How Our Kentucky Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

WINNING IS WHAT WE DO. CARING IS WHO WE ARE.

Flora Templeton Stuart Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers provide personal representation for clients who have been injured in vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents. We also serve clients who have been injured as a result of vehicular accidents, commercial truck collisions, slips and falls, and dog bites.

Our law offices are located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We have additional locations in Glasgow, Hopkinsville, and Greenville, and are available to meet our clients 24/7. We’re committed to supporting you or a loved one after a motorcycle accident, and when injuries make travel difficult, we often visit clients at home or other convenient locations.

For almost half a century, we have been working hard for our clients, recovering millions in injury claims to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. As a dedicated Kentucky personal injury lawyer, we offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we secure a motorcycle accident settlement for you. Call us anytime–we’re available around the clock to support you if you’re in an accident.

Why Our Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are the Right Choice for You

If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident, Flora Templeton Stuart and her team are here to help. Here are the steps we’ll take to provide the support you need:

• Immediate action: Our team of investigators will preserve evidence and obtain witness statements in a timely manner.
• Top medical care: We make referrals to get you to good doctors for excellent medical treatment.
• Make meeting arrangements: We can meet with you in our office or travel to you if you are unable to come to us.
• Vehicle assistance: We’ll help you get your car repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.
• Maximizing PIP benefits: We ensure your PIP insurance benefits cover your medical bills and lost wages.
• Expert negotiations: Our team negotiates with insurance companies to get you the best car accident settlement possible.

Motorcycle riders in Kentucky are often victims of careless vehicles on our roads and highways. Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries with permanent disability and loss of loved ones. That’s why finding a trusted firm to represent you is essential when you’re seeking motorcycle accident legal advice. 

Motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities and are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than in a vehicle. Kentucky motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. According to a 2019 report from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety 77 motorcyclists were killed in Kentucky.

We have represented Kentucky Motorcycle riders for over 40 years and understand what you are going through when you have been injured. Representing bikers is our passion and we go the extra mile for our injured clients.

With a success rate well over 90%, our skill and expertise have resulted in millions recovered for clients injured in a motorcycle wreck. When an injured motorcycle rider calls us, we travel immediately to begin working on the case. You can call our law firm without obligation even on the weekends. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can be crucial so you collect the damages you deserve.

At our law firm, no stone is left unturned and we will evaluate your case for free with our contact form or call us 7 days a week at (888) 431-8587. We have offices in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and Greenville, Kentucky, but we travel throughout Kentucky and Tennessee to meet with our injured clients.

Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Kentucky

More often than not, it is the negligence of another driver that causes a motorcycle accident. Negligence in motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but here are the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Kentucky:

Distracted Driving

Anything that diverts your attention from the road can be considered distracted driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This includes texting, talking, eating, and even playing with the radio or other gadgets. Any non-driving activity that an operator takes part in significantly increases the chance of an accident.

Not only is it dangerous for motorcyclists to engage in distracted driving, but every other distracted driver on the road places unnecessary risk on motorcycle riders.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol:In 2018, there were 4,736 alcohol-related collisions in Kentucky, according to Kentucky Transportation Center.

Additionally, the GHSA found that Kentucky also has higher rates of drunk driving fatalities than the national average, making our roads even less safe for motorcycle riders.

Drivers Who Lose Control on the Road

Losing control of your vehicle near a motorcycle rider can be a recipe for disaster.

There are many reasons why motorists may lose control of their vehicles on the road, with bad road conditions due to inclement weather being a popular excuse for vehicle collisions.

It is important to understand that it is the responsibility of the driver to avoid operating a vehicle under dangerous conditions.

If a car or truck driver loses control due to weather, fatigue, or poor road conditions, they can be deemed the at-fault party.

Failing to Yield

Drivers regularly pull in front of motorcyclists and often claim that they didn’t see the motorcycle rider before it was too late.

Bringing a motorcycle to a full stop is not an easy task, especially when the rider has mere seconds to react, brake, and safely avoid a collision.

Speeding

Speeding endangers everyone and every type of vehicle on the road. Speeding reduces both the driver’s chance of seeing a motorcyclist and the time to prevent a collision. It also increases to impact force in a vehicle collision, leading to more severe injuries.

Accidents involving motorcycles are often avoidable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of motorcycle accidents in the U.S. are due to motorists failing to see motorcyclists on the road.

