Motorcycle Property Damage Attorneys in St. Louis

Compensation for Damaged Motorcycles

In a motorcycle collision, the primary concern is always the health and safety of the motorcyclist, any passengers, and anyone else involved in the crash. However, whether or not a motorcyclist or a motorcycle passenger is injured, the motorcyclist may also be able to seek compensation for property damage if the bike itself is damaged in the crash.

Types of Property Damage

Property damage to motorcycles generally falls into one of two categories:

• Repairs. If repairing certain damaged parts or systems would make the bike road-worthy again, the property damage probably falls into this category. Repairs are appropriate for bikes with mild to moderate damage, when repairs would not cost more than the bike is worth.
• Totals. If the motorcycle is damaged beyond repair or repairing it would cost more than replacing it with the same model of bike in similar pre-accident condition, the motorcycle may be considered “totaled.”

Whether your motorcycle needs repairs or should be totaled depends on several factors. The actual damage to the bike is the most important consideration, followed by the bike’s pre-accident value and whether any insurance proceeds are available and what they cover. The total amount for property damage to the bike itself should be sufficient to get you back on the road, either on your own bike or one of similar make, model, and condition.

Non-Motorcycle Property

Property damage compensation may also be available for any property you carried with you on the motorcycle that was also damaged in the crash. For instance, if the collision caused damage to your motorcycle helmet, you may be able to get the costs of a new one covered. If you were carrying a cell phone or other equipment that was damaged, these costs may also be covered. An experienced Missouri motorcycle accident damage attorney can help you determine what insurance or other compensation is available for you and what costs it covers.

What to Do after a Motorcycle Property Damage Accident

Some steps to take in order to preserve evidence of motorcycle property damage and protect your right to seek compensation for it include:

• Take pictures. Photographs of any damage taken as soon as possible after the collision will help preserve evidence of what actually happened to your bike in the crash.
• Get written estimates. If a repair shop tells you what your bike’s repairs are likely to cost, get their estimate in writing. Similarly, if the shop tells you the bike is a total loss, have them write down what they think repairing it would have cost and what they believe the bike is reasonably worth.
• Get a second opinion. Whether an insurance adjuster tells you that the bike must be totaled or that repairs are sufficient, get a second opinion from a repair shop you trust. Like other estimates, this one should also be in writing.
• Keep records. Repair bills, the original receipt for your motorcycle, and other records related to the costs of the bike and its value will help you and your experienced motorcycle property damage attorney build a case that fights for the compensation amount you deserve.

Speak With a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcyclists who have suffered injury and/or property damage as the result of another driver’s negligence have the legal right to hold the at-fault driver liable for their losses in civil court. The St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Law can help you get the compensation you need to get back on the road. Before you speak or make any statements to any insurance companies, contact us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential case evaluation.