Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Owensboro, KY

Motorcycle Accident Data in Owensboro, KY

Kentucky’s Traffic Collision Report listed there were 99,613 motorcycles registered in the state during 2022. Out of the 196,260 vehicles involved in collisions that year, there were 1,574 motorcycles. While motorcycles only made up less than 1% of all vehicle collisions, they represented 8% of all fatal collisions with 98 crashes resulting in death.

The following provides insight into the top contributing factors of motorcycle accidents in 2022:

To review the report in its entirety, click here.

What Causes Motorcycle Collisions?

The following provides examples of common causes of motorcycle collisions:

• A driver in a passenger car fails to see a motorcycle in their blind spot and swerves into them while switching lanes;
• A semi-truck slams on its brakes unexpectedly, causing a motorcyclist to drive and get caught underneath it;
• A pedestrian who walks into the road without realizing a motorcyclist is driving past at the same time, causing them to collide;
• A motorcyclist runs into an object that fell into the road, such as a light pole or construction equipment;
• Dangerous roadways and rain cause a motorcyclist to swerve and crash into another vehicle;
• Another driver is under the influence of drugs and alcohol and crashes into a motorcyclist;
• Another driver is speeding and operating their vehicle recklessly, causing a multi-car collision involving a motorcycle; and
• Another vehicle attempts to make a left turn without checking and hits a passing motorcyclist.

Collisions can happen in a multitude of ways. It’s also important to point out that the person liable for an accident involving a motorcycle can vary from the driver of another car, a semi-truck driver, the company of a semi-truck driver, a pedestrian, or the motorcyclist.

Possible Injuries from a KY Motorcycle Crash

If you compare the physical appearance of a motorcycle to a regular car, the difference is immediate. For one, a motorcycle is much smaller in size. A standard passenger vehicle has a weight of 6,000 pounds or less. Compared to that, motorcycles range in weight from 300-1,000 pounds. There’s also much less protection on a motorcycle, given the lack of roof or external metal surrounding the driver.

Now imagine a collision between a car and a motorcycle. Or even worse, a motorcycle and a semi-truck. It is far too easy for an accident involving a motorcyclist to end with severe injuries or even death. Common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident includes, but is not limited to:

• Amputation(s);
• Broken bone(s);
• Concussion;
• Dislocated shoulder;
• Facial scarring
• Fractured bones;
• Internal organ damage;
• Permanent scarring;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Severe cuts and lacerations; and
• Spinal cord damage or paralysis.

Even if the injuries you have suffered from a motorcycle accident in Owensboro are not listed above, contact the personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law for a free case-evaluation to discuss your options.

Laws for Motorcycle Use and Safety

To operate a motorcycle legally on the roads and highways of Owensboro, Kentucky, drivers must abide by several laws and regulations. According to the Kentucky State Police’s Motorcycle Manual, these rules include:

• Valid license: You must obtain a driver’s license with a motorcycle operator’s endorsement, a motorcycle license, or an instruction permit to legally operate a motorcycle.
• Helmets: A driver over the age of 21 who has held a valid license for motorcycle riding for more than one year can wear a helmet optionally. On the other hand, any driver under 21, or someone who has had a valid license for less than a year is required to wear a protective helmet.
• Passengers: A driver with a valid is permitted to carry passengers on the back of the bike. Any person who only has an instruction permit is not permitted to carry passengers on the bike.

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Example Case in Owensboro, Kentucky

The following provides examples of motorcycle collisions that occurred in Owensboro, KY:

• July 2022 – The Owensboro Police Department responded to a collision involving two vehicles. A local report indicated that a car and motorcycle collided at the intersection of New Hartford Road and East 27^th The motorcycle driver was taken to the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital to treat serious injuries, where he later died. The coroner’s office identified the driver as 39-year-old Nicholas C. Howell. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
• October 2023 – Police with the Owensboro Department responded to a two-vehicle collision that happened around 6pm. A report states that the crash occurred between the intersection of East Parrish and Wing Avenue. The motorcycle was found injured at the scene and was rushed to the hospital, however they died of their injuries. Police later released the identity of the motorcyclist as 24-year-old Taylor Howard.

Legal Procedures After a Motorcycle Accident

It’s difficult enough to fight through the physical and emotional pain that often comes with severe motorcycle accident injuries. What happens then once the dust has settled, and you must navigate how to move forward? Attempting to heal your body or complete medical treatment can be time consuming and expensive. Luckily, there may be some relief offered by filing a personal injury claim.

In the state of Kentucky, accidents follow a pure comparative negligence guideline. This means that even if both parties are at fault for a collision, each is entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, the amount of fault each party held over the collision will be subtracted from the amount of liability you hold, and the amount you can recover.

After a motor vehicle accident, one of the most stressful parts is having to contact the insurance company. This is because these companies attempt to downsize the extent of the injuries or offer you a settlement not nearly worth what your injuries deserve. If you are seeking to file a personal injury claim, Morrin Law advises you not to accept any offer from an insurance company until you’ve consulted with us first. We can help you understand the full weight of the damages accrued from the wreck and what compensation will help alleviate the financial burden caused by the accident injuries.

Personal Injury Claims and Potential Compensation

As mentioned in the previous section, it is important to establish the damages that resulted from the accident. This helps to determine the compensation you should seek in your personal injury claim. Examples of damages from a motorcycle accident include:

• Past, current, and future medical costs;
• Loss of employment;
• Future projected losses;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional trauma; and
• Diminished quality of life.

Important: The Department of Insurance in Kentucky explains that basic PIP coverage is optional for a motorcyclist. That means unless the driver chooses to purchase this coverage, neither themselves nor a passenger can collect the basic PIP benefits from any source. However, even without PIP coverage, a motorcyclist can still sue or be sued for damages unless they file a no-fault rejection form.

Any person who registers, operates, or uses a motor vehicle in this state has accepted the limitations on their right to sue or be sued. That means damages cannot be sought through litigation against the at-fault party unless their injuries have exceeded the following threshold:

• $1,000 in medical expenses;
• At least one broken bone;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Permanent injury; or
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If you have any questions regarding compensation you may be eligible to recover or if you intend to seek litigation against the at-person party, contact the personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law.

Statute of Limitations in Kentucky

Like most civil matters, a person seeking to file a personal injury claim must be aware of the time limit they have to do so. Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230(6), the statute of limitations for an injured person to seek compensation from an accident involving a motor vehicle is two years. This is from the date of the accident or the last PIP payment.

While this may seem like a long time, letting the time pass without filing can have multiple negative effects. For one, you could lose important evidence from the accident that would support your claim, such as medical documentation or witness contact information. Also, if you attempt to file outside of the two-year window, your case could be barred. That means the possibility of no compensation for your injuries.

Don’t risk losing out on the compensation that can help get your life back on track. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law to represent your case. We can provide you with a free case evaluation when you call us at (859) 358-0300.

Contact Morrin Law Office

The motorcycle accident attorneys with Morrin Law Office are knowledgeable regarding Kentucky’s laws on accident settlements. We understand that this is an extremely tough time for you and your family. Whether you are the injured person or you are representing a person’s wrongful death claim from a fatal motorcycle wreck in Owensboro, our lawyers are prepared to represent your case and win you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our office today to speak with one of our legal representatives. We can go over the surrounding details of the collision and your injuries during a risk-free case evaluation. Call us today at (859) 358-0300 so we can get started on your case.

A Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

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