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Morrin Law Office

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Covington, Kentucky

The city of Covington attracts locals and tourists alike for its authentic charm. Plenty of enthusiastic motorcyclists take to the streets on their bikes for a scenic route around town. However, the picturesque streets can turn catastrophic in an instant when the unthinkable happens—a collision.

Whether involved with a pedestrian, bicyclist, car, or truck, an accident involving a motorcycle poses a danger to all those involved. According to a Forbes report on Motorcycle Accident Statistics in 2024, motorcyclists are four times more likely to sustain an injury, and 28 times more likely to die in a collision than a standard motor vehicle.

The personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law understand the complexities surrounding motorcycle accidents. This page is meant to provide insight into motorcycle accidents in Kentucky, as well as the ways our team can add value to your case.

Accident Data Involving Motorcycles in Kentucky

According to the Department of Transportation’s Collision Facts, there were 196,260 vehicles involved in all Kentucky collisions during 2022. Out of those, 1,619 reported crashes involved motorcycles, with 98 of those incidents resulting in fatalities. The top five contributing factors of motorcycle collisions for that year are listed as follows:

  1. Inattention – 454 total collisions, 13 fatal collisions;
  2. Not Under Proper Control – 382 total collisions, 40 fatal collisions;
  3. Failed to Yield Right of Way – 179 total collisions, 13 total collisions;
  4. Misjudged Clearance – 77 total collisions, 2 fatal collisions; and

Alcohol Involvement – 70 total collisions, 19 fatal collisions.

Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

A car accident involving a motorcycle can occur for various reasons. The following provides several example scenarios in which a person operating or riding a motorcycle may become injured due to an accident:

Driver Negligence or Recklessness:

  • A driver in a passenger vehicle fails to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot and swerves into them while switching lanes.
  • Another driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle and crashes into a motorcyclist.
  • Another driver is speeding and operating their car or truck recklessly, causing a multi-car collision involving a motorcycle.
  • Another vehicle attempts to make a left turn without checking and hits a passing motorcyclist.

Vehicle or Traffic Issues:

  • A semi-truck slams on its brakes unexpectedly, causing a motorcyclist to drive underneath it.
  • Dangerous road conditions, such as rain, cause a motorcyclist to swerve and crash into another vehicle.

Pedestrian or Object-Related Collisions:

  • A pedestrian starts to walk into the road without realizing a motorcyclist is passing, leading to a collision.
  • A motorcyclist runs into an object that fell onto the road, such as a light pole or construction equipment.

Did you recently suffer injuries from a motorcycle accident that was caused by one of the reasons listed above? Contact the personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law to discuss the details of your case.

Operation Rules for Motorcyclists

It’s worth noting that before operating a motorcycle legally on Kentucky roads in Covington, all operators must abide by the following rules, as set forth in the Kentucky State Police’s Motorcycle Manual:

  • Valid motorcycle license: A motorcyclist must obtain a driver’s license with the state that includes a motorcycle operator’s endorsement, a motorcycle license, or an instruction permit that allows the legal operation of a motorcycle.
  • Helmet laws: Kentucky provides that experienced motorcyclists can choose whether they wear a helmet. However, those who are required to wear a helmet include any driver under 21 years-old, someone who has held a license for less than one year, or a person who only holds an instruction permit.
  • Passengers: Only a motorcyclist with a valid license is permitted to carry passengers on the bike. A driver with an instruction permit is unable to ride a motorcycle with passengers.

Potential Injuries from Motorcycle Crash

When two standard motor vehicles collide, the resulting injuries can already be substantial. Imagine the damage, then, if one of the vehicles involved was a motorcycle instead. Motorcycles are much smaller and offer less protection than those of a standard car or truck.

Common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident include, but are not limited to:

In the worst of cases, a motorcycle struck by a truck or semi-truck can result in death. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident consult with Morrin Law about your options for a wrongful death suit.

What are my Legal Options Following a Motorcycle Collision?

If you’ve recently experienced the stress and anxiety that comes with a vehicle collision, you may be wondering what to do next. In the state of Kentucky, there are several options you have available when dealing with collisions and any resulting injuries.

A personal injury claim is usually the first step after a collision resulting in severe injury or wrongful death. This typically involves the following process:

  1. Informal process – After the injured person or party has received medical attention and hired an experienced personal injury attorney in Bowling Green, the first step is contacting the at-fault party’s (as well as your own) insurance company to address the extent of injuries and resulting damages.
  2. Negotiation – Either the injured person or their legal representative will negotiate with the insurance adjusters to attempt to reach a fair settlement for medical expenses, lost wages, and other resulting damages.
  3. Settlement/Outcome – Once the negotiations are complete, the claim can be resolved through a settlement offer, or it can be denied.

