If you were injured in a motorcycle, a personal injury claim can help you recover the financial losses related to your injuries. Those financial losses are also known as damages.

Typical Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

• Your Medical Expenses
• Your Lost Wages
• Your Future Wages Due to Impairment (when applicable)
• Your Pain and Suffering Damage (like emotional trauma, transportation to appointments, other losses that are less easily quantified)

You may need to prove that the driver caused your injury through negligence. Gather evidence to support your personal injury claim.

Evidence to Support Motorcycle Accident Claim

• A copy of the official police report for your accident
• Photographs of the accident scene and your injury
• Commentary from your doctor discussing your injury and treatment needs
• Eyewitness testimonies of the accident
• Your own documentation of your injury, treatment needs, and reduced quality of life

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be debilitating, and recovery isn’t easy. Insurance disputes and legal issues present additional roadblocks. Get a personal injury attorney on your side to work towards the best possible outcome. That way you can focus on getting back to normal life.

Myriad hazards contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks

• Drunk drivers
• Distracted drivers
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Failure of other driver to see a motorcyclist

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is when a vehicle driver fails to notice you on your bike. In other words, the most significant contributor to motorcycle wrecks is negligence.

As a motorcyclist you naturally have less vehicle protection. This means you are more likely to suffer severe injuries. Not every crash is life-threatening, but major injuries are a common theme for motorcycle accidents.

Typical Motorcycle Accident Injuries

• Injuries to legs / knees / feet / ankles due to crushing / pinning by fallen motorcycle
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Road rash
• Fractures / broken bones
• Neck / back injuries

If you’ve received a traumatic brian injury (TBI) – which is more likely if you weren’t wearing a helmet – your case requires special care and attention. Unfortunately, TBI tends to have long-lasting harmful implications. You’ll need compensation that covers future medical care.

Because of the specifics of motorcycle accident injuries, it’s important to have an experienced motorcycle injury attorney on your case. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to downplay your injuries and their insured’s liability. You’ll need a motorcycle accident attorney’s expertise to gather every piece of evidence necessary to prove your claim.

First, let’s be clear: it is always best to wear a helmet, even if you aren’t legally required to. Helmets dramatically reduce the severity of head injuries and brain trauma.

But helmets protect more than your physical safety. They also protect your claim if you get in a motorcycle accident. If you get in a wreck without a helmet, it can be considered “contributory negligence” – a lack of reasonable care to avoid injury – especially if the law requires you to wear one.

Motorcycle Helmets Required In Kentucky & Indiana

• Operators or passengers under the age of 21 (KY) or 18 (IN)
• Operators with instruction permits only (KY & IN)
• Operators who have had their motorcycle license for less than a year (KY)

Remember, insurance companies will take every opportunity to discredit you and downplay the other driver’s liability. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet only adds to their litany of strategies to avoid paying you a proper settlement.

If you have been in an accident (with or without a helmet!), contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You need an expert in your corner working to make sure you’re compensated for your suffering and damages.

And please, wear a helmet.

Emery Law Office is here to help. Our team is trial-tested and prepared to take every action necessary to find you the compensation you deserve.

For more information on motorcycle accident claims in Louisville, Kentucky, and Indiana, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the legal answers you seek by calling (502) 791-8389 today!