Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in St. Louis

When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, it could be a struggle to recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay, reaching out to a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney may help overcome their resistance.

Motorcycle riders experience a lot of freedom, but that liberty comes with added danger. Motorcyclists are exposed, which can be exhilarating, but unfortunately, that exposure can also have devastating results if they’re involved in an accident.

Injured motorcycle crash accident victims have to seek compensation for their injuries, but the other factors involved in the crash could make that difficult. If you’re struggling to get the full and fair recovery you deserve, reach out for help from a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer from Hipskind & McAninch, LLC. Our attorneys will work diligently to hold the at-fault party liable while you focus on healing and recovery.

Important Motorcycle Laws in Missouri

People operating motorcycles in the State of Missouri are legally required to abide by state motorcycle laws. Understanding these laws can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident and protect you from legal repercussions if you are involved in one. Continue reading to learn more about important motorcycle laws in Missouri.

Motorcycle Licensing Laws

Any person wishing to operate a motorcycle on a public road in Missouri must obtain a motorcycle license or permit or a driver’s license with a Class M endorsement. Applicants interested in getting a Class M motorcycle endorsement must take a written exam and pass a skills test either at their local DMV or through an approved motorcycle safety training course. 

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Under Missouri law, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear DOT-compliant headgear. Helmets that meet U.S. DOT requirements will have an official DOT sticker on the inside and a label stating the helmet model name, manufacturing information, and construction materials used. 

In 2020, lawmakers introduced exceptions to the universal helmet law. Under these revisions, motorcyclists aged 26 years and older have the option to forgo a helmet if they have a Class M license (or Class M endorsement) and health insurance coverage for a motorcycle accident.

Visit our Motorcycle Accident Statistics Page for more insight into the numbers on a local level.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment Laws

Before motorcycles are driven on public roads, they are legally required to have certain essential safety equipment. Specifically, Missouri law specifies that the following equipment must be fully functional before operating a motorcycle:

• Headlights
• Taillights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Horns
• Mufflers
• Front and rear brakes
• Side mirrors.

Motorcycles must be registered with the Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles and pass a safety inspection every two years. Missouri law also mandates the following minimums for motorcycle insurance coverage:

• $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage.
• $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage.
• $10,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.

For more on Motorcycle safety, visit our page here. Sufficient motorcycle insurance protects other drivers if you are at fault in an accident.

Missouri Lane Splitting Laws

Lane splitting refers to the practice of driving between two lanes of vehicles that are stopped or in motion. Although we recommend avoiding this practice due to the dangers it presents to motorcyclists, Missouri does not explicitly prohibit lane splitting in its motorcycle laws. However, Missouri motorcycle laws also do not expressly authorize it as a safe and legal maneuver. Therefore, motorcyclists who practice lane splitting run the risk of being stopped by law enforcement and ticketed for reckless driving. Furthermore, if the rider gets involved in an accident and they are caught lane splitting, they can be deemed partially or entirely accountable for the accident.

Drunk Driving Laws

Missouri upholds the same standard drinking and driving laws for motorcycle operators. Your license will be suspended or revoked if you are stopped on a motorcycle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, and you will have to go to court on the traffic charge. Breathe or urine tests are usually administered to determine whether you are riding legally or illegally. If you are under 21, your BAC must not exceed 0.02%. Operating any vehicle while under the influence is dangerous and can severely impair your judgment while riding a motorcycle. On the other hand, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident due to a drunk driver, you may be able to receive compensation.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Louis

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include inattentive or distracted drivers. Road hazards like debris, uneven pavement, and defective motorcycle equipment could also contribute to an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common types and causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Blind-spot Accidents

Motorcycles are much smaller than your average passenger vehicle, making them harder to spot in traffic. Suppose a driver attempts to change lanes without noticing that a motorcyclist is present. In that case, the vehicle could sideswipe the motorcyclist or force the motorcyclist off the road causing a motorcycle crash.

Left-turn Crashes

Passenger and commercial vehicle drivers turning left at intersections frequently overlook motorcycles approaching the intersection. As a result, motorcycle accidents could also be caused when these vehicles miscalculate their speed and turn in front of approaching motorcycles. In these cases, motorcyclists may not be able to avoid colliding with the driver, and failing to yield the right of way is illegal in Missouri.

Distracted Driving

Distractions are dangerous for all motorists, especially when those distractions lead to motorcycle accidents. Distracted car drivers speaking on their phones, texting, eating, using a navigation system, or just daydreaming have caused many motorcycle crashes.

