St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Motorcycle Accident Victims in Missouri

Motorcycles offer an unparalleled feeling of freedom and independence. There’s nothing quite like getting out and hitting the open road.

However, one of the biggest dangers of motorcycle riding is that you are much more exposed than you would be in a car. Motorcyclists are at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed if they are involved in a crash.

That can make for a deadly combination when traveling among cars and trucks, where negligent or inattentive motorists might fail to notice motorcyclists and cause a collision. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free case evaluation – (314) 350-1900.

Legal representation for your motorcycle crash case

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. Many victims face extensive medical bills, long periods of rehabilitation, and have to take time away from work.

You shouldn’t have to worry about bills when recovering from your accident. This is where your attorney can help.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse will handle all the paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. 

We understand the unique challenges that motorcyclists face and we know how to build a strong claim to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

No matter how serious your injuries are, we will advocate for you to get the maximum possible compensation. Whether you need help with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we will be there for you every step of the way. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many different factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents in the greater St. Louis area, but some of the most common include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions
• Drivers opening car doors without checking
• Unsafe lane changes
• Drivers making left turns in front of motorcyclists
• Reversing a vehicle without looking
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Irresponsible bus drivers

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have extensive experience handling all types of motorcycle crash claims in St. Louis. We will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who is responsible and make sure you get the compensation you need to recover. Our efforts include looking into traffic surveillance footage, cross-referencing with similar cases in legal precedents, and leveraging accident reconstruction specialists to provide deeper insights into the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

Common Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Crashes

Due to the nature of motorcycle accidents, victims are often left with severe, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle crashes can include:

• Head injuries. Motorcyclists are not as well protected as drivers and passengers in cars and trucks. Head injuries can range from concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBI can lead to long-term cognitive problems, paralysis, and even death.
• Neck injuries. The sudden impact of a motorcycle crash can cause the head and neck to snap back violently, leading to whiplash or other serious neck injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries. These are one of the most serious types of injuries that can result from a motorcycle crash. The sudden impact of a motorcycle crash can cause the spine to compress, leading to paralysis or other serious long-term problems.
• Broken bones. Fractures on the arms, legs, hips, and other parts of the body are a common result of motorcycle accidents.
• Road rash and lacerations. Road rash is a type of abrasion that occurs when the skin rubs or scrapes against the pavement. It can often require extensive medical treatment.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, some motorcycle crash injuries might not be immediately apparent.

A doctor can properly diagnose and treat your injuries so you can start on the road to recovery.

What Kind of Compensation is Available After a Motorcycle Accident?

There is no cap to compensation amounts on auto-related personal injury claims in Missouri. This means the amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your motorcycle accident case.

Some of the types of compensation that may be available to you can include:

• Medical bills. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses. This can include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitative care, and any other necessary treatment.
• Lost wages. If your injuries have prevented you from being able to work, you may be able to recover lost wages as well as future lost earnings if your injuries are expected to have a long-term impact on your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering. You may also be able to recover damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering that you have experienced as a result of your motorcycle accident injuries.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will be able to investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. They will also be able to help you seek the maximum compensation for your claim.

An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you receive the full amount of compensation that you deserve.

Why Motorcyclists Face Challenges Recovering Compensation From a Crash

Motorcyclists often face unique challenges when seeking compensation after an accident with a negligent driver. Here are several key reasons why:

• Bias Against Motorcyclists: There’s a common bias that motorcyclists are reckless or thrill-seekers, which can influence the opinions of insurance adjusters, juries, and even judges. This bias may lead to unfair assumptions about the motorcyclist’s role in the accident, making it harder to prove the other driver's negligence.
• Severity of Injuries: Motorcyclists typically sustain more severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to drivers in cars. While this might seem like it would help in obtaining compensation, the higher medical bills and long-term recovery costs can prompt insurance companies to fight harder to minimize payouts or delay settlements.
• Disputes Over Liability: Establishing liability in motorcycle accidents can be more complicated than in car accidents. Drivers may claim that they didn’t see the motorcyclist, or that the motorcyclist was speeding or engaging in unsafe lane splitting. This can lead to disputes over fault, with the negligent driver or their insurer trying to shift blame onto the motorcyclist.
• Comparative Fault Laws: In some states, if a motorcyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced or denied under comparative or contributory negligence laws. This can make it difficult to recover full compensation, especially if the other side argues that the motorcyclist’s actions contributed to the accident.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce the value of claims. Given the high costs involved in motorcycle accidents, insurers may employ tactics such as lowball settlement offers, disputing the extent of injuries, or delaying the process, hoping the injured motorcyclist will accept less than they deserve.

