Motorcycle Accident Attorney Kansas City

Motorcycles can be exciting, fun, and a convenient way to get around, but they are inarguably more dangerous than a car. The most experienced bikers recognize the dangers of other, larger vehicles on the roadway. In addition, the minimal structure of a motorcycle makes the rider extremely vulnerable. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer who handles motorcycle accident claims. In Kansas City, motorcycle accident attorney Ryan Bratcher helps bikers recover compensation for their accidents. All consultations are free, so call today to speak to a professional Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car and Truck Accidents

There are a number of reasons why motorcycles and their riders don’t fare well when they are impacted by a larger vehicle like a car or commercial vehicle. The average weight of a motorcycle is 700 lbs. That’s about a quarter of the average weight of a car and about a fifth of the weight of a larger personal vehicle, like an SUV or a pickup truck. The cabs of commercial trucks begin at 20,000 lbs and go up from there. 

With all other things being equal, that means that in a collision with a car, the motorcycle will be hit with at least four times the energy that the other vehicle will. In addition, cars and trucks have structural protection, whereas motorcycles offer none. A biker only really has their helmet, if they are wearing one, and whatever protective clothing that they’re wearing. While only about half of car crashes result in an accident injury, the odds of a motorcycle accident injury resulting from a collision are much more significant. 

Why You Need a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve sustained a motorcycle accident injury, you may be entitled to compensation from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance. However, that does not mean that the insurance company will give you a full and fair settlement. In many cases, insurers lowball damage amounts to minimize their payouts. A Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer can review your claim and determine the amount of damages you’re entitled to. If the insurance company rejects that claim and will not settle your motorcycle crash claim for a reasonable amount, they can litigate your case in a court of law. 

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Whether you are struck by another vehicle or lose control of your bike, you will likely suffer a motorcycle accident injury. These are some of the most common types of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents:

• Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Broken Bones
• Severed Limbs
• Spinal Damage
• Abrasions (Road Rash) 
• Bruising
• Internal Injuries
• Burns
• Death
  

Motorcycle Accident Damages

Like other types of personal injury claims, damages are divided into two categories: Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages. Economic damages include medical costs, like doctor bills, surgery, physical therapy, medication, etc.; lost wages; and property damage. Non-Economic damages include pain and suffering, meaning your physical pain, emotional trauma, and any other intangible cost of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys have the training and knowledge to calculate all of these damages and determine a fair settlement amount for your case.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics for Missouri

Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents in Missouri are on the rise. In all of 2020, 11 motorcycle crashes resulted in fatalities. That number jumped to 18 by the beginning of May in 2021. This is an alarming trend. Over a ten-year period, there were 18,299 motorcycle crashes with injuries. During that time, 912 people died in motorcycle crashes. That means that approximately 5% of motorcycle accidents result in a fatality. The individual statistics for motorcycle accidents in Kansas City are not available, but as a rule, larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City experience higher numbers of collisions. 

Missouri Motorcycle Laws

The following Missouri motorcycle laws are enforced in Kansas City as well as the rest of the state:

• Riders under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet while operating a motorcycle.
• All operators are required to wear eye protection unless their bike is equipped with a windshield 10” in height or greater. 
• Motorcyclists must show proof of liability insurance when registering their bikes. 

All state traffic regulations with regard to speed, traffic signals, lane changes, etc., apply to motorcycles operating on the roadways.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Personal injury attorneys receive many of the same questions regarding different types of cases. The following is general information that should not be construed as legal advice. If you do need specific advice about a motorcycle accident, contact RKB Law, LLC for a free consultation. 

If I’m involved in a single-vehicle crash, can I still receive compensation?

If you have personal injury protection, you should be able to receive compensation to the limits of your policy. Even if you think you are at fault, you should still speak to a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer about your case. There may have been contributing factors that would allow you to seek damages. 

How can I pay for a motorcycle accident attorney?

Personal injury lawyers who handle motorcycle accidents in Kansas City work on a contingency basis. That means that they only collect a fee if you successfully recover compensation. By law, Missouri attorneys must provide a written statement disclosing their contingency fees before they take your case. Make certain you receive this before committing to a law firm. 

What should I do if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident?

If you have been hit by a car and you are able to move, get out of the roadway and get to a position of safety. Without a vehicle, you’re in a precarious position. Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so. Give the location, a description of the vehicles involved, and a description of injuries. Ask witnesses to remain on scene until the police arrive. Take pictures or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries with your cell phone. Allow the paramedics to examine you, and if necessary, transport you to the hospital. Finally, talk to a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer before accepting an insurance company settlement. 

Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are responsible for a much higher percentage of injuries than car accidents. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation from your insurance company or from the responsible party. Before you accept a fast cash settlement from an insurance adjuster, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer. In Kansas City, attorney Ryan Bratcher protects the rights of motorcyclists. As a Kansas City personal injury lawyer, attorney Bratcher works on a contingency basis. All consultations are free, so call today.