What Should You Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, making it crucial to take the right steps to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here's what you need to do after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis:
Critical Steps After a Motorcycle Accident:
- Call 911 immediately - Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries
- Stay at the scene - Never leave, even if the accident seems minor
- Get medical attention - Accept ambulance transport if offered; some injuries aren't immediately apparent
- Document everything - Take photos of your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and your injuries
- Collect witness information - Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney - Insurance companies often blame motorcyclists unfairly
Important: Do NOT admit fault or apologize at the scene. Missouri follows comparative fault rules, so any admission of guilt can reduce your compensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident in Missouri?
Motorcycle accident settlements in Missouri can vary dramatically based on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the crash. Due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have, these cases often involve substantial compensation.
Factors That Determine Motorcycle Accident Settlement Value:
- Medical expenses - Emergency room, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
- Lost income - Time off work during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering - Physical pain and emotional trauma from the accident
- Disability compensation - For permanent injuries that affect your quality of life
- Property damage - Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Loss of enjoyment - Impact on hobbies, activities, and lifestyle
At Bollwerk & Associates, we've secured significant settlements for motorcycle accident victims. Our experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and fight for maximum compensation.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Much More Dangerous?
Motorcyclists face disproportionately higher risks on Missouri roads compared to car drivers. Understanding these risks is crucial for both prevention and legal cases.
Key Factors That Make Motorcycle Accidents Deadly:
Lack of Protection: Motorcyclists have no airbags, seat belts, or metal frame protection. Even at low speeds, riders can suffer severe injuries from direct impact with vehicles or pavement.
Visibility Issues: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, especially in blind spots. Many accidents occur because drivers simply don't see the motorcycle before turning or changing lanes.
Road Hazards: Conditions that barely affect cars can be deadly for motorcycles - wet leaves, gravel, potholes, or oil spills can cause a rider to lose control.
Injury Severity: Motorcycle accidents result in fatalities 28 times more often than car accidents. Even "minor" crashes often cause broken bones, road rash, or head injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Louis?
Understanding how motorcycle accidents happen helps establish fault and build stronger legal cases. Most motorcycle accidents in Missouri are caused by other drivers' negligence.
Driver Negligence Factors:
- Left-turn accidents - Cars turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles
- Lane-changing collisions - Drivers failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Following too closely - Rear-ending motorcycles at stops or in traffic
- Distracted driving - Cell phone use, eating, or other distractions while driving
- Impaired driving - Alcohol or drug use affecting judgment and reaction time
Environmental Factors:
- Poor road conditions - Construction zones, debris, or inadequate signage
- Weather conditions - Rain, wind, or reduced visibility
- Defective motorcycle parts - Brake failures, tire defects, or manufacturing problems
Motorcycle-Specific Issues:
- Inexperienced riders - Lack of proper training or licensing
- Speeding or reckless riding - Excessive speed for conditions
- Lane splitting - Riding between lanes of traffic (illegal in Missouri)
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Missouri Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident cases can involve multiple liable parties, potentially increasing your compensation. Determining all responsible parties requires thorough investigation.
Potentially Liable Parties Include:
The Other Driver - For negligent driving, distracted driving, or traffic violations that caused the accident
Government Entities - For dangerous road conditions, poor maintenance, inadequate signage, or defective traffic signals
Motorcycle Manufacturers - For defective parts, design flaws, or inadequate safety warnings
Maintenance Companies - For improper repairs or faulty parts installation
Employers - If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident
Bar or Restaurant Owners - For over-serving alcohol to drivers who later cause accidents (dram shop liability)
Having multiple liable parties often means access to higher insurance limits and greater potential compensation.
What Injuries Are Common in St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents?
