Madisonville Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Representation

Bicycling is a healthy, economical, and environmentally friendly way to get around. Whether commuting, running errands, or just enjoying a weekend ride, bicyclists have every right to use Kentucky roads. But all too often, they face dangerous and even deadly conditions caused by careless or aggressive drivers who don’t share the road safely.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we represent injured cyclists and the families of those killed in preventable bicycle accidents in Madisonville. We don’t just handle claims—we build powerful cases designed to win in court. If you’ve been hit while riding, don’t settle for excuses or lowball offers from insurance companies. Talk to a team of trial lawyers with the resources, experience, and determination to fight for the full value of your claim.

Bicyclists Have Rights—But Drivers Often Don’t Respect Them

In Kentucky, bicycles are legally considered vehicles. That means cyclists have the right to use most public roads, and drivers are required to treat them with the same care and respect as any other road user. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to take that duty seriously. They may follow too closely, pass unsafely, turn across the path of an oncoming cyclist, or even act with outright hostility toward riders. The consequences can be devastating.

Unlike car occupants, bicyclists have no metal frame, airbags, or seat belts to protect them in a crash. A simple sideswipe or dooring incident can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, fractured bones, internal injuries, and road rash that can lead to infection or require skin grafts. In more severe collisions—particularly those involving higher speeds or larger vehicles—fatalities are all too common.

Kentucky Law: The Three-Foot Passing Rule

One of the most important bicycle safety rules in Kentucky is the three-foot passing law, codified under KRS 189.340(2). This law requires drivers to maintain a “safe distance” of at least three feet when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction. The rule is designed to reduce sideswipe collisions and protect cyclists from being pushed off the road or hit by passing mirrors and trailers.

Importantly, this law applies regardless of whether the cyclist is riding on the edge of the road, in a bike lane, or near the center of the lane (which they may do legally in many situations). A driver’s failure to observe this passing distance can be used as strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. Under the law, drivers should a) move to another lane to pass the bicyclist if available, b) give at least three feet of space when passing if available, or c) pass with reasonable caution if three feet are not available.

Too often, motorists disregard this rule—either because they are impatient or because they don’t take cyclists seriously. If a driver passed you too closely and caused a crash, our attorneys will work to hold them accountable using all available evidence, including traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle damage patterns.

Do Bicyclists Have to Use Bike Lanes in Kentucky?

Kentucky law does not require bicyclists to use bike lanes when they are available. Cyclists are permitted to ride in the roadway even if a designated bike lane exists. This is because bike lanes may be blocked, poorly maintained, or too narrow to be safely navigated at speed.

Under Kentucky’s Uniform Traffic Code, bicyclists are expected to ride as “far to the right as practicable,” but there are important exceptions. A cyclist may legally take the full lane when:

Overtaking and passing another vehicle
Preparing to make a left turn
Traveling at the legal speed
Avoiding hazards like debris, parked cars (dooring), or rough pavement
When the lane is too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side with a motor vehicle

These rules recognize the practical realities of biking on Kentucky roads. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t appreciate the dangers. It’s not uncommon for a motorist to honk, tailgate, or try to “squeeze by” a cyclist riding within their legal rights. When this aggressive or inattentive behavior results in injury, our attorneys step in to make things right.

Negligence, Liability, and Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

Most bicycle accident claims are based on the legal principle of negligence—that is, the failure to exercise reasonable care. In cases involving collisions with motor vehicles, negligence can take many forms, including:

Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or adjusting the radio)
Failing to yield at intersections or while turning
Running stop signs or red lights
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Speeding or reckless driving
Failing to check for cyclists when opening a car door (dooring accidents)

Insurance companies are quick to blame the cyclist in a bicycle accident. For instance, they may argue the rider was going too fast, wasn’t visible, or failed to signal. Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that even if a bicyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover compensation. However, their damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a cyclist is 10% responsible for a crash and the total damages are $100,000, they can still recover $90,000.

That’s why it’s essential to have legal representation early. Our firm works to preserve key evidence, interview witnesses, and build a case that clearly shows who was truly at fault and to what extent—and why they should be held financially responsible.

Injuries and Long-Term Impact of Bicycle Accidents in Madisonville

Bicycle crashes can change lives in an instant. Cyclists often suffer severe injuries that require hospitalization, surgery, and months or years of rehabilitation. Many are unable to work for extended periods, and some are never able to return to their previous jobs. The physical pain is often accompanied by emotional trauma, particularly if the cyclist develops anxiety about returning to the road.

Our firm helps injured cyclists pursue compensation for the full range of damages suffered, including past and future medical bills, lost income and reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage to the bicycle and gear.

In fatal bicycle accident cases, surviving family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. In such cases, we provide compassionate and determined representation to help families recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other damages under Kentucky law.

Protecting the Evidence and Protecting Your Rights

After a bicycle crash, the evidence needed to prove your claim can disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, video footage is deleted, and witnesses become harder to find. That’s why it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we act fast to preserve evidence, consult expert accident reconstructionists, and gather the documentation needed to prove liability. We also handle all dealings with the insurance company—so you can focus on healing while we focus on securing your compensation.

Call Now to Talk to a Madisonville Bicycle Injury Attorney at Whitfield Crosby & Flynn

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash caused by a negligent driver, don’t wait to seek legal help. The attorneys at Whitfield Crosby & Flynn are experienced trial lawyers who understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face. We’re not afraid to go to court, and we don’t back down from insurance companies trying to minimize your injuries.

We offer free consultations and take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call today to speak with a Kentucky bicycle accident attorney who’s ready to fight for you.