What Do I Do if I’m in a Motorcycle Accident in Kentucky

Across the U.S., motorcycle accident fatalities have nearly tripled since 1996, from roughly 2,100 to about 6000 in 2022. Motorcycle accidents on Kentucky highways and roads have killed about 100 people per year, and hundreds more motorcyclists are severely injured each year. Generally, motorcycles account for only about 3% of vehicles on our roadways, but they are associated with about 14% of fatalities when involved in an accident. The highest number of motorcycle crashes and deaths occur in Jefferson County.  Sadly, we have represented some of these victims of motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been hurt — or if a loved one has been killed — in a motorcycle accident in Kentucky, you can turn to attorney Brett H. Oppenheimer.

Unsafe Driving

Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. 

A driver might be held liable for your motorcycle accident if it was caused for any of the following reasons:

• Driver of a larger vehicle failed to take not of motorcyclist on the road
• Driver failed to give a motorcyclist a full lane width.
• Driver failed to use his or her turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic
• Driver failed to check his or her blind spot, therefore missing the motorcyclist's presence
• Driver failed to allow enough following distance behind a motorcyclist
• Weather impacted driver of motor vehicle
• Motor vehicle driver was distracted by phone or texting
• Driver of the car or truck was impaired

What Do I Do if I’m Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

It is important to stay as calm as possible after an accident.  Focus on your health and well-being first, as well as the others involved in the accident and then work on documenting the accident information.  If you are interacting with other drivers or passengers or law enforcement, do not admit fault or liability, but do provide basic information about the crash. 

• Turn off your motorcycle and do not leave the accident scene.
• Make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident move to a safe place, if possible.
• Call 911 immediately and seek medical assistance if you are injured. 
• Do not refuse medical assistance as many times victims do not realize the extent of their injuries at the scene of the accident
• It is always best to have an accident report, so even if there are no injuries, make sure a police officer comes to the scene and creates a report.  Get the report number or “incident number” so you can obtain a copy of the report once it is finalized.
• If your motorcycle is towed away, get the information from the Tow Truck Provider
• Be sure to have your insurance information and your driver’s license readily available for the police officer.  Ask for the names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information (insurance company name and policy number) from all people involved in the accident. 
• If there were witnesses, collect their contact information as well (name, phone number, etc.). 
• Preserve evidence at the accident scene and damage to the vehicles by taking pictures, video, etc.
• Call an attorney to help you with your injury claim. Brett Oppenheimer will consult with you (free of charge) to determine your next steps.
• The attorney will help you interact with both your insurance company and the insurance company of the adverse driver. 

Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

In a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation for the following types of damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation and recovery
• Pain and suffering

In a wrongful death case, family members may also pursue compensation for funeral/burial costs.

Contact a Louisville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle accident, don't hesitate to fight for the compensation you deserve. In many motorcycle accident cases, the insurance company will give you a lower settlement than you deserve. If you believe this has happened to you, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys today to discuss your case. We are here to hold the negligent party accountable and to ensure that you are awarded the compensation you deserve.