This page
Motorcycle owners understand the dangers and risks of riding, as well as the skills and precautions needed to ride safely. Unfortunately, even the most experienced driver can be injured when a careless or reckless driver gets behind the wheel.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis due to a negligent driver, should not be forced to pay for someone else's mistakes. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and financial losses. St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Louis at Sumner Law Group, LLC have extensive experience handling complex motorcycle accident compensation claims. We've helped countless drivers recover millions of dollars in damages from negligent drivers and their insurers. We know the tricks and tactics that insurance companies use in these cases, and our testing team will be ready to fight for the maximum payout you deserve.
contact ustoday for a free case evaluation with an experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney. Louis. There are no fees to start working on your case, and you only pay us when we make money for you.
Common injuries in motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists do not have the protection offered by passenger cars, such as seat belts and airbags. Because of this, cyclists often sustain serious injuries when they fall.
Common injuries are:
- rash,or abrasions caused by contact and sliding on pavement or soil
- Crush injuries when a cyclist becomes trapped between their bike and another vehicle
- Severe lacerations that can cause life-threatening bleeding
- broken bones
- Rupture of ligaments, tendons and muscles
- Neck and back injuries, including a herniated or herniated disc
- spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Injury to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- amputation or loss of limbs
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in St. Louis
Often related to the driverCauses of motorcycle accidentsto contain:
- acceleration
- Tailgating or tailgating – motorcycles can stop in a much shorter distance than a larger car or truck
- Unsafe lane changes (failure to flag or check mirrors and blind spots)
- Unsafe curves (no signal or giving way to oncoming traffic)
- Distracted driving, eg. B. SMS while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving drowsy or tired
- Inexperienced drivers who don't take care of motorcycles
Other non-motorized causes of motorcycle accidents include bad weather, adverse road conditions, and motorcycle mechanical failure.
What you need to know about proving guilt after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by another driver not sharing the road safely with other drivers. Unfortunately, many at-fault drivers and their insurers try to use prejudices and stereotypes about motorcyclists to deflect or shift blame. This strategy can make it difficult to investigate and prosecute a motorcycle accident. You need concrete evidence to defend against a negligent driver's claim that you were speeding, recklessly riding your motorcycle, or swerving into traffic when the accident occurred.
In your motorcycle accident case, our investigation team may use the following types of evidence to determine how the other driver caused the accident:
- police accident report
- Photos and videos of accident sites.
- Dashcam/Helmcam recordings
- Footage from a nearby surveillance camera
- eyewitness statements
- Auto repair and damage reports
- your treatment records
In many cases, we also work closely with specialists in accident reconstruction. These experts review the evidence and conduct their own tests. They write a report in which they express their opinion based on scientific principles about how your accident happened and who could have caused the accident.
As our St. louis can help
If you've been injured in an accident, our motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis can help:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to obtain all available evidence of your accident, including physical evidence from the crime scene, eyewitness accounts and accident reports.
- Work with accident engineering and reconstruction experts to determine how the accident occurred and who is responsible for your injuries.
- Gather extensive documentation to prove your damages
- File your claim with insurance companies, deal with regulators on your behalf, and aggressively negotiate a settlement that provides full compensation for your damages.
- Representation on your behalf in court when the insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement
A motorcycle accident can place a significant financial burden on you and your family due to medical expenses and job loss. That's why we represent our clients with no upfront fees. You don't owe anything unless we secure compensation for you in a motorcycle accident settlement or in court.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation: How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Every motorcycle accident is unique. Your case requires a thorough assessment of your immediate and expected long-term losses to determine how much you are owed.
In the event of a motorcycle accident claim, you may be entitled to claim these types of compensation:
- medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical/occupational therapy, pain relievers, medical equipment and other related expenses such as transportation to appointments
- care costs, including home health services, maintenance services (such as gardening and cleaning services), and home renovations to accommodate disabilities caused by your injuries
- future treatment coststhat can be evaluated with the help of medical specialists
- Loss of wages or income and loss of earning capacityif you cannot work or cannot return to work because of your injuries
- Loss of quality of life or zest for life.
- pain and suffering
Never trust an insurance adjuster to tell you the value of your case. Their job is to pay as little as possible. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in St. Louis at Sumner Law Group, LLC to discuss what you are actually entitled to under the law.