These factors can make it challenging for motorcyclists to obtain fair compensation after an accident, and often necessitate the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer to build a strong case and navigate the complexities of the legal process.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim

There are many benefits to hiring a personal injury attorney after a motorcycle accident. Some of the ways an attorney can help with your claim can include:

• Investigating Your Motorcycle Accident. An attorney will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into your motorcycle accident to determine who is responsible for your injuries.
• Gathering Evidence. An attorney will know how to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more.
• Negotiating With the Insurance Company. The insurance company will likely try to lowball you on your motorcycle accident claim. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the full amount of compensation you deserve.
• Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

Your immediate actions following a motorcycle accident in St. Louis can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. Firstly, ensure safety by moving away from traffic if possible and check for injuries to yourself or others. Dial emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance. Document the scene thoroughly using your smartphone to take photographs of the vehicle's positions, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

It's also crucial to exchange insurance information with the involved parties and note the contact details of potential witnesses. Avoid admitting fault or making definitive statements about the accident until you consult a professional. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney in St. Louis after initial medical treatment to evaluate your situation. Proper legal guidance can help navigate the complex aftermath of an accident, preserving your chances for optimal recovery of damages.

How Can A Lawyer Assist Me If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

If you weren’t wearing a helmet during your St. Louis motorcycle accident, a lawyer might still assist you in pursuing compensation. Although not wearing a helmet may reduce your potential compensation for head injuries, it does not inherently disqualify you from holding negligent parties accountable for other injuries or damages sustained. Skilled attorneys can emphasize contributing factors unrelated to helmet use and work towards establishing liability based on comprehensive evidence such as road conditions, the behavior of other drivers, and mechanical issues.

The legal team at NGK Law Firm is adept at representing motorcyclists facing such challenges, striving to ensure their rights are upheld throughout the legal process. By building robust cases that consider all avenues of liability, legal representation can help mitigate the impact of helmet-related legal challenges, helping clients secure rightful compensation for their losses.

Are There Time Limits to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, as in many states, there are strict time limits known as statutes of limitations, which dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit following a motorcycle accident. Typically, you have five years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, initiating legal proceedings sooner rather than later is always advisable to preserve evidence, ensure witness reliability, and build a solid claim.

Certain exceptions, such as cases involving governmental entities or underage victims, may alter this timeframe, hence the necessity to consult with a legal expert immediately following an accident. Missing the statute of limitations can result in losing the right to seek appropriate compensation, underscoring the importance of timely legal intervention from experienced attorneys like those at NGK Law Firm.

What Compensations Could Be Affected by Shared Fault?

Missouri follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation might be affected if you are found to share some fault for your motorcycle accident. Your percentage of fault could reduce the compensation you recover. For instance, if you're deemed 20% responsible for an accident, your settlement might diminish accordingly by that percentage.

This rule underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation to present compelling evidence and argue your degree of fault. By doing so, experienced attorneys like those at NGK Law Firm can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation, ensuring you receive the most favorable outcome possible.

Do I Have To Go To Court For A Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Not all motorcycle accident claims in St. Louis require going to court. Many claims can be settled through negotiations with the involved insurance companies. Attorneys often employ negotiation skills to achieve fair client settlements without court involvement, saving time and emotional stress.

However, if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results or liability is disputed, it might be necessary to proceed to court. Attorneys at NGK Law Firm are prepared to represent clients in court, which is increasingly necessary when insurance companies are reluctant to offer fair compensation. Engaging in legal representation and preparing to continue advocating for your rights and interests through every stage of the legal process is advisable.

Contact Our St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At NGK Law, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims in St. Louis. We understand the unique challenges that come with these claims and know how to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can learn more about your legal rights and options after a motorcycle accident. To schedule your consultation, call us at (314) 350-1900 or fill out our contact form.