Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Louisville

Data on Motorcycle Accidents in Louisville, KY

The major roads in Louisville where a motorcycle accident may occur includes:

• Interstate 64 (I-64);
• Interstate 65 (I-65);
• Interstate 71 (I-71);
• Interstate 264 (I-264); and
• Interstate 265 (I-265) / Gene Snyder Freeway.

In the 2021 Kentucky Collision Facts report, there were 1,491 total motorcycle collisions. There were 942 instances of collisions resulting in injury, and 93 collisions that resulted in a fatality.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety’s Daily Fatality Report identified 48 fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2024 so far (as of February 2024). Out of those, Louisville has the highest number of fatalities already with 16 deaths. The county with the highest number of accident reports was Jefferson County with 198 reported collisions.

Understanding How Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Compared to a standard passenger vehicle, motorcycles have much less protection for the person operating it. That means any type of collision could result in serious injuries. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to the following:

• Another vehicle is speeding and crashes into the rear of a motorcycle;
• Another driver is operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, resulting in delayed reaction time that causes a crash with a motorcyclist;
• Another vehicle attempts to make a left turn without checking, not realizing a motorcyclist was passing and causes a collision;
• A commercial truck attempts to make a lane change on the highway without seeing a motorcyclist, causing a collision;
• A motorcyclist collides with an object such as a light pole or construction equipment that has fallen into the road; or
• Another vehicle fails to detect the presence of a motorcycle on the road, causing a collision.

The contributing factors for Kentucky motorcycle collisions in 2021 are provided in the data below:

Based on the recent data above, the most concerning causes of motorcycle collisions in Kentucky are currently driver inattention, not having the vehicle under proper control, and failing to yield to a motorcycle driver’s right of way.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle collision due to any of the contributing factors listed above, contact the Kentucky personal injury lawyers with Morrin Law Firm.

Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Crash

Kentucky Transportation provides that passenger cars are automobiles or trucks that have a registered weight of 6,000lbs or less. A commercial truck is considered as a vehicle with a registered weight of 10,000lbs or more. In comparison, a motorcycle only has an average weight between 300 to 1,000lbs. That means when any other type of vehicle crashes into a motorcycle, the resulting damages can be severe.

Common injuries sustained in a Louisville motorcycle collision can include, but are not limited to:

• Broken bone(s);
• Bone fractures;
• Concussions;
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI);
• Amputation;
• Whiplash;
• Road rash;
• Severe cuts and lacerations;
• Dislocated shoulder;
• Spinal cord damage or paralysis;
• Permanent scarring;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Facial scarring; or
• Internal organ damage.

Whereas standard car crash injuries may take time to fully set in, it is likely that the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident will be apparent immediately due to the lack of protection offered on a motorcycle. However, it is always advisable to receive medical attention following a motor vehicle collision. Even if you think you are initially fine, it is much better for your well-being to have a medical professional search for any indication of injury.

Additionally, if you seek to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, you will need to obtain and maintain all medical records and documentation that outline the extent of your injuries.

Speak with one of the Louisville personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law during a free case evaluations by calling our office at (859) 358-0300.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles have less protection than a standard motor vehicle. Without seatbelts, airbags, or other safety features a car has, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to injuries if in an accident. At best, the motorcyclist is wearing protective clothing and a helmet—however, some may not even have this. Even with protection, a motorcycle accident can cause life-altering injuries. In the worst scenarios, it can lead to the motorcyclist’s death.

A responsible motorcyclist will know and understand all of the risks that come with operating a bike on the roadway. However, they should not be held responsible for the injuries which are caused by the negligence of others on the road.

The following is a list of most common injuries from a motorcycle accident which could result in compensation:

Any of the above injuries are expected to cause pain and require medical attention. In some cases, the injuries caused by a motorcycle accident may never entirely heal. This could leave the victim helpless to deal with medical impairments, treatment, and complications for the rest of their lives. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a motorcycle accident which caused any of the above injuries, contact an experienced Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney today.

