Riding your motorcycle is supposed to be an enjoyable pastime, but an accident can result in catastrophic injuries that no one should ever endure. No matter how attentive you may be, there is still a high risk of being severely injured or killed while riding a motorcycle. That is exactly why you might need a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.

At Cantor Injury Law, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers have been representing injured riders throughout Missouri for more than 25 years. We understand what you are going through and can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a crash. From negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to potentially pursuing litigation against the at-fault driver, we are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you get back on the road to recovery.

Common St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Injuries

A woman on a motorcycle

Motorcycle accidents are considered some of the most dangerous types of crashes because motorcycles can be driven at very high speeds and do not offer their riders much protection. According to researchers, 98% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries, and many others end in death. The most frequently injured body parts in a motorcycle accident are the legs and feet. This is followed by the arms, and then the head and neck, which make up roughly 17% of all injuries.

Some Of The Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents Include:

A motorcycle rider is 8 times more likely to be injured and 37 times more likely to die in an accident than an occupant of a car in an automobile accident.
– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Depending on the severity of the crash, motorcycle accident injuries can have long recovery periods and can prevent a person from being able to work for an extended period of time, if not permanently. Proper use of safety equipment can often reduce the severity of injuries. Riders should always dress appropriately and wear a helmet, which has been proven to be incredibly effective in preventing death.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Despite preconceived notions, nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused not by motorcycle riders, but by other drivers on the road. Other causes of motorcycle crashes include motorcycle defects, unsafe road conditions, or rider inexperience.

Motorcycle Accidents In Missouri Are Frequently Caused By Some Form Of Driver Negligence, Such As:

  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive/reckless driving
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Texting while driving

Our team of attorneys can review the evidence surrounding your crash and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have a legal claim to compensation from multiple at-fault parties, including the other drivers involved, the manufacturer of your motorcycle or its parts, or the local governing authority where your crash occurred.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws In Missouri

Missouri is one of 19 states that has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet regardless of age. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of death in a motorcycle accident is 50% less when a helmet is properly worn.

Motorcycle riders in Missouri may choose to wear either a full-face helmet or a three-quarters helmet; both are permissible under state law. Wearing a helmet can not only save your life, but it could also have a considerable impact on your personal injury case as well in the event of a crash.

Comparative Negligence For Motorcycle Accidents

Missouri operates under a pure comparative fault system which is used to determine how damages are split among all parties involved in a crash, including the plaintiff. In the context of motorcycle accident lawsuits, this means that an injured rider’s eligible compensation will be reduced by a percentage equal to their share of the blame for the crash or their resulting injuries.

For example, say you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver who failed to look before changing lanes, causing you to suffer $100,000 total in damages. Your case proceeds to trial and a jury finds that because you were speeding at the time of the crash, you were 20% at fault for the crash. In this case, your total eligible compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you would only be able to recover $80,000 worth of damages.

How Cantor Injury Law Can Help

Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We have the legal know-how to prepare strong arguments and can even retain a private investigator to build your case.

We can explain all your legal options, conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, and, if necessary, challenge the police report’s findings. In addition to establishing driver faults, road conditions and safety equipment can be inspected.

Most insurance companies are not on your side and want to offer only minimal help to victims. While it may be the only business to them, it’s your entire future hanging in the balance. Do not agree to a settlement without first speaking to a lawyer.

If the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement, we can help you file a lawsuit and pursue additional damages through litigation. It is important that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

Recovering from a motorcycle crash is a long road, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel it alone. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can aggressively represent your best interests and work to win you the Big Bucks.

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Contact us at 314-628-9999 to schedule a free consultation with our team.