Bardstown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Pursuing Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Nelson County, KY

Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents than occupants of other vehicles. Motorcycles offer little protection to riders during a crash. Without the protective shell of an automobile, riders are directly exposed to impacts with vehicles, pavement, or nearby objects.

Motorcycles also lack safety features like airbags and seatbelts. Riding a motorcycle requires more skill and attention than driving a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists made up 14 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in 2021, even though they accounted for only 3.5 percent of all registered vehicles.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Bardstown or the surrounding areas, you should seek help from an experienced personal injury firm. At Haydon Blackmon PLLC, you work with a local motorcycle accident attorney in Bardstown known for skill, individual attention, and strong advocacy. Attorney Haydon-Blackmon has received recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, reflecting the high quality of her legal representation.

Request a free initial consultation with our Bardstown motorcycle accident attorney at Haydon Blackmon PLLC by calling (502) 490-2214. You can also contact us online.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bardstown

Motorcycle accidents often become severe without the protection of an enclosed vehicle. 

Several factors lead to these crashes in Bardstown:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or lose focus may not see motorcyclists. This danger grows during lane changes or turns completed without checking for motorcycles.
• Speeding: Motorcyclists or other drivers who speed reduce their ability to respond quickly. Controlling a bike becomes even harder at high speeds, especially in tight curves or heavy traffic.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement are much riskier for motorcycles. Unexpected hazards can cause riders to lose control or be thrown from their bikes.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, ice, or wind make roads slick and reduce visibility. Motorcycles are less stable in these situations, raising the risk of skidding or falling.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and harms coordination. Impaired driving makes crashes more likely for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists who must make quick, precise moves.
• Lane splitting: Riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic can be risky due to tight spaces and unpredictable movements by other drivers.
• Car door accidents: When drivers open parked car doors into traffic, an oncoming motorcycle may not have time to react. This type of crash happens when drivers or passengers do not check before opening the door.
• Inexperienced riders: Motorcyclists need skill and good judgment to avoid mistakes. Lack of training may lead to errors, such as harsh braking or underestimating curves.
• Mechanical failures: Faulty brakes, blown tires, or other defects can cause loss of control. 
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving, or road rage by any driver can threaten motorcyclists, making a crash more likely.

These dangers affect motorcyclists more than drivers in cars, which is why injuries are often more serious after a motorcycle accident.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, some of which can change lives forever.

Common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Helmets help, but severe crashes can still cause brain trauma. Brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional problems.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents sometimes damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other mobility issues.
• Road Rash: Sliding across the pavement can result in painful skin abrasions. Road rash may lead to infections or permanent scarring.
• Broken Bones: Motorcycle crashes often lead to fractures. Riders may need surgery and extended recovery periods, and some broken bones cause lasting problems.

Serious injuries may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or changes in daily routines for years to come. Our team understands the impacts of these injuries and while we cannot reverse what happened, we dedicate ourselves to pursuing the full amount of compensation you're owed.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?

Taking the right actions after a motorcycle crash in Bardstown helps protect your health and your claim.

Steps to follow include:

1. Prioritize safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if you’re able. Call 911 to alert emergency services and law enforcement.
2. Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, see a medical professional. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.
3. Request a police report: Give officers a clear, factual account of what happened. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report.
4. Gather evidence: Exchange contact and insurance details with other involved parties. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, visible injuries, and any damage. If any witnesses are at the scene, gather their names and contact information.
5. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney: Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bardstown early to help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.
6. Keep all documentation: Save medical records, repair bills, police reports, and all communication with insurance companies. Avoid making recorded statements without legal advice.

Whether your accident happened near a Bardstown intersection or along a major road like US-31E, our team can help. Acting quickly can preserve key evidence and give your case a good foundation for success.

Who Can Be Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident isn’t always straightforward. Several parties may be held responsible depending on how the crash occurred.

The following parties could be at fault:

• Negligent Drivers: Drivers who ignore traffic laws or act recklessly may be responsible if their actions lead to a crash. Failing to signal before turning or changing lanes without looking often causes collisions.
• Road Maintenance Authorities: Poor road conditions can lead to accidents. Authorities who fail to maintain safe roads may share responsibility if hazards like potholes or unmarked construction exist.
• Motorcycle Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, sometimes cause motorcycle crashes. The manufacturer could be liable if a mechanical issue leads to a wreck.
• Motorcyclist: In some cases, the rider may share fault. If the motorcyclist broke traffic laws, such as speeding, that can reduce their compensation.

Establishing who is liable is a key part of your case. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Bardstown can investigate the details and help hold all responsible parties accountable.

Request a free initial consultation with our motorcycle accident attorney in Bardstown, KY, by calling (502) 490-2214. You can also contact us online.