Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

In the past 15 years, the number of motorcyclists on the road has risen by more than 60%. While understanding motorcycling has increased in popularity, this method of transportation carries significantly greater risks than travel in a passenger vehicle.

Motorcyclist, if hit by an opposing car or truck in a crash, can suffer severe head injuries, back injuries, leg injuries, arm injuries, neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even death. Motorcycles are smaller than commercial and passenger vehicles and don’t have the protection of side panels, roll bars, and bumpers.

Unfortunately, this means motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be in a fatal accident than those in auto/or truck vehicular accidents. Accidents still happen even when riders wear helmets and avoid dangerous behavior like lane splitting, driving at high speeds, and racing on public streets.

The increase in the number of people driving motorcycles has coincided with an accident mortality rate that has more than doubled.

Motorcycle Accident Settlements

$2 Million: Recovery for a 21 year old man who suffered leg injuries in a motorcycle wreck.

$1.8 Million: Verdict for a man injured in a motorcycle wreck.

$2 Million: Recovery for a 21 year man who suffered leg injuries in a motorcycle wreck.

$1,700,000.00: Judgement for a motorcyclist injured by the land-owner allowing livestock to enter the roadway causing an accident.

$1,000,000.00: Recovery for a client suffering from a traumatic brain injury from when his motorcycle was hit by a logging truck.

Why Choose Rhoads & Rhoads for your Motorcycle Accident Case?

The Rhoads & Rhoads Law Firm personal injury lawyers have protected injured motorcycle riders throughout Western Kentucky for over 50 years. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer and let us fight the at-fault party’s insurance company for you.

Securing experienced legal representation as soon as possible is the best way to seek compensation for medical bills and property damage from the defendant’s insurance company.

The best motorcycle accident lawyers know how to gather evidence after motorcycle accidents and proof of your financial and non-financial losses to build a strong motorcycle accident claim. Securing an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you through this challenging time and get you the financial recovery you deserve.

Call our motorcycle accident lawyers for a free consultation at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro attorneys.

Helmet Use and Safe Driving Can Reduce Deaths

Nationwide, there are around 4,000 motorcyclist deaths from motorcycle accidents each year, comprising 13-14% of all motor vehicle deaths.

In Kentucky, the percentage of roadway fatalities that include motorcyclists is comparable to the national average, and many potentially preventable deaths occur each year due to motorcycle riders who are unhelmeted, even if the accident is not the fault of the motorcyclist. 

Accidents still happen even when riders avoid dangerous behavior like lane splitting, driving at high speeds, and racing on public streets. It is not a law to wear a helmet in Kentucky, however, oftentimes head injuries are suffered when a motorcyclist is hit by another driver, even when it is not your own fault.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 55-60% of motorcyclists killed in Kentucky State motorcycle accidents each year are not wearing helmets. State motorcycle laws only require helmets for those under the age of 20.

Despite the law, public health experts continue to urge widespread helmet use, as research shows that universal helmet use would save twice as many lives.  However, it is not required. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to a Rhoads & Rhoads motorcycle accident lawyer at 888-709-9329 to see if you can file a personal injury lawsuit.

What Should You Do If You’re In an Accident?

If you have been injured in an accident, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention immediately.

It is also helpful if you or someone else can preserve evidence. Accident scenes change very quickly, and critical evidence can be lost. Any information you can provide to your motorcycle accident attorney will help them establish your case.

Collect witnesses’ names and contact information, take pictures of the scene, and ensure a police report is created. These steps will help your motorcycle accident lawyer convince the at-fault person’s insurance company that they should settle.

Legal Professionals advise NOT making any agreements with insurance companies (including yours) before consulting with a motorcycle law firm specializing in accidents.

Each insurance company policy coverage applies differently to motorcycles. The insurance company does not consider motorcycles to be motor vehicles for no-fault insurance policies.

When the insurance policy holder is uncertain, the insurance company has a significant advantage. 

The attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads are experienced in all unique motorcycle insurance and liability issues, including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage with the insurance policy, uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and liability-related issues.

