As the single largest bone in the human body, the femur supports a number of vital functions that we need to remain productive and healthy. Thus, suffering a fracture of this bone in a Kentucky motorcycle accident is an incredibly serious predicament. Femur fractures are considered serious because the femur plays a crucial role in mobility and weight-bearing. The femur bone itself is responsible for supporting the weight of the entire body and transferring the weight to the knee and ankle joints.
As such, your every movement depends on this bone being healthy and in working order. When you suffer a femur fracture in a motorcycle accident, it can have long-term consequences if not properly treated and can significantly affect your remaining quality of life.
Guidance and Support From Experienced Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents can be to you and your family. Our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We’ll provide support and guidance throughout the entire legal process, helping you to focus on your recovery and getting back to your normal life. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights and your future.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Kentucky?
Like other states, Kentucky is a popular spot for motorcycle riders. Whether riders are local or are passing through the state en route to another destination, there are several people that utilize Kentucky’s winding roads and scenic views while riding their motorcycles.
That said, Kentucky also sees its fair share of motorcycle accidents every year. According to the Kentucky Transportation Center’s (KYTC) 2021 Traffic Collision Report, there were:
- 11,058 motorcycle accidents statewide between 2014 and 2020
This averages out to nearly 1,600 motorcycle accidents per year. Obviously, this data shows that motorcycle accidents are a serious issue in Kentucky. Most often, they can result in devastating injuries like femur fractures, as well as a host of other injuries.
What Causes Femur Fractures in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents?
While they are not especially common injuries in Kentucky motorcycle accidents, femur fractures are still one of the many injuries that riders have to watch out for. Worse yet, there are a number of ways that these unfortunate and extremely painful injuries can occur in a motorcyclist accident. These usually include:
- High-Impact collisions – When a motorcyclist collides with another vehicle or object, the impact can be severe enough to cause a femur fracture. These high-impact collisions can be caused by factors such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence.
- T-Bone accidents – A T-bone collision, where a motorcycle is struck on its side, can cause significant damage to the leg and result in a femur fracture. These types of accidents are often caused by drivers who fail to yield to oncoming traffic, run red lights or stop signs or are distracted while driving.
- Road hazards – Road hazards can be a major cause of motorcycle accidents and femur fractures. Potholes, loose debris, uneven road surfaces, and other hazards can all contribute to a motorcycle losing control or crashing. Even experienced riders can be caught off guard by unexpected hazards on the road, and the consequences can be severe.
- Defective parts – In some cases, a femur fracture can occur due to a defective part on the motorcycle, such as a faulty brake system or a defective wheel. If a manufacturer is found to be at fault for the defect, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained in a resulting accident.
It is important to note that each motorcycle accident is unique, and the specific cause of a femur fracture will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Femur Fractures and Treatment in Kentucky
Obviously, the nature of most motorcycle accidents involves high speed collisions that can either directly impact the top part of your leg or bring you into contact with hard objects and surfaces that can cause a femur fracture. That said, not every fracture is the same. In fact, there are a number of different types of femur fractures that can happen in a Kentucky motorcycle accident:
- Transverse Fractures – This type of fracture occurs when the femur bone breaks horizontally across the shaft of the bone.
- Oblique Fractures – Oblique fractures occur at an angle along the length of the bone.
- Spiral Fractures – A spiral fracture is a type of oblique fracture that occurs when the bone is twisted, causing the fracture to spiral around the bone.
- Comminuted Fractures – This type of fracture occurs when the bone is broken into several pieces, which can be difficult to realign and heal.
- Stress Fractures – Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that can occur over time due to repetitive stress or overuse. While they are not as severe as other types of fractures, they can still cause significant pain and require medical attention.
Treatment
Obviously, the type of femur fracture a person sustains will depend on the severity of the impact and the forces involved in the motorcycle accident. Additionally, treatment and recovery time will also depend on the type of fracture, with more severe fractures requiring more extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Generally speaking though, femur fractures usually involve the following treatment:
- Immobilization – In some cases, a femur fracture can be treated by immobilizing the leg in a cast or brace to allow the bone to heal on its own. The length of immobilization will depend on the severity of the fracture.
- Traction – Traction is a method of applying a constant pulling force to the affected leg to help realign the bone and promote healing. This is often used in cases where the fracture is displaced or severe.
- Surgery – Surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and stabilize the fracture with the use of screws, plates, or rods. This may be required in cases of a displaced or severe fracture.
- Rehabilitation – Physical therapy is often necessary after a femur fracture to help restore range of motion, strength, and flexibility to the affected leg. Rehabilitation may include exercises, gait training, and other techniques to help the patient regain mobility.
- Pain Management – Pain management is an important part of the recovery process for femur fractures. This may involve the use of pain medication, nerve blocks, or other techniques to manage pain and discomfort.
- Follow-up Care – Patients with a femur fracture will require ongoing medical care, including regular checkups and monitoring for potential complications such as infection or nerve damage.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Claim?
An injury as serious and life-altering as a femur fracture is going to require extensive medical care and, most likely, ongoing treatment. This not only means mounting medical bills, but the prospect of missed work and a change in your quality of life. In order to be compensated for these costs, Kentucky law allows you to file a claim for certain “damages” relating to your accident. Generally, this involves figuring out who is responsible for the accident. Usually, this is another driver, but could also include the government that is responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred if it was caused by a pothole or some other hazard. Overall though, filing a claim usually happens either via an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
The damages that can be recovered in a motorcycle accident claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident, but could include:
- Medical expenses – This includes the cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If the injuries sustained in the accident prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages and other employment-related losses.
- Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Property damage – If your motorcycle was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the at-fault party was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish them and discourage similar behavior in the future. These are rare, but have been known to apply in cases where the at-fault driver was needlessly reckless or driving under the influence.
Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Be There For You
When you have suffered a femur fracture or any other injury in a Kentucky motorcycle accident, you need experience and dedication on your side. Our team at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC is here to help you through this difficult time. We understand the toll that a motorcycle accident can take on you and your family, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
We will be there every step of the way to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and work tirelessly to protect your interests. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you.
