There are many different types of motorcycle accidents that you can encounter in Kentucky, nearly all of which can have far-reaching implications for the rest of your life. From property damage to fatal injuries, many victims and their families in Kentucky understand the grave nature of motorcycle accidents.
A passenger on a motorcycle in Pulaski County was killed on Sunday, August 20, 2023, according to a story from WKYT. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) responded to reports of an accident involving a car and motorcycle near the intersection of East Highway 80 and Squib Ano Road. PCSD said that the motorcycle turned left and the car collided with it, sending the motorcycle driver and passenger to the ground. The passenger on the motorcycle was later pronounced dead, while the driver of the motorcycle was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
PCSD is still investigating the crash.
Can You Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Kentucky?
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid motorcycle accidents in Kentucky. The good news is that there are certain steps and measures you can take that will allow you to at least reduce the likelihood that you’ll be involved in one. These steps include doing things like:
- Wearing appropriate safety attire – When riding a motorcycle, always put on a helmet that meets DOT standards and wear protective gear such as leather jackets, pants, gloves, and boots.
- Increasing visibility – Opt for brightly colored or reflective clothing, and utilize headlights and turn signals to make yourself more noticeable to other motorists.
- Following traffic regulations – Respect speed limits, use turn signals, maintain your lane, and remain aware of your surroundings.
- Staying attentive – Anticipate potential dangers and be prepared to take evasive actions. Exercise caution around cars making left turns and when overtaking other vehicles.
- Keeping your motorcycle in good condition – Routinely inspect your bike’s tires, brakes, lights, and fluids to ensure it’s in optimal working order.
- Considering a safety course – Elevate your riding skills and acquire defensive techniques by enrolling in a motorcycle safety course.
- Avoiding riding while impaired – Refrain from operating a motorcycle if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
By following these tips, motorcycle riders can greatly reduce the chances of accidents and enjoy a safe and enjoyable time while riding in Kentucky. But remember, accidents can still happen, and they might lead to different kinds of injuries and other damage. So it’s important to stay cautious. Still, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to get skilled legal guidance.
Experienced Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Apart from dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of getting better, there are also legal choices to think about. Even if you’re a passenger in a motorcycle accident, if it happened because of someone else’s negligence, you can hold them legally responsible for the harm they caused you. Usually, this means you can try to get compensation for your injuries by making a claim, either with an insurance company or by taking the issue to court.
When you’re making a legal claim, you can ask for compensation to cover different things you lost, like:
- Money spent on medical care
- Income you couldn’t earn because of the accident
- Costs for rehabilitation
- Getting your motorcycle fixed or replaced
- Payment for the pain and suffering you went through
- Money to help with how the accident affected you emotionally
- Compensation for how the accident changed your life or relationships
- Extra payment, called punitive damages, to punish the person responsible
- If someone died because of the accident, money to cover the expenses that came from that
It’s good to know that you have these options if you need them. Contact the experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC for a free consultation today.
