Motorcycle accidents can change lives in seconds. Beyond physical injuries, victims face complex legal and financial challenges.
O’Connor, Acciani & Levy’s Covington legal team has decades of experience in motorcycle accident cases.
We offer:
- Free case evaluations
- Clear guidance on your legal options
- No fees unless we win your case
You may recover compensation if someone else’s negligence injured you in a motorcycle accident.
Our experience as Covington motorcycle accident lawyers can make a difference in your recovery and financial outcome.
Contact us to discuss your situation and explore your next steps.
Covington Motorcycle Accident Guide
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents typically result from the negligent actions of other drivers.
Here are the most frequent causes:
- Left-turn collisions: Cars often fail to see motorcycles when making left turns at intersections.
- Speed misjudgment: Other drivers frequently underestimate the speed of approaching motorcycles.
- Road hazards: Loose gravel, potholes, or debris on the road pose significant risks to motorcyclists.
- Cornering errors: Riders sometimes enter curves at excessive speeds, leading to loss of control.
- Lane changes: Drivers may overlook motorcycles in their blind spots when changing lanes.
- Rear-end collisions: Distracted drivers can easily crash into motorcycles stopped in traffic.
- Brake errors: Inexperienced riders may apply too much front brake, causing the bike to flip.
- Weather conditions: Wet or icy roads reduce traction, increasing accident risk.
- Impaired riding: Operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol severely impairs judgment and reaction time.
These accidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can quickly overwhelm victims and their families.
After a motorcycle accident, consult an experienced attorney promptly.
Our Covington lawyers offer free case reviews. We thoroughly investigate each accident to determine fault and identify the best legal strategy.
We can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Motorcyclist Injuries
Minimal protection is a big factor in why motorcyclists are injured.
Here are the most frequent injuries we encounter:
- Traumatic brain injuries range from concussions to severe brain damage, even with helmet use.
- Road rash occurs when skin scrapes against pavement, causing painful abrasions and potential infections.
- Muscle damage can lead to long-term mobility issues and chronic pain.
- Biker’s arm results from nerves being compressed during a fall, causing arm weakness or paralysis.
- Leg injuries often involve fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage, potentially affecting mobility.
- Nerve damage can cause lasting pain, numbness, or loss of function in affected areas.
- Internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Broken bones commonly affect ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis, often requiring surgery and long recovery.
- Spinal cord injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering victims’ lives.
Our Covington lawyers understand the long-term impact of these injuries. We work diligently to get you proper compensation for your medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing needs.
The personal and financial burdens placed upon you and your family during this time can be extreme.
We protect and fight for the rights of motorcycle accident victims suffering from the indifference of insurance companies and the carelessness of others.
Damages You Can Claim in Kentucky
In Kentucky, motorcycle accident victims can pursue damages in two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses: This covers all accident-related medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident, including time off for medical appointments.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work, you can claim reduced earning potential.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and other damaged personal property.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: This claim includes transportation costs, home modifications, and other accident-related expenses.
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Additional compensation if you suffer lasting impairments or visible scars.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse.
In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award punitive damages.
Kentucky follows a pure comparative fault system. This means the court might reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault in the accident. You can still recover damages even if you’re primarily at fault.
Kentucky has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Prompt action is crucial to preserve your right to compensation.
Understanding the Claims Process: Your Path to Compensation
We begin your journey to compensation by thoroughly documenting the accident scene and your injuries.
You must report the incident to law enforcement and seek immediate medical attention to create an official record of the event.
After addressing immediate concerns, you’ll notify your insurance company. We advise you to be cautious in your statements, sticking strictly to the facts.
Our legal team evaluates the strength of your claim, carefully reviewing police reports, medical records, and any evidence you’ve gathered.
We launch a detailed investigation, often consulting experts like accident reconstructionists or medical professionals to build a strong case.
We assess all damages, including current medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We also project future costs related to your injuries to ensure your compensation covers long-term needs.