If the injured party or a deceased person’s representative cannot come to a fair settlement through a personal injury claim, they may seek to file a lawsuit against the at-fault person or party. This usually involves going through the civil court system. Under KRS 304.39-060, an injured person who exceeds the following threshold may seek to file a lawsuit for their damages:

  • $1,000 in medical expenses;
  • A broken bone(s);
  • Permanent disfigurement;
  • Permanent injury; or
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One important aspect to be aware of is Kentucky’s statute of limitations regarding car accident claims. Under KRS 304.39-230, an individual has two (2) years from the date of the accident or discovered injury to file a claim for potential compensation. We advise you to collect all important documentation and contact us as soon as possible. Why? Although the law provides two years, if you wait that long you could potentially lose important evidence or even have your case barred from being settled. Keep this in mind if you are considering filing a personal injury claim within Kentucky.

Were you or a loved one injured in a motorcycle accident in Bowling Green, Kentucky? Contact the Kentucky personal injury lawyers at Morrin Law to discuss the details of your case and determine the best option for receiving compensation for your injuries.

Kentucky Insurance Regarding Motorcyclists

Typically, Kentucky’s Department of Insurance requires all drivers to obtain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to operate a vehicle. However, the basic PIP coverage is optional for motorcyclists. Unless the motorcyclist opts to purchase PIP coverage, they cannot collect basic PIP benefits from any source. The same goes for their passengers. However, motorcyclists still have the option to sue or be sued for damages. The only exception is if they have filed a no-fault rejection form.

If you have questions regarding insurance and your Covington motorcycle accident, contact the office of Morrin Law.

Potential Compensation for Injured Parties in Motorcycle Accidents

An individual injured in a motorcycle accident can seek compensation for the resulting accident damages. This refers to any past, current, or future medical expenses, as well as lost wages and benefits due to becoming injured in the wreck. One of the options for seeking compensation is through a personal injury claim. A Kentucky personal injury lawyer with Morrin Law can help ensure you have collected all necessary evidence to support your case and contact the insurance adjusters on your behalf. The goal is to be awarded fair compensation through the negotiation and settlement phase.

If you decline the settlement offer, you can seek to file a lawsuit. Under Kentucky law, damages can only be sought through litigation if the injuries exceed the following thresholds:

  • $1,000 in medical expenses;
  • One or more broken bones;
  • Permanent injury; or
  • Permanent disfigurement.

Call Morrin Law Office today to find out more about how we fight to win our clients the compensation their injuries deserve.

Example Case in Covington, Kentucky

July 2021 – Police responded to a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. The report indicated that the crash occurred on KY-17 around Pioneer Park around 8:40pm. The Covington Police Department explained that the standard vehicle had turned north out of Pioneer Park and into the southbound lanes of KY-17, where they “drove a short distance in the wrong direction before hitting Jobe’s motorcycle,” the police statement said. Former Bromley mayor Donald Jobe was identified as the motorcyclist and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Contact Morrin Law

After a motorcycle crashes with another driver, life can easily be turned upside down. Given the additional dangers of operating a motorcycle and its size in comparison to other vehicles, there is a grave danger posed to motorcycle riders if they crash. With the possibility of severe to life-altering injuries, seeking out legal guidance from a lawyer experienced in these types of accidents is imperative to a successful claim.

The team with Morrin Law Office can review the details of your Covington motorcycle accident, helping to determine fault and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance adjusters. If your case requires you to go to court, we will represent you and fight so you can get your life back on track.

Contact the office of Morrin Law today at (859) 358-0300 and receive a risk-free consultation regarding your case.

A Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim can be a complicated process. On top of dealing with the physical and mental anguish that often accompanies serious injuries, the last thing you should have to deal with is the legal side of things. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you know your case is in the hands of a lawyer who is experienced in speaking to strict insurance companies, analyzing evidence relating to the accident, and fighting for fair compensation through the legal proceedings.

Morrin Law Firm understands that this is an extremely difficult time in your life. Whether you have been severely injured or have had to grieve the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death motorcycle case, securing the right representation will make all the difference in your case. Our firm will gladly go over the surrounding details of your accident during a free case evaluation. All you have to do is call our office today at (859) 358-0300