Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Louisville
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Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may have some questions. Mike Schafer, the Lawyer Who Wrote The Book, and the attorneys at The Schafer Law Office have the answers!
What To Do After Your Motorcycle Wreck In Kentucky
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Kentucky, if you’re able, call 9-1-1 to report the accident. Police will come to the accident scene and file an accident report.
While you’re waiting for the police, try and gather as much information from the accident scene as possible. Get the other party’s name, phone number, address, license plate number, and make and model of their car. Also, take pictures of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, license plate numbers, and people involved in the accident.
However, only gather information if it’s safe to do so. Do NOT put your life at risk.
After the police report, please go to the doctor as soon as you can. That way, you can get treated for your injuries. If you feel that legal action is necessary, you should consult with an accident attorney. They will help you gather any evidence that will help your case. They will also make sure that the evidence isn’t destroyed.
Are Insurance Claims Different For Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents?
In most situations, there is no Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-Fault Benefits to pay for the medical bills from the accident. PIP insurance is very expensive for motorcycles. Because of this, most riders choose not to purchase it. This means there is no money to help with medical treatment unless you have health insurance. Also, many Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist policies have exclusions for two-wheeled vehicles. You should check with your insurance agent to see what your policy will cover in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Who Is Obligated to Pay To Repair My Motorcycle After an Accident in KY?
The at-fault party’s insurance company will pay to repair your motorcycle. If that insurance company challenges whose fault the motorcycle accident is, they may not pay for your damages immediately.
If this is the case, and you have collision coverage on your policy, you may want to turn to your insurance company. They will fix your motorcycle, but you’ll have to pay your deductible. Your insurance company then would attempt to collect the deductible back from the at-fault party’s insurance.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements in Louisville, KY
With motorcycle accidents, no two cases are exactly the same. The settlement value of your motorcycle accident injury claim will primarily depend on the physical, financial, and emotional damages that you suffered after the crash. When calculating your settlement demand, your Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer at The Schafer Law Office will take factors like the following into account:
- Your current medical expenses
- Your reasonable projected medical and rehabilitative treatment costs
- Income loss
- Any impact on your ability to earn income
- Whether the accident left you partially or totally disabled
- The existence of any pain and suffering
- The extent of any property damage
The amount of money you ultimately receive may also be affected by Kentucky’s comparative negligence law, which reduces your award in accordance with your degree of fault in the accident. For example, if a jury awards you $50,000 but finds that you were 10% at fault, your award will be reduced by 10%, and you would receive $45,000 instead. Your Louisville, KY motorcycle accident attorney will explain this and other factors that may impact your settlement value.
Who Pays the Bills for My Loved One’s Motorcycle Crash Injuries?
Motorcycle riders in Kentucky are required to carry liability insurance, which will help pay for bodily injuries or property damage in the event of an accident. As a minimum, the insurance policy must include the following limits:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for multiple persons
- $25,000 for property damage
The $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury policy only applies to someone the motorcyclist injured, not to the injured biker. Optional coverage such as Underinsured Motorist Coverage or Uninsured Motorist Coverage should be purchased by any driver or rider. These policies protect you should the driver that hits the motorcycle have little or no insurance.
In Kentucky, all motorists are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which helps cover medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused it. This does not include bikers, since motorcycle insurance policies do not have to include PIP. However, if your loved one does carry it, they can collect the basic $10,000 coverage. If they don’t, their health insurance might pay additional medical bills. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can help your family identify all viable options for financial recovery.
Does My Loved One Really Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Legally, no. However, without expert guidance, your loved one is almost certain to receive a smaller settlement than they need, especially if they will require long-term care. Insurers protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible, even to long-term policyholders who have faithfully paid their premiums for years.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will use their experience and resources to accurately value your damages and negotiate for a full settlement. If necessary, they will take your loved one’s case to trial, although this rarely happens: the majority of personal injury claims settle. When they do, claimants who hire a lawyer typically receive a much larger settlement than those who don’t.
Kentucky Motorcycle Accident FAQ
When Should You Hire a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Louisville as soon as you know that you have compensable injuries. In severe crashes, this fact may be obvious right away. In other cases, it may take a full medical evaluation to detect the early stages of potentially catastrophic injuries.
After you report the accident to your insurance company, you will hear from a claims adjuster soon afterward. They will appear concerned and ask how you are doing, but their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line and even an innocuous comment like “I’m fine” can be used to reduce or deny compensation you deserve. If you’ve already retained a motorcycle accident law firm in KY, they will handle all communications with the insurer and protect your right to full compensation.
The Kentucky motorcycle accident attorneys at the Schafer Law Office offer free consultations and can go over the details of your case with you. We are with you every step of the way. Call us now at (502) 584-9511.
How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Case?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the accident. The case could also be filed two years from the date of the last no-fault payment, not to exceed a total of four years. If you had insurance, the last no-fault payment is the last payment your insurance company made for either your medical bills or your lost wages. To be safe, it is best to file within two years from the date of the accident.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost in Kentucky?
When your medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work, you may be worried about whether you can afford a motorcycle accident lawyer in Louisville, KY. In general, Kentucky motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they recover their fees from your final settlement or award.
At The Schafer Law Office, it costs you nothing upfront to retain legal representation, and you only pay us if we win your case. To get started, call our office for a free consultation at (502) 584-9511. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and make sure you know what to expect at all stages of your claim.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Case or Lawsuit?
The amount of time it takes to settle your Kentucky motorcycle accident case depends on a wide range of factors. In general, more complex cases will take longer to resolve: these are situations where there are questions about liability, multiple parties are involved, or the insurance company responsible for compensating you is disputing the extent of your injuries.
However long your claim takes, The Schafer Law Office is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome. Your Louisville motorcycle accident lawyer will not settle for less than the full value of your claim and will even take your case to trial if necessary.
Contact an Expert Motorcycle Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to get legal advice as soon as possible. You’ll want to make sure any evidence that will help your case can still be gathered, and you’ll want to make sure that the evidence is not destroyed. An automobile and motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your case and Kentucky law. You want an attorney who cares about you. You’ll find all that and much more in Mike Schafer and The Schafer Law Office.
With Mike Schafer on your side, you’ll be in good hands. The Schafer Law Office has been helping Kentucky motorcycle accident victims get compensated for more than 25 years. Unlike big law firms that will have other people work on your case, Mike is personally involved in every case.
The Schafer Law Office knows the challenges and pitfalls of Kentucky motorcycle accident lawsuits and cases, all the tactics of the “other” side, and how to best present the facts. They can handle the brutal tactics of the insurance companies. In fact, before Mike opened The Schafer Law Office, Mike worked for an insurance defense firm. They really know all the tactics the insurance companies have up their sleeves.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win!
