Motorcycle accidents are a serious problem nationwide. However, some states tend to see higher rates of motorcycle injuries and fatalities from accidents more than others—and Kentucky is one of those states.
Why is this? Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but the risk of injury is higher when the rider isn’t wearing a helmet. And in Kentucky, the law does not require riders to wear a helmet unless they are under 21.
In 2020, crash data from the NHTSA showed that 59% of motorcyclists killed on Kentucky roadways were NOT wearing a helmet. However, even with helmet use, motorcycle fatalities are still high. For example, 41% of motorcyclists on Kentucky roads were killed while still wearing a helmet.
What else is causing such high rates of motorcycle accidents on Kentucky roadways? And what are the serious injuries most commonly suffered by Kentucky motorcyclists? Let’s dive in to find out.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen on Kentucky Roadways?
In addition to the data on helmet use from the link above, the NHTSA also reports motorcycle fatalities due to alcohol-impaired riders. In 2020, 25% of motorcycle riders that died in Kentucky had a BAC of .08 or higher, and 15% had a BAC of .15 and higher. With this information, it’s safe to say that drunk driving is a common reason why motorcycle accidents happen on Kentucky roads.
However, another issue could be that Kentucky has more rural roads than some other states. And drivers, whether in a car or riding a motorcycle, are more likely to speed and drive negligently on rural roads. Conditions on rural roads are also generally worse than in populated areas, meaning there are fewer safety resources, less road maintenance, and fewer lights at night, making it hard to see when driving.
Even in the more populated areas, however, motorcycle accidents can still happen due to traffic congestion and other poor driving behaviors. Kentucky road conditions on I-75, for example, a popular highway that runs from Williamsburg to Covington, often lead to bad accidents—including motorcycle accidents. In some cases, these accidents can be so bad that they can lead to road closures in Kentucky.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Kentucky
There is a wide range of injuries that a person can suffer after being in an accident. However, as motorcyclists are more exposed and have less to protect their bodies from impact, they tend to sustain more severe injuries. And there are some injuries that are also more common than others with motorcyclists due to how they are impacted differently by collisions.
Such injuries can include:
- Road rash
- Head and neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hand, wrist, and arm injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg injuries
- Burns
- Broken ribs
- Limb amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Severe head, face, and brain injuries are especially common when motorcyclists don’t wear helmets, which is common on Kentucky roadways. In many cases, wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death for many motorcycle riders.
While many of the injuries listed above might not necessarily result in death, they are still considered severe and can significantly impact your life. These injuries can leave you impaired, disfigured, and can make it difficult to live your life and perform everyday tasks.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Motorcycle Accident Injuries on Kentucky Roadways
If you sustain a severe injury in a motorcycle accident on a Kentucky roadway, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover your losses.
Kentucky is a no-fault state, which means if you are injured, you would first have to file a personal injury claim with your own no-fault PIP insurance to receive benefits. These benefits can help you pay for things like your medical expenses and lost wages.
However, PIP insurance coverage has limits and may not be enough to cover all of your losses. Additionally, you may suffer what is known as non-economic damages, like emotional distress and pain & suffering, which are not covered by PIP insurance. If this is the case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident for additional compensation.
To file a lawsuit against another party in Kentucky for a motorcycle accident, your injuries and the damages you have suffered will need to meet certain thresholds. You will also need to be able to prove that another person was, in fact, at fault for what happened. As such, it is beneficial in these situations to work with a personal injury attorney.
A lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove the extent of your injuries and damages and help you build a strong case to prove that another party was responsible for what happened. They can also handle settlement negotiations to ensure you get the highest settlement possible to fully compensate you for all of your losses and suffering.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident on Kentucky roadways, our team of legal experts can help. We understand the losses one can suffer after such a tragic accident and are dedicated to helping our clients get the full settlement they deserve.
You owe us nothing unless our team recovers compensation for you. Call (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident injury attorneys today.