Each year in the United States, thousands lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents, and millions more suffer severe injuries. While any accident has the potential to cause harm to victims, those involving motorcycles often lead to more serious consequences. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 33,000 fatal accidents in 2018, including nearly 5,000 involving motorcycles.
According to the Kentucky State Police, seven percent of all fatal accidents involved motorcycles in 2018. By taking to the road on a motorcycle, motorcyclists acknowledge the danger that comes along with it. However, they also expect that other drivers will exercise caution, as well, to avoid preventable accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries due to a driver’s negligence, a Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800) 924-3113 to speak with our legal team about your case.
Motorcyclists Face a Greater Risk of Accidents and Injuries
For many reasons, riding a motorcycle puts passengers at an increased risk of accidents, leading to serious injuries. In fact, motorcyclists have a 30 times higher chance of suffering fatal injuries than those in passenger vehicles and a five times greater risk of serious injuries.
One of the most notable dangers of motorcycles is that their open nature makes riders vulnerable to the elements and directly impacts other vehicles and objects, which can easily cause them to flip or fall off the bike. Motorcycles require more attention and specialized skills to operate safely, and riders must learn to anticipate and avoid hazards before they occur.
Unfortunately, drivers of passenger vehicles do not always use the same caution when surveying their environment, and many motorcycle accidents happen because a driver failed to see them. The NHTSA notes that drivers must understand the safety issues motorcyclists face and respond accordingly to prevent collisions. Motorcyclists have a responsibility to exercise good judgment and coordination, but other drivers have an obligation to watch for motorcycles on the road, as well.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Louisville, call (800) 924-3113
Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries vary greatly depending on the circumstances but often require emergency medical treatment. Helmets can improve a person’s chances of avoiding serious injury, and Kentucky requires them for:
● Operators under age 21
● Operators with a permit
● Operators who have had a motorcycle license for less than a year
Injuries also depend on the rider’s age, as older victims tend to suffer more severe injuries. According to an article from the University of Rochester Medical Center, researchers found that motorcyclists between the ages of 50 and 59 had the most injuries after motorcycle accidents, while injuries in those aged 20 to 29 decreased between 1996 and 2005. Victims over age 40 have a higher risk of injury, requiring a longer hospital stay, and mortality. Broken arms and legs are the most common types of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents, and chest and head injuries accounted for the most common severe injuries.
If you suffered injuries or a loved one died in a Louisville motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, a lawyer can help you pursue financial awards. Contact the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC to discuss your case.
Louisville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 924-3113
A Louisville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Determine Liability in Your Case
Victims of motorcycle accidents often find it challenging to handle their motorcycle accident claims on their own. Seeking adequate compensation in your case requires following specific steps that involve establishing liability in your case, meeting deadlines for paperwork, and negotiating with insurance companies. You already have enough to deal with and should not have to worry about filing your claim alone. A lawyer can help you through the process to relieve some of the burden and give you time to recover.
An attorney may begin by investigating your case and gathering evidence to prove the other driver’s liability. The types of evidence they use to support your claim could include:
● Photos and videos from the scene of the accident
● Photos of your injuries
● Medical records
● Your bills and financial statements
● Police reports
● Eyewitness testimonies
● Cell phone records
● Field sobriety tests
Once they have collected information regarding your case, they can establish liability by proving that the driver’s actions constitute negligence. To meet the criteria, the driver must have had a duty of care to you or your loved one to keep you safe from preventable harm within reason. They must have breached that duty, which led you to suffer injuries or losses that resulted in significant damages. If approaching this process on your own feels overwhelming, do not hesitate to contact a Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you with your case.
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Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases
You may qualify for different types and amounts of financial recovery for your injuries or loss depending on the specifics of your case, such as the extent of your injuries and whether or not you can return to work. Awards may include compensation for:
● Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and other healthcare expenses related to your injury
● Lost income for the time you had to take off work to recover
● Loss of earning capacity if your injury left you with a disability that prevents you from returning to work or you lost a loved one who provided you with financial support
● Pain and suffering, such as mental anguish or loss of consortium
● Funeral and burial expenses if you lost a loved one as a result of the accident
A lawyer can assess your damages and help you seek fair compensation.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today for Help with Your Case
If you or someone you love suffered a serious or fatal injury in a Louisville motorcycle accident case caused by a negligent driver, the lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you hold them accountable for your damages. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not owe us any fees unless we achieve compensation for you. Call us today at (800) 924-3113 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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