Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that traditional passenger vehicles simply can’t match. Unfortunately, there are risks associated with this form of transportation, too. If you’ve been injured in a Kansas City motorcycle crash, it’s essential that you understand the legal options at your disposal.
At Thomas Law Offices, we know what’s required to take on the big insurance companies and win full and fair compensation for our clients. A Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer from our office is standing by to speak with you—call us or fill out our convenient online form to schedule a free consultation today.
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Missouri Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there are more than 365,450 licensed motorcycle operators in our state. Out of a total of 4.3 million licensed drivers, motorcyclists make up a relatively small percentage of total drivers but account for 10% of all fatal injury accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the average motorcycle rider is 28 times more likely to die in motorcycle accidents than the average passenger vehicle occupant.
Motorcycle accidents are largely preventable but happen with alarming regularity. When the insurance company refuses to pay accident victims the compensation they are owed, Thomas Law Offices stands up for what is right.
Most Dangerous Roads in Kansas City, MO
Motorcycle riders should exercise caution any time they share the road with larger automobiles. However, motorcyclists should remain extra vigilant when traveling on the most dangerous roads in Kansas City, MO.
Motor vehicle accidents occur with shocking regularity on the following roads:
- I-29
- I-49
- I-70
- I-435
- I-470
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle or motor vehicle accident on these roads or anywhere else in Kansas City, Jackson County, or Missouri, a personal injury attorney from Thomas Law Offices will fight for your right to compensation. As a personal injury law firm, we strive to provide rigorous legal representation to motorcycle crash victims in our community.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Serious?
The freedom afforded to motorcycle riders comes at the expense of critical safety components enjoyed by passenger vehicle occupants. When a motorcycle rider is hit by a negligent driver, there are no seat belts or air bags to protect them. The accident victim may be ejected from their vehicle, stuck under the car that hit them, or run over by other drivers.
Motorcyclists have only the gear on their bodies to protect them in the event of a collision. Although wearing helmets, long-sleeved jackets made of durable materials, and thick boots can limit your risk of suffering fatal or catastrophic injuries, they are not foolproof.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When negligent drivers cause Kansas City motorcycle accidents, life-changing injuries can (and do) occur. In particular, lower-extremity injuries tend to be the most common of the various severe injuries that motorcyclists may suffer.
Additional common motorcycle injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head and neck injuries
- Chest and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Fractured or broken bones
- Crushed limbs
- Road rash (skin abrasions)
If you suffered injuries in a crash and are now dealing with growing medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other financial and non-financial losses, contact the legal team at our Kansas City law firm to discuss your right to seek fair compensation. We’ll match you with a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Kansas City
Of the many different causes of motorcycle accidents, there is often one uniting factor—driver error. When passenger car drivers fail to look for motorcycles, do not obey traffic laws, or engage in risky behavior while sharing the road with motorcyclists, they are putting the lives and wellbeing of others at risk.
Driver error may encompass:
- Not noticing an oncoming motorcycle
- Texting and driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reaching for items
- Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
- Speeding or driving faster than conditions call for
At Thomas Law Offices, we guide injured motorcyclists through the process of filing personal injury claims. To successfully recover compensation on your behalf, we will pinpoint the factors that caused your accident and who was responsible.
Fatal Injuries
The Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys extend their deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in what should have been preventable accidents.
We understand that no amount of compensation or legal action could ever undo the harm inflicted on your family. However, we also know how monetary losses can interfere with the grieving process. Wrongful death claims seek to right these wrongs by awarding families compensation that addresses funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and more.
When you aren’t worried about how you will pay your bills or put food on the table, you’ll be able to grieve the loss of your loved one more fully. For more information on how to file a wrongful death lawsuit, please reach out to our law office. Your initial consultation is both free and confidential.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
What you do after a motorcycle accident matters, both for your safety as well as for your right to recover damages in a motorcycle accident case. Based on our years of experience successfully handling personal injury cases, we recommend taking as many of the following steps as possible:
Call 911
Call 911 to report that a motorcycle accident has occurred. Ask that police be sent to the scene of the accident and report whether you believe anyone has suffered personal injuries.
The responding officer will create a police report that documents details of the crash. This police report can be used in your claim against the insurance company.
Exchange Information With All Involved Drivers
In Missouri, you have a legal obligation to exchange information with all involved drivers. Failure to do so may result in allegations of hit-and-run, even if you stopped, called 911, and rendered necessary aid.
Always exchange names, insurance information, and contact information with all involved drivers. If another driver seems hesitant to share this information, ask the responding officer to facilitate the exchange.
Seek Medical Care
You have two options if you are cleared to leave the scene by emergency responders—proceed directly to the emergency room or schedule an appointment with your regular doctor.
Do not let a fear of medical bills prevent you from seeking the care you need. These types of costs can be recouped in motorcycle accident claims.
Document Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, documenting evidence that can quickly disappear. Skid marks, road debris, property damage, time of day, weather conditions, road conditions, and other accident scene evidence can be crucial to the success of your claim.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Thomas Law Offices
The motorcycle accident attorneys of Thomas Law Offices are pleased to offer a free case evaluation to injury victims in the Kansas City area. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.
Financial compensation can be crucial to your recovery. When your medical bills and lost wages are no longer a concern, you can fully focus on what matters most—your health. Our law office fights for the compensation you are owed.
Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under Missouri law, only motorcycle drivers and passengers aged 25 and younger are required to wear a helmet. However, as Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers, we strongly recommend that everyone who rides a motorcycle wears a helmet regardless of age and experience.
In addition to wearing a helmet, you should also wear other protective gear, such as gloves, jackets, pants, and boots. Choose items made of leather, Kevlar, or similar durability.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents
Struggling to find answers to the unending parade of questions you have following your crash? We have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents below. However, the most effective way to secure reliable, personalized answers is to meet one-on-one with a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer.
If you’d like an opportunity to discuss your legal concerns and questions with experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, do not hesitate to contact our Kansas City area law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation meeting.
How Do I Prove the Other Driver Caused My Motorcycle Crash?
Once you’ve identified the liable parties for your accident, you must be able to prove that they were actually at fault for the crash. At Thomas Law Offices, we do this by establishing that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- The other driver violated that duty of care
- The violation caused your crash and resulting injuries
- You suffered damages as a result of your injuries
The insurance company will try to dispute liability at every point of the process. We won’t let them succeed.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Every law firm that takes on cases for motorcycle accidents will handle their legal fees differently. At Thomas Law Offices, most of our clients pay nothing upfront to work with one of our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers.
We are pleased to offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis for most cases. This means that rather than requiring any type of initial payment, we only get paid upon successful completion of your claim.
What Compensation Can I Get for My Motorcycle Crash?
The compensation you are eligible for after a Kansas City motorcycle accident will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the extent and severity of your injuries, whether you are temporarily or permanently out of work, and your total financial losses.
In general, your compensation can be broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to your financial losses, including past, current, and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages refer to your non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.
Fighting for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Kansas City
We know that most motorcycle riders are responsible on the road. Unfortunately, the big insurance company won’t treat you like the cautious motorcycle rider you are. To maximize your post-crash compensation and ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable for their actions, you will want to have a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer by your side.
As your legal representation, we will fight for the compensation that you are rightfully owed. The sooner you get in touch, the better your chances of recovering physically, financially, and emotionally. Contact us today to schedule your confidential case evaluation. Our first meeting is always free.
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