Bardstown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Pursuing Compensation for Accident Victims in Nelson County, KY
Motorcyclists have a higher risk of injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents than the occupants of other vehicles. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer minimal protection to the rider during a crash. Without the protective shell of an automobile surrounding them, riders are directly exposed to the impact of being struck and hitting the pavement or nearby objects.
Additionally, motorcycles lack the safety features of airbags and seatbelts. Operating a motorcycle also requires more skill than driving a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists comprised 14 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in 2021 despite being only 3.5 percent of all registered vehicles.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Bardstown or the surrounding areas, you should seek the help of an experienced personal injury firm. At Haydon Blackmon, PLLC, you can work with a seasoned local motorcycle accident lawyer known for her proficiency, personalized attention, and fierce advocacy. Attorney Haydon-Blackmon has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, reflecting the high quality of her legal representation.
Request a free initial consultation with our Bardstown motorcycle accident attorney at Haydon Blackmon, PLLC by calling (502) 490-2214. You can also contact us online.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bardstown
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe due to the lack of protection around the rider. Several factors contribute to these accidents in Bardstown:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not see motorcyclists. This can lead to dangerous situations when drivers change lanes or turn without checking for bikes.
- Speeding: Motorcyclists may be tempted to speed, reducing their reaction time. At high speeds, it’s harder to control the bike, especially on curves or in heavy traffic.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, gravel, or uneven road surfaces are more dangerous for motorcyclists. These hazards can cause a rider to lose control or be thrown off the bike, especially when they aren’t expected.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, ice, or wind can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Motorcycles are less stable in these conditions, increasing the risk of skidding or falling.
These factors disproportionately affect motorcyclists because they lack the protection that other vehicle drivers have, making injuries more severe.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, some of which can have lifelong consequences:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a high-impact crash can cause severe brain trauma. This can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional problems.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other mobility issues. These injuries can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
- Road Rash: When a motorcyclist slides across the road, it can cause painful skin abrasions. Road rash can lead to infections and long-lasting scars.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries often require surgery and rehab and can result in long-term disability.
These injuries can require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, affecting the rider’s life for years.
Motorcycle Accident Liability
In a motorcycle accident, multiple parties can be held responsible:
- Negligent Drivers: Drivers who break traffic laws or drive recklessly may be at fault if their actions cause an accident. For example, failing to signal before turning or changing lanes without looking could lead to a crash.
- Road Maintenance Authorities: If poor road conditions contribute to an accident, local authorities responsible for maintaining roads may be liable. Potholes, unmarked construction zones, or other hazards can be factors.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a defective part on the motorcycle, like faulty brakes or tires, causes the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
- Motorcyclist: In some cases, the motorcyclist may share some responsibility. If they were speeding or not following traffic laws, they may be found partially liable.
Determining liability can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved in the accident.
Motorcycle accidents in Bardstown can cause severe injuries due to factors like distracted driving, speeding, road hazards, and bad weather. Common injuries include brain trauma, spinal damage, and broken bones.
Liability may lie with negligent drivers, road authorities, or manufacturers. If you've been injured, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate liability and secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Request a free initial consultation with our Bardstown motorcycle accident attorney by calling (502) 490-2214. You can also contact us online.
Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Liability in motorcycle accidents hinges on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Generally, if another driver’s negligence, such as failing to yield or violating traffic rules, leads to the accident, they may be held liable for the damages.
Insurance adjusters typically determine fault, but it can be decided in court if the case goes to trial. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions can influence the determination.
In some cases, the motorcycle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road maintenance could share liability if a defect or road condition contributes to the crash. Conducting a thorough investigation to establish fault accurately is essential.
While Kentucky is a “no-fault” state for car insurance, meaning your own insurance covers your injuries regardless of fault, this does not apply to motorcycles. Motorcyclists can pursue claims against other parties without the restrictions of the no-fault system.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Kentucky follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, recovering compensation may become challenging. In such instances, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be invaluable, providing financial assistance for medical costs and damages.
Without this coverage, you may need to pursue legal action against the other driver, a process that requires the skilled legal counsel of our attorney to navigate effectively.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bardstown
Numerous factors contribute to the high number of motorcycle injuries and fatalities, such as:
- Driver inattention: Many accidents occur because other motorists fail to notice motorcycles. This is often due to inadequate checking of blind spots, misjudgments during lane changes and turns, and driver distractions, such as cellphone usage. Because they are smaller, it is easier to miss motorcycles in traffic.
- Speeding: Motorcyclists and other vehicles traveling at excessive speeds can cause accidents. High speeds make it harder for all vehicles to stop quickly, and motorcycles may become unstable, increasing the chance of collisions.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, vastly increasing the risk of accidents for any driver, especially motorcyclists, who require precise control.
- Road hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to potholes, debris, and uneven pavement. These can cause riders to lose control, leading to accidents.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and ice significantly affect visibility and traction, making it more difficult for motorcyclists to maintain control and avoid crashes.
- Lane splitting: This practice involves riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic and can be hazardous due to limited space and the unpredictable movements of other vehicles.
- Car door accidents: When a parked vehicle’s door is opened into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, it can cause a severe collision. Drivers often fail to check for passing traffic before opening doors.
- Inexperienced riders: Lack of adequate training or experience can lead to poor decision-making and handling mistakes, such as over-braking or underestimating curves.
- Mechanical failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and result in accidents. Regular maintenance is vital to prevent these occurrences.
- Aggressive driving: Actions such as tailgating, weaving in traffic, or road rage can create dangerous situations for motorcyclists, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Understanding these causes helps implement measures to reduce motorcycle accidents and improve road safety for all users.
Partner with Haydon Blackmon, PLLC to Pursue Compensation
In the wake of a motorcycle accident, our firm can pursue the compensation you need and deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and damage to your bike. Attorney Haydon-Blackmon is committed to supporting you every step of the way, from assertively investigating the details of your accident to filing your claim, negotiating with insurers, or taking your case to civil court.
Don’t let the corporate interests of large insurance companies pressure you to settle for less than your claim is worth. Work with a firm that has proven results for accident victims throughout Nelson County.
Call (502) 490-2214 or reach us online to consult with our Bardstown motorcycle accident attorney today.
