Motorcycle accidents can injure you, frighten you, and leave you unsure of what to do next. Missouri law is in your favor after an accident. Yet, to assert those rights, you need to act swiftly and make smart choices. Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Kansas City right away. This article shows you what to do, how the laws work, and why you need to get legal help.
Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident
1. Get to safety.
If possible, get off the road. Stay away from traffic. Help others if they are hurt.
2. Call for help.
Call 911 right away. Ask for police and an ambulance, even if the wreck seems minor.
3. Document the scene.
Take pictures of the location using your cell phone. Take pictures of all the vehicles involved, road signs, damage, and injuries.
4. Exchange information.
Trade names and insurance with the other driver. Get theirs too.
5. Watch what you say.
Don’t apologize. Don’t guess what happened. Just state the facts.
6. Get medical attention.
Even if you’re not injured, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Missouri
Motorcycles are not able to protect you as automobiles are. You must be more aware that you may be hurt. Some injuries take months or years to heal.
The following are typical motorcycle accident injuries:
- Head and brain injury
- Road rash (terrible lacerations from sliding)
- Broken collarbones, ribs, arms, or legs
- Neck or back pain.
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal injuries.
Some patients need surgery or physiotherapy. Medical bills mount up fast.
Missouri Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Helmet Laws
You must wear helmets if you’re 26 or younger. Above 26, you don’t have to wear one—unless you have health insurance, of course. Helmets do save lives, though not quite by law.
At-Fault System
Missouri is an at-fault state. That just means the person who caused the accident pays. If someone crashed into you because they weren’t paying attention to where they were going, they’re at fault.
Shared Blame Rule
If you were partly to blame, you can still get paid. Just less dollars. Say you were 30% to blame. Your award is reduced by 30%.
Time Limit to Sue
You have 5 years to make a claim. Then you can’t sue. Get started early so you don’t run out of time.
What a Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Do
You don’t have to do it by yourself. A lawyer can help with legal process with:
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Determining the fault of the other driver for the accident
- Finding witnesses
- Getting reports and records from your doctors
- Getting a fair compensation for you
- Representing you in court, if needed
Most lawyers accept motorcycle cases on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that you only pay them if they win.
What You Can Get Paid For
If you had another party to blame for your accident, you could possibly receive compensation. Here’s what you could possibly claim:
- Medical expenses
- Rehab or therapy expense
- Lost time from work
- Future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to bike
- Mental anguish
- Household help if you’re now unable to perform household duties
In the event of death of a family member in an accident, you can sue for wrongful death for funeral expenses, loss of support, and more.
Handling Insurance After an Accident
Minimum Missouri Insurance
Drivers must have at least:
- $25,000 per person for injury
- $50,000 per accident for total
- $25,000 for property damage
But they may not pay for all that you lose. Most serious accidents cost much more.
Uninsured Motorists
Not all drivers follow the law. Some drivers are not insured. If that’s the case, your own policy may cover you—if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
In Missouri, you must carry UM coverage for injury but not for damage to your motorcycle.
Why Social Media Is Hurting Your Case
You may feel like you’d rather post about your accident, but don’t. Anything you say can be used against you.
Here’s what you shouldn’t do:
- Posting photos of the accident
- Talking about the accident online
- Posting status updates about how you’re feeling
- Posting photos of you engaging in activities after the accident
The insurance company will attempt to spin your words against you in an effort to get you to say you’re fine when you’re still injured.
Big Blunders That Will Ruin Your Case
The following are the most common blunders people make:
- Waiting too long to see the doctor
- Not adhering to doctor’s instructions
- Talking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster without a lawyer
- Taking an early settlement offer before you add up your total injury cost
- Failure to get an attorney early
Little mistakes have huge consequences. Don’t take a chance.
How to Select a Good Missouri Motorcycle Lawyer
Not every lawyer takes motorcycle accident cases. Pick one who:
- Represents accident victims
- Knows Missouri law
- Has won cases like yours before
- Offers a free initial consultation
- Won’t get paid unless you do
You might also want to consider:
- Online reviews
- Local reputation
- How well they explain your options
If they do not answer your questions or pressure you into an agreement, keep searching.
FAQs on Motorcycle Accident Legal Help in Missouri
1. Can I file a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?
Yes. But the other party will fault you for making your injuries worse. This will decrease the amount of money you gain as compensation.
2. What if I crashed into another object on the road?
You can still have a case. If the road was in bad condition or the city was aware of the hazard, you can sue. These cases need more evidence.
3. Will I need to go to court in order to get money?
Not necessarily. Most are settled out of court. But if the settlement is not acceptable, your lawyer will take it to court.
4. Can I recover if I was driving with no license?
Yes, you can recover. But the other side will attempt to blame you more. That will lessen your recovery.
5. I have no money to pay an attorney at this time.
Most attorneys do not charge you a fee directly. They only get paid if you recover. The first consultation is free.
Why You Need to Act Now
Time is on your side when you file injury claims. Here’s why:
- You recall the facts
- Witnesses are not difficult to find
- The police reports are fresh
- Your lawyer has more time to prepare your case
- You don’t miss the deadline for filing
The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle accidents are terrible. One wrong move by a negligent driver can shatter your life. If you have been hurt in Missouri, don’t wait. A good local personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can get you the money you deserve to heal and get back to living. You focus on getting better—let them handle the rest. Look out for yourself. Learn about your rights. And if you are hurt, speak up.
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