The state of Kentucky offers many beautiful rides to enjoy your motorcycle, but like popular motorcycling destination, there is a risk of accidents. In fact in 2021, the state saw more than 1,500 motorcycle collisions. If you are in a motorcycle accident in Kentucky, your first priority should always be the safety of everyone involved. Motorcycles don't offer the same protection as other vehicles, and the likelihood of injury is much higher. Call 911 as soon as possible when the accident occurs so that the police can report to the scene. They will take a report and determine if anyone requires medical attention. This report is an important part of the legal process, so avoid omitting any important information.
Your next step will be to exchange information with everyone involved in the accident. This information should include:
- Names and contact information
- Insurance information
- Driver's license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Makes, models, years, and registration numbers of vehicles involved
You should also take down the number of the report being prepared by the responding police officer. Your attorney may need to see it later.
If you are able to do so, take this time to gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the license plates of all the vehicles involved, the surrounding environment, and any evidence that there was an accident such as skid marks and broken glass. Take pictures of any visible injuries if you can as well, and write down everything that you remember before, during, and after the accident. Traffic accidents can be traumatic, especially if they involve a motorcycle. That trauma tends to make people forget important details, so writing everything down is a must.
Once you've gathered all the information that you need, seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. This is crucial for keeping yourself safe and healthy, but it will also help your compensation claim. Keep in mind that not all injuries will be apparent right away. It can take hours, days, or even weeks before some injuries will appear. A full medical evaluation completed just after the accident can determine that these injuries were the result of the accident, which will help your claim.
After you've received a full medical evaluation and been treated for your injuries, you will likely need to file a written accident report with the Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the accident if the police haven't investigated it already. The state of Kentucky requires you to complete this report if the damage from the accident exceeds $500 or if the accident resulted in the injury or death of any person. You should also file a report with your insurance company as soon as possible before you forget any details of the accident.
Finally, your last step should be to hire an attorney with experience in handling motorcycle accidents. A good motorcycle accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and calculate all of your damages so you will receive proper compensation. Insurance companies and the other parties involved in the accident will likely make a settlement offer, so make sure that you and your attorney know the full value of your claim before you make any decisions.
