Bicycle and scooter accidents in KY are becoming more commonplace as bicycles and scooters themselves rise in popularity.
Over the last decade, these vehicles have become a preferred method of transportation in metro areas. Scooters and bicycles can be great transportation options. However, they do have their downsides.
Bikes and scooters typically share the roadway with full-sized vehicles, creating a dangerous situation for riders.
Unfortunately, this can lead to an increased risk of involvement in an accident.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a bicycle or scooter accident in KY, reach out to Flora Templeton Stuart Injury Accident Lawyer today.
With 45 years of experience helping injury victims in need, we have what it takes to help you recover. Let’s discuss your case and see how we can help you maximize your damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Scooter Accidents in KY
Bicycles and scooters are rapidly rising in popularity in metropolitan areas. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that many bicycle and scooter crashes occur at busy intersections in these very same metropolitan areas.
In fact, in Kentucky, bicyclists must use the same roadways as vehicles.
KRS 189.010 defines bicycles and scooters as vehicles, which grants bicyclists and scooterists the right to use Kentucky roadways. Further, KRS 189.231 mandates that all vehicles must obey traffic controls, which include traffic lights and signs.
Unfortunately, however, it is most common for bike accidents to occur on roadways shared with motor vehicles. Because motor vehicles like passenger cars and trucks are so much larger than bicycles and scooters, riding on roadways can be very intimidating for scooterists and bicyclists. Below are some of the most common bicycle accidents and scooter accidents.
Distracted Driving
Much like motorcycles, scooters and bicycles can be hard to see from inside your vehicle. Scooters and bicycles are both small, and it is easy to overlook a cyclist in your blind spot. When a driver engages in distracted behaviors such as texting, talking on the phone, or applying make-up, it is even easier to miss a cyclist in their rearview mirror.
This leads to many cyclists and scooterists being struck by drivers who are not focused on the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Kentucky law prohibits cyclists and motorists from operating a bicycle, scooter, or motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Unfortunately, however, this inevitably does occur.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous not only for the driver but also for everyone in their path.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol was involved in 37% of traffic crashes that resulted in pedalcyclist fatalities in 2017.
Driving at Night
Motor vehicles come equipped with headlights and taillights to enable safe nighttime driving. Bicycles and scooters, on the other hand, sometimes do not.
If you are planning to travel by bicycle or scooter during the early morning or nighttime hours, it is imperative that you purchase the necessary safety equipment to make sure you are visible to other motorists. According to the NHTSA, the time of day with the largest frequency of pedalcyclist fatalities was between 6:00 PM and 8:59 PM.
Helmet Use
Kentucky law does not mandate helmet use. Nevertheless, wearing a helmet is always a good idea.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) noted in a 2017 report that in the majority of cyclist deaths, the most serious injuries were head-related. The report also stated that helmets are estimated to reduce the risk of head injury by 50%.
Despite these statistics, a startling majority of adults reported never wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Types of Injuries in Scooter and Bicycle Accidents
Because your body is often unprotected when riding on a bicycle or scooter, the injuries sustained in an accident can be severe.
Some of the most common bicycle accident and scooter accident injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Contusions and lacerations,
- Internal injuries, and
- Fractured bones.
Even if your accident was not fatal, you may face life-altering challenges caused by the injuries you suffered. You may incur extensive medical bills or be unable to work in the future because of your injuries. This can be devastating for a family, both financially and emotionally.
How to Maximize Your Damages for a Scooter Accident or Bicycle Accident in KY
Damages for a scooter accident or bicycle accident in KY can vary widely from case to case.
And while you can never estimate your potential damages with absolute certainty, one thing is certain—hiring a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to maximize your damages for a scooter accident or bicycle accident in KY.
A competent attorney who handles personal injury cases day in and day out will know what is necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. Ways in which an injury attorney can help you maximize your damages include:
- Collecting and analyzing relevant evidence;
- Referring you to a good doctor who can provide you with comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for your injuries;
- Calculating damages incurred in your particular case;
- Negotiating a potential settlement with opposing parties and/or their insurers; and
- Preparing and taking your case to trial when necessary.
The experienced injury attorneys at Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers can help you with these items and more.
Contact an Experienced Accident Injury Attorney Today
If you are wondering what to do after a bicycle or scooter accident in KY, Flora Templeton Stuart is standing by and ready to help.
Our team has more than 45 years of experience helping injury victims in need, recovering millions of dollars in well-deserved compensation for our clients.
When you hire Flora Templeton Stuart, you will get compassionate service and a zealous advocate for your rights. Contact our team today for a free case evaluation, and see how we can help you recover.
