of a passenger car violated the right-of-way of the motorcyclist and/or turned into the lane of a motorcycle rider.

Road Defects

The Gold Wing Touring Association estimates that 2 percent of motorcycle accidents occurred due to a problem with the road. Because motorcycles are lighter, they are more easily affected than cars and trucks by potholes, ruts or crumpling roadways.

Drivers Not Seeing Motorcycle Riders

The Look Twice, Save a Life Program has been publicizing the risks of drivers who change lanes or who pull out without looking. In many cases, the negligence or recklessness of a driver is directly responsible for causing a motorbike accident. Many drivers simply do not detect motorcycle riders in traffic or do not pay adequate attention to sharing the road. This can have devastating consequences when a driver’s carelessness results in a crash. However, a skilled Lexington lawyer could help to hold a motorist accountable for a motorcycle crash.

Damages That May Be Available After a Motorcycle Accident

You may be entitled to various compensation if you are the victim of a motorcycle crash that resulted from another person’s negligence. If you are forced to miss work because of the accident, you may be entitled to your lost wages, both in the past and those anticipated in the future. If negligence is proven, you may be able to recover compensation to cover past and future medical costs, as well.

Additionally, a Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover noneconomic damages that can be difficult to place a dollar value on. These include damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Talk to a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcyclists sometimes have a reputation as lawless rebels, but in reality, they must comply with even more stringent regulations than other motorists. When a careless driver causes a serious motorcycle accident, they should be held accountable for the resulting harm.

Receiving assistance from an experienced Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer can provide peace of mind and help you move toward the resolution you deserve. For a free case evaluation and consultation to learn more about the advantages of working with a dedicated legal advocate, call now.