Road Hazards

Potholes, loose gravel, oil spots, or water running across the road may also cause motorcycle crashes. After such accidents, it is imperative to investigate whether negligent roadway design or maintenance contributed to the accident.

Motorcycle accident victims are exposed to different types of dangers on the road. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact Hipskind & McAninch, LLC for a free consultation to discuss seeking the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes

Cars are required to have several safety features like airbags, bumpers, seat belts, and a frame that crumples in vehicle accidents. Motorcycles, however, aren’t afforded the same luxury; therefore, the injuries these accidents may cause to motorcycle riders could be disastrous.

Motorcycles leave riders extremely vulnerable, and even when motorcyclists wear protective gear, these measures may not be enough to save them from injuries. Protective equipment reduces, but doesn’t remove, the risk of seriously devastating or even deadly injuries.

When you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, you may suffer from one or more of the following injuries:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Burn injuries, scrapes, cuts, and lesions
• Head injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury

Any of these injuries may be enough to entitle you to damages in your motorcycle accident. If you’ve experienced one of these injuries after being involved in a motorcycle crash, contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How To Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, here are steps you need to take to protect yourself and help preserve your legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes motorcyclists walk away from the scene of an accident completely unaware that they have sustained serious brain injuries. Follow the recommendations of first responders and go to the hospital. Receiving medical treatment protects your health and safety, and documentation of your injuries is important for building a motorcycle accident injury claim.

Document The Evidence

Calling 911 will ensure that law enformcement files an accident report, which will be critical in proving your motorcycle accident injury case. Make sure you do not admit fault or apologize for the accident—these statements can be used against you. If you can, take photos of the crash scene, including vehicle damage, road markings, debris, and anything else that may be significant. Talk to witnesses at the scene and get their contact information in case you need their testimony for your claim or lawsuit.

Do NOT Give A Statement To The Insurance Company

Insurance companies will often immediately seek an official recorded statement. You are under no legal obligation to give a recorded statement. Nearly every personal injury attorney will agree that this is not in your best interest. Even if you have nothing to hide, insurance companies can use your recorded statement against you to undermine your claim. Do NOT give a recorded statement to an insurance company without first speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. 

Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Choose an experienced personal injury attorney that specializes in motorcycle accident injury claims. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a claim, advise you of your legal rights, investigate the circumstances of the crash, and develop legal strategies for seeking just compensation. They will also handle all forms of communication with the other party’s insurance companies. While your attorney is working on your case, remember to exercise caution with the information you post on your social media about the accident. Anything that implies that you are not as injured as you claim to be can be used against you by the opposing side.

Motorcycle Accidents and Insurance Companies

It can prove difficult to receive the full settlement you deserve because insurance companies often act with their interests in mind. You could be left with serious injuries and expenses after your accident, but your insurer will likely offer you the minimal amount possible.

Many insurance companies minimize their losses by offering low settlements. In some cases, the insurer could blame you, leaving you with full financial responsibility for your damages.

A St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate with insurance companies on your behalf and help dispute the insurer’s accusations of fault or negligence.

Missouri Negligence Law

Insurance companies are known for blaming motorcyclists. However, not being prepared to defend your claim in court could mean that your compensation is reduced or dismissed altogether. A motorcycle crash attorney can help you mount a defense against your accusers.

Missouri is a comparative negligence state, which means that the part you play in the accident is important. If you’re found partially responsible for your motorcycle crash, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Insurance companies understand that accusations of negligence will significantly harm your claim, and you have to prove you weren’t responsible. Your attorney can examine the evidence in your crash claim and demonstrate who is at fault.

Motorcycle Accident Liability

Proving who is responsible for compensation for the damages in an accident is one of the most important parts of the claims process. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to avoid responsibility without help. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in St. Louis can use their tools, relationships, knowledge, and skills to identify the at-fault party.

Missouri is an at-fault state meaning the person at fault for the accident is also liable for the expenses. If a negligent driver hits you, they are typically held responsible for your damages. Since motorcycles are vulnerable to road hazards, you might have been injured by a pothole or other dangerous road defect, making the party responsible for those conditions liable for your injuries.

St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Compensation

A motorcycle accident could mean expensive costs involved with the recovery. While preparing your claim, it’s imperative to include all of the ways your life has been affected by the accident. This can help when your attorney is determining the total value of your claim.

