Motorcycles offer riders a lot of enjoyment on a nice day in Kentucky. But if something goes wrong – motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, even death. It’s commonly understood that driving a motorcycle is inherently riskier than a car, even if the necessary precautions are taken. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck within the Bluegrass State, you need help from the trusted Mt. Sterling motorcycle accident lawyers at Maze Law Offices.
Nationally, motorcycle riders are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed than drivers or passengers in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are nine times more likely to be seriously injured in a wreck than a car driver and nearly 30 times more likely to die. Being hospitalized after a motorcycle accident is quite common, and many find themselves buried by medical debt.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Center, the following occurred in Kentucky in 2020:
While any auto accident has the potential to cause injury or death, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of fatal injuries. This is primarily because of the limited protection afforded by not only the motorcycle but also the protective equipment.
Motorcycles are far less crashworthy than many other motor vehicles by size alone. They are less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheeled vehicles.
When the driver or passengers of a vehicle are in an accident, they have seatbelts, airbags, and the vehicle’s structure to absorb a significant portion of the other vehicle’s impact. But motorcyclists are at risk of absorbing the majority, if not all, of the crash’s impact. As the primary form of protective gear, helmets reduce the risk of fatal head injuries. Even with protective gear, if thrown from a bike, you can sustain severe injuries.
In 1968, a helmet law was passed in Kentucky requiring all riders to use proper protective headgear. In 1998 this law was amended, and its requirements were narrowed. Currently, only the following individuals must wear helmets:
Research done by the NHTSA indicates that wearing a helmet can reduce motorcycle rider fatalities dramatically and reduce the chances of suffering from a brain injury.
The actions you take after a motorcycle accident could significantly impact your future. Depending on your injuries, you may be unable to move or call 911 for help. If that is the case, the driver or a witness will likely call for emergency services, and medical assistance will arrive shortly.
If, however, you are not incapacitated after the accident, there are steps you can take to protect your future. To start, you will want to check on the status of the other driver and collect their contact and insurance information. You will need their driver’s license number, name, policy number, etc., to file a claim to seek compensation for your losses.
If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene. Your Mt. Sterling motorcycle accident lawyers can use the evidence you collect to begin building your claim. You should also evaluate the scene for potential witnesses. If someone else saw the wreck occur, they may have insight into what happened and why. Their testimony could be valuable to your case.
Remember to always seek medical attention no matter the severity of your injuries. Ensuring your injuries are evaluated, diagnosed, and treated is imperative. Not only will this optimize your chance at healing, but you will have official documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life. Once you have had your injuries addressed, it is time to consider reaching out to Maze Law Offices.
It is in your best interest to never assume that you were at fault in a collision, no matter the scenario. To best determine who was actually at fault, it’s incredibly important to speak with a Kentucky accident attorney. We also highly recommend that you do so before speaking to an insurance company because it could jeopardize your claim.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle wreck in Kentucky, we’re here to help you. Our highly skilled personal injury team has combined experience in courthouses all over the state. We do everything to ensure you get the settlement and compensation you deserve. You never have to pay one cent unless we win your case. That promise means we put our clients first. Contact us today for an absolutely free consultation.
Depending on the circumstances sounding your accident, our Mt. Sterling motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. The sooner you get in touch with our legal team, the more time we will have to build a strong claim on your behalf.
At Maze Law Offices, our Mt. Sterling motorcycle accident lawyers are devoted to helping accident victims recover as fully as possible after a wreck. When you seek our legal representation, you will work directly with your attorney to ensure clear, transparent communication throughout the duration of your case.
We also understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, which is why we develop a personalized strategy for each and every client. You can rest assured that your case will be handled carefully to ensure you have the best chance of recovery. We are also aware of how quickly time can pass after an accident, which is why we offer free, same-day consultations to help you on your journey to recover as soon as you are ready.
The Mt. Sterling motorcycle accident lawyers from Maze Law Offices are well-versed in Kentucky motorcycle crashes and applicable laws. We are here to explain your legal rights and options to ensure you have the best possible chance at recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle wreck, we are here to support your family through this harrowing time and seek justice for your loved one. If you are ready to hold a negligent driver accountable for their actions after a motorcycle accident, schedule a free case evaluation with our lawyers in Mt. Sterling today.
