A motorcycle is a thrilling way to explore Kentucky, but it can also lead to accidents and serious injuries. This risk is made even more substantial when you consider the thousands of other vehicles you have to share the road with.
One of the most common injuries associated with any motorcycle accident is a skull fracture. These injuries, like other bone fractures, are a serious concern when it comes to motorcycle accidents in Kentucky. With the high speeds and lack of protection afforded by a motorcycle, the risk of a skull fracture is always a possibility. Even with the use of helmets, the impact of a collision can cause significant damage to the skull and brain, leading to long-term disabilities or even death.
Contact Experienced Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Kentucky, like most other states, sees its fair share of motorcycle accidents every year. Thus, it’s important for injured riders to understand their legal rights and options.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim so that you get the support you need to start making a recovery. We can help you just like we’ve helped hundreds of clients throughout Kentucky. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more.
What Causes Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents?
Riding a motorcycle is an inherently high-risk activity. This is due to a number of factors, from a relative lack of protection to riding at increased speeds through Kentucky’s winding roads. Going a step further, riders are especially vulnerable to skull fractures in motorcycle accidents precisely because of these factors.
Still, many motorcycle accidents in Kentucky happen for reasons outside of the rider’s control. Most of these accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers and usually include:
- Failing to see motorcycles – Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making it easier for drivers to miss them on the road. If a driver fails to see a motorcycle, they may turn or change lanes without checking their blind spots, causing an accident.
- Not yielding the right of way – Drivers who do not yield the right of way to motorcycles can cause accidents. For example, if a driver turns left in front of a motorcycle that has the right of way, the motorcycle may collide with the car.
- Distracted driving – When drivers are distracted by their phones, food, or other distractions, it can cause accidents. Distracted driving is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable to injury in an accident.
- Driving under the influence – Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents. Impaired drivers may have slower reaction times or may not see motorcycles on the road.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving, such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or tailgating, can cause accidents. These actions can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who may not have enough time to react to the driver’s behavior.
It’s important for you as a motorcycle rider to take steps to protect yourself, such as:
- Wearing helmets and other protective gear
- Following traffic laws
- Avoiding distractions while riding
By being aware of the risks and taking precautions to mitigate them, you can reduce your chances of suffering a skull fracture or other serious injury in the event of an accident. That said, it’s always a possibility, so understanding how these accidents cause skull fractures can help you be better prepared.
How Do Skull Fractures Happen in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents?
Given the nature of most motorcycle accidents, it’s not surprising that skull fractures are one of the more common injuries in them. After all, skull fractures occur when the head strikes the ground, another vehicle, or some other object with such force that it causes the bone to break. For this to happen, it has to occur at high speeds. Unfortunately, all of these are common in Kentucky motorcycle accidents. More specifically though, skull fractures occur in these accidents in the following ways:
- Failure to wear a helmet – If a motorcycle rider is not wearing a helmet or is wearing an inadequate helmet, they are at a higher risk of suffering a skull fracture in an accident.
- T-bone collisions – T-bone collisions, where a vehicle collides with the side of a motorcycle, can cause the rider’s head to strike the ground or another object, resulting in a skull fracture.
- Rear-end collisions – If a motorcycle is rear-ended by another vehicle, the rider may be thrown from the motorcycle and strike their head on the ground or another object, causing a skull fracture.
- Single-vehicle accidents – In some cases, a motorcycle rider may lose control of their motorcycle and crash, causing them to strike their head on the ground or another object.
- Fixed object collisions – If a motorcycle collides with a fixed object, such as a tree or a guardrail, the rider may strike their head on the object, resulting in a skull fracture.
Types of Skull Fractures
- Linear skull fracture – This is the most common type of skull fracture, and it involves a thin, straight crack in the skull bone. Linear skull fractures usually don’t require surgery and can heal on their own with proper care.
- Depressed skull fracture – In this type of fracture, a portion of the skull bone is depressed or pushed inwards. Depressed skull fractures can cause pressure on the brain and may require surgery to correct.
- Basilar skull fracture – A basilar skull fracture occurs at the base of the skull and can be associated with a head injury or trauma. Basilar skull fractures can cause cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the nose or ears, facial pain, and difficulty hearing.
- Compound skull fracture – In this type of fracture, the skull bone is broken, and the overlying skin is also torn. Compound skull fractures are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.
- Penetrating skull fracture – This type of fracture occurs when a foreign object, such as a bullet or a piece of bone, penetrates the skull. Penetrating skull fractures are severe injuries that require emergency medical treatment.
Skull fractures are extremely serious and often fatal. As such, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident where you suffer a head injury.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident?
The process for recovering damages in a Kentucky motorcycle accident injury claim involves a general procedure. First and foremost, you have to have been injured as a result of the negligence or fault of another driver. Our team can assist you in figuring out just who is responsible and then pursuing the full extent of your damages under the law.
That said, understanding the steps you need to take is also important. These include:
- Seek medical attention – As with any accident, your first priority should always be seeking medical care for your injuries. This will not only ensure that you get the care you need, but it will also document your injuries and provide evidence for your claim.
- Gather evidence – Collect as much evidence as possible about the accident, including photos of the scene, witness statements, and police reports. This evidence can help establish fault and prove the extent of your damages.
- File an insurance claim – If you have the other driver’s insurance policy information, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You may also be able to file a claim with your own insurance in the event of a hit-and-run type accident.
- Consider filing a lawsuit – If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company or believe that the compensation offered is inadequate, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages.
The types of damages that you may be able to recover in a Kentucky motorcycle accident case include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
The total amount you can recover for your damages will vary based on the specific details of your case. Having our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers by your side can make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers That You Can Trust
When you suffer a skull fracture or any other serious injury in a Kentucky motorcycle accident, you need legal guidance that you can trust. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we have the experience and dedication necessary to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. With our team on your side, we can handle all the responsibilities that come with making a claim while allowing you to focus on your health and restoring some normalcy to your life. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.
