What you’ll learn reading this article:
- Kentucky motorcycle accidents are on the rise, especially during warm months.
- It’s important to follow motorcycle safety guidelines.
- After a motorcycle accident, you can file a lawsuit.
There’s nothing quite like roaring across Kentucky’s beautiful country roads on a motorcycle. But a day out on the bike can quickly become a disaster.
As the weather warms, motorcycle accidents tend to rise. Just because there are more bikes on the road during the warm months, it doesn’t mean other drivers pay more attention to them or respect the rules of sharing the road.
Our state is seeing a troubling rise in deadly motorcycle accidents involving crashes with other vehicles. Out of 500 motorcycle crashes tracked by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, 27 involved a fatality and many others involved traumatic brain injuries and severe bodily harm.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road
Kentucky roads are safer for motorcyclists when all drivers follow these safety tips:
- Beware in bad weather. During a spring rainstorm, a motorcyclist is hard to see. Other drivers should keep an eye out for motorcycles during storms and motorcyclists should consider taking a break from riding when a storm is raging.
- Increase driving distance. All motorists should leave plenty of distance between their vehicles and motorcyclists. More distance gives more reaction time as road conditions change.
- Pass cautiously. Many motorcycle accidents happen as one vehicle passes another. Motorcyclists must use turn signals to indicate lane changes, just like all other drivers. Take extra care when passing in windy conditions that can cause a motorcyclist to swerve.
- Check blind spots. Car and truck drivers should check their blind spots frequently for motorcyclists. Never make a lane change without checking blind spots first.
- Cross intersections carefully. Intersections are high danger zones because drivers sometimes fail to see motorcyclists turning or proceeding through the intersection. Approach every intersection with caution.
Here’s How to Handle a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents happen hundreds of times every year in Kentucky. If you’re in a motorcycle collision, here’s how to handle it whether you’re the motorcyclist or the other driver.
- Remain at the scene, but get to a safe place out of traffic.
- Report your crash to the police and call 911 if there are injuries.
- Stay calm and work with police and emergency medical professionals.
- Record everything you can about the accident, including taking photos and on-scene videos.
- Write down the name and contact information for all witnesses.
- Note the weather, traffic conditions, nearby construction, and other details.
- Save your medical bills and other documentation.
- Contact a Kentucky car/motorcycle accident attorney immediately.
If you’re a motorcyclist, make sure your attorney has extensive experience working with clients who have been in motorcycle crashes. These cases can create tough legal battles. You’ll need a knowledgeable attorney to help you hold the right person responsible for your motorcycle accident.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firm for over a decade and counting, McCoy & Sparks works to help people in trouble, representing thousands of clients in Central Kentucky with a focus on providing premium service and delivering superior results.
Regardless of the type of case, our goal is to develop a strategy that best serves your personal needs, then draws upon our courtroom skills to help you reach the best possible result. We start by getting to know you. Next, we will explain all your options, giving you the pros and cons of each choice so that you will be empowered to make informed decisions.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to 844-4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.