Motorcycle accidents in Missouri pose significant risks to motorcyclists. Though required to wear safety gear in most jurisdictions, that gear alone is not a match for the metal of a vehicle. Serious risks and fatalities result from motorcycle collisions. But even if the accident is not with another vehicle, accidents still remain significant in terms of property damage and bodily injury. Compensation is necessary to try to regain your life.
At Bautista LeRoy Trial Attorneys, our motorcycle accident attorney in the Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis metro areas will help you identify the causes of the accident and build a claim supported by the facts and the law. We will help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or at 833-381-6589 to schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Claims in Missouri
Motorcycles are great vehicles for transportation. They are energy efficient, more economical to repair, easy to park, and just fun to ride. They are also inherently dangerous. Speed capabilities combined with no outer protection can mean that even a minor collision with another vehicle can cause serious injury. Plus, you have public opinion against you. People assume––given pop culture and the images expressed therein-–that you, as a motorcyclist, may have been speeding, swerving through traffic, all without a care in the world. Even though statistics show that the driver of a vehicle is more likely to be at fault, the initial suspicion falls on the motorcyclist.
So, from the beginning, you have an uphill battle in your personal injury claim or wrongful death claim.
But if you did not cause the accident (or, depending on the jurisdiction, contributed in part) you should be able to recover compensation. Filing a claim with an insurance company, however, may not result in full and fair compensation. They are for-profit entities that prioritize profits over anything else. What this means for a motorcycle victim is this: they will try to settle for as little as possible, using aggressive adjusters and attorneys to that end. They will try to blame you.
With a motorcycle attorney in Missouri, you can recover compensation that the law allows if you can prove the vehicle driver was at fault by showing:
- The vehicle driver owed you a duty of care.
- The duty was breached and that breach caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in property damage and/or bodily injury.
- The damages are monetary in nature.
At Bautista LeRoy Trial Attorneys, we identify these elements and put forth solid evidence to support them.
What Makes Motorcycle Riding So Dangerous in the Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis metro areas?
Riding a motorcycle carries with it risks that are not associated with driving automobiles or trucks.
Absence of barriers
Bikers are not protected by metal, airbags, or seatbelts. They may wear helmets and protective clothing, but that's not enough.
Reduced stability
While most other vehicles have four wheels to stabilize them, motorcycles only have two. Wheels can be wobbly at high speeds.
Reduced visibility
Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable by other vehicles on the road. Visibility is greatly reduced at night.
Poor road conditions
What may be an insignificant bump in the road for an automobile can be significant to a motorcyclist. This is true for any other debris, objects, or weather conditions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri
Unique facts and circumstances make every motorcycle crash different. Common causes, however, exist. Causes of motorcycle accidents primarily involve one or more of the following:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Excessive speed
- Unsafe lane merges
- Improper lane changes
- Left-hand turns
- Sudden stops
- Unsafe following distances
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle defects
Uncovering the cause of a motorcycle accident is critical to your recovery and your personal injury claim. There's a bias against motorcyclists. The assumption is that you, the motorcyclist, caused the accident: maybe you were reckless or maybe you were weaving in and out of traffic. You need a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands these cultural prejudices and can address them head-on. You also need an attorney who has the skills, insight, and resources necessary to put forward a strong personal injury case by identifying the cause and aligning it with your injuries.
Motorcycle Crashes in Missouri Cause Serious Injuries
Bikers tend to suffer serious injuries when they are in an accident. Typical injuries may include:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Amputated limbs
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Disfigurement
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Bikers can still sustain serious injuries, or even death, when wearing a helmet or other protective gear.
