Georgetown Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Kentucky Fault and Negligence Laws

The law of comparative negligence is strictly applied in Kentucky. This implies that the amount of damages awarded is determined by the fault proportion that each party bears. Damage awards are reduced by the level of fault a court assigns to you in a motorcycle accident. 

This is true even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Regardless of how much blame you bear for an accident, you are still entitled to compensation for your losses under the law. 

For instance, if your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress all add up to $100,000 in damages. But the jury believes that you contributed to the accident by 10%. The full amount of your damages, $100,000, would then be reduced by 10%, or $10,000, leaving you with a total award of $90000. 

No-Fault Auto Insurance Law in Georgetown, Kentucky

Regarding vehicle insurance and damage claims after an accident, Kentucky is a “no-fault” state. Here’s what it entails:

• Regardless of who was at fault in a car accident, the policyholder’s insurance company covers medical expenditures and other economic losses.
• In Kentucky, you may keep your ability to sue the other motorist after an accident by filling out a no-fault rejection form prior to an accident.
• Kentucky mandates a minimum level of auto insurance coverage, which includes liability protection, for everyone except motorcycle drivers.

Under the no-fault system, you have the option of either filing a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if even one of the following applies to you:

• You’ve incurred medical bills of at least $1,000.
• You suffered severe bone injuries.
• You’ve sustained severe injuries that can cost you your time at work.

The Motorcycle Exception to Kentucky PIP Laws

Although Kentucky requires all drivers to have basic PIP coverage, this doesn’t extend to motorcycle riders. For this group, basic PIP coverage is optional.

Although you don’t need PIP coverage to ride a motorcycle in Kentucky, the state still considers you to have accepted the limits on your rights to sue unless you have filled out a no-fault rejection form.

Without the form or basic PIP coverage, you will be severely limited in the damages you claim after a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle Permit and Helmet Laws in Kentucky

A Kentucky motorcycle license is required by law to ride a motorbike in Kentucky. A Kentucky motorcycle license can be obtained once the permit holder completes a required motorcycle education course.

The following people must wear protective headgear while driving a motorbike:

• A rider under 21 years old
• A sidecar passenger 
• A rider with a motorcycle instruction permit
• A rider with a valid motorcycle operator’s license or combined motor vehicle operator’s license for less than a year

Finally, to comply with Kentucky law, motorbikes must be insured by at least the state minimum liability insurance to assist in repairing or replacing other people’s property or medical bills should you cause an accident.

Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgetown

Our Georgetown motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to assisting you in recouping damage costs you may have incurred, such as:

• Current and expected medical bills
• Fees for ambulances and emergency rooms
• Property loss and damage
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation expenditures
• Loss of wages 
• Career or income potential loss

The list above is not exhaustive; in certain instances, we may be able to seek compensation for expenses like those associated with renting a vehicle, paying for a cab, or using public transit. Get in touch with McCoy & Hiestand so we can learn more about your case.

Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Georgetown

It would be best if you acted quickly to maximize compensation after a motorbike crash. Motorcycle accidents in Georgetown have a two-year statute of limitations. 

Legally, you only have two years from the date of the motorbike accident to make a claim and begin the procedure. You may lose your right to compensation if you don’t submit your claim by the specified date.

Why Do I Need a Motorbike Accident Attorney?

If you were in a motorcycle accident, hiring an attorney may help you collect the compensation you need to cover the costs associated with the accident. A motorcycle accident attorney in Georgetown knows the ins and outs of mandatory insurance law, injury law, and other relevant areas of the law. 

Our lawyers can help you in the following ways:

• With the help of authorities, we will investigate what led to the crash and identify the at-fault party. Our course of action will include examining medical records, interviewing witnesses, and perusing police reports.
• We will build a strong case based on solid facts. Your chances of getting a reasonable settlement offer from the insurance company increase if you have a strong case.
• If the insurance adjuster doesn’t provide the adequate compensation you require, we are prepared to file a claim on your behalf and take the case to court.

Learn More From a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Georgetown

If you or your loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you must seek the counsel of an attorney who will advocate on your behalf and assist you in getting the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. 

At McCoy & Hiestand, our Georgetown motorcycle accident lawyers will assess your case and suggest legal action. To discuss your case, contact us for a free consultation.