Due to the exposed nature of motorcycle riding, accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Head and Brain Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) causing cognitive impairment
- Skull fractures requiring surgery
- Concussions with lasting effects
Spinal Cord Injuries:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Herniated discs requiring surgery
- Permanent disability affecting mobility
Extremity Injuries:
- Multiple fractures in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Amputations from severe trauma
- Joint damage requiring replacement surgery
Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Severe road rash requiring skin grafts
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
Internal Injuries:
- Organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri's statute of limitations gives you five years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline:
Important Deadlines:
- Personal injury cases: Five years from the accident date
- Wrongful death cases: Three years from the date of death
- Government liability: Special notice requirements may apply with much shorter deadlines
- Insurance claims: Must be filed promptly to avoid denial
Why You Shouldn't Wait:
- Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed
- Witnesses' memories fade over time
- Insurance companies may pressure you for quick, low settlements
- Your injuries may worsen, affecting your case value
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Cases Different from Car Accident Cases?
Motorcycle accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge and experience.
Bias Against Motorcyclists: Insurance companies and juries often have negative preconceptions about motorcyclists, assuming they're reckless or at fault. Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know how to combat these biases.
Complex Injury Patterns: Motorcycle accident injuries are often more severe and complex than car accident injuries, requiring specialized medical experts to explain the extent of damages.
Specialized Investigation: These cases require understanding of motorcycle mechanics, riding dynamics, and accident reconstruction specific to two-wheeled vehicles.
Higher Stakes: Due to the severity of injuries, motorcycle accident cases often involve larger settlement amounts and more aggressive defense strategies from insurance companies.
Why Choose Bollwerk & Associates for Your St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Case?
Proven Results: We've successfully handled complex motorcycle accident cases throughout Missouri, securing substantial settlements for riders and their families.
Understanding of Motorcycle Culture: We respect motorcyclists and understand the freedom and joy of riding. We don't judge - we fight for your rights.
Resources for Complex Cases: Motorcycle accident cases often require accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and extensive investigation. We have the resources to build strong cases.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for your case.
Local Knowledge: As St. Louis trial lawyers, we understand Missouri traffic laws, local road conditions, and how to navigate the local court system effectively.
Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios in St. Louis
Left-Turn Accidents: The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often misjudge the motorcycle's speed or don't see it at all.
Intersection Collisions: Many accidents happen at intersections when drivers run red lights or stop signs, or fail to yield right-of-way to motorcycles.
Lane-Change Accidents: Drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots often collide with motorcycles traveling in adjacent lanes.
Rear-End Collisions: Following too closely or distracted driving can result in cars rear-ending motorcycles at stops or in slow traffic.
Dooring Accidents: Parked car occupants opening doors into the path of motorcycles, particularly common in urban areas of St. Louis.
How Motorcycle Helmet Laws Affect Your Case in Missouri
Missouri has a partial helmet law that affects motorcycle accident cases:
Missouri Helmet Requirements:
- Riders under 26 must wear helmets
- Riders 26 and older can choose whether to wear helmets
- All riders must wear eye protection if their motorcycle lacks a windscreen
Impact on Your Case:
- Not wearing a required helmet can reduce your compensation
- Insurance companies may argue that helmet non-use contributed to your injuries
- However, lack of helmet use doesn't prevent you from recovering damages if the other driver was at fault
Steps to Take Before You Ride Again After an Accident
If you're physically able to ride again after your accident, taking proper precautions can help prevent future crashes:
Safety Preparations:
- Complete a motorcycle safety course refresher
- Have your motorcycle thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic
- Upgrade safety gear including helmet, protective clothing, and visibility equipment
- Consider additional safety modifications like auxiliary lighting
Legal Considerations:
- Ensure your case is fully resolved before resuming riding
- Verify your insurance coverage is adequate
- Keep detailed records of any ongoing medical treatment
Contact Bollwerk & Associates Today
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. Motorcyclists face unique challenges in legal cases, and you need attorneys who understand these complexities.
Free Consultation: We'll review your case at no cost and explain your legal options clearly.
Immediate Investigation: We'll begin investigating your accident right away, preserving crucial evidence before it's lost.
Fighting Against Bias: We know how to combat negative stereotypes about motorcyclists and present your case effectively.
Maximum Compensation: Our experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys will fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call Bollwerk & Associates today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We're conveniently located off I-270 with free parking, and we serve clients throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Don't let insurance companies blame you for someone else's negligence. Get the experienced legal representation you deserve.
