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Kentucky Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Tough representation for bicycle riders and families when injuries and deaths occur
Unfortunately, riding a bike can be dangerous – in large part because drivers in cars and trucks often fail to respect the rights of cyclists. At Crandall & Pera Law, our lawyers have the litigation experience and working relationships with professionals such as investigators and bicycle product safety experts to show who is responsible for your accident. Our Kentucky bicycle accident lawyers work with your doctors and family to verify the full scope and severity of your injuries. Call us now to assert your right to compensation.
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Table of Contents
- How often do bicycle accidents happen?
- What different kinds of bicycle accidents can occur?
- Why do bicycle accidents happen in Kentucky?
- What laws govern riding bicycles in Kentucky?
- Who is responsible for my Kentucky bicycle accident?
- What’s the value of my Kentucky bicycle accident claim?
- How can Kentucky bicycle riders protect themselves?
- Do you have a Kentucky bicycle accident lawyer near me?
How often do bicycle accidents happen?
The CDC (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that:
- Almost 1,000 bicycle riders die, and more than 130,000 suffer injuries across America each year.
- The annual cost of healthcare, lost work productivity, quality of life, and lives lost is more than $23 billion nationwide.
Some of the risk factors for deaths include riding in urban areas, riding away from intersections (where speed limits are higher), and sharing the road with other drivers (of all motor vehicles) who are intoxicated. Other risk factors for death include being between 55 and 69 and being a male. Younger riders (teens and young adults) are the age group most likely to go to an emergency department. Riders between ten and 24 account for nearly one in every three of all bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency rooms.
What are the different types of bicycle accidents in Kentucky?
At Crandall & Pera Law, we represent injured riders and the families of loved ones who die in bicycle accidents. Our Kentucky bicycle accident lawyers handle all types of bicycle crashes, including accidents:
- In intersections
- In bike lanes
- On the shoulders of the road
- On any roads where bicycle riders in Kentucky have permission to ride
- Where a car driver opens the door (dooring accidents) while a bicycle rider is nearby
- Involving pedestrians
- Involving groups of riders
We also handle head-on accidents, rear-end collisions, broadsides, passing accidents, sideswipes, hit-and-run accidents, and all other types of bicycle accidents.
Why do bicycle accidents happen in Kentucky?
Most bicycle accidents are preventable. Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers are looking for other cars and not for bicycles. Even when they see cyclists, many drivers act irresponsibly. Our Kentucky bicycle accident lawyers work with professionals, formally question everyone with information, review photos and videos, and take other steps to show how your accident happened and why it was preventable.
Common causes of bicycle accidents (due to the negligence of drivers of cars, trucks, and bicycles) include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while distracted by a mobile phone, texting, eating, or other causes
- Speeding, failing to yield the right of way, tailgating, and other traffic violations
- Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Driving while tired
- Dangerous roads, including potholes, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces
- Bicycling against traffic
- Not understanding how to ride with other bicycle riders
- Many other causes
What laws govern riding bicycles in Kentucky?
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
- All bicycle operators and drivers of cars and other motorized vehicles must obey the state’s traffic laws and traffic controls (such as stop lights and traffic signals).
- Bicycles must have the proper equipment, such as working brakes and lights, and Kentucky recommends that bicycles have bells. Each rider should have their own seat.
- Bicycle riders can generally use the shoulder of the road and use bicycle lanes where lanes are available.
- Drivers of motor vehicles must comply with KRS 189.300 when passing a bicycle.
Currently, there are no helmet requirements for riding a bicycle in Kentucky. Helmet use is generally recommended, especially for younger riders.
There are additional Kentucky laws for E-bikes.
Who is responsible for my Kentucky bicycle accident?
At Crandall & Pera Law, our personal injury lawyers and wrongful death lawyers file claims against everyone responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one. These defendants may include one or more of the following:
- Car drivers
- Truck drivers
- Motorcycle drivers
- Bicycle operators – of other bicycles where you are a passenger
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Vehicle owners when the owners and drivers/operators are different
- Manufacturers of defective motor vehicle parts or bicycle parts
- The Kentucky Department of Transportation or other entities responsible for bike lanes, intersections, and any Kentucky roads
- Sellers of alcohol to a minor or someone that the seller should reasonably know is already drunk, who causes your bicycle accident
What’s the value of my Kentucky bicycle accident claim?
At Crandall & Pera Law, we represent bicycle accident victims who have traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, traumatic amputations, nerve and muscle damage, and other injuries. We demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses, including ER care, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitative care, psychological trauma, assistive help, and medications
- Lost income, including wages, business income, work benefits, and long-term disability compensation
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Inability to use a body part
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Property damage
- Other financial and personal damages
If a loved one dies, we file wrongful death claims for the funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support and benefits, and loss of personal support (love, guidance, and comfort).
Our Kentucky bicycle accident lawyers also seek punitive damages if a defendant’s conduct is unconscionable, such as when a drunk driver strikes a bicycle. Our lawyers will explain if you can use your own uninsured/underinsured insurance (UM/UIM) policy or the UM/UIM policy of someone in your household if the driver who caused your bicycle accident does not have enough coverage, any coverage, or is a hit-and-run driver.
How can Kentucky bicycle riders protect themselves?
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety recommends the following safety tips for bicycle riders:
- Wear a helmet that fits and meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
- Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes
- Wear clothing that allows other drivers to see you and use reflective tape and other visibility items on your bicycle
- Look ahead for parked vehicles and vehicles pulling into or out of driveways or parking spaces/lots
- Ride with traffic, not against traffic
- Inspect your bicycle’s tires and brakes
- Never ride while impaired
Do you have a Kentucky bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Crandall & Pera Law meets injury victims and families at our Lexington, Kentucky, office located at 201 E Main St., Suite 530. You can also discuss your case by phone or through online conferences like Zoom and FaceTime. If your bicycle injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can arrange to see you at your home or a more convenient location.
We’re here to answer all your questions. Our attorneys are ready to fight for all the compensation you deserve.
Get help from our respected Kentucky truck accident lawyers now
Bicycle accidents often cause injuries that either take a long time to heal or never fully heal. At Crandall & Pera Law, our lawyers fight for our clients from the initial consultation through the discovery process and medical review process – to the negotiation stage and, if necessary, the trial of your case before a jury. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.