Your total claim will include both economic and non-economic damages. Your economic damages cover all of your financial expenses, such as medical treatment costs and physical therapy. Be sure to keep detailed notes of your appointments, records, and bills.

Non-economic damages cover the compensation for your mental and emotional pain. However, these types of damages are intangible and can be difficult to quantify.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents

When you’re involved in a major motorcycle accident, the aftermath could be devastating. Every decision you make after your accident may affect the outcome and your right to compensation. The problems could worsen if the responsible parties refuse to accept liability for your accident. Here are some key questions and suggestions on dealing with your motorcycle crash:

How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?

Each claim is different because of all the variables at play. There is no easy way to determine the value of a claim. Still, the amount of money available to motorcycle injury victims depends on the seriousness of their injuries suffered, and the time it will take for them to make a full recovery.

Compensation that a person may receive after a motorcycle accident includes the following:

• Lost wages may occur if you take time off work to recover and attend doctor’s appointments or rehabilitation appointments. If your injuries are severe, you may be unable to do any paying work at all.
• Medical bills, especially those resulting from traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, can be very expensive.
• Medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers and transportation to and from medical appointments and therapy appointments could be included as a part of compensation for the medical costs associated with an accident.
• Pain and suffering, including both the physical and the mental pain and anguish caused by an accident could also be taken into consideration. The immediate pain and suffering caused by the accident and the long-term suffering that may result is a factor in your claim.
• Property damage, including damage to the motorcycle, could also be part of compensation after a motorcycle accident. If the bike can be repaired, the costs of repairs and the costs of renting a vehicle in the meantime may be covered by compensation. If the bike was totaled, then the cost of replacing the bike could be compensated for as well.

How do I recover compensation after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis?

Recovering the compensation you deserve can be a lengthy process. Missouri is an at-fault state for auto accident claims, meaning that the person responsible for the motorcycle accident must pay for damages. Typically, you can recover compensation for your injuries and suffering by filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. However, there are two types of at-fault drivers that can complicate this process: underinsured drivers and uninsured drivers.

• Underinsured Drivers: In some cases, damages related to the accident may exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limit. If you have underinsured motorist coverage added to your insurance policy, you can seek benefits from your own insurance provider and avoid any unnecessary litigation. If you do not have underinsured motorist coverage, the next appropriate step will be to file a personal injury lawsuit. 
• Uninsured Drivers: Sometimes the party responsible for the accident lacks insurance altogether. To protect drivers from these kinds of accidents, Missouri requires motorcyclists to add uninsured motorist coverage to their insurance policies. In these cases, claims are made with your insurance company. If you were involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, the injuries and suffering you sustain can be accounted for with your uninsured motorist coverage.

Regardless of the avenue you decide to take to pursue compensation, you’ll need to prove that someone other than yourself was at-fault for the motorcycle accident. Establishing fault often means proving the following elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: The other driver had a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care on the road and act in a way that would avoid injury to others.
2. Breach of Duty: The other driver breached their duty of care and put others in harm’s way. 
3. Cause of Damage: This breach is the legal cause for your injuries and suffering in the motorcycle accident. 

Proving negligence allows you to hold the other driver or their insurance company legally accountable and seek compensation for the motorcycle accident. You should gather as much evidence as you can about the nature of the accident and your injuries in order to satisfy the burden of proof. 

Do I need an attorney to file a claim?

Anyone injured in an accident can technically file a claim on their own accord. Many experienced legal professionals advise against it because the legal process is not easy. Working alongside motorcycle accident attorneys with a history of protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists could help you recover all of the damages to which you’re entitled.

If you have more questions regarding your potential claim, please call the law offices of Hipskind and McAninch, LLC to schedule your free consultation, discuss your options, and determine the potential value of your claim.

My medical care costs are expensive, and I need money as soon as possible. Is there anything I can do to obtain money now while my lawsuit is being settled?

Your motorcycle accident attorney will have experience negotiating with insurance companies. They may be able to collaborate with insurers so that your claims are handled quickly and efficiently.

Your St. Louis accident lawyer can discuss your options with you to determine if you can obtain money quickly for your injuries.

I am partially at fault for the accident. Is it possible the other driver’s insurance will help cover my medical bills?

In some cases, it is still possible to obtain compensation from the other driver’s insurance company even if you are partially at fault for the motorcycle accident. Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence standard to determine compensation for injuries from motorcycle accidents.