Understanding Missouri Motorcycle Laws
Legal motorcycling in Missouri requires compliance with several state safety laws. The most importantMissouri motorcycle lawsto contain:
- All persons who operate a motorcycle on public roads in Missouri must have a category M motorcycle license or a student license or driver's license with category M endorsement.
- Motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet at all times. Helmet must meet US DOT standards. Helmets that meet federal standards have a "DOT" sticker on the inside, along with a label indicating the manufacturer's name, helmet model, month and year of manufacture. Helmets certified by respected independent auditors such as Snell or ANSI also meet DOT standards. However, drivers over the age of 26 with a license or endorsement (not a learner's permit) may drive without a helmet if they have motorcycle accident medical insurance.
- Operators and passengers must also wear a helmet with shatterproof face shield or shatterproof eyewear.
- To legally operate on public roads in Missouri, a motorcycle must have a working headlight, working taillights and brake lights, turn signals, horn, working front and rear brakes, and working side mirrors.
- Although Missouri law does not specifically prohibit lane splitting, the practice can be considered unsafe or reckless driving.
What to do after a motorcycle accident?
to protect your rights
You must act quickly to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident.
- Go to the emergency department or your GP as soon as possible.Immediate diagnosis and treatment puts you on the right path to recovery and ensures your injuries are documented.
- Preserve all evidence of the accidentIf you took photos or videos of the scene, save them. Also keep the names and contact information of all witnesses to the accident. If the police gave you a copy of the accident report, keep that too.
- Contact an experienced attorney immediatelyYour attorney will conduct a thorough accident investigation and obtain important evidence before it is wiped or lost. Your attorney will also handle all communications with the other party's insurance company on your behalf.
- Keep a diary of your injuries and treatments and describe how the accident affected your life.Pain and suffering are common after a serious accident. But they are often difficult to quantify when it comes to compensation. Keeping a diary of how you're feeling, setbacks you've experienced, and other information about your recovery can help your attorney pursue non-economic damages after your accident.
- Do not post about your case on social media.Many of us share aspects of our daily lives on social media. However, it's important not to post about your accident or your life during recovery. You might inadvertently compromise your case by saying something that implies you're not as hurt as you say. Remember that social networks are public. If your friends can see your posts, the other party's insurance company can access them.
Call us now!Your time to file a claim is limited.
Call us now!314-669-0048
book an appointment now
Deadline for registering a motorcycle
Missouri Accident Lawsuit
Under Missouri's statute of limitations, you generally have five years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit against the party that caused the accident. For a minor injured in a motorcycle accident, the five-year period begins when the victim turns 21. If your motorcycle accident was caused by an authority or official, the deadline is much shorter.
If you do not file your claim in time, the court may permanently dismiss your case.
Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in St. louis now
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a reckless driver,contact ustoday for a free consultation. St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Louis at Sumner Law Group, LLC will work aggressively to get you the fair compensation you deserve.
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing until we win your case. There's no risk in calling us, so get in touch today.
motorcycle accidents
How common are motorcycle accidents in Missouri?
According toMissouri State Highway PatrolIn a recent year, there were 2,177 motorcycle accidents in the state, with 118 deaths and 1,899 injuries.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident?
Under Missouri's statute of limitations, you have up to five years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Filing a personal injury claim after the statute of limitations will likely result in termination.
How can negligence be proven in a motorcycle accident claim?
To prove that another party's negligence caused the motorcycle accident, your claim may require evidence such as:
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance and traffic camera recordings
- Photos and videos of accident sites.
- Vehicle inspection after an accident
- eyewitness statements
- accident reconstruction reports
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- acceleration
- close monitoring
- reckless driving
- Don't take a motorcycle all over the track
- Crossing red lights or stop signs
- distracted driving
- drowsy driving
- driving drunk or drugged
- Unsafe curves and lane changes
- Broken vehicles and car parts.
- Bad road conditions
What types of damages can be indemnified?
A motorcycle accident claim may allow you to receive financial compensation for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs.
- Lohnaus Waterfall
- Physical pain and mental stress.
- Loss of joy and quality of life.
- Repair or replacement of motorcycles
Do I need a lawyer to file a motorcycle accident claim?
