Riding a motorcycle offers a level of freedom, and connection to the road can be intoxicating to many. The tradeoff for that sensation is a lack of protection most passenger vehicles offer — doors, a roof, and numerous other safety features.
While riding a motorcycle isn’t necessarily more dangerous than driving a car at face value, this exposure to the elements and the road means that riders must remain extra alert to road conditions and the vehicles they share the road with. Unfortunately, much of the danger associated with these vehicles is a direct result of negligence and reckless driving by people who share the road with motorcycle riders.
Our Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer is here to represent injured victims throughout Kentucky. At Thomas Law Offices, we have a successful track record of winning significant victories for riders. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2022, accounting for 15% of all traffic-related fatalities, the highest number of motorcyclist deaths in a single year since 1975.
While some of the risks of riding one of these vehicles can be mitigated by wearing the correct safety equipment — simply wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of suffering a head injury by as much as 69 percent — motorcyclists are still 22 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than occupants of passenger cars.
Far too often, these crashes are caused by other drivers on the road. Whether the accident was caused by negligence, reckless driving, or any other action, if you were seriously injured in an accident caused by another driver, you deserve the chance to fight for the compensation you need to cover any medical bills, rehabilitation, property damage, and more.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Just like with any other type of vehicle, there are a wide variety of causes of motorcycle accidents. In many situations, there are multiple factors in play. However, most of these crashes share one key factor: driver negligence. Some of the most common driver errors that lead to motorcycle crashes include:
- Left-Hand Turns: When making a left-hand turn, a driver may not try to check for an oncoming motorcycle properly. If abundant caution isn’t exercised, a driver may not see a motorcyclist and turn directly into their path of travel. Careless left-hand turns account for a high number of motorcycle accidents at intersections.
- Driving Under the Influence: Motorists under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are more likely to cause an accident, especially at night or under limited visibility conditions. It’s easy for an impaired driver to misjudge distances or fail to see a motorcycle altogether.
- Failure To Give Right-of-Way: Motorcycle riders can be struck when the driver of a passenger vehicle fails to give the proper right-of-way. Like all drivers, motorcyclists follow the same right-of-way laws as all other drivers. All motorists must remember this and stay vigilant, particularly when navigating intersections.
- Failure To Check Blind Spots: Due to the size of a motorcycle and the fact that they’re less common, it’s possible to miss one in a quick glance in a rearview mirror. Drivers too often assume it’s safe to merge, change lanes, or turn because they don’t see another car.
- Tailgating and Reckless Driving: Tailgating (or following too closely) is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious injuries regardless of the vehicles involved, but it is even more so when a motorcycle is involved. Not only do differences in braking and acceleration capabilities make a difference, but a motorcycle rider can also be knocked off balance by a careless tailgater. Other reckless behaviors like speeding, brake checking, weaving in and out of lanes, and violating traffic laws also cause severe motor vehicle accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distraction is a top factor in motorcycle vs. car accidents. This includes looking down at a phone, picking something up that fell on the floor, checking the center console, or any other action that results in the driver taking their eyes off the road. While traveling at highway speeds, looking away from the road effectively means the driver is driving blind for hundreds of feet, if not more.
While any crash can result in serious injuries, motorcycle riders are at an increased risk of a fatal collision compared to most other types of vehicles. According to the Kentucky State Police, motorcycles were involved in 1,574 collisions in 2022, resulting in 96 fatalities. This accounts for 8% of all fatal collisions but less than 1% of vehicles in all crashes.
If you were seriously injured in a crash caused by another driver’s reckless or negligent actions, an experienced law firm can work with you to piece together all of the facts surrounding your accident to clearly establish fault and help you fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Common Injuries Caused by a Motorcycle Accident
Some of the most severe injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord damage (often resulting in paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI)
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Dislocated shoulder injuries
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Cuts and severe lacerations
- First, second, or third-degree road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Permanent scarring
- Facial disfigurement
Because of the limited protection motorcycles and safety gear provide against a several thousand-pound vehicle collision, even an impact at low speeds can result in serious injuries. Not only can these injuries lead to massive medical bills, but they can also lead to extended rehabilitation, time off from work, and even limit your ability to earn a wage after you’ve recovered.
No matter how severe your injuries and associated medical expenses may be, working with a law firm you can trust to calculate your potential expenses when building your case is essential.
There is a distinct possibility that the insurance company representing the at-fault driver will reach out and offer a settlement, even if a fault hasn’t technically been established yet. In far too many cases, this offer will be significantly below what you can recover if you pursue your legal options. No matter what, do not accept this type of offer without first reviewing it with your legal representation.
An experienced Louisville motorcycle accident attorney will work with you to explore whether or not this offer makes sense for you or if it can be used to build your claim.
Steps You Can Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take can go a long way to mitigating further harm and preparing yourself for filing a future claim. While it may not be possible to follow every step outlined here, especially in the immediate aftermath of a crash, keeping these actions in mind can prove invaluable:
- Keep your safety gear on: After an accident, your first instinct is to check for injuries by removing your safety gear. However, you should wait until emergency medical personnel respond to the accident. Keeping your gear on might help prevent specific injuries from worsening.
- Check yourself for injuries: The most important thing you can do is check for any signs of injury. Again, it’s essential to keep any gear on until medical professionals arrive to help prevent or mitigate further damage.
- Move off of the road: If you’re stuck on your motorcycle in traffic and are physically able to, move off to the side of the road with your bike. This can help avoid further accidents and injuries.
- Call 911: You must call 911 to report the accident. Not only will this alert police and EMTs to your situation, but it will also ensure you have vital crash documentation. The police can create a crash report, and the EMTS will provide medical care. The reports made by the police and EMTs will help support your future claim. Remember that a crash report needs to be submitted if you or the other driver experienced injuries or more than $1,500 of property damage.
- Document your version of events: Even before police officers arrive to take your statement, start writing down or recording your version of the events as soon as possible. Capturing this while your memory is at its freshest can help provide vital insight later on when building your case.
- Gather evidence of the scene: Take as many photos of the crash scene as possible, including of your vehicle and yourself. You should also trade contact information with the other driver or drivers involved in the crash and any witnesses who can testify later about what happened.
- Notify your insurance company: Most insurance policies require that you notify them of a crash as soon as possible. Reporting a collision is not the same as filing a claim and does not restrict you from taking legal action in the future. When you report the accident, you want to state the basic facts of when, where, and who was involved. Avoid discussing how the accident happened or who might be at fault.
- Get checked out by a medical professional: It’s best to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after your crash. Not only is receiving treatment a key part of your recovery, but medical documentation is also essential to prove which injuries were a direct result of your accident.
- Talk to an experienced Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer: You don’t have to wait until you recover from your injuries or for your motorcycle to be repaired before talking with an attorney. You’ll be able to get answers to all your questions about the best way forward for finding compensation for your losses.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Crash?
Every accident is different, but your Louisville motorcycle accident attorney will work with you to outline all economic and noneconomic losses when calculating the compensation you can fight for. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Our law office works to get a comprehensive view of how your injuries can impact your life to arrive at a number that puts you in the best position possible moving forward. We’ll examine your medical records, work history, and other documents to paint a complete picture of your losses.
Contact Our Louisville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Our Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to fight for your rights in court and at the negotiation table. With years of experience and millions of dollars recovered in verdicts and settlements, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands when you work with Thomas Law Offices. Contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation.
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