Common Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riders are at a much greater risk of suffering severe injuries or death in Kentucky motorcycle wrecks. Compared to motor vehicles, motorcycles lack similar protective features, leaving riders vulnerable. Here are some of the most commonly occurring injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Death

Kentucky Helmet Laws

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of no-helmet motorcycle riders in the country. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016. Despite some states requiring all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, Kentucky only requires helmets for:

• Operators and passengers under the age of 21.
• Riders with only an instruction permit.
• Riders who have been licensed for less than 1 year.

Although helmet usage is not required and will not affect your claim, wearing a helmet is the most effective and easiest way to prevent serious injury or death in a motorcycle accident.

Riders can choose between a full-face or three-quarter helmet in various colors and styles. No matter what style you choose, a helmet that follows DOT & state standards, fits snugly, and has no obvious defects significantly improves your chances of survival after an accident.

Helmets save lives, plain and simple. For every 100 fatal injuries to motorcycle riders not wearing helmets, 37 could have survived if they were wearing a helmet. Some riders refuse to wear a helmet because they think it will limit visibility.

Others only wear helmets for long trips or when traveling at high speeds. However, in a study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, not a single case showed that helmets prevented a rider from spotting danger.

Additionally, most crashes happen on short trips and occur just a few minutes after starting out.

No matter how careful or experienced you are as a motorcycle rider, there are some things that are simply out of your control. Bad drivers are everywhere, and even good drivers can become distracted or fail to see a motorcyclist on the road.

Wearing a helmet is one thing that you can control and simple change that saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riders are at a much greater risk of suffering severe injuries or death in Kentucky motorcycle wrecks. Compared to motor vehicles, motorcycles lack similar protective features, leaving riders vulnerable. 

Here are some of the most commonly occurring injuries:

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

A motorcyclist is more susceptible to head injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially if they aren’t wearing a helmet. Head injuries can vary in severity from concussions to severe brain damage that results in long-term cognitive impairment. TBIs require rehabilitation and long-term care, often leading to emotional disturbances that impact quality of life.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal injuries are common motorcycle accident injuries, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, spinal cord injuries often result in long-term disabilities. Extensive medical treatments, long-term rehabilitation, and home modifications are just some of the expenses related to spinal cord injuries.

Broken bones

Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly arms, legs, and pelvic fractures. Some complex fractures may require surgery, including the use of stabilizing plates and screws. Recovery from fractures can take a long time and compensation for lost wages and medical expenses is essential. 

Road rash and other soft tissue injuries

Road rash is a common injury that results from skidding on the pavement after an accident. This condition can range from mild abrasions to significant tissue loss and wounds that require skin grafts and other medical interventions. Other soft tissue injuries include damage to tendons, muscles, and ligaments. 

Internal injuries

Sometimes motorcycle accidents lead to internal tissue damage, including critical damage to organs that can be life-threatening. Prolonged hospitalization and long-term medical care are typical of these types of injuries.

Death

Tragically, motorcycle accidents sometimes result in fatalities. Riders are exposed and vulnerable, and combined with the impact of a collision and being thrown from the motorcycle, the injuries sustained from an accident often prove catastrophic and fatal. Severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding or organ damage can all lead to life-threatening injuries.

For families and loved ones who lose someone to a motorcycle accident, the emotional toll is immense. Flora Templeton Stuart Law Offices are here to provide support for families, including helping cover funeral expenses and other significant financial challenges. In the case of wrongful death, we help families secure the compensation they deserve.

As Kentucky motorcycle injury lawyers, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with all types of motorcycle accident injuries. We’re dedicated to helping you or your loved one seek financial relief for these injuries.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Every accident is different, and it’s not always easy to know how to respond when it happens to you. However, taking the appropriate steps following a motorcycle accident is crucial for protecting your safety and your rights.

To the extent you are able, here are the most important steps to take after a motorcycle accident:

• Safety first: If possible, move to a safe location, out of harm’s way of traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 to report the accident.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, you can have internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent, so it’s important to obtain a medical evaluation. It’s not only essential for your health but can also help with future legal claims.
• Gather evidence and documentation: If you can, taking photos and videos of the scene right after it happens is critical for proving fault and determining the extent of damages. Exchange insurance and information with other drivers and obtain witness statements from anyone who saw the accident occur.
• File a police report: Provide an accurate detailed report to the police when they arrive on the scene. Police reports are essential when making insurance claims and filing legal actions.
• Notify your insurance company: As soon as possible, report the accident to your insurance company. Avoid admitting fault, but provide as many details as you can.
• Contact a Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyer: When you obtain legal representation for motorcycle accidents, you get more than just a lawyer who files paperwork for you. Our firm will assist you with negotiations, vehicle repairs, and more.

