Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There are around 97,000 registered motorcycle riders in Kentucky, according to Statista, and all of them have a high risk of injury. Riders enjoy the feeling of freedom but are also at risk for accidents that cause permanent injuries. Their families may even lose their loved ones after a motorcycle accident. McCoy & Hiestand is the team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Kentucky to call after a motorcycle accident. Our decades of experience will help you and your family get paid for your personal injury claims. Here’s what you need to know about Kentucky motorcycle accidents and common motorcycle accident injuries.

In Kentucky, motorcycle riders must follow the same laws as other drivers. This includes wearing a helmet, obeying speed limits, paying attention to blind spots, and following traffic signals. Motorcyclists are also required to have insurance coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to receive maximum compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

At McCoy & Hiestand, we understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and will work hard to get you the fair compensation you deserve. Our law firm has extensive experience in handling personal injury claims for motorcycle riders and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under Kentucky law. We are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, lane-splitting accident, or auto accident, contact McCoy & Hiestand today for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers will review your case and provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait any longer – call us now to get started on your case.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver negligence, defective parts, and hazardous road conditions. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driver negligence – Drivers who are distracted, impaired, or driving recklessly can cause serious injuries to motorcyclists.
• Defective motorcycle – Faulty brakes, tires, and other components can lead to dangerous accidents.
• Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and other hazards can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes.
• Weather conditions – Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility for riders.
• Improper Lane Changes – Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes can cause serious accidents.
• Excessive Speed – Motorcyclists who are speeding can lose control of their bikes and cause serious injuries to themselves and other drivers. It’s important for riders to obey speed limits and drive at a safe speed for the conditions.
• Negligent Motorists – Negligent motorists can cause serious accidents by failing to yield the right of way, running red lights or stop signs, or driving while distracted. Motorists must always be aware of their surroundings and look out for motorcyclists on the road.

No matter what caused your motor vehicle accident, McCoy & Hiestand is here to help you get adequate compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

No-Fault Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky is a no-fault state, but motorcycle riders are not required to carry personal injury protection coverage. We encourage you to get this. Under the minimums, you’ll get up to $10,000 per person to pay for the costs of the accident, and it pays out no matter who was at fault.

Kentucky also allows drivers not to carry PIP coverage, but they must carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. If they wish to avoid carrying PIP coverage, they must file a form with the Department of Insurance.

After PIP is exhausted, you may have to turn to your health insurance to get additional financial compensation unless your case meets certain qualifications. You can sue the other driver if:

• The accident caused permanent disfigurement, fracture of a weight-bearing bone, certain kinds of severe bone breaks, or any permanent injury or loss of body function
• The medical expenses exceed $1,000

Since all drivers are required to carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage, it’s unlikely that there are no options for seeking compensation after a motorcycle collision. Speak with our motorcycle accident lawyers to learn your legal options.

In Kentucky, there is no cap on damages for personal injury cases. This means that if your case meets certain qualifications, you may be able to recover more than the minimum required by law.

Our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at McCoy & Hiestand can help you get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle crash. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we will fight for your rights. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in Kentucky.

Helmet Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky used to have stricter helmet laws, but since 2000, motorcycle helmets are not required for people over the age of 21, nor do riders have to carry proof of health insurance unless they have had their license for less than a year or are riding with a permit. Anyone under 21 must wear a helmet.

We encourage all riders to wear helmets even if it’s not required, and not just for safety reasons. Kentucky is a comparative negligence state. You could lose compensation if a jury believes you were partially responsible for your motor vehicle accident.

Not wearing a helmet gives juries and judges an easy excuse to limit your settlement, and you can be sure that an insurer will push on this point, so they don’t have to reward you fair compensation. Also, an officer may cite you on the scene for not wearing a helmet and getting into an accident.

It is important to remember that even if you are not legally required to wear a helmet, it is still the best way to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Helmets can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries significantly, so it is always wise to wear one when riding a motorcycle.

Additionally, it is important to understand your legal rights after a motorcycle accident in Kentucky. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact McCoy & Hiestand for a free consultation. Our motorcycle Injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

Motorcycle accident victims often meet the standards for suing the other drivers because of how common serious injuries are. The coverage from PIP/health insurance plan may not be enough to cover your needs. You might also face other legal challenges, like being the victim of a hit-and-run.

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you through your legal options. They can tell you if you meet the requirements for a lawsuit, and if so, will perform all the investigation and negotiations needed to help you win your case.

Our attorneys work on contingency, so there is no need for any upfront payment. You owe us nothing if you get no money from your lawsuit or at-fault claim. So there is no risk to you to come to us for a free consultation about your situation.

Possible Reasons for Compensation

Motorcycle accident injury victims are eligible for many kinds of compensation, but all must be proven by evidence. Economic damages are the most common form of compensation and are covered by PIP coverage. They include common injuries along with:

• Physician bills
• Hospital bills
• Medical records
• Physical therapy
• Catastrophic injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Property damage
• Orthopedic injuries
• Lost wages
• Severe injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Death
• Internal organ injuries
• Road rash
• Anything that can be backed up with a bill, receipt, paystub, or quote

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Psychological damage
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of income
• Quality of life
• Emotional distress

PIP does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, but they can be covered in an at-fault lawsuit if your case qualifies. You will need a motorcycle accident attorney to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider or the court should your legal claim get that far.

Hire a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been the victim of a motorcycle accident or lost a close relative because of one, you need legal representation that knows your legal options. McCoy & Hiestand helps accident victims throughout Kentucky. We have a proven track record with over 65 years of trial experience, find out how we can help you with one phone call.

To get started, call the number on your screen or use our contact form to get in touch with our law office. We’ll schedule a consultation with you. If you cannot come to us, we can set up a video teleconference or come to your hospital room. The sooner you contact a Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of a fair settlement. Call us today.