Springfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Zealously Pursuing Full Payment for Your Medical Expenses, Lost Wages & More

While motorcycles are a popular way to travel around Missouri, bikers are largely unprotected from dangers on the roadway, such as careless drivers and poorly maintained roads. If you have been seriously injured while riding your bike, you need an experienced accident attorney to protect your interests. At Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC, we have the knowledge and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and win the compensation you deserve.

Need help with your motorcycle accident claim? Our team is here to fight for you. Contact Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law at tel:(417) 557-3407 to get started with a free consultation now!

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri

While motorcycle accidents are far less common than auto accidents, they are typically more serious. In fact, 80% of all Missouri motorcycle crashes in 2011 resulted in death or injury. To date, 82 motorcyclists were killed and 2,166 were injured.

While motorcycle accidents have numerous causes, come of the most common include:

• Failure to yield — Drivers can trigger a serious crash by failing to pay careful attention when turning, merging, or changing lanes. Left-turn collisions are particularly common at intersections.
• Failures to recognize a motorcycle — Distracted drivers texting or otherwise distracted often don’t see motorcycles until it is too late.
• Tailgating — Drivers often fail to recognize how quickly a motorcycle can come to a stop. Following too closely can cause a serious rear-end collision.
• Road hazards — Road defects, such as potholes, uneven pavement, debris in the roadway, or pooling water, are particularly dangerous for bikers. In some cases, the public entities responsible for maintaining the roadways can be held accountable.
• Defective equipment — If a faulty motorcycle part or motorcycle helmet defect contributed to the crash or the severity of your injuries, you may pursue a claim against the manufacturer or seller of the product.
• Alcohol impairment and speeding — Single motorcycle accidents often involve risky behaviors on behalf of the rider, including alcohol or drug impairment and speeding.

Because insurance companies will often attempt to shift the blame to the biker, it is always important to have an experienced Springfield motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Under Missouri’s comparative negligence statute, if you are found at fault for the accident, any recovery you receive in a personal injury lawsuit is reduced by your percentage of liability. For instance, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, your damages can be reduced by 20%. So long as your liability is 99% or less, you are entitled to recover damages.

Understanding Missouri Motorcycle Laws

Missouri has specific laws to protect motorcyclists and ensure safe riding. Key laws include:

• Helmet Laws: In Missouri, motorcyclists under 26 must wear helmets. Those over 26 can ride without one if they have adequate health insurance.
• Lane Splitting: Missouri law does not permit lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic). Motorcyclists must remain in their lane.
• Motorcycle License: Riders must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement on their driver's license to legally operate a motorcycle. 

The Importance of Motorcycle Safety Gear

Wearing proper safety gear significantly reduces injury risks in case of an accident. Essential gear includes:

• Helmets: Protect against head injuries, which are common in crashes.
• Jackets and Gloves: Abrasions or "road rash" can be minimized by wearing durable jackets and gloves.
• Protective Clothing: Kevlar or leather pants, boots, and armor reduce the impact of falls and collisions.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you're involved in a motorcycle crash, follow these steps:

1. Check for Injuries: Ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed.
2. Call 911: Report the accident to the police and ensure an official report is made.
3. Collect Evidence: Take pictures of the scene, damage, and injuries.
4. Get Witnesses' Contact Information: If possible, collect witness details.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault: Never admit fault or apologize at the scene.
6. Seek Legal Help: Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney for guidance.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage and Claims

Different types of motorcycle insurance can affect your claim after an accident:

• Liability Insurance: Covers damages to other drivers and their property if you're at fault.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Covers non-collision incidents like theft or vandalism.
• Collision Insurance: Pays for damages to your bike from a crash.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you're in an accident with someone without adequate insurance.

Understanding your coverage is crucial when filing a claim after an accident.

Obtaining Much-Needed Compensation for Serious Injuries

While motorcycle helmets offer the best protection from serious brain injury, bikers are otherwise unprotected in the event of a crash. As a result, the injuries they suffer are severe.

Common injuries include:

• Head trauma, including concussions
• Fractures, including broken legs and cracked ribs 
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Disfigurement, including amputations and scarring
• Soft tissue damages, including whiplash
• Internal injuries, including organ damage
• Skin abrasions, including “road rash”

Motorcycle accident victims often face long and difficult recoveries, including many weeks of missed work and costly medical bills. To put yourself in the best position to continue with your life, you need a skilled and dedicated Springfield accident lawyer by your side.

At Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, LLC, we work tirelessly on behalf of accident victims to obtain full and fair compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Costs of future medical care, including reconstructive surgery
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage and other expenses, such as transportation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent impairments
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In the case of a fatal accident caused by negligence, family members may file a wrongful death claim. Potential damages include mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and companionship, and the victim’s future work earnings or benefits.

FAQ: Motorcycle Accident Claims in Missouri

Contact Our Experienced Injury Lawyers About Your Motorcycle Accident

Injured in a motorcycle crash? Get the compensation you deserve. Call our experienced Springfield motorcycle accident lawyers today at tel:(417) 557-3407 for a free consultation!