While you don't need a lawyer to file a claim for damages after a motorcycle accident, you likely have a better chance of maximizing your compensation if you are represented. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney has the skills and resources necessary to obtain adequate compensation.
This process requires experience, knowledge, and resources that most non-attorneys lack. That's why it's important to hire a lawyer to represent you if you've been in a motorcycle accident.
How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help my case?
When you hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help you with your compensation claim, some of the steps your attorney may take include:
- Investigate the accident to obtain the evidence you need to build your case
- Document your injuries and losses so you know how much compensation to claim
- Identification of potentially liable parties and applicable insurance coverage
- Prepare and submit your insurance claims and negotiate with experts to reach an agreement
- File a lawsuit against the guilty party and take your case to court
What are the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents in Missouri?
Motorcyclists frequently sustain serious injuries in accidents, including:
- lacerations and abrasions
- broken bones
- soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- disc prolapse
- spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Injuries to internal organs
- facial injuries
- traumatic brain injuries
- traumatic amputation
What should I do if I get involved in a motorcycle accident?
Steps to take after a motorcycle accident include:
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Follow your doctor's treatment instructions.
- Keep copies of bills and collect your income records.
- Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney about your legal options.
Get help from a Missouri motorcycle accident attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri,ContactSumner Law Group, LLC, today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to discuss your case.
-
San Luis, MO
- Sumner Law Group
- Avenue Bonhomme 7777
- 2100 pack San Louis,mes63105
- Telephone:314-669-0048
AdressesStandard
This is a lawyer ad. This site is for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed as formal legal advice or the establishment of an attorney/client relationship.
Neither the Missouri Supreme Court nor the Missouri Bar Association review or approve any certifying organization or professional designation.
Choosing a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based on advertisements alone.
Past results are no guarantee of future results. Each case is unique and must be assessed individually.
A co-counsel can be used or a referral can be made.
All rights reserved © 2023 Sumner Law Group For all media inquiries, contact Brent Sumner at 314-669-0048
Site map|Privacy Policy|Disclaimer
work hours
to assemble | 9h00 - 17h00 |
mars | 9h00 - 17h00 |
Wednesday | 9h00 - 17h00 |
Thursday | 9h00 - 17h00 |
Freitag | 9h00 - 17h00 |
FAQs
Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents? ›
According to data from the National Safety Council, nearly 60 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle. In the majority of these accidents, it is the driver – not the motorcycle rider – who is to blame.
What to do when you get hit by a motorcycle? ›- Names and contact information of those involved.
- Statements from any witnesses.
- License plates, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Insurance information for other drivers.
- Photos of any injuries.
- Call the Police. Call the California Highway Patrol or a local police department. ...
- Exchange Information. After the collision, exchange driver's license and insurance information with other involved parties. ...
- Gather Information. ...
- Call Your Insurance Company. ...
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.
No, motorcyclists are not always at fault in a motorcycle accident. The party whose carelessness caused the collision may be at fault.
What are 40% of motorcycle crashes caused by? ›Distracted Driving.
It is believed that distracted driving plays a role in approximately 40% of motorcycle accidents. If you are out on the road and need to send a text, pull over to the side of the road so that you can avoid a fatal crash.
The actual time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim is typically anywhere from six months to a year from the date of the accident. Most are resolved within a couple of months unless certain factors make the case really complicated or you end up going to court.
What is the most common motorcycle injury? ›According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bone fractures in the legs tend to occur frequently when a motorcyclist experiences a collision. The NHTSA also notes that even though these types of injuries were more common, head and chest injuries were usually more severe.
Can a motorcycle accident change your personality? ›Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs are common after a motorcycle accident, especially if the rider is thrown from the motorcycle. A TBI can affect cognitive functioning, which can also lead to depression or memory loss. Others may even experience personality changes as a result.
How long should you be sore after a motorcycle accident? ›Most fractures heal in approximately four to six weeks. However, compound fractures or breaks to major bones, such as the tibia, can take much longer to heal. Breaks that require surgery can cause discomfort for months or years following a crash.
What happens physically after a motorcycle accident? ›Bone fractures are often reported following a serious motorcycle crash. Serious bruising, inability to hold weight, swelling, pain, and tenderness are signs of a potential fracture. Immediately following a motorcycle accident, chemicals in your body work to reduce pain and keep you moving.
