Missouri Broadside Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

How to Deal With a Side-Impact Motorcycle Collision

Depending on the speed and position of the vehicles involved in the collision, a broadside motorcycle accident can be devastating for a motorcycle rider. A broadside motorcycle crash is when a car or truck impacts the side of a motorcycle. It is also known as a “side-impact collision” or a “T-bone crash”. The difference in size between a motorcycle and a car makes these types of collisions particularly serious for the rider. If you or a loved one has been injured in a broadside motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to call a skilled St. Louis personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

Lack of Protection

Drivers of passenger vehicles are protected during a broadside collision by doors, crumple zones, seatbelts, and side-curtain airbags. Motorcycle riders have none of these protections or barriers. A motorcycle rider has nothing but the clothes and helmet he or she may be wearing as layers of protection. This is why even low-speed broadside motorcycle accidents can cause serious or even catastrophic injuries.

Causes of Missouri Broadside Motorcycle Accidents

Broadside motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, but they most often happen at intersections, parking lots and near driveways. Common causes of broadside motorcycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield: It is common for motorists to fail to notice a motorcycle at a street intersection. Drivers who fail to properly yield right-of-way at intersections often run the risk of causing side-impact collisions.
• Distracted driving: Currently in Missouri, it is only illegal to text while driving if the driver is under the age of 21. That means that there are a number of distracted drivers on our roadways. A distracted driver has a greater chance of missing a red light, stop sign or an oncoming motorcycle.
• Drunk driving: An impaired driver has an increased chance of failing to see an oncoming motorcycle rider.
• Low visibility: Motorcycles are harder to see then passenger vehicles because of their size. Motorists should make an effort to consciously watch out for motorcyclists especially at street intersections.

There are many reasons why side-impact motorcycle crashes take place and all of them have the potential to cause death or serious injury.

Victims’ Rights in Motorcycle T-Bone Accidents

Victims have legal options available to them. If the crash is caused by a negligent driver, the victim may choose to hold the motorist civilly liable for the damages by filing a claim. Common damages that may be covered by a personal injury claim include:

• Medical Bills: All present and future medical expenses should be considered in a claim.
• Therapy Fees: Serious injuries often require costly and extended physical therapy sessions for a full recovery.
• Lost Wages: The time spent away from work while healing and recovering should be considered in an injury claim.
• Pain and Suffering: When there is a catastrophic injury, there is not only physical pain, but also mental anguish suffered by the victim.

Our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers offer free consultations to riders who have been seriously injured in broadside collision. We have the experience it takes and a successful track record of obtaining fair compensation for our clients. Call us at (314) 322-8515 today to find out how we can help you during this difficult time.