As we move into warmer weather throughout Kentucky, more and more motorcycle riders will be on the road. Whether you’re the one riding or driving in your own car, you have to be alert when a motorcycle is involved. But no matter how careful you are, you might be involved in an accident. And although you have much more protection in a larger vehicle, you can still come away with injuries.
This is what happened in an accident in Calloway County on Saturday, April 12, 2025, according to a story from the West Kentucky Star. Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers responded to a call of a multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of US 641 North and Poor Farm Road just north of Murray. They said that a 22-year-old man on a motorcycle was riding along Poor Farm Road when he rode out into US 641 North and into the path of a 44-year-old man driving an SUV in the southbound lane. The SUV continued on and crossed the median, where it collided with a pickup truck being driven by a 74-year-old woman.
The man on the motorcycle was seriously injured in the collision, having to be flown to an out-of-state hospital, while the driver of the SUV was transported to Murray-Calloway County Hospital with minor injuries. The woman driving the pickup truck was uninjured.
Can You File a Claim Against a Motorcyclist in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road. So in the event of a car accident that involves a motorcycle–like in the story above–you can file a claim against the person riding the motorcycle if their actions caused your accident and injuries.
At the same time, if you want to file an injury claim, you’re going to have to show negligence. With a motorcyclist, this usually means showing that they were doing something unsafe at the time, like:
- Speeding or riding recklessly
- Lane-splitting, where they ride the middle lines to try to get around traffic
- Riding under the influence
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Being distracted
- Not looking before they pull out into traffic
With negligence established, you can move on with actually filing your claim. You can either do this by filing an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company won’t cooperate. But by filing a claim, you might be able to recover financial support for your damages, which usually involves:
- Medical treatment and hospital expenses
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral or burial costs in the event of a fatal accident
In cases where the motorcyclist’s actions were especially reckless or dangerous, punitive damages may also be available. It’s important to act quickly, as Kentucky’s statute of limitations gives you only one year from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident Caused by a Motorcyclist in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s roads are great for motorcycle rides, but accidents can happen—and when a motorcyclist causes a crash with a car, the results can be serious. Whether you need a lawyer depends on how badly you’re hurt. If it’s a minor accident with no injuries, legal help may not be necessary. But if you’re seriously injured, working with the Kentucky car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can make a big difference. With our guidance, we can help you by:
- Investigating the accident to find out who’s responsible
- Collecting and reviewing evidence to support your case
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Getting your case ready for court if needed
After a serious accident, the process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Contact us today for a free consultation.
