Bicycle Accident Attorney in Owensboro, KY

How common are bike accidents in Kentucky?

Since biking has become a more popular mode of transportation since 2020, the number of bicycle accidents has gone up as well. According to the Team Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, there were 439 bike collisions in Kentucky in 2024, resulting in 264 injuries and 12 fatalities. 20 of those collisions took place in Owensboro, resulting in 9 injuries. 

What causes bike accidents in Owensboro, KY?

Many variables can contribute to a bike accident in Owensboro, and across the state of Kentucky. Some of which include:

• Roadway character
• Roadway conditions
• Light conditions
• Roadway surface
• Weather
• Impaired or distracted driving

Cyclists who experience an accident may qualify to receive compensation for their injuries and damage. Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality, which is why the Morrin Law Office is available to discuss your case. 

What are the most dangerous roads for cyclists in Owensboro, KY?

The most dangerous roads for cyclists in Owensboro are:

• Frederica Street: Multiple intersections along Frederica have limited visibility and turning issues
• KY 54 and US 231: Limited bike lanes
• Reid Road: No shoulders, limited visibility
• Wrights Landing Road: No shoulders, limited visibility
• Graves Lane: No shoulders, limited visibility

However, any roadway can become hazardous with a negligent driver. Bike accidents can occur outside of these hazardous streets. 

The most dangerous times to ride a bike on any road in Kentucky are when light is limited and when weather conditions hinder driving and riding visibility

Damages Related to Bicycle Accidents

Plaintiffs generally claim damages that reflect their physical, mental, financial, and emotional injuries. 

Physical Injuries

Due to the vulnerable nature of biking, there is a wide range of injuries that can occur during a bike accident. Some of these injuries may go unnoticed for days, or even weeks. Even if you do not experience immediate symptoms following a bicycle accident, you should always do a medical examination. 

Some common bike injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis
• Road rash
• Scrapes or lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Tendon, muscle, or ligament injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Disfigurement

After an accident, keep a detailed record of all medical examinations, injuries, diagnoses, and rehabilitation. The ability to prove a notable impact on your physical health may be essential in establishing a compelling personal injury case.  

Economic Loss

Economic loss includes damages that involve financial loss, debt, or expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for economic loss, such as:

• Costs associated with prior medical treatment related to your injuries
• Loss of income if you are unable to return to your previous occupation
• Anticipated medical expenses for long-term or permanent injuries
• Lost wages and employment benefits due to time away from work
  • Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 304.39-130 limits wage reimbursement to $200 per week for qualifying plaintiffs*
• Decreased earning capacity as a result of injury-related limitations
• Expenses to repair or replace a bicycle

You could also be compensated for necessary lifestyle changes. For example, if you are paralyzed due to a bike accident, you may be entitled to make modifications to your home to accommodate your disability, such as installing a wheelchair ramp or adding grab bars to your home. 

* At the Morrin Law Office, we understand that the $200 per week cap on lost wages under Kentucky law often falls short of meeting the financial needs of clients who are unable to work due to injury. That’s why we work diligently to advocate for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your lost income and financial hardship.

Non-economic Loss

Non-economic loss refers to damages that don’t have a direct financial cost but still impact a person’s life after an injury or accident. 

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Mental anguish: Anxiety, depression, trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities previously enjoyed
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent changes in appearance 
• Loss of companionship: Impact on relationships or intimacy 
• Emotional distress: Psychological effects not tied to a mental health diagnosis 

These are intangible losses that are real and significant, but harder to calculate in dollars. The Morrin Law Office can help you determine a fair compensation for your overall loss. 

What to do after a bike accident

1. Relocate to the side of the road and assess yourself for injuries if you can. Contact 911 and report the incident. 
2. Collect documentation from the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos of the wreck, your bike, the car, your surroundings including private and public property, and any injuries. 
3. Get the driver’s name and contact information. Collect their insurance information and vehicle details. 
4. File a report with the police so the time, date, weather, and all other information is recorded in an official report for insurance and legal purposes. 
5. Talk to and gather contact information from eye witnesses. 
6. Contact an attorney with experience handling personal injury claims in Owensboro and can provide legal guidance moving forward. 

