Perhaps no part of your body is more important to your overall movement than your knee. While most knee injuries involve the ligaments, instances of direct impact can fracture the bone that makes up your kneecap, known as the patella. Because the knee joint connects the upper part and lower part of your leg, it’s a vitally important area of the body.
Unfortunately, a commonplace event that frequently causes bone fractures in Kentucky is a motorcycle accident. A study from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration found that knee injuries account for 15% of the total amount of motorcycle accident injuries. As devastating as any injury is, a knee injury can affect you not just in the days and months after the accident, but for the rest of your life.
Free Consultations For Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Victims
Kentucky motorcycle accident victims know the pain that any injury can cause, but it’s often the emotional trauma from the accident that lingers. This is especially true in accidents that fracture the bones in your knee, leaving you unable to enjoy your life as you once did. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we understand how impactful this can be on your life and want to give you the support you need to recover.
Our team of experienced and dedicated Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can help you determine who is liable for your accident and help you gather the evidence you need to pursue a claim for damages. Don’t hesitate to get the support you need, contact us today for a free consultation.
Knee Bone Fractures in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents
While Kentucky has its fair share of motorcycle riders, it’s similar to most any other area of the country in terms of seeing motorcycle accidents. This is due to the fact that many of the more common causes of these accidents are present throughout our state, from driver negligence to poor road conditions. No matter what the cause of the accident is, injuries are a consequence, with one of the most common being fractures of the knee bone.
Here is a look at some of the different types of knee bone fractures in Kentucky motorcycle accidents:
- Patella fracture – This is a break in the kneecap bone. It can occur due to a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as hitting the handlebars of the motorcycle.
- Tibial plateau fracture – This is a fracture of the top of the tibia bone, which forms the lower part of the knee joint. It can occur due to a twisting force or a direct impact to the knee.
- Femoral condyle fracture – This is a fracture of the rounded ends of the femur bone, which articulate with the tibia to form the knee joint. It can occur due to a direct blow to the knee or a twisting force.
- Tibial shaft fracture – This is a fracture of the main shaft of the tibia bone. It can occur due to a direct impact or a twisting force.
- Fibular head fracture – This is a fracture of the head of the fibula bone, which is located at the top of the bone near the knee joint. It can occur due to a direct impact to the knee.
- Patellar tendon fracture – This is a fracture of the tendon that connects the patella to the tibia bone. It can occur due to a forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle or a direct blow to the knee.
These are just some of the types of knee bone fractures that can occur in Kentucky motorcycle accidents. One of the most difficult aspects of this injury is that each one is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. In scenarios where the fracture is severe, this could include surgery and ongoing care to regain strength and movement.
Common Causes of Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents
Again, motorcycle accidents aren’t just common in Kentucky, they are often caused by many similar circumstances. Most often, this involves other drivers. This can be particularly frustrating for you as a motorcycle rider because you suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions. Still, it can be helpful to look at some of the more common causes of these accidents:
- Driver error – Driver error is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Kentucky. This can include things like distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and other forms of reckless or negligent behavior.
- Road hazards – Road hazards such as potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement can cause motorcycle accidents, particularly if the rider is not paying attention or is traveling at a high rate of speed.
- Weather conditions – Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice can make roads slick and increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in Kentucky. Impaired drivers may have slower reaction times and be more prone to making mistakes on the road.
- Lack of visibility – Motorcycles can be harder to see than other vehicles, particularly at night or in low-light conditions. This can make it more difficult for drivers to avoid collisions with motorcycles.
Liability
In cases where you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, figuring out liability is the key to what you’ll be able to recover under the law. In Kentucky, liability is determined by establishing negligence. Negligence is simply the failure to exercise reasonable care while driving, which can result in harm to you or others. In a motorcycle accident, negligence may be established if another driver:
- Failed to obey traffic laws
- Drove recklessly
- Otherwise acted in a way that was careless or unreasonable
The other element of negligence is an injury that caused damages. As a motorcycle rider, when you’ve been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, they are responsible for paying for your injuries and damages.
Available Damages After a Knee Fracture in a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident
With the negligence of someone else established, you can then pursue a claim against them to recover compensation for your damages. Legally, you can do this either through an insurance claim or a lawsuit. The ultimate goal of any claim is to present your damages–the emotional and financial cost of your injuries–in a claim for compensation.
Depending on the extent of your injuries and what type of claim you decide to pursue, you will be able to recover the following:
- Medical expenses – You may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses related to the knee fracture, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and other related costs.
- Lost wages – If you missed work due to the accident and your knee fracture, you may be entitled to recover lost wages and income. This may include future lost income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering – In a motorcycle accident, you can make a claim for compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the knee fracture and other injuries sustained in the accident.
- Property damage – Most likely, you will be facing damage to your motorcycle or other property. In a claim, you could be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your knee fracture has resulted in a significant impact on your quality of life or ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, you can add a claim for damages related to this loss of enjoyment of life.
All things considered, a knee fracture is one of the most consequential injuries that you can suffer in a motorcycle accident. That said, working with our team of dedicated Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can ensure that you have everything you need for your claim and that you ultimately receive full and fair compensation for your damages.
Legal Guidance You Can Trust From Experienced Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Being injured in a motorcycle accident is never ideal, but is also not uncommon in Kentucky. When you’ve suffered serious injuries like a knee fracture because of another driver or person’s negligence, you can turn to Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC.
Our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can provide you with the legal guidance you need to recover, both physically and financially. We’ll help you navigate the claims process and give you the support you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.
