Motorcycle accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on Kansas City roads, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri sees approximately 1,800 motorcycle crashes each year, leading to nearly 100 deaths and around 2,000 injuries. In Kansas, the statistics are equally concerning, with over 40 fatalities and more than 750 injuries annually due to motorcycle accidents.Â
These numbers highlight the risks motorcycle riders face every time they get on the road. If you’ve been involved in a Kansas City motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Navigating motorcycle accident claims can be complex, and having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney by your side ensures you understand your rights and can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate to consult a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your options and protect your future.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your first priority should always be your safety and health. Move to a safe area away from traffic if you are able, and call the police to report the accident. Even if you don’t notice any immediate injuries, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, as some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away. At the accident scene, take clear photos of the vehicles, your motorcycle, any property damage, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.Â
It’s important not to discuss the details of the accident with anyone at the scene or with insurance companies before speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or shift blame, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Laws
Motorcycle accident laws in Missouri and Kansas are designed to protect motorcycle riders, but they also impose specific requirements that can affect your motorcycle accident claim. In Missouri, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets while riding, regardless of age. Kansas law mandates helmet use for riders under 18, and all riders must use eye protection unless their helmet has a windscreen. Both states require motorcycle operators to obey all traffic laws, and failure to do so can impact liability in a city motorcycle accident.Â
Understanding these regulations is essential when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, as they can influence the outcome of your case and the compensation you may receive. An experienced Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate these complex motorcycle accident laws, ensure your rights are protected, and work to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than other types of vehicle accidents due to the lack of protection for motorcycle riders. Common motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and severe road rash. Many motorcycle accident victims also suffer from muscle and soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, and, in the most severe cases, permanent disability or wrongful death. These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical pain. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the lasting impact of your injuries, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Road Hazards Unique to Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists in Kansas City face unique road hazards that can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents and serious injuries. Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and debris on the road can all cause a motorcycle rider to lose control, leading to a dangerous motorcycle crash.Â
Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles offer little protection in the event of an accident, making riders more vulnerable to severe injuries. Additionally, car accidents involving motorcycles are often caused by drivers failing to see or yield to motorcyclists. If you have been injured in a Kansas City motorcycle accident due to hazardous road conditions or the negligence of another driver, an experienced city motorcycle accident attorney can help you identify the cause of your accident and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Understanding these unique risks can help motorcycle riders stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves on the road.
Why Should You Get in Touch with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 1,979 individuals sustained injuries in motorcycle crashes in Missouri in 2014. Unfortunately, this number has continually increased over time. We understand that moving forward after a motorcycle accident can be challenging, but you also want to seek the financial compensation you deserve. It is crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your motorcycle accident case and personal injury claim, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive proper compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you do this, so you do not have to go through it alone.
Reasons to reach out to a lawyer regarding your accident include the following:
- Motorcycle accident attorneys are skilled in navigating personal injury law and can help you recover medical bills and other damages resulting from your accident.
Collecting Evidence
After an accident, any evidence is typically cleaned up quickly so the road remains clear. Once you are able to seek compensation for your injuries, any evidence will most likely be gone.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence by accessing any video footage of the incident, interviewing any potential witnesses, and speaking with traffic engineers. Law firms and their law office resources are crucial in building strong motorcycle accident cases and supporting personal injury claims, as they have the experience and tools needed to collect and preserve key evidence. All of these resources allow the attorney to recreate the scene and obtain more details to strengthen your case.
Negotiating with Your Insurance Company
Working with your insurance company on your settlement can be time-consuming and difficult. Trying to keep tabs on offers and counteroffers and maintaining a strong case while doing so is a lot to manage alone.
Our attorneys have years of experience in the art of negotiating. Therefore, we may be able to help you maintain the details of your case and talk directly with your insurance company to fight for your deserved compensation. Having legal representation is especially important in personal injury cases, as it can influence how insurance companies respond and ensure your rights are protected. Scheduling a free case review can help you understand your legal representation options and the complexities of personal injury cases before dealing with insurance companies.
Knowledge and Access to Resources
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have spent years focusing on the specific motorcycle accident laws in the Kansas City area. We pride ourselves on being well-versed in Missouri and Kansas law, including motorcycle laws, helmet laws, and licensing requirements such as a motorcycle license or Class M motorcycle license, so you do not have to worry about the statute of limitations and other paperwork. Our experienced attorneys and motorcycle accident attorneys have the expertise to navigate these complex legal requirements on your behalf.
According to RSMo. §516.120, the statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident is five years. While this may seem like a long time, delays could get in the way. It is crucial to pursue personal injury claims as soon as possible to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovery. Our attorneys may help you keep track of the statute of limitations and other laws involved to present your case on time.
Motorcycle accident lawyers also have access to resources like medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, prosecutors, and other lawyers to help build an effective case that will better your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
Discovering the Liable Party
Motorcycle accidents include many factors like the people involved, the weather, road conditions, and the vehicles themselves. Our lawyers can use their resources and the details of your story to pinpoint a responsible party. For example, suppose your accident occurred due to unsafe road conditions. In that case, the local government or whoever owns the road can be held liable, and your attorney may assist you in holding them accountable. In motorcycle accident cases involving egregious negligence, such as reckless or drunk driving, motorcycle accident attorneys may pursue punitive damages to punish and deter such conduct. Our law firm also has the power to face larger entities like local governments.
Allowing You to Focus on Recovery
The legal processes after a motorcycle accident can be a heavy load to carry on top of your injuries. With an attorney handling the evidence, your insurance company, and the laws and timeframes, you can give yourself the time you need to get treatment and spend time healing. Recovery may include medical treatment and physical therapy to address injuries sustained in the accident. A lawyer will also listen to your story so you feel heard and well-represented.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Hollis Law Firm
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, you may question whether contacting a lawyer is the right next step. Our knowledgeable attorneys may be able to help you gather information and evidence and keep track of all aspects of your case to alleviate some of your stress. Our law office has extensive experience handling Kansas City motorcycle accidents and is well-versed in personal injury law, ensuring you receive skilled guidance throughout your claim.
Our seasoned legal team at Hollis Law Firm has provided the Kansas City area with trustworthy and reliable legal services for years, and we are prepared to offer you our award-winning representation. As one of the leading law firms in the region, we offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options before making any commitments. For a complimentary consultation, fill out our contact form or call us at (800) 701-3672.
