Motorcycles offer a certain sense of freedom and excitement that you just can’t find with a standard car. They also come with an added level of danger. Even when a motorcyclist takes the necessary precautions to ride safely, there’s a chance a negligent driver could cause an accident. If that’s the case for you, you need help from an Owensboro, KY motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Thomas Law Offices, we represent accident victims in their time of need. We’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best legal representation possible, so you won’t have to worry when you reach out to us for help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Because of their small size and decreased balance, motorcycles are often involved in crashes. While most crashes only result in mild injuries, others have the potential to end in death. In order to understand why accidents happen as often as they do, it’s essential to recognize the most common causes.
Factors that affect the likelihood of a collision include speed, experience, traffic, motorcycle maintenance, and road conditions. The faster a motorcyclist is going, the more likely it is that they will lose control of their vehicle. Loss of control can also happen if a rider isn’t experienced. If traffic is heavy, the biker could try to lane split or collide with a vehicle in their blind spot. As far as motorcycle maintenance goes, it’s vital that the vehicle be regularly checked and well kept. Old brakes or tires can easily result in a crash. Road conditions can also impact a drive, as potholes and uneven pavement can cause a motorcycle to tip and lose balance.
No matter the cause of your accident, you’ll need to determine if negligence played a role. If you believe another driver’s decisions behind the wheel caused your accident, our attorneys can investigate your situation and determine if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims
If you decide to pursue legal action after a motorcycle crash, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Some of the most common claims we handle include the following:
- Insurance Negotiations. Negotiating with an insurance company is one of the main ways accident claims are settled. Your attorney can contact the negligent driver’s insurance company and leverage the information they’ve collected to negotiate a settlement offer for your expenses. In the event negotiations are not successful, you have the right to pursue legal action.
- Negligence. If you choose to pursue a lawsuit, your case will likely be based on the concept of negligence. Your lawyer will prove that the other driver was at fault for the crash because they failed to exercise a reasonable standard of care—like if they disobeyed a traffic law or were driving under the influence.
- Product Liability. In some instances, a defect in your motorcycle could cause an accident. If that’s the case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts. To determine if there are grounds for a lawsuit, your attorney will conduct an investigation to figure out if the defective part was unreasonably dangerous, the motorcycle was being operated as intended, and the bike’s performance had not changed since its initial purchase.
- Wrongful Death. In the event you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle wreck, you have recourse to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. While we understand legal action won’t bring your loved one back, doing so will give you the opportunity to hold the negligent driver accountable and secure your family’s financial future.
No matter what type of injury claim you file, your Owensboro attorney will be by your side the entire time, ensuring your rights are upheld and your case proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Recovery Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Losses
Regardless of how your claim proceeds, our lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses. That compensation is often divided into two categories: economic and noneconomic.
Economic compensation is directly calculable using receipts, statements, and bills. Your lawyer can help you obtain a monetary award for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Noneconomic compensation is harder to calculate, as it’s based on more subjective forms of suffering like mental anguish, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
No two claims are alike, which is why the value of yours needs to be calculated carefully. Thomas Law Offices will include all real and potential losses, so you have the funds you need to handle any current and future accident-related losses.
Contact Thomas Law Offices
A motorcycle wreck can completely upend your life, but it doesn’t have to put your life on hold. When you seek legal representation from an Owensboro, KY motorcycle accident lawyer, they will ensure you have the best chances at recovering the compensation you need to move forward.
To learn more about the litigation process or how to get started with your claim, schedule a free case evaluation with Thomas Law Offices today.