According to Missouri law, you are entitled to recover compensation based on your degree of fault in the accident. For example, if you are deemed 25% responsible for an accident with damages valued at $100,000, the maximum reward you can receive is $75,000. your Speak with a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney about the specifics of your accident, and they can explain your legal options for recovery if you are partially at fault.

What is the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, Missouri?

According to Missouri Revised Statutes section 516.120, anyone injured in an accident must file their civil lawsuit within five years of the date of the accident. Lawsuits against the government must be filed even sooner, so speak with a St. Louis personal injury attorney about filing your claim.

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, how important is it to see a doctor?

Motorcycle accidents cause all types of injuries that could leave victims with lifelong disabilities and chronic pain. Many of these injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, or brain injuries may take weeks or months to become apparent. After an accident, consult a motorcycle accident attorney to review your legal rights and discuss your legal options.

Can I sue if my motorcycle accident didn’t involve another vehicle?

Each state and local government is responsible for keeping their roadways safe, and when an obstruction or other objects on those roads cause an accident, the state or local municipality could be held liable for the motorcycle accident. In other cases, a defective bike or faulty piece of safety equipment could lead to an accident where you have sustained injuries. You still have the right to pursue compensation under Missouri state law. The manufacturer of the motorcycle or piece of defective equipment can be held liable for the resulting damages.

If I was just involved in a motorcycle accident, do I need to contact a personal injury attorney now, or should I wait?

After an accident, you may not be considering filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit at that moment, but oftentimes the sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the better.

I was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a car driver who had minimal insurance, but the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of my injuries. What should I do?

Missouri law requires that all vehicle insurance policies include coverage for uninsured drivers. If the other driver in your accident had only minimal insurance coverage, you might be able to make an underinsured motorist claim.

Your insurance policy can pay for your bodily injury costs not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance based on what’s outlined in your policy. Your insurance company could dispute this claim or try and convince you to settle for a lesser amount than you need.

This is another reason why it could be helpful to talk with the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC to get a clearer understanding of all your legal options with a free initial consultation.

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How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Injuries sustained from motorcycle accidents can impose a significant financial burden on the lives of motorcycle crash victims. If you were injured while riding a motorcycle, you may need serious medical attention for your injuries. From expensive emergency surgeries to costly rehabilitation programs and long-term care facilities, the price tag for a healthy recovery following a motorcycle accident can leave victims panicking at the new circumstances of their lives. 

Seeking the legal expertise of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help you get through this difficult time. Your attorney will work with you to recover the compensation you are entitled to for your accident. Here are some specific ways a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with your case:

• Explaining Your Rights: Most victims of motorcycle crashes have never been in this position before. Having a lot of questions is natural and your attorney will help to inform you of your legal rights.
• Providing Legal Advice: Dealing with insurance companies for motorcycle accident cases can be challenging. Insurance companies will try to take advantage of you but your attorney can advise you on which settlement offers to take and when to refuse to give a statement. 
• Building Your Motorcycle Accident Case: To file a successful claim, you’ll need to gather evidence that proves your injuries and related costs were due to the at-fault party’s negligence in the motorcycle accident. An experienced attorney will know what information needs to be gathered and will work to build a strong insurance claim for you. 
• Negotiating a Fair Settlement: When you file your insurance claim, the insurance company will review it and respond. If the company makes a lowball offer that does not sufficiently account for your damages, your attorney can negotiate for a higher settlement amount. If they reach an agreement, you receive your money.
• Representing You in Court: If an insurance company refuses to offer you a reasonable settlement, your lawyer might advise you to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will represent you throughout each step of the lawsuit process. Typically, settlements are reached before trial. If not, your lawyer will be by your side to fight for your rights in court. 

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in St. Louis

If you are looking for a motorcycle accident attorney, you should verify that the lawyers you are looking at have experience with motorcycle injury claims. Unlike other vehicular accidents, victims in motorcycle accidents are more often accused by insurance companies of causing their own injuries. These accusations create hostile negotiations from the get-go and require attorneys who will aggressively pursue just compensation for your injuries. Schedule consultations with several lawyers in your area and discuss your case with them. Ask about their experiences negotiating and litigating motorcycle injury cases. Compare their fees and billing practices. Refer to reviews on their services from previous clients and consider how their circumstances may have been similar or different from yours. 

When you’re struggling with your injury claim, you need an experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Hipskind & McAninch, LLC can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand that each accident is unique. Our attorneys will listen to the