Compiling information doesn’t stop when you leave the scene of the accident. As the days move on make sure to maintain thorough records and documentation of all expenses and communications related to the accident. Evidence like accident reports, medical reports, eye-witness statements, and more can help strengthen your case. 

Determining Fault After a Bike Accident

Liability is assessed based on the principles of negligence, or when an individual or party did not use reasonable care. Kentucky abides by a ‘pure comparative negligence’ rule, meaning courts examine the percentage of fault each party can be held liable for. 

Based on the percentages of negligence, adjustments are made to the amount of compensation. 

Drivers may be found negligent or at fault if they:

• Failed to check blind spots
• Opened door without checking for a cyclist
• Drove while distracted or drowsy
• Drove under the influence
• Improperly turned or changed lanes
• Sped
• Demonstrated road rage

Bicycles may be found negligent or at fault if:

• Traffic signals were not obeyed
• Riding on the wrong side of the road
• Lack of protective equipment
• Improper lane changes or turns
• Not using bike lane (when bike lane is present)
• Riding at night without lights or reflectors
• Distracted or impaired riding

Other parties that could be liable for your bike accident

If a government agency fails to address defective roadways or debris, they could be found at fault. 

Another road user, including other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians, if the driver swerved to avoid the other user’s recklessness and hit you in the process. 

A car part manufacturer if they produced defective parts, causing an accident. 

A mechanic can also be found at fault if they didn’t install a part correctly or didn’t conduct a maintenance test. 

Liability may be shared across multiple parties. An experienced attorney can help hold all parties accountable for their negligence and pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled. 

How much money could I get after a bike accident?

There are a handful of variables that can impact the financial compensation received in a bike accident settlement. Some of these variables include:

• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Age
• Mobility
• Impact on your quality of life
• Working ability 

Contact the Morrin Law Office today for a free consultation and to discuss your unique bicycle accident case. 

Kentucky’s Limits for Personal Injury Cases

Kentucky Statue Section 413.125 states that an injured person has two years to file a personal injury claim that invokes a motor vehicle, based on the date of the accident or the date of the last PIP payment. While you have two years to file, delaying action may significantly weaken your case.

The longer you wait, the greater the likelihood you could lose documentation, evidence, or witness testimonials that could prove the negligence of the driver. 

There are no caps on damages in personal injury cases, and no state-imposed limit on the monetary value of damage you could receive from a successful personal injury case. 

Bicycle Related Deaths

Owensboro residents likely remember in 2021, a semi truck hit and killed a cyclist. While deaths related to bicycle accidents are uncommon in Owensboro, they do happen. Losing a loved one in a cycling accident is heartbreaking.

You may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek financial compensation. By pursuing a wrongful death claim, family members of the deceased can receive assistance through financial recovery. 

While nothing brings a loved one back or takes the pain away, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can help you support your financial future. 

What to Expect from a Free Consultation

When you call our office for a consultation, we will listen to your story and answer any outstanding questions you have about the process of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. We will advise you on the next steps for your specific case. 

If we do decide to work together, we will investigate the accident scene and all other evidence related to your claim. We will consult with witnesses and review medical records, police reports, and all documentation. We’ll determine all the negligent parties in your case, help you file a claim, and draft a demand letter for compensation. 

You can also count on us to meet with insurance adjusters and demand a settlement for your damages. Our team will guide you through every stage of the legal process. 

Work with Morrin Law Firm

As a cyclist, you may follow all the rules of the road, wear all the protective gear, and still find yourself in an accident that results in serious injuries. Work with a bicycle accident attorney in Kentucky to see if you have a case. 

We’ll manage the communications with insurance companies, collect evidence, and fight for your compensation while you focus on your recovery. 

Consultations are offered to you at no risk. We represent clients all across Kentucky, including Louisville, Bowling Green, Covington, Georgetown, Owensboro, and more. 

Contact the Morrin Law Firm at (859) 724-5686 today.