Motorcyclists across Kentucky have been celebrating the arrival of spring by gassing up their motorcycles and heading out for the first rides of the year. Unfortunately, this spring, like those before it, has already brought reminders of the dangers of motorcycle unawareness to the state's residents. One Western Kentucky man is likely thankful after getting a personal reminder in early April.
In McCracken County, a 27-year-old Paducah man was out riding his motorcycle in the late afternoon. As he approached an intersection, a 31-year-old female driver maneuvered her vehicle into his path. The motorcyclist, unable to stop in time, crashed into the woman's car.
According to a recent report, the collision resulted in the motorcyclist being thrown from his bike onto the hood of the car. Fortunately, the man was wearing a helmet at the time, but, unfortunately, he still suffered injuries. He had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. The female driver and passengers in her vehicle were uninjured.
Although this report does not mention whether any criminal charges will be filed, the man who was injured may be eligible to pursue personal injury compensation, if he so desires. As in this case, any motorcyclist who sustains injuries as a result of another driver's negligence, including negligence stemming from motorcycle unawareness, has the right to decide whether to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. By successfully presenting evidence of negligence to a Kentucky civil court, one may be awarded compensation that can assist with recovery. In cases in which criminal charges are filed, evidence used in the criminal case may also be used in the civil action.
Source: westkentuckystar.com, "Car vs. Motorcycle Crash Injures Paducah Man," April 4, 2016