KRS 189.285 is the law in Kentucky that states the regulations for operating and riding a motorcycle. This law essentially states that headgear for a motorcycle must be worn at all times by the operator and passenger of the vehicle when on a public highway if they are under 21 years of age.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and you did not follow the safety regulations of Kentucky motorcycle law, you can still recover compensation. However, your compensation may be reduced. At Kaufman & Stigger, we represent injured motorcyclists in Kentucky and can help you recover full compensation for your damages, even if you were partially at fault for your injury.
To get legal help for your motorcycle accident, contact Kaufman & Stigger today for a free case review.
When Helmets are Required for Kentucky Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riding is a common form of transportation in Kentucky. According to the Kentucky State Police, the Bluegrass State has over 100,000 registered motorcyclists. Due to the popularity of motorcycle riding in Kentucky, the first motorcycle helmet law was enacted in 1968. Since then, the law has been amended to reflect the following helmet use:
- Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet if they are under 21 years of age
- Motorcycle riders must wear a helmet if they are riding on a motorcycle instruction permit
- Motorcycle riders must wear a helmet if they have had an operator’s license for less than one year
Traumatic Brain Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Whether a hazardous condition or a careless driver caused you to crash your motorcycle, if you’re not wearing a helmet while riding, then you’re very likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries tend to involve long-term, or lifelong, medical care to treat, which is why it is essential to always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
It is important to understand the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) doesn’t just end after an accident. Victims of TBIs tend to accumulate enormous medical bills and are likely to require long-term care. As a result, a traumatic brain injury case often settles amongst the highest figures among all personal injury claims, ranging anywhere from $100,000 to millions of dollars.
But with that said, it is difficult to provide an average settlement amount for brain injury cases. However, there are key factors that determine TBI settlement value:
- The severity of the injury
- The characteristics of the victim
- The value of our non-economic damages
- Whether you are awarded punitive damages
- The financial position of the at-fault party
At Kaufman and Stigger, we believe that brain injury victims deserve fair compensation. However, every circumstance is different, and certain factors can bring value to the case or reduce what a case is worth. For more information, contact us today for a no-cost,no-obligation consultation.
How to Know if You Need a Lawyer for a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident
This is unlikely, but if you only suffered minor scrapes or bruises from a motorcycle accident, you may not need a lawyer. However, the majority of motorcycle accidents in Kentucky do result in some sort of injury requiring medical attention. The following is a list of factors where it is recommended you contact the attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger after a motorcycle accident:
- There were serious injuries: You will need compensation to cover your current and future medical bills if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Kaufman & Stigger can ensure both.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one has passed away due to the accident you will need compensation for funeral expenses and damages related to the untimely loss.
- Fault: If you are blamed for the accident, but are not at fault, an attorney can protect and assign liability to the at-fault parties. Our firm will reduce liability if you are liable to some extent or eliminate it entirely. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about fault, we are happy to help.
- Multiple parties involved: Multiple parties make cases complex. Our attorneys will manage your case while protecting your best interests and right to compensation from all liable parties.
- False police report: If a police report places blame on you, and you disagree, we will gather evidence such as street cam footage, witness statements, and dash cams to support your claim.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger | Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Kaufman & Stigger, we understand that injured victims only have one chance at securing financial relief after a serious accident. That’s why we focus on getting your case resolved and getting you paid as quickly as possible after suffering a horrific motorcycle accident.
Our firm has proudly managed numerous motorcycle accident cases, successfully protecting riders from liability and reaching fair settlements quickly and efficiently on their behalf. So, don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Contact Kaufman & Stigger today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees, and you don’t pay a cent until your case is won.
