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 479-208-6614 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 479-208-6614. We are ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
Summary
Motorcyclists are often blamed in accidents involving a vehicle. Most people think their negligence causes the tragic incidents without considering other evidence presented. Bautista LeRoy LLC has extensive experience helping the victims of motorcycle accidents.
For victims to be found not guilty of the accident, common causes for motorcycle accidents need to be considered, such as:
- Distracted or drunk driving
- Excessive speed
- Unsafe lane mergers and changes
- Left-hand turns
- Vehicle defects
Motorcyclists who are not at fault in an accident can seek compensation. In making this possible, a claim must establish key elements of negligence:
- The 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.
- Measurable damages resulted
Insurance companies might try to settle this with a low-ball offer. However, the amount is usually not enough to cover everything that was lost.
Bautista LeRoy LLC promotes the rights of every motorcycle accident victim. Our legal team is determined to fight against insurance companies. Also, they ensure to build strong cases based on facts and pursue fair compensation. All of these efforts are in line with the justice that victims deserve.
Got a case? Reach out online or contact us at 479-208-6614 for a private discussion.
Is my case over because everyone blamed me for the motorcycle accident?
Not really. There is an implicit bias that assumes that every motorcyclist is negligent. Statistics also show that car drivers are more likely to be at fault in these collisions.
Why shouldn't I just accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
Insurance companies prioritizes their profit. They strategize by giving a low-ball offer to settle the claim before the full extent of your injuries is realized. This offer rarely covers the costs for:
- Future Medical Damages
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Non-Economic Damages
Once a settlement is signed, you forfeit the right to seek further compensation.
What happens if I wear a helmet yet still have a major injury?
Wearing safety gear does not guarantee a safe ride, especially if you are in an accident with a heavy vehicle. You are entitled to full compensatory damages regardless of your gear. A driver is liable for the damages if there is evidence proving that his negligence caused your injuries.
If there was no other car involved, can I still file a claim?
Yes. Since bicycles and motorcycles only have two wheels, they are vulnerable to:
- Infrastructure issues
- Negligent maintenance
- Hazardous obstructions
One of the causes of motorbike accidents is poor road conditions. Therefore, the government and other entities may be held liable in these cases.
How much will it cost to get Bautista LeRoy Trial Attorneys on my side?
Bautista LeRoy LLC operates on a contingency fee basis. This means we advance all litigation costs, so you face zero financial risk. Our legal team only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures every victim has access to elite legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