At Flora Templeton Stuart, we provide legal help after a motorcycle crash. Our team of Kentucky motorcycle injury lawyers is committed to protecting your rights and helping you every step of the way so you can focus on your recovery.

Kentucky Motorcycle Laws

In addition to helmet laws, Kentucky has specific legislation to cover motorcycles and riders. Here are some of the highlights of Kentucky motorcycle laws:

• Licensing: Riders must obtain a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle. 
• Helmets: We covered helmet laws above, but in short, you must wear a helmet if you’re under 21. Riders over 21 can choose whether to wear one or not. Eye protection is also required.
• Insurance and registration: Motorcycles must be properly registered and covered by minimum liability insurance requirements for bodily and property damage.
• Safety course: First-time applicants for a motorcycle endorsement must go through a Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Education Program. 
• Age restrictions: You must be 16 to obtain a driver’s permit in Kentucky, but if you’re under 18, you’ll have to get a parent to sign for a motorcycle endorsement.
• Equipment requirements: Motorcycles must have the proper equipment, including safety equipment like headlights, tail lights, rearview mirrors, horns, and brake lights. Your motorcycle also needs a muffler, tail pipe, good tires, functioning brakes, and turn signals.
• Lane splitting: When motorcycles ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, it’s called lane splitting. There is no law governing lane splitting in Kentucky, however, if it leads to unsafe driving, a police officer may issue a citation.
• Comparative fault: Kentucky operates under a no-fault insurance system, but it doesn’t apply to motorcycles. Instead, Kentucky uses a comparative fault system for motorcycles. This means if you’re partly to blame for the accident, your compensation can be reduced.

Understanding Kentucky motorcycle laws is essential for riders to ensure their safety and legal compliance. Not only can following these laws result in safer riding and reduced risk of accidents, but it can also help you if you need to seek legal help after a motorcycle crash. 

Most Common Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Choosing the Right Motorcycle

All motorcycle riders are different, and all motorcycles require different skills and experience levels to ride. There are countless factors that a rider must consider when purchasing a motorcycle such as travel distance, frequency of use, luggage capacity, comfort, weight, and size.

The most common types of motorcycles are cruisers, sportbikes, touring styles, standards, and dual sports. Each type is designed for entirely different purposes and riders should choose a bike that best matches their needs.

One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make is overestimating their abilities or choosing a motorcycle that does not match their body size or riding style.

Sure, large bikes may look appealing and are more comfortable on long trips, but their weight and size make maneuvering and handling extremely difficult for inexperienced riders.

Touring bikes, which can weigh in at over 700 pounds, can be safer in the hands of an experienced rider but can be significantly more dangerous for beginners or people with smaller body types. On the other hand, sportbikes are lighter and faster but are generally not suited for long trips.

Understanding your needs as a rider and the purpose of the bike is the single most important consideration in terms of safety. While some motorcycles provide more protection in the event of an accident, rider experience and proper motorcycle education can eliminate many of the dangers associated with riding motorcycles in Kentucky.

Kentucky Motorcycle Licenses and Permits

Kentucky residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a motorcycle permit at their Circuit Court Clerk’s office in their county of residence. Those with a valid operator license for any classification are also eligible to apply for a motorcycle permit.

For applicants who are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application and assume responsibility, even if the applicant has a valid license for a moped or automobile.

In both cases, a written exam, vision screening, and identification documents are required for applicants to receive their motorcycle instruction permit. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed once. Motorcycle permit holders may ride a motorcycle, but there are a few rules they must follow:

• Passengers are not permitted.
• They must not be on the road between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• They are required to wear a helmet.

After holding the motorcycle permit for one month, riders may apply for their Kentucky motorcycle license and enroll in a motorcycle education course.

When applying for your motorcycle license, you must present either a certificate of completion for a rider education course OR written proof that you have passed the motorcycle road skills test.

Completion of an approved rider education course through the Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) allows applicants to waive the on-road motorcycle skills test.

These courses promote motorcycle safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with operating a motorcycle. The program also instills the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for safely operating a motorcycle. These courses are free and suit all levels of experience.

Speak to Our Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

For more than four decades our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at the Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart has fought for injured motorcycle accident victims.

We will fight for the damages you deserve. Call (888) 782-9090 or fill out our online contact form and receive a free case evaluation.

We have offices in Bowling Green, Glasgow, Greenville and Scottsville, Kentucky, but we travel throughout Kentucky and Tennessee to meet with our injured clients.