Bicycle Accident Attorney in Kentucky
Bicycles have been an increasingly common sight on the road as people try to find cheaper and more eco-friendly ways to get around. It is for this reason that our Kentucky bicycle accident attorneys at Farmer & Wright, PLLC are dedicated to protecting cyclists.
While useful, bicycles are not exempt from the dangers of the road. In fact, they are one of the most vulnerable in the event of a car crash or truck accident since they are smaller, lighter, and slower than the motor vehicles they share roads with.
To make matters worse, Kentucky was found to rank 49 out of all 50 states for bicycle safety because the bike network system in Kentucky has not been developed well. To compensate for this, it is best to revisit the bike rules in place in Kentucky. Roads were built for everyone and everyone must be able to use it equally. If you were involved in a bicycle accident, schedule a consultation with our Kentucky bicycle accident attorneys today.
Traffic Rules for Bicycles in Kentucky
The traffic rules for bicycles are found in the Kentucky Revised Statutes under Chapter 189, Title XVI, as well as the Kentucky Administrative Regulation Section 601 (bicycle safety standards).
Keep to Bicycle Lanes
According to these laws, bicycles are to be treated mainly as vehicles, not as pedestrians. This grants you, a Kentucky cyclist, the use of roads, along with the responsibility of obeying stop signs and other traffic rules imposed on vehicles. However, you must keep to bicycle lanes when feasible, and, unlike other vehicles, you may ride on the shoulder of a highway.
Generally, bicyclists are not allowed to ride on sidewalks because they might bump into pedestrians and doors, especially if they are going the wrong way. However, it is permitted in some smaller towns. Additionally, when riding on the road, bicyclists must stick to the right side as much as possible, but they may ride away if needed, if, for instance, there are potholes or if the cyclist intends to make a left turn.
Lights and Reflectors
Similar to when using other vehicles, you must have lights and a red rear reflector at night or in the dark which will allow you to both see and be seen by others. You are also required to be able to make a sound as a warning when passing pedestrians or other cyclists. This can be done with the aid of a bell or simply with your voice.
Bike Capacity
As a rider of a vehicle, you must also keep in mind the maximum capacity of the bike that you’re riding, which in most cases is only one person. Tandem bikes and baby carriers are exempt from this rule.
One Hand on the Handlebar
Bicycle riders must always keep at least one hand on the handlebar and not grab onto other vehicles including other bikes and automobiles. They must also use their free hand to signal other vehicles when they are turning, slowing down, or stopping.
Biking Under the Influence
Most importantly, bicyclists are not allowed to ride when under the influence of alcohol or other substances. It goes without saying that DUI puts yourself and others in danger.
Apart from the rules, it is also important to talk about the accidents that may arise from riding your bicycle on the road. Knowledge of the possible injuries allows you to better anticipate the bad things that may happen and react better to these when they do occur.
Injuries from Bike Accidents
Minor Injuries
Minor injuries result from accidental falls and slips. These usually only result in bruises, abrasions, strains, and lacerations. In more serious cases, fractures may occur which are exhibited by bruising, difficulty or complete inability to move the affected area, pain, and swelling.
Minor injuries usually do not need medical attention and may be remedied by first aid kits and simple home remedies. However, if you believe you have fractured a bone or have debris in your wounds, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are actually more common than people think, occurring in 22% to 47% of all bicycle injuries. Head injuries also cause 60% of bicycle-related deaths. Injuries to the head can cause concussions, brain damage, and permanent disability.
If you are in a bicycle accident and have hit your head, you must immediately seek medical attention even if you feel fine. The head is a very fragile body part and disregarding injuries may be the start of serious debilitation. It is also for this reason that cyclists must always wear helmets when riding.
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries represent the worst injuries that a biker can get into. These include severe concussions, cranial hemorrhaging, skull fractures, rib fractures, splenic ruptures, pancreatic trauma, and bowel contusions, among others.
When involved in an accident be sure to check yourself first – try to take in deep breaths and palpate your chest and abdomen. Your torso contains some of your most vital organs and you should check if there was any severe trauma or sore spots. Do also check your head, spine, and neck for any injuries.
If you find that you don’t have much noticeable injuries, you might be safe – for now. Severe debilitating injuries don’t often show up right after the accident- some take weeks before exhibiting life-changing effects. So you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after an injury, no matter how mild it may seem.
Why You Need A Paducah Bicycle Accident Attorney Right Away
Apart from getting medical help, you also have to get legal help especially if the accident was caused by someone else. If you were involved in an accident by the fault of another, be sure to contact a Paducah KY personal injury lawyer at Farmer & Wright, PLLC immediately to ensure that your rights as a victim are upheld.
Legal Knowledge and Experience
Traffic and cycling laws differ by state and what is legal in some states might not be legal in Kentucky; some rules even vary by town. Getting a local personal injury lawyer will ensure that your lawyer has the knowledge and experience that is applicable in your local jurisdiction.
A Paducah bicycle accident attorney’s experience is also very important, because when you are involved in an accident, the party at fault and your insurance company might try to get you to make mistakes so that they can execute a loophole to clear themselves of any fault or obligation.
A personal injury lawyer who studies the local laws closely will be more resistant to these attacks and can advise you so you can avoid these mistakes.
Gathering Evidence
Relevant evidence is what makes or breaks a case. An experienced accident lawyer will know how to best gather evidence and identify which evidence will be best to use in court. He will know how to go about acquiring CCTV footage as well as key witness’ statements and other pertinent forms of evidence.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will want to pay you with as little compensation as they can get away with. In contrast, an experienced personal injury attorney will paint you a better picture of the total cost of an accident you were involved in.
Physical damages such as injuries and property damage are more easily seen and more easily quantifiable in an accident, but there are actually more things you could be compensated for including medical expenses, lost wages, lost opportunities, pain and suffering, emotional damage, and so on.
Our bicycle accident will be more truthful about you with this and will negotiate with your insurance provider to get you compensated fairly, so talk to one of our personal injury lawyers today.
Not Missing Deadlines
One of the gravest errors some people make when involved in an accident is missing the deadline, also known as the statute of limitation. There are statutes of limitations for when you can take issues to court, and missing them almost ensures that you have lost the battle before it has begun.
Recovering from accidents is no easy feat even without all the legal issues you have to deal with- managing medical bills, getting back to work, getting repairs, and most importantly, recovering. Doing all these tasks is already hard enough so let us deal with the legal end of your accident so you can focus on the things that matter.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, be sure to immediately contact a bicycle accident attorney. Our Kentucky bankruptcy attorneys and personal injury lawyers at Farmer & Wright PLLC have handled many personal injury cases and are committed to using their experience to protect accident victims and help you be compensated justly as afforded by your legal rights.
Call us at 270-418-2038 to get started with your accident claim today.
