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Motorcycle riders understand they are at higher risk of injury than vehicle occupants if they get into a crash. Most bikers take safety seriously and ride responsibly. Unfortunately, many drivers are incautious and do not observe laws intended to keep the roads safe for everyone. They frequently cause motorcycle accidents. When a driver’s actions contributed to a motorcycle accident that injured you, the driver might be liable to pay for your losses.
Motorcycle accident claims can be tricky, and you should not pursue a claim without advice from a seasoned attorney. A Florence motorcycle accident lawyer could help you get the compensation you deserve.
With no protective shell around them, motorcyclists are vulnerable in a wreck. Collisions with cars often result in the rider being thrown off the bike and landing with significant force.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include road rash, bone fractures, whiplash, burns, and internal injuries. Damage to the spinal cord and significant brain trauma are catastrophic injuries that could result from a motorcycle crash.
Kentucky does not require helmets for experienced riders over 21. When a rider does not wear a helmet, the chances of suffering significant facial injuries and severe head injuries increase. A Florence lawyer could explain how failing to wear a helmet might impact the damages a rider could receive in a specific motorcycle collision case.
Motorcycle owners must have proof of liability insurance to register their bikes. Kentucky is a no-fault state and requires vehicle owners to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $10,000.
However, PIP is not mandatory to register a motorcycle, and many insurers will not sell PIP for a motorcycle. An injured biker must turn to an at-fault driver’s liability insurance, and if that is insufficient, they could seek damages in court.
A Florence attorney could seek multiple sources of insurance coverage to increase the chances of the injured motorcyclist receiving appropriate compensation after a crash. They can investigate whether a faulty part in one of the involved vehicles contributed to the accident. If so, the manufacturer could have liability. Poor road maintenance or signage could mean the local government owes damages to the biker.
A motorcyclist could receive monetary compensation after a collision when they prove another’s negligence contributed to their injuries. A driver is negligent when they do not use reasonable care to operate their vehicle safely and someone else suffers injuries due to their failure.
If the driver received a citation relating to the crash, the ticket can be evidence of negligence. However, a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Florence could prove negligence even if the police did not issue a citation. Evidence from witnesses, crash scene reconstruction, video of the incident, and other information can persuade a jury to find a driver negligent.
A motorcycle rider could collect damages even if they had partial responsibility for the crash. Kentucky Revised Statutes §411.182 requires a judge or jury, after hearing the evidence, to apportion blame for a collision on a percentage basis. A claimant could collect the portion of their damages attributed to another’s conduct.
When you suffer injuries in a motorcycle wreck, do not try to handle your claim without professional help. The laws are complicated, and insurance companies are quick to take advantage of anyone unfamiliar with the process.
A Florence motorcycle accident lawyer could use their knowledge and experience to get you the maximum compensation circumstances permit. Call as soon as possible after the crash to start preparing a claim with our team.