Why File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in the Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis metro areas
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, victims often receive a settlement offer from their insurance company. This offer, however, rarely reflects the amount of compensation that they deserve. By filing a personal injury claim, victims can pursue what they really need in order to make the best recovery in their unique situation. But the latter requires thorough investigative work and well-supported claims. Only an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who knows what to look for and how to address it can provide a persuasive, aggressive case on your behalf.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Missouri Today
At Bautista LeRoy Trial Attorneys, our motorcycle injury lawyer has experience dealing with motorcycle accidents in the Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis metro areas. We know recovery is necessary for you to get back to your life. We use our resources to put forth a strong case and aggressively negotiate compensation that meets your needs. Contact us today either by filling out our online form or calling us directly at 833-381-6589. We are ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
Summary
Motorcycle accidents cause injuries or even death to the parties involved. These accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes or left turns
- Sudden stops or tailgating
- Poor road conditions or defects
Even when motorcycle riders are operating their vehicles safely and within the law, they are often unfairly blamed for being reckless, which causes the accident. This prejudicial bias can affect your claim.
Sometimes, insurance companies are not looking out for you. They want to settle the case and pay as little as possible. At Bautista LeRoy LLC, our trial attorneys focus on determining the truth behind the accident, gathering reliable evidence to build a strong case, and fighting for the client's rights. In getting the compensation that the client deserves, the case must clearly show:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed to meet that obligation.
- Causation: This specific breach directly resulted in the accident
- Damages: You suffered documented physical, emotional, or financial injuries.
In Missouri, motorcycle accidents can be life-threatening. An individual may experience a sudden change in life due to severe injuries from the accident, such as broken bones, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and internal damage. Getting recovery is tough because it is not just about getting better physically, but also recovering from financial and emotional stress.
With the right legal team like Bautista LeRoy Trial Attorneys, you are no longer just defending yourself, but you are taking control. Our motorcycle injury lawyer handles many cases in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis. We understand that you need to recover so you can get back to your life. Thus, our team will do everything we can to build a case for you and fight hard for the compensation you need.
We are committed to building a robust case to fight for the maximum compensation you need. Call us at 833-381-6589.
Why are motorcycle accidents more serious than car crashes?
Motorcycle accidents are more serious than car crashes for the following reasons:
- Lack of Structural Protection: barriers are absent, such as metals, steel frames, airbags, seat belts, etc.
- Reduced stability: the motorcycle only has two wheels, which can be wobbly at high speeds
- Limited visibility: Motorcycles have smaller visual profiles and are often overlooked by distracted drivers,
- Roadway hazards: for a motorcyclist, a small bump can be bad news and debris or objects on the road can be very dangerous. Weather conditions can also be a problem.
- Implicit Bias: making prejudicial assumptions about motorcyclists.
What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri?
Most motorcycle accidents in Missouri often occur because of:
- Distracted Driving
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way during a left turn.
- Unsafe changing of lanes
- Impaired, Impulsive or Aggressive Driving
- Premises Liability
In most cases, the driver of the car is at fault, not the motorcyclist.
Can the victim still get compensation if people assume that they caused the crash?
Yes. The victim can be compensated according to Missouri's Pure Comparative Fault rules. To win a case and get fair compensation, your lawyers need to prove the Four Elements of Negligence:
- Partial contribution - jurisdictions may allow recovery even if there is a partial contribution to an accident.
- Overcoming bias by gathering claim evidence and thoroughly investigating
- Hiring a legal expert can help fight prejudices and gather evidence.
What kind of compensation can the victim get after a motorcycle accident?
Every motorcycle accident case is different, but a victim may recover compensation for:
- Economic Damages: for medical expenses, property damages, lost income, etc.
- Non-Economic Damages: for emotional and psychological distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
- Future Care: Funding for long-term rehabilitation or permanent disability needs.
- Wrongful Death
The goal of this claim is to help regain your life and meet recovery needs.
How can Bautista LeRoy Trial Lawyer actually help me?
Bautista LeRoy Trial Lawyer gives you a specialized representation for your case. This includes:
- Addressing Public Bias
- Accident reconstruction and witness testimony to disprove unfair stereotypes
- Emphasize the four (4) elements of negligence
- Insurance Negotiations
- Offers free consultation
