Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, Missouri ranks among the most dangerous states for motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to lack of protection.
Oftentimes, motorcycle accidents lead to injury or death, requiring costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, and mental strength. These catastrophic expenses combined with lost wages and future lost earnings can be a huge financial burden for victims and their loved ones.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, consult experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers. The privacy of all confidential or sensitive information you share with our motorcycle accident attorney will be ensured through an attorney-client relationship.
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Contact our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Important Facts About Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri
From the number of crash incidents to the contributing factors and resulting injuries, these statistics related to motorcycle accidents in Missouri highlight the severity of this issue across the state.
If involved in a motorbike accident and suffered damages or injury due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, engage the services of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
- In 2021, Missouri reported the third-highest rate of motorcycle deaths in the US, with 151 fatalities—a 23% increase from 2020—resulting in an 11.9% fatality rate per 10,000 riders, according to QuoteWizard’s analysis of NHTSA data.
- The same study found that 28% of Missouri’s motorcycle fatalities involved someone driving under alcohol influence.
- Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation shows that nearly 175 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2023, a 16% increase over 2022’s record of 153.
- In 2022, 143 fatal motorbike crashes involved 68 un-helmeted riders who lost their lives.
- About 53% of the motorcycles in Missouri’s 2023 fatal crashes collided with other motor vehicles.
- In 2020, Missouri repealed its universal helmet law. Today, motorcyclists aged 26 and older can now ride without wearing a helmet.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that more than 36 percent of motorcyclists who died in accidents were unlicensed.
- According to Trailnet’s 2021 St. Louis City and County Crash Report, there were 178 fatalities and over 14,000 injuries resulting from traffic crashes in St. Louis City and County in 2021.
- Industry experts like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety believe that motorbike riders are 27 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than other drivers.
What are the Primary Reasons Behind Motorcycle Crashes in Missouri?
If we believe the statistics provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a fatal motorcycle crash happens every four days in the state. Often, motorbike accidents happen due to the negligence of another driver. Motor vehicle drivers such as car and truck drivers fail to adhere to traffic rules and overlook motorcyclists that cause fatal collisions.
Some common motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, muscle damage, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, burns, cuts, and others. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will prove the liability of the at-fault party with compelling evidence of your damages.
Besides driver negligence, these are some common causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Driving while distracted
- Drunk driving
- Failure to observe turn signals
- Failure to use turn signals
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drivers changing lanes without looking for motorcyclists
- Inexperienced drivers
- Riding without a helmet
- Speeding
- Unlicensed drivers
Statute of Limitations for Motorbike Accidents in Missouri
The statute of limitations for Missouri’s personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is five years. This means any person injured in a motorcycle accident can file a lawsuit or claim up to five years from the date of the motorcycle crash.
There might be exceptions or specific circumstances that extend or alter the statute of limitations. It’s recommended to consult with a St. Louis, Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer specializing in personal injury law to know about the statute of limitations and recover compensation from the insurance company.
What are the Motorcycle License and Insurance Laws in Missouri?
In Missouri, individuals must carry either a Class M motorcycle license or permit or a driver’s license with an “M” endorsement in order to legally operate a motorcycle. One must pass a knowledge test and an on-motorcycle skill test to acquire a license.
Apart from having a valid license, Missouri mandates that motorcyclists must have liability insurance. This type of insurance covers damages sustained by other parties in a motorcycle crash that you cause, up to the specified coverage limits. If the damages surpass your coverage limits, you will have to personally cover the extra costs.
The minimum insurance coverage requirements under Missouri state law are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property
Furthermore, every motorbike rider must also have uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is most useful when recovering damages for your injuries caused by uninsured motorists. Remember that uninsured motorist coverage does not finance property damage expenses.
Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney for insurance coverage and how much you can recover from your financial losses.
How to Prove Liability and Resolve a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Navigating motorcycle accident cases in Missouri can be challenging, but with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney, you can pursue maximum compensation from the liable party.
To achieve a favorable outcome in your case, motorcycle accident lawyers will gather evidence such as photos of the motorcycle crash scene and vehicle damage, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and communicate with the insurance company. If you have sustained motorcycle accident injuries, they will also collect hospital records and documentation of your medical expenses. This evidence demonstrates the other driver’s negligence and liability for your damages.
An expert motorcycle accident lawyer will establish the four key elements of Missouri civil tort law, including:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the motorcycle accident victim.
- The responsible party breached that duty.
- The breach directly caused the victim’s damages, including injuries and fatalities.
- The damages are substantiated in a court of law.
What Compensation Is Available for a Wrongful Death in a Missouri Motorcycle Accident?
A wrongful death claim is filed when an individual causes the death of another person in a motorcycle collision, whether it’s intentional or accidental. If the party who caused the death was guilty of negligent behavior, they might be liable under a wrongful death claim.
Missouri’s wrongful death statute allows only specific family members to file wrongful death claims. Typically, the surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, and grandchildren can file a wrongful death lawsuit under Missouri law.
The loss of a family member or loved one is immeasurable and cannot be compensated through a monetary amount. Nevertheless, financial compensation through wrongful death lawsuits is the only method within the civil system that can reduce the burden and seek justice for a grieving family.
After filing a wrongful death claim post the motorcycle accident in Missouri, the claim compensates family members or the probate estate for various types of damages. Talk to our wrongful death attorney who can provide a free case evaluation and explain to you the available damages.
A wrongful death claim may include these types of damages:
- Expenses related to funeral and burial proceedings
- Loss of future earnings and wages
- Healthcare costs incurred by the rider from the time of injury until death
- Psychological distress and emotional suffering
- Deprivation of care, companionship, affection, support, and guidance
- Punitive damages in cases where extreme negligence or reckless behavior is determined
Hire a Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Seeking Compensation
Did you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident or lose a loved one because of another party’s negligence? The personal injury lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are experienced in fighting personal injury cases in Missouri whether it involves a car, truck, bicycle, or pedestrians.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and handle documentation needed to establish liability for your motorbike crash. Seeking the expertise of a lawyer will help you receive a higher settlement amount than working directly with the insurance company.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free case evaluation and consultation with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee agreement. This ensures that you pay no upfront fees until your motorcycle accident lawyer resolves your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.