Florence Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders understand they are at higher risk of injury than vehicle occupants if they get into a crash and ride responsibly.

Unfortunately, many drivers are reckless and don’t always observe laws intended to keep the roads safe for everyone. These drivers frequently cause motorcycle accidents. 

When a driver’s actions contributed to a motorcycle accident that injured you, the driver might be liable to pay for your losses. Motorcycle accident claims can be tricky, and you should not pursue a claim without advice from a seasoned attorney. 

A Florence motorcycle accident lawyer helps you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Our Florence Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we bring over 25 years of experience to your motorcycle accident case. Our Florence, KY, legal team protects your rights and seeks maximum compensation for your injuries.

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 Florence legal team fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Traditional narratives oversimplify motorcycle accident causes.

Our Florence legal team’s investigations reveal additional factors:

• Infrastructure bias: Many roads are designed with cars in mind, neglecting motorcycle-specific safety needs. Improper banking on curves and inadequate signage at motorcycle-heavy routes contribute to accidents.
• Technology gap: While cars benefit from advanced safety features, motorcycles lag. The slow integration of anti-lock braking systems and stability control in motorcycles has real consequences on the road, and that’s just a start.
• Cultural misconceptions: The “loud pipes save lives” belief can create a false sense of security, leading some riders to rely on noise rather than defensive driving techniques.
• Economic pressures: Rising fuel costs sometimes push inexperienced riders to choose motorcycles as economical transport without adequate training or experience.
• Perception challenges: The human brain looks for car-sized objects. This neurological bias makes it harder for drivers to judge motorcycle speed and distance accurately.
• Group dynamics: While not all riders participate, some motorcycle social groups inadvertently promote risky behaviors through peer pressure or competition.
• Regulatory inconsistencies: Varying helmet laws and lane-splitting regulations across states confuse riders and drivers, especially near state borders.
• Maintenance oversight: Unlike cars with warning lights, motorcycle maintenance issues are less obvious, leading to mechanical failures at critical moments.
• Weather adaptation: Climate change alters weather patterns, creating new challenges for riders dealing with unpredictable and extreme conditions.

Examining these overlooked factors helps us build more comprehensive and effective legal strategies for our motorcycle accident clients. 

Motorcycle Collisions Cause Severe Injuries

Without a protective shell around them, motorcyclists are vulnerable to wrecks. Collisions with cars result in the rider being thrown off the bike and landing with significant force. 

Kentucky does not require helmets for experienced riders over 21. When a rider does not wear a helmet, the chances of suffering significant facial injuries and severe head injuries increase. 

A Florence lawyer could explain how failing to wear a helmet might impact the damages a rider could receive in a specific motorcycle collision case.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riders face inherently unique and severe injuries in accidents. 

Our Florence legal team has extensive experience helping clients with:

• Road rash: Beyond superficial scrapes, severe cases can require skin grafts, leading to permanent scarring.
• Fractures: Complex breaks may need surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.
• Head trauma: From mild concussions to life-altering brain injuries, proper diagnosis and care are crucial.
• Spinal damage: Injuries to the spine can result in chronic pain or various degrees of paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause long-term mobility issues.
• Biker’s arm: Nerve damage from instinctively using arms to brace for impact during a crash.
• Internal injuries: Often overlooked initially, these can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Facial injuries: May require reconstructive surgery and can have lasting psychological impacts.
• Lower extremity injuries: Damage to legs, knees, and feet can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.
• Post-traumatic stress: The psychological aftermath can be as debilitating as physical injuries.

Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to fully understand your injuries’ short- and long-term impacts. 

This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your damages.

Claiming Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle owners must have proof of liability insurance to register their bikes. Kentucky is a no-fault state and requires vehicle owners to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $10,000. 

However, PIP is not mandatory when registering a motorcycle, and many insurers will not sell PIP for a bike. An injured biker must turn to an at-fault driver’s liability insurance; if insufficient, they could seek damages in court. 

A Florence attorney could seek multiple sources of insurance coverage to increase the chances of the injured motorcyclist receiving appropriate compensation after a crash. They investigate whether a faulty part in a vehicle involved contributed to the accident. 

If so, the manufacturer could be liable. Poor road maintenance or signage could mean the local government owes damages to the biker.

Kentucky Motorcycle Laws

Laws about licensing requirements:

• Riders must possess a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.
• You must pass both 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 be equipped with: • 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.

It’s important to note that laws can change. Our legal team stays current with the latest regulations to protect your rights and build the most robust possible case in the event of an accident.

Proving Another Party Is Liable for a Biker’s Losses

A motorcyclist could receive monetary compensation after a collision when they prove another’s negligence contributed to their injuries. 

A negligent driver does not use reasonable care to operate their vehicle safely, and someone else suffers injuries due to failure.

If the driver received a citation for the crash, the ticket can be evidence of negligence. However, a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Florence could prove negligence even if the police did not issue a citation. 

Evidence from witnesses, crash scene reconstruction, video of the incident, and other information can persuade a jury to find a driver negligent. 

A motorcycle rider could collect damages even if they had partial responsibility for the crash. Kentucky Revised Statutes §411.182 requires a judge or jury, after hearing the evidence, to apportion blame for a collision on a percentage basis. 

A claimant could collect the portion of their damages attributed to another’s conduct.

How Lawyers Help Motorcycle Accident Survivors

Accident attorneys do a lot more than most people realize, such as:

• Medical navigation: We don’t just refer you to doctors - we help decode complex medical jargon and challenge insurance denials for necessary treatments. Our team can spot potential long-term complications that might be overlooked in initial assessments.
• Financial triage: We work to prevent financial bleeding while your case progresses. This includes negotiating with creditors, exploring temporary disability options, and finding creative solutions to keep you afloat.
• Reconstruction: We partner with cutting-edge accident reconstruction specialists to uncover accident causes that traditional methods might miss.
• Gear analysis: Was your protective equipment up to standard? We investigate potential product liability angles, sometimes uncovering helmets or riding gear defects that contributed to injuries.
• Policy excavation: Insurance policies are minefields of fine print. We dig deep, often finding coverage in unexpected places - like homeowners’ policies or umbrella coverage - to maximize your compensation.
• Biker’s rights advocacy: Beyond your case, we push for systemic changes. This includes advocating for improved road designs, better driver education about motorcycles, and fairer rider insurance practices.
• Mental health support: The psychological impact of a crash is often underestimated. We connect you with specialized therapists who understand the unique trauma bikers face and can help rebuild your confidence to ride again - if you choose to.
• Community reintegration: We help bridge the gap back to your riding community, connecting you with support groups and resources for adapting to life post-accident.
• Future-proofing your recovery: Our settlements consider long-term impacts, including potential career changes, ongoing medical needs, and how your injuries might interact with the natural aging process.
• Tech-savvy evidence gathering: From retrieving data from onboard computers to analyzing traffic camera footage, we employ cutting-edge tech to build your case.

Going beyond traditional legal services is our way of advocating for your physical, financial, and emotional recovery. 

We don’t win your case; we help you reclaim your life after a motorcycle accident.

Work With a Florence Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Secure Compensation

When you suffer injuries in a motorcycle wreck, do not try to handle your claim without professional help. 

The laws are complicated, and insurance companies quickly take advantage of anyone unfamiliar with the process. 

A Florence personal injury attorney could use their knowledge and experience to get you the maximum compensation circumstances permit. 

Contact us as soon as possible at (859) 581-7993 after the crash to start preparing a claim with our team.