Kentucky’s Laws on Helmets

Any person who drives a motorcycle in Louisville must abide by the operator (driver) and passenger requirements set forth by the Kentucky State Police:

• Driver must have a valid motor vehicle license with a valid motorcycle operator’s endorsement, a motorcycle license, or an instruction permit for the operation of a motorcycle;
• A driver with an instruction permit is not permitted to carry passengers. Only a driver with a valid motorcycle license is authorized to carry passengers on the back of the bike;
• Any person under 21, or any driver who has obtained a motorcycle license for less than a year must wear protective headgear; and
• Only a driver over the age of 21 with a valid license for more than one year can operate a bike without a helmet.

The 2021 Kentucky Traffic Collision report indicated there were 1,086 injuries and 99 fatalities from motorcycle-related collisions. When comparing accidents that involved helmets versus collisions where helmets were not present, the data looks as follows:

• Total injuries with a helmet = 481
• Total injuries without a helmet = 553
• Total fatalities with a helmet = 29
• Total fatalities without a helmet = 70

Even with the presence of a helmet, you could still be severely injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact a personal injury attorney if you believe you have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Example Case in Louisville, KY

The following examples highlight motorcycle collisions that have occurred in Louisville, KY:

• August 2019 – The Elizabeth Town Police Department responded to a crash that occurred on US31 and North Dixie Highway. The collision was between a pickup truck carrying a utility trailer and a motorcycle with two passengers on it. The local report indicates that the driver, 39-year-old Richard Mumford, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of Mumford’s motorcycle, 39-year-old Heather Abdel-Rahman, was transported to the Hardin Memorial Hospital but also died from her injuries. The driver of the pickup truck did not sustain any injuries.
• September 2023 – A spokesperson with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) reported that a motorcyclist was in critical condition after crashing into the rear of another vehicle on I-265 at I-65. The crash occurred around 5:30pm on a Saturday evening, after traffic had suddenly stopped on the ramp connecting to I-65. The motorcyclist was the only person injured and was transported to a nearby hospital where he was reported to be in critical condition, but stable.
• November 2023 – A motorcyclist was killed after they collided into a ramp on I-264 around 1:45am on a Wednesday morning. A LMPD spokesperson confirmed that the driver crashed into the concrete barrier, causing them to get thrown off the bike. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that the deceased was not wearing a helmet.

Your Legal Rights Following a Motorcycle Crash

The dust has settled on an unexpected collision while on your motorcycle. You may be wondering, now what? What are the legal options available for a person in Louisville who has been injured in a motor vehicle accident?

Kentucky is a pure comparative negligence state. That means the amount of fault a person may hold over the accident is subtracted from the amount of fault the other person is responsible for. However, even if you have been associated with some of the collision’s fault, you are still entitled to file for compensation through a personal injury claim if your injuries exceed a certain threshold.

Contacting the insurance companies after an accident can be stressful. They may try to pin the full blame on you or attempt to minimize the extent of your injuries. To avoid the difficulties that often come with the insurance company, an attorney with Morrin Law can help by contacting them on your behalf.

When you choose to hire our personal injury attorneys, we want to take on the bulk of the work while you manage to recover from your injuries. We will make sure all the legal aspects are taken care of. Call our office today at (859) 358-0300 for a free case evaluation to see if we can provide significant help to your claim. 

Compensation Recovery Through a Personal Injury Claim

A successful claim can result in being awarded compensation to provide financial support for your motorcycle accident injuries. Potential damages that can result in financial compensation includes:

• Medical bills;
• Loss of work earnings;
• Future projected losses;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress and trauma; and
• Diminished quality of life.

If a motorcycle collision has resulted in the death of your loved one, there may be a way to receive compensation for any funeral expenses and inherited medical debt. Contact the wrongful death attorneys with Morrin Law if you have questions about a wrongful death suit.

Filing Within Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations

When it comes to civil cases such as filing a personal injury claim, it’s important that you are aware of and understand Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations. Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230(6), a plaintiff who wishes to file a lawsuit against the negligent person or party that caused their motorcycle accident injuries has two years to do so. The clock begins ticking from the date of the accident or the discovery of injury.

If you ask any experienced attorney, they’ll let you know that waiting is the worst thing you can do for your case. To prevent losing important documentation or evidence that supports your claim, contact a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law as soon as possible to get started on your case.

A Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help