It’s nice to get out of the city once in a while…or every weekend if you can! And you’d think those beautiful Kentucky backroads would be much safer for Motorcyclists, out away from the traffic jams and rush hours. Yet, those scenic byways still hold dangers for bikers enjoying the open road.
The Deadly Results of Motorcycle Accidents
In some of the latest accident numbers reported by Kentucky’s Law Enforcement Agencies, there were almost 1500 wrecks involving motorcycles in a single year. Seven percent of those accidents proved fatal.
Many Motorcyclists seek out those lost highways and byways for that sense of freedom, but just because you’ve escaped the crowds doesn’t mean you’ve left careless drivers and other road hazards behind. You need to know what to do if someone’s inattention causes you to get into an accident.
The Common Dangers for Motorcycle Riders
You might want to follow the curves along the Ohio River through Madison and Carrolton. Or maybe you decide to blaze your own path up to Mammoth Cave National Park taking in Cave City and the surrounding beauty. Just be careful. Some of these peaceful routes can fool you into a false sense of security.
The biggest threats are always the other drivers on the road. Visibility is a major contributing factor, especially on curvy, narrow rural roads. Drivers in much larger motor vehicles get careless and forget to check all their mirrors and blind spots.
We know that every day there are drivers who veer over into someone else’s lane without a second glance. Drivers can also completely miss seeing oncoming motorcyclists and make a left turn directly in front of a bike. The resulting accidents can force you off your bike for months or even leave you permanently disabled. These accidents can happen through no fault of your own, but in the aftermath, you must make sure you aren’t shouldering the financial responsibility for your recovery.
What to do if You’re in a Rural Motorcycle Accident
- Don’t take off your helmet or any other gear. Leave on any safety device to continue protecting your head, neck, and spine.
- Seek Medical Treatment. Call 911 if you are able. Always get yourself and any passengers checked out by paramedics. Remember, you may not immediately notice all of your injuries.
- Document the scene. Begin gathering everyone’s information and taking photos of the vehicles.
- Don’t leave the scene. Always wait for investigators to arrive. This can be important later when criminal charges and liability are assessed.
Contact a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. You likely don’t know the unique motorcycle laws in Kentucky and can’t represent your case as well as a Kentucky motorcycle accident attorney can. You are certain to be facing an attorney or entire legal team as you attempt to make your injury claim against the other party’s insurance company. You’ll need an attorney on your side to make sure you receive everything you need to cover your injuries and losses due to your accident.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, contact Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, by clicking here to contact them online.