Once on the case, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Rhoads & Rhoads personal injury law firm will immediately investigate the accident. We work closely with experienced expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and your medical doctors to increase the chance of recovering compensation for our clients.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let our motorcycle accident lawyers thoroughly investigate, identify any witnesses, and collect all evidence from the accident scene.

Reach out today to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney about your case. We know how to stand up to an insurance company that doesn’t want to pay what you deserve. 

Call Rhoads & Rhoads Law Firm at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail.

What Injuries Are Common In Motorcycle Accidents?

Even “minor” motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury to unprotected drivers and passengers. 

The most common and severe injuries to motorcyclists involve the head and neck, sometimes leading to permanent damage, coma, paralysis, or even death:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Resulting from the force of impact, TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, impacting cognitive function and quality of life.
• Fractures: Commonly occurring in limbs, ribs, and the spine, fractures can lead to significant pain and suffering, immobility, and the need for surgical intervention to facilitate healing.
• Road Rash: Caused by contact with the road surface during a motorcycle crash, road rash results in painful abrasions and skin irritation, often requiring extensive wound care and scar management.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting motor function and sensory perception below the site of injury, necessitating long-term rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments.
• Burns: Exposure to heat, friction, or chemical agents during motorcycle accidents can cause burns ranging from mild to severe, necessitating specialized burn care and rehabilitation to minimize scarring and promote healing.
• Crush Injuries: Compression of body parts between motorcycle components or other objects can lead to crushing injuries, causing tissue damage, nerve injury, and compartment syndrome, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent complications.
• Death: Tragically, some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities due to severe injuries, prompting grief, loss, and legal considerations to seek compensation from an insurance company for surviving family members.

To recover damages for your accident or the suffering your loved one has experienced, call Rhoads & Rhoads today at 888-709-9329 for a free case evaluation.

What Damages Can an Injured Motorcycle Rider Sue the At-Fault Party For?

Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits allow injured motorcyclists and their surviving loved ones to receive compensation that covers losses sustained in motorcycle accidents.

Compensation may also be available for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering or the loss of relationships the injured riders enjoyed before the accident.

Here are the most common types of damages awarded to motorcycle riders who have filed a personal injury claim:

Medical Bills (Past and Future) and Related Expenses: Compensation is provided for the healthcare costs incurred due to the motorcycle accident, encompassing expenses like hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, aiming to cover both current and future medical treatment needs resulting from the motorcycle accident

Lost Wages(Past and Future): Reimbursement is offered when the injured motorcyclist misses work or has reduced earning capacity due to the motorcycle accident. This avenue of legal recourse provides financial assistance during recovery and potential long-term disability.

Pain and Suffering: Damages are awarded to acknowledge the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish endured as a consequence of the motorcycle accident and resultant injuries, recognizing the profound impact on the victim’s overall well-being.

Property Damage: Compensation is provided to cover the repair or replacement costs of the motorcycle and other personal belongings damaged in the accident, ensuring the injured party is not financially burdened by the loss of their property.

Loss of Consortium (Spouse): Damages are awarded to compensate family members for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries or death in the motorcycle accident, acknowledging the strain on familial relationships.

Loss of Consortium (Child): Damages are awarded to a parent for the loss of a child’s companionship, guidance, and support due to injuries from the motorcycle accident, recognizing the impact motorcycle accident claims have on the parent-child relationship.

Loss of Consortium (Parent): Compensation is provided for the loss of a parent’s companionship, care, and support resulting from injuries or death in the motorcycle accident, addressing the emotional and financial strain on the parent-minor child relationship.

Disfigurement: Compensation is offered for visible scars, disfigurement, or permanent physical impairments resulting from the motorcycle accident, recognizing the psychological and social repercussions of altered appearance.

Punitive Damages: Additional compensation may be awarded for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, serving as a deterrent and penalty for reckless behavior leading to harm in the motorcycle accident.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages are provided for the diminished ability to partake in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed before the motorcycle accident, acknowledging the impact on the victim’s overall quality of life.