Should I ride again after motorcycle accident? ›
Be Injury-Free
Being injury-free means both mentally and physically ready to ride. Consult with your doctors to ensure your injuries are fully healed before you hop on a bike again.
Bike injuries can lead to scrapes, bruises, broken bones, torn ligaments or tendons, and much more. Once you know how many injuries are sustained from a bike accident, you can formulate a recovery plan. No matter what type of injury you have, you need to focus on rest and recovery.
How long does an accident stay on your insurance in CA? ›Collisions. Collisions will be reported for 3 years from the collisions date. If a collision was reported by law enforcement and the record contains a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials indicator, the collision will be reported for 10 years from the collision date.
Can you claim for a bike accident? ›You may be eligible to make a claim for your cycling accident if it was caused by: Another vehicle at fault. Defective equipment, such as a faulty crash helmet or a safety issue with the way your bicycle was manufactured. Roads or cycle lanes in a poor condition, for example potholes or cracks in the tarmac.
What is a major factor in motorcycle accidents? ›Long Island Personal Injury Attorneys / FAQs / What Is The Primary Cause Of Motorcycle Crashes? Failure to yield and speeding are the top primary causes of motorcycle crashes.
What are the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident? ›However, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that the odds of surviving a motorcycle accident nationwide range from 90-95 percent.
Who is usually at fault in a vehicle motorcycle collision? ›A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when another driver doesn't see a motorcycle rider.
At what speed do most motorcycle accidents happen? ›A study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that 29.8 mph was the median speed of all of the 900 motorcyclists studied before the motorcycle crashes occurred.
Where do 70% of motorcycle accidents occur? ›Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway.
What age do most motorcycle accidents happen? ›The Average Age for Motorcycle Fatalities Is Over 40
However, motorcycle accident statistics prove that half of the drivers involved in fatal bike accidents were over 40. The most common age to die in a motorcycle accident is 42.
How long does it take to get compensation from an accident? ›
The amount of time it can take to receive compensation after the settlement amount has been agreed to by both sides can vary. Typically claimants receive their compensation 2 – 4 weeks after the insurer has agreed the amount of compensation.
How long does an accident claim take to pay out? ›How long does a compensation payment take to come through? Once your claim has been settled, your compensation will normally be paid to you quite quickly - usually within 2 weeks to a month. If your case is settled in court, the judge will give a deadline for you to receive your compensation by.
How long does it take to settle a motor insurance claim? ›The amount of time a car insurance claim takes can be anywhere from a day to a few weeks. It will depend on factors like: Disputes: If anyone disputes the claim it will likely delay the process.
What body parts will you most likely injure in a motorcycle crash? ›Motorcycle riders most commonly sustain injuries to their lower body parts. A broken leg or leg fracture is more likely to happen to motorcycle drivers during a crash. Lower leg injuries account for 27% of all leg injuries. Fractures of the pelvis account for 18%, and knee injuries represent 16% of leg injuries.
Where does most of the trauma occur during motorcycle accidents? ›The most commonly injured body regions that have been reported in the literature are the head, neck, thorax, and extremities, the most fatal of which was head trauma.
Can you get PTSD from a motorcycle accident? ›Yes, you can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by any traumatic event that you experience or even witness.
What happens to the brain in a motorcycle crash? ›The impact of a crash can cause the brain to twist, deform, or collide with the sides of the skull, damaging brain tissue and nerves. A severe blow can even fracture the skull, putting pressure on the brain and introducing foreign matter into the wound.
What are the psychological effects of motorcycle accidents? ›Psychological trauma: Motorcycle collisions can lead to serious psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias (fears), panic attacks, anger, and other emotional damage – some of which linger for years or longer, and are life-altering.
What is the greatest risk to you as a motorcyclist? ›- Colliding with another vehicle – 55 percent of all fatal crashes.
- Riders age 40 and older – 54 percent of fatalities.
- Not wearing a helmet – 41 percent of fatalities.
- Speeding – 33 percent of fatalities.
Hip bursitis.
When trauma occurs to a fluid-filled sac in the hip (known as a bursa), bursitis can be the result. With this type of injury, an injured motorcyclist may suffer intense pain initially that turns into an achy pain. This pain often gets worse at night and with use of the affected hip.