With a clear picture of your case, we craft a detailed demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This document outlines your case and requests fair compensation based on our assessment.
The insurance company typically responds with a low initial offer, kickstarting a negotiation process. We engage in multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers to secure fair compensation.
If we reach a fair settlement through negotiations, we’ll advise you to accept it. However, if negotiations stall, we’ll discuss filing a lawsuit.
In litigation, we file a formal lawsuit within Kentucky’s statute of limitations and engage in discovery, depositions, and pre-trial motions, representing you at trial if necessary.
The final stage involves receiving compensation through a settlement or court award. We manage any liens and help with the disbursement of funds.
Our support continues after the resolution, as we help implement structured settlements if applicable and provide guidance on managing your compensation.
We are your dedicated advocate throughout this process. We handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel, freeing you to focus on recovery.
We streamline this complex process, tailoring our approach to your specific circumstances and keeping you informed at every step.
Why Choose Our Covington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we bring over 25 years of experience to your motorcycle accident case. Our Covington, KY, legal team protects your rights and seeks maximum compensation.
Here’s how:
Client-focused representation:
- Free initial consultations
- No upfront costs - we only get paid if you win
- Personalized attention to your unique case
Proven track record:
- $4.9 million recovery for a severely injured bicyclist
- $1.1 million settlement for an industrial accident victim
- $300,000+ compensation for a dog attack survivor
Local experience:
- In-depth knowledge of Kentucky motorcycle laws
- Familiarity with Florence and Northern Kentucky courts
- Strong relationships with local medical experts
Comprehensive support:
- Thorough accident investigations
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy when needed
We know what hardships you face after a motorcycle accident. Let our experienced legal team fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Kentucky Motorcycle Laws
Laws about licensing requirements:
- Riders must possess a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.
- You must pass a written and a skills test to obtain a license.
- An approved motorcycle safety course can waive the skills test requirement.
Helmet laws:
- Kentucky does not have a universal helmet law.
- Helmets are mandatory only for:
- Riders and passengers under 21 years old
- Operators with an instruction permit
- Riders licensed for less than one year
Laws of equipment regulations:
- Motorcycles must have:
- At least one rearview mirror
- A muffler in good working order
- Working turn signals (for models 1998 and newer)
- A working headlight, taillight, and brake light
- Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.
Operational rules:
- Lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Kentucky but is generally discouraged.
- Motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a traffic lane.
- No more than two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane.
Insurance requirements:
- Minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Passenger regulations:
- Passengers must have a separate seat and footrests.
- Riders cannot carry packages, which prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
DUI laws:
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, the same as for car drivers.
- Penalties for motorcycle DUI are the same as those for other vehicles.
Laws can change. Our legal team stays current with the latest regulations to protect your rights and build the best case possible.
Why an Attorney Matters
You can’t understate the importance of a good motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies may deny your claim or refuse to provide you with the full financial compensation you need.
The person who caused the accident may not take responsibility for their actions. Both instances would require legal representation to ensure no one tramples your rights.
Hiring one of our experienced Covington attorneys may improve your chances of receiving higher compensation for your claim.
We understand that injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can affect you for years and may leave you permanently disabled.
Our legal team can help you fight against insurance companies who have their legal team ready at their disposal.
You will have our full resources readily available to you, which will be vital to the success of your case.
Our team of legal professionals will:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Collect accident and police reports
- Analyze medical records
- Study the accident scene and all materials gathered from it
- Handle insurance companies
- Investigate the at-fault driver and his or her prior record
We know that after a severe accident, you want to focus on your recovery and the well-being of your family.
Our attorneys will handle all of the details of your case and will devote the time and effort needed to give your case the best representation possible.
You Can Count on Our Firm of Covington Motorcycle Attorneys to Help You
If a motorcycle accident injures you or a loved one, hiring a Covington personal injury attorney can maximize your damages.
Our Covington motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the rights of our clients. We provide a free consultation and review your claim to determine if you have a case. Call us today at (859) 581-8300.
