No matter how careful you are on your motorcycle, you could find yourself in a situation where other drivers cause an accident. This is because there’s a number of different variables in a typical motorcycle/car collision, a lot of which have to do with the person driving the car not accounting for how fast you’re going or where you are on the road. But often, it’s you–the rider–that’s left facing serious injuries.
This is unfortunately what happened on Monday, June 16, 2025, according to a story from WDRB. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Department says that a 47-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he tried to pass a vehicle ahead of him in the 2600 block of Hardinsburg Road near Cecilia. As the man on the motorcycle tried to pass, the vehicle turned to the left and the driver’s side of the car collided with the motorcycle.
The man was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, but he did not survive. The driver of the car, an 83-year-old woman, was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
What Makes Left-Turn Motorcycle Collisions So Dangerous?
Outcomes from left-turn motorcycle collisions like the one in the story above are, unfortunately, incredibly common across Kentucky. It’s not hard to see why: riders have so little protection against a collision with a moving car, the results are often devastating. But it’s important to look at why they’re so dangerous:
- Motorcycles are harder to see – Their smaller size makes them easier for drivers to overlook, especially when turning left across traffic.
- Drivers misjudge speed and distance – Whether in the city or on open roads like Hardinsburg Road, drivers often misjudge how fast a motorcycle is approaching and turn too soon.
- Rural intersections can be poorly marked – In less developed areas, intersections may lack signage or clear sight lines, making it harder to see an oncoming rider.
- Less lighting and visibility at night – Many Kentucky rural roads aren’t well-lit, increasing the chance that a driver won’t spot a motorcycle until it’s too late.
- Lack of protection for riders – It’s worth repeating that with the lack of protection, even a low-speed impact can lead to life-threatening injuries for a rider.
Even experienced riders using every safety precaution can’t always avoid a crash when someone turns into their path. If you’ve lost someone in a fatal motorcycle accident caused by a left-turning driver, it’s important to understand your legal options.
Get Help From Kaufman & Stigger After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Kentucky
Left-turn motorcycle accidents are some of the deadliest collisions we see across Kentucky. When a driver cuts across your path–whether in a busy Louisville intersection or on a rural road in Hardin County–fatal injuries can leave you or your surviving family members searching for help.
In this situation, it’s important to know you and your family have options. A wrongful death or injury claim won’t undo what happened–but it can help you get answers, cover expenses, and hold the right people accountable.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we’ve helped Kentucky families through some of their hardest days. Our team understands how challenging these cases can be, and we’re here to walk you through every step. Set up a free consultation today to get the help you need.