Emotional Distress: Compensation is offered for the psychological trauma, anxiety, and emotional suffering experienced directly due to the motorcycle accident, addressing the mental health consequences of the traumatic event.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Damages are awarded to account for the reduction in the victim’s ability to earn income in the future due to permanent disabilities resulting from the motorcycle accident, ensuring financial stability despite career setbacks.

Loss of Household Services: Damages are awarded to compensate for the inability of an injured victim to perform household tasks and chores, necessitating hiring assistance to fulfill these responsibilities.

Rehabilitation Expenses: Compensation covers the costs of physical and occupational therapy and other rehabilitative services aimed at restoring function and mobility following injuries from the motorcycle accident.

Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications: Damages are provided to cover the expenses of purchasing adaptive equipment and making necessary modifications to the home to accommodate disabilities resulting from the motorcycle accident.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Compensation is offered for vocational training and retraining programs aimed at assisting the injured motorcycle accident victim in acquiring new skills or transitioning to alternative employment opportunities following disabilities resulting from the motorcycle accident.

Transportation Expenses: Reimbursement is provided for alternative transportation costs incurred due to the inability to drive due to injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident, ensuring access to necessary medical appointments and daily activities.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit: In the case of fatal accidents, injured motorcyclists’ surviving family members can seek compensation aside from what’s listed above.

Funeral and Burial Expenses: Compensation is provided for the costs associated with funeral arrangements, burial, or cremation services in cases where the motorcycle accident results in the wrongful death of the victim, easing the financial burden on surviving family members.

Each Rhoads & Rhoads experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows how to build your case and secure any compensation possible. Call us today for a free consultation at 888-709-9329 or contact us online.

What Is Kentucky’s Injury Threshold for a Personal Injury Case?

Not every motorcycle injury gives grounds for personal injury cases. In Kentucky, you have to meet the injury threshold, which means your medical expenses are over $1,000, you’ve broken one or more bones, or the accident will leave you with permanent impairment or disfigurement or injury or lead to death.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You 

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help you sue the at-fault party for financial compensation.

The compensation can cover various expenses you incurred due to a motorcycle accident resulting from another party’s negligence.

The most common ways a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a motorcycle accident claim include:

Legal Guidance: Offering direction and expertise in navigating the intricate aspects of personal injury law and insurance claims relevant to motorcycle accidents.

Investigative Work: Conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the accident’s circumstances to gather evidence, ascertain liability, and construct a compelling motorcycle accident case supporting your damages claim.

Damages Assessment: This involves evaluating the entirety of your losses, encompassing medical treatment, lost earnings, emotional distress, and other damages, to ensure you pursue equitable compensation for your injuries and hardships.

Negotiation Efforts: Discuss with the other party’s insurance company, firms, and opposing parties to secure a settlement that fairly addresses your damages, aiming to avoid protracted legal proceedings.

Litigation Representation: Initiating legal action by filing a lawsuit and advocating on your behalf in court if negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, advocating for your rights, and pursuing maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries.

Advocacy Role: As your legal champion, safeguard against attempts by insurance companies, entities, or others to diminish your claim’s value or validity.

Utilization of Experience: Leveraging experience handling similar motorcycle accident cases to anticipate obstacles, devise effective legal strategies, and strive for optimal motorcycle accident case outcomes.

Providing Support: Extending empathetic support and guidance throughout what may be a challenging and stressful period, assisting you in navigating the legal process with assurance and tranquility.

Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer increases your chance of winning your motorcycle accident case and securing fair compensation for your expenses and injuries.

At Rhoads & Rhoads, our motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to win your case so you can focus on recovering from the accident. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 888-709-9329.

Owensboro and Madisonville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 

With offices in Owensboro and Madisonville, Rhoads & Rhoads represents motorcycle accident and wrongful death victims throughout Western Kentucky and surrounding areas.

We offer free initial consultations, and our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means no payment is required upfront.

We get paid only if we win or settle your case, so NO RISK is involved.

Call our law firm at 888-709-9329 for a free initial consultation with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro motorcycle accident attorneys.