Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Legal Representation for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many potential causes of a motorcycle accident. The injured victim of a crash may have to prove that the other motorist involved was at fault for the collision. Having an understanding of some of the common causes of Missouri crashes may help victims determine what led to their collision and if it will be possible to hold the negligent party accountable for the damages.

For more information about how to pursue your legal rights after a motorcycle collision, please contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer.

Motorcycle Accident Case Results

• $6.5 Million for motorcycle accident victim
  Plaintiff was hit by a tractor trailer while in his motorcycle.
• Undisclosed amount/policy limit settlement
  Plaintiff was hit while on a motorcycle and suffered leg injuries.
• Undisclosed amount/policy limit settlement
  Plaintiff suffered knee injury that required surgery.

The Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Riding

We understand the thrill that comes from riding. Much of the excitement comes because:

• Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles;
• Motorcycles are much more maneuverable than other vehicles; and
• Motorcycles have faster acceleration than most other vehicles.

Now let’s look at the cons of riding a motorcycle:

• Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than some other vehicles;
• Motorcycles offer no protection to a driver or rider;
• Cars and other vehicles outweigh motorcycles; and
• In an accident, the injuries to a motorcycle rider tend to be much more severe than people in a car, or cage as I call them.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Every part of the body is vulnerable to severe injury in a motorcycle crash. The most common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head injuries (concussions)
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Muscle and nerve damage
• Skin damage (road rash)

Wearing protective clothing and equipment can help reduce the severity of your injuries. The most important piece of equipment for a rider is a good helmet. Statistics show only 27.4 percent of motorcycle fatalities happen when the driver or passenger is wearing a helmet.

Helmet laws vary by state. Helmets are required for all riders in Missouri. But, just across the river in Illinois, there are no helmet requirements. Our advice: always wear a helmet.

Any way you look at it, riding a motorcycle is dangerous. A rider needs to constantly be alert and aware. But sometimes, being a cautious and responsible rider is not enough to avoid being in an accident.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many potential causes of an injury motorcycle crash. A few common causes are:

• Distracted drivers: Motorcyclists are often able to ride faster then the normal flow of traffic by riding alongside vehicles. When a car driver is distracted or inattentive in any way, there is a greater risk that a nearby motorcycle rider may go unnoticed until it is too late. Car drivers who are looking at their phone or texting while driving, for example, have an increased likelihood of letting their vehicle drift into a nearby lane and collide with a motorcycle.
• Defective parts: Parts known for causing motorcycle accidents include tires, brakes and accelerators. Motorcycle riders would be well-advised to stay abreast of the many recalls issued each year regarding parts on their motorcycles. If an accident does occur, the motorcycle should be preserved for a thorough inspection.
• Dangerous roadways: The governing body in charge of the roadway is legally obligated to provide safe conditions for motorcycle riders. Potholes, uneven surfaces and improperly designed roadways have been known to cause riders to lose control of their motorcycle. In such cases, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be held liable for the accident.
• Drunk driving: Car drivers, who are operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, have an increased chance of failing to see a motorcycle.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: The size of motorcycles often makes them hard to see. When a driver fails to yield right-of-way to an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection or while entering traffic, a serious crash may occur. This type of collision may be minor or inconsequential to the car driver, but a motorcycle rider involved in this type of collision may suffer life-changing injuries.

Contact a Missouri Attorney After a Motorcycle Crash

The moments after a collision are usually filled with confusion and stress, not to mention fear. You may be injured, or someone else may need medical attention. If you can remember the following steps, however, you can help protect both your health and your legal rights after a crash. In addition, being familiar with these steps can also help you successfully resolve your motorcycle accident claim.

What to Do after a Crash

• Call 911. The most important step after a crash is to get medical help for yourself and anyone else who may have been hurt. If you can help another injured person, do so, especially if the person is unconscious or otherwise unable to escape danger – for instance, if the person is inside a burning vehicle. If you have a medical condition, you may want to wear a medical alert tag or carry a medical information card on your person in case you are unable to communicate with emergency medical personnel.
• Give an accident report. When police arrive at the scene, give the officer the details of what happened as best you can remember them. Do not admit the crash was your fault, even if you think it was. Since many injuries take time to develop fully, do not announce you were not injured, but say you’re not sure and want to see a doctor first.
• Document what happened. Take notes and draw a diagram of the crash. If you have a camera, take photos of the scene. You can also use your cell phone to take pictures. Get the names and contact information of witnesses, along with details about what they saw or heard.
• Trade insurance information. Give your contact information and your insurance information to anyone else involved in the collision, and get the same information from them.
• Contact your insurance company. Let them know the accident happened and give them the contact information you collected from other witnesses and others involved in the crash. Do not admit any fault in the accident or deny fault on the part of another driver involved. Always be careful what you say to an insurance company, even if it’s your own insurer. Admitting fault may reduce or eliminate your insurance settlement or payments after the accident.
• Contact an attorney. An experienced St. Louis motorcycle injury attorney can help you secure an insurance settlement or damages award that accurately reflects all the losses you suffered in the collision. If you weren’t able to follow any of the steps above because of the severity of your injuries, an attorney can help you fill in the information gaps and find out what happened and whether any other party’s negligence was responsible for your injuries.
• Check your safety gear. Most motorcycle helmets are designed to protect against only one moderate to severe impact. You may need to purchase a new helmet if yours took a blow in the accident. Goggles, face shields, gloves, and jackets may also get damaged in a crash and need to be replaced.

How to Choose the Best St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may find yourself suddenly dealing with life changing injuries. You may require emergency medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation and even long term care. In the blink of an eye, your whole life can change. During this difficult time, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. But how do you choose the right motorcycle accident attorney for you?

Maximum Compensation for Your Accident

When you begin your search for a motorcycle accident attorney, it is important to find an attorney with experience handling motorcycle claims. Motorcycle accidents can be vastly different from other types of accidents and an attorney who is specialized in handling motorcycle accident cases will be able to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should make an appointment to discuss your case with several attorneys in your area. Compare attorney’s fees and discuss their billing practices in advance, to eliminate any surprise charges in the end. Make notes as you talk with them, so you can remember what you liked and did not like about each one. Ask them about their experience both negotiating and litigating motorcycle accident cases.

Choose a Top St. Louis Injury Lawyer

The best attorney will be open and honest with you throughout the legal process and will discuss ALL of your legal options with you before proceeding. In addition, he should always have your best interest in mind and consistently seek to give you the peace of mind you need after your motorcycle accident.

Personal injury attorneys at Page Law are dedicated to helping victims and their families after a crash. Our compassionate and aggressive team of motorcycle accident attorneys are with our clients every step of the way, throughout the legal process. Contact us immediately for a free consultation. You will never pay any fees unless we recover money for you. Please call (314) 322-8515 for an immediate response or contact online at john@pagelaw.com.

Additional Information

• Motorcycle Accident Blogs
• Common St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Injuries
• What You Need to Know About Motorcycles