Many accidents involving cars and motorcycles are caused by the car driver's failure to see the motorcycle in time to avoid the crash. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Information About Motorcycle Accident Claims
I am Jim Desmond, an attorney who has more than 14 years of experience in motorcycle accident and wrongful death cases in both Indiana and Kentucky. My firm is committed to helping victims and their families through this challenging time, by taking care of financial compensation while they focus on healing.
Some basic information about motorcycle accident claims appears below. In a free consultation, I can answer any questions you might have about your case and discuss how my firm can help you.
FROM DAY ONE, I HAD MY LAWYER'S CELL PHONE NUMBER. WHEN I CALLED, HE ANSWERED THE PHONE, NOT A PARALEGAL OR SECRETARY!
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I personally handle all cases, from the free initial consultation and accident investigation to the insurance settlement negotiations or litigation. Find out if you have a good case and if I am the right attorney to handle your claim. If I am not, I will do my best to find you an attorney that I personally trust.
Call me at 502-609-7657, toll free at 888-515-4246. I can meet with you in my offices in Louisville or at a location of your choosing.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents
Q: I was hit by another vehicle while riding my motorcycle. What should I do?
A: First and most importantly, seek medical attention if you were injured in any way. You many not feel pain until a day or two after the accident. If there were witnesses to the accident, try to write down their names and phone numbers at the scene so that you can contact them later on. In addition, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to your motorcycle or other property. Keep track of your medical expenses and other monetary losses you incurred, such as lost wages, because of the motorcycle accident. Finally, contact an attorney who has experience with personal injury cases, specifically motorcycle accident cases, to discuss your legal options for recovery.
Q: What can I receive for my injuries?
A: Every case is different. The exact type and amount of compensation you might receive depend on your individual situation. For example, the amount you receive varies depending upon how severely you were injured; whether you are working and what type of job you have; whether your injuries are permanent; and whether you are married, among other factors. As a general rule, you are entitled to recover for any of the following expenses: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, probable loss of wages in the future, property damage, loss of relationship with your spouse and other out-of-pocket expenses due to your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents - An Overview
Riding motorcycles is a popular activity and total motorcycle registrations increased 51% between 2000 and 2005. In 2006, Americans bought over 1.1 million motorcycles. Despite their popularity, the inherent nature of motorcycles makes riding them a potentially dangerous undertaking. Unlike cars and other vehicles, motorcycles offer drivers and passengers no protection. There is nothing between the rider and the open road other than the clothes the rider is wearing and possibly a helmet. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, an experienced personal injury attorney at Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky can explain your legal options.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents, like all accidents involving motor vehicles, can be caused by a number of different factors. While an accident can be the fault of the motorcycle driver, many times, other drivers cause accidents involving motorcycles. Because of a motorcycle's relatively small size, many drivers of passenger cars and trucks do not see motorcyclists. Even if they check their mirrors before changing lanes or turning, the motorcycle may be in the car's blind spot, and an accident may result. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options for recovery.
Motorcycle Litigation Basics
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have many questions about your legal options. Can I recover money for my medical expenses? Can I still bring a lawsuit if I partially caused the accident? You may have never been involved in a lawsuit before and not know where to start. The following information provides a general overview about motorcycle accident cases. An experienced personal injury attorney can answer your specific questions and provide guidance about how to proceed.
Motorcycle Defects and Recalls
A defect in a motorcycle or one of its parts can cause serious accidents. For example, a defective helmet might not provide the protection it is intended to, resulting in more serious head injuries. A defect in the brakes may not allow you to stop in time to avoid an accident. If you suspect that your motorcycle has a dangerous safety defect, you can report this defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a federal agency tasked with investigating alleged defects, issuing safety standards for vehicles and requiring manufacturers to recall vehicles that do not meet federal safety standards. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by a defective part, an experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal options.
Helmet Laws
Many states have mandatory helmet laws that require motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets while operating or riding on a motorcycle. These laws generally specify the type of helmets that have been approved for use by a state agency. If you have questions about whether your state has a helmet law or whether your failure to obey that law will affect your ability to recover damages in a motorcycle accident case, contact an attorney to discuss your particular situation.
Motorcycle Accidents Resource Links
American Motorcyclists Association
An organization that pursues, protects and promotes the interests of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Bikers Rights Online
Devoted to motorcycle riders' rights, this site includes articles, studies and a review of helmet laws that is searchable by state.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. For over 30 years, the Institute has been a leader in finding out what works and does not work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce injuries in the crashes that still occur. The site features vehicle ratings, safety facts and publications.
Motorcycle Consumer News
An advertising-free, multi-faceted resource for the motorcycling public.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
A motorcyclist rights organization based in Washington, D.C.
