Motorcycling is freeing and fun. It is not, however, safe. There’s little protection afforded by bikes. One crash can cause serious damage. If you have been hurt in a Kansas City motorcycle accident, you may be hurt, worried about bills, and not know what to do. A Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can get you compensated for your injuries and lost wages. They take care of the law and insurance so that you can recover.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Are So Dangerous
Motorcycles don’t protect you like they do for cars. No metal cage to surround you. No airbags to cushion the blow. Just you, your helmet, and the road. A small crash can have serious consequences. You get thrown off the motorcycle, hit the ground with tremendous impact, or even run over. These types of crashes often lead to:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain trauma
- Back and neck trauma
- Road rash and scarring
- Internal damage
Some improve. Others experience pain or limitation for life. That’s why these are significant cases.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcyclists are safe and competent. But they are not in control of others. Most crashes happen as a result of someone else’s mistake.
Below are common causes:
- Vehicles making left turns into oncoming motorcycles
- Not checking blind spots
- Driving and texting
- Running red lights or stop signs without stopping
- Speeding and tailgating
- Being intoxicated
- Road conditions or road debris
Most often, the rider is not at fault. A lawyer helps to show what really happened.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Do
After an accident, you may be called by insurance adjusters. They may ask you to make a statement. They may pay you fast. Don’t do anything with help.
A lawyer works for you, not the insurance company. They:
- Get reports, photos, and witness statements
- Talk to your doctors
- Show how your injury affects your life
- Negotiate with the insurance people
- Try to get a good settlement
- Go to trial if needed
Their job is to get you as much money as possible for what you’ve been through.
What You Could Be Paid For
When someone else causes a wreck, you can ask for money. This is called “damages.” You can get money for:
- Emergency care and hospital bills
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages for work lost
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Repair to your motorcycle
- Traveling expenses to see a doctor
Each case is different. An attorney helps to determine what your case is really worth.
Kansas City Laws about Motorcycles You Should Know
Motorcycle laws change from state to state. Since Kansas City is near the state line, you need to know both Kansas and Missouri laws.
Helmet Laws
- Missouri: Under-26 riders must wear helmets unless they have full health coverage.
- Kansas: Riders under age 18 must wear helmets only.
You can still claim it even if you weren’t wearing one. But it may affect the amount you’ll receive.
Insurance Rules
- Basic liability insurance is compulsory for everyone.
- Some riders also come with extra coverage like uninsured motorists or med-pay.
If the other motorist is not insured, you may still be able to recover. A lawyer will help you figure out what they are.
Fault Rules
- Missouri has a “pure comparative fault” rule. You can recover even if you were mostly at fault.
- Kansas has a “modified comparative fault” rule. You can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault. Over 50%, and you may get nothing.
Fault is not always clear. A lawyer helps you create your account of what happened.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
What you do right after an accident can make a difference. Here is what you should do:
- Call 911 – Call police and medical help.
- See a doctor – Even if you don’t believe anything’s amiss.
- Take photos – Of your bike, the site where the accident occurred, and your injuries.
- Get contact details – From all parties and any witnesses.
- Shut up – Don’t guess or apologize for what happened.
- Call a lawyer – Before you talk to any insurance company.
Don’t delay. The quicker you act, the harder it is to get evidence.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
You don’t have forever. There’s a deadline in the law:
- Missouri: You have 5 years from the date of your accident.
- Kansas: You only have 2 years in which to file a claim.
Miss a deadline and your case gets dismissed. A lawyer keeps you on the move and filing properly.
What if You Lost a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident?
If the accident did cause a death, the family might have a wrongful death claim. You can get paid for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost earnings the person would have earned
- Pain and loss of companionship
A lawyer helps grieving families to seek legal practice recourse and be vindicated.
Why You Ought Not to Trust the Insurance Company
Insurance companies act nice in the start. But they are only interested in saving money. That implies that they may:
- Blame you for the accident
- Underestimate your injuries
- Pay much less than you’re worth
- Take their sweet time with your case
Don’t fight them alone. A lawyer is aware of their tactics and fights back.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers don’t charge you up front. They work for you on a contingency fee.
That means:
- You don’t pay anything up front
- They only receive money if they win your case
- Their fee comes out of the settlement, not your pocket
This means you can receive help without financial worry.
How to Choose the Best Lawyer in Kansas City
Not all lawyers are experienced in motorcycle cases. Choose someone who:
- Is an expert in injury law
- Has motorcycle collision case experience
- Is knowledgeable in Kansas and Missouri law
- Offers free initial consultation
- Honestly answers your questions
Check reviews. Ask other riders. Ride with someone you know.
Real Impact of a Crash
A crash doesn’t just bruise you up. It can ruin your life.
You may:
- Lose your employment or have difficulty working
- Suffer pain daily
- Need help getting dressed or walking
- Be frightened of riding again
- Have astronomical medical bills
A lawyer makes the other guy pay, not you.
FAQs: Motorcycle Accidents and Kansas City Injury Lawyers
1. Do I need a lawyer if I didn’t cause the crash?
Yes. The other driver’s insurance can still try to blame you or pay you less. A lawyer protects your corner.
2. What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You can still claim. Not wearing one could cut the amount you get, but it will not stop your case.
3. How are lawyers paid?
Most work on a “no win, no fee” basis. You pay nothing if they fail, and they take their fee from your award.
4. Will I have to go to court?
Most of the cases are settled out of court. But if it’s necessary, your lawyer will take it to court and fight for you.
5. Can I get money if I was partly to blame?
Yes. In Missouri, you can get money even if you’re mostly to blame. In Kansas, you can still prevail if you’re no more than 50% to blame.
Moving Forward
Motorcycle accidents are scary. The wound takes time to heal. But you don’t have to go through it alone. There is a skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer who will assist you, represent you, and help you get the compensation that you need to move on.