Why does my neck hurt after a motorcycle crash? ›
Most motorcycle neck injuries involve the soft tissues in the neck. These types of injuries are often caused by the motion of a rider's head atop their neck during the crash. The muscles and bones in the neck were not designed to stabilize a victim's head during a crash and aren't strong enough to do so.
How soon after accident Do you feel pain? ›Car accident injuries usually manifest themselves immediately, but some may take days or even weeks to appear. In some circumstances, a life-threatening injury could worsen for weeks before a person realizes the issue originated from a recent car accident.
How long does physical shock last after an accident? ›Physiological shock often occurs quickly after a car accident, though sometimes symptoms may not show up for a day or two afterward. If you have any symptoms of shock, you should see a doctor immediately. Psychological shock may linger for weeks, months, or even years after a crash.
What happens to your mind after an accident? ›Your physical body may receive little to no injury, yet your emotional state can be shattered. Traumatic memories from the accident can trigger long-term mental and emotional health conditions, such as anxiety and even depression, and may require more than just a few visits to the doctor.
Do most people survive motorcycle accidents? ›With that, about 12,000 more crashes involved the motorcycle colliding with a fixed object. This could be from distracted driving or other reasons. The fatality rate of motorcyclists killed includes 1,159 in those wrecks, or about 10 percent. Therefore, the survival rate for fixed-object collision is roughly 90%.
How often do people survive motorcycle accidents? ›Motorcyclists died in 1,159 of those wrecks, or nearly 10 percent of them, making the survival rate in fixed object collisions about 90 percent. Bikers survived crashes that did not involve a collision about 96 percent of the time.
Is a motorcycle helmet still good after an accident? ›According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, if your head struck anything at all during a motorcycle accident, chances are that the helmet absorbed at least some impact shock. This can have a serious impact on the effectiveness of the helmet in the event of another accident, which is why it should be replaced.
What is the number one cause of motorcycle deaths? ›Long Island Personal Injury Attorneys / FAQs / What Is The Primary Cause Of Motorcycle Crashes? Failure to yield and speeding are the top primary causes of motorcycle crashes.
What percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers? ›Motorists Are Usually At Fault For Motorcycle Crashes
About 75% of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision between a motorcycle and at least one car. Most of these motorcycle crashes are caused by motorists who fail to spot motorcycles in traffic when they turn, change lanes, move through an intersection, or merge.
Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Alcohol Use
These three causes of motorcycle accidents are forms of reckless driving. Liability, of course, will come down to who was driving recklessly (the motorcyclist or the motorist).
What is the most common motorcycle accident? ›
The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, accounting for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car.
What is the most common type of motorcycle accident? ›Head-on Collisions
Head-on crashes between a car and motorcycle are, in most cases, fatal for motorcycle riders. Records have shown that these collisions account for about 58 percent of fatalities from motorcycle crashes.
Cruisers: As much as 50% of the motorcycles on the road today are classified as motorcycle cruisers. This also means that they account for a large percentage of the accidents. Additionally, cruisers may encourage riders to wear less protective gear in order to maintain their 'cool image. '
What is the life expectancy of a motorcyclist? ›Life Expectancy | QALE | |
---|---|---|
80-Month Follow-Up, Mean or Mean (SE) | 50-Year Extrapolation, Mean or Mean (SE) | |
Difference | 26.3 | |
Helmeted motorcyclists with head injury | ||
87.2% good outcome + 12.8% bad outcome | 6.1 | 31.7 |
...
The most dangerous states for motorcycle riders.
State | California |
---|---|
Motorcycle fatalities in 2020 | 539 |
% change in fatalities from 2019 | 10% |
Deaths per 10k motorcycles | 6 |
Intersections. One of the most common locations for motorcycle accidents is at an intersection. According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all motorcycle accidents occur at traffic intersections.
What do about 50% of motorcycle crashes involve? ›And of all crashes in which motorcycle riders are significantly injured or killed, 50% are crashes that involve only the motorcycle and no other vehicle.
Are motorcycles worth the risk? ›The majority of riders will assure you that riding a motorcycle is no more dangerous than driving any other type of motor vehicle. While it is undeniable that the distinctive design of a motorcycle increases the chance of significant injuries compared to a car, your experience as a biker will add to your road safety.