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Injuries In Lexington Motorcycle Accidents

Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky countryside provide some great backdrops for motorcycle rides. Riders can be out enjoying a tour of local scenery or simply trying to make it to work on time.

Deciding on the route for the next ride should be the only concern for riders. Yet, sadly, people who travel on bikes are often forced to worry over the dangerous driving of other motorists.

One moment of inattention by a driver can lead to a dangerous collision that puts riders at extreme risk. Victims can find themselves left with severe injuries that can target every part of the body.

Demanding Support After a Lexington Motorcycle Accident

Injured motorcyclists can face weeks of recovery and the incredible medical costs that come along with it. Riding a bike could be off the table for quite a while. Getting back to work could also take weeks if the victim is seriously hurt and suffers a concussion, broken bones, or worse. That’s a lot of missed paychecks.

Any rider injured by the carelessness of another motorist should speak to an experienced Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance representative. Insurance companies often look to shift blame in an accident to motorcyclists no matter who was found at fault. The attorneys with Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, specialize in keeping insurance agents honest and making sure victims get the compensation needed for a full recovery.

Motorcycle Hazards Around Lexington

Motorcyclists don’t have seat belts and airbags protecting them when collisions occur. This vulnerability should mean that all local drivers show extra care on our streets and highways to spot motorcyclists and avoid putting them in dangerous situations.

Yet, every day there are careless drivers who pay too little attention to notice approaching motorcycles. Motorists can end up directly in front of a rider and leave no time or room to avoid a crash.

Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcyclists like to travel in the open air and enjoy getting a real feel for the road. This freedom means they proceed without some of the protections that the walls and roofs of cars or SUVs provide.

A strike from a vehicle often subjects victims to two separate impacts. One in the collision and another as the rider is forced off the bike and to the ground. This dangerous sequence of events means that motorcycle accidents are less likely to result in only minor scrapes and bruises. The effects on the human body can be devastating.

Here are just a few of the serious injuries emergency room doctors treat after motorcycle accidents:

  • Brain Injury – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can cause concussions. Victims can experience confusion, amnesia, headaches. Permanent damage to brain function is possible. The adverse effects are possible even if a rider is wearing a helmet.
  • Blunt Force Trauma – Caused by the powerful impacts the rider is often subjected to. The forces exerted during rapid deceleration can lead to a rupture and other damage to internal organs.
  • Thoracic Trauma and Chest Injuries — A blow to the chest can affect heart and lung function.  Thoracic damage can include broken ribs. An impact absorbed by the back can injure kidneys An impact taken on the side of the chest can damage the liver or spleen.
  • Spine Injuries – A spinal cord injury can leave patients feeling pain, tingling, or numbness. Victims could see a loss of control of body parts and face permanent disability.
  • Fractured Bones – The arms may be first to suffer damage as riders try to catch themselves. Hands and wrists could break. A fractured skull or collar bone is also common. Suffering a blow to the face can lead to broken facial bones and damaged teeth. Facial cuts can result in permanent disfigurement.
  • Road Rash – Severe abrasions on the skin left by contact with pavement can require surgery and skin grafts.

What if I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet When I Was Hit?

In Kentucky, riders 21-years-old and older aren’t required to wear a helmet when riding. Injured victims will be glad to know they can receive compensation from an at-fault driver even if they weren’t wearing a helmet when they got hurt.

The lack of helmet protection may reduce the amount you receive in a settlement, but victims should still expect substantial financial support from an insurance provider. In Kentucky, accident victims and responsible drivers can share blame in an accident. This is known as comparative negligence.

You may have to accept a small percentage of blame for an accident if a helmet would have lessened the severity of your injury. However, an at-fault driver would still face paying for a large part of your recovery costs for driving carelessly or recklessly and causing your collision.

Contact a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies will take any chance they get to point the finger at any motorcyclist involved in an accident. They hope they can avoid accepting fault on behalf of their policyholder and skip out on providing support to you as you recover.

Your best defense from these bad faith tactics is to discuss your case with a legal professional to learn about every right you have as a victim.

Contact a Lexington Motorcycle Accident Attorney you can trust to be on your side and fight for your fair compensation. The attorneys at Kaufman &  Stigger, PLLC offer a free consultation and information session to victims that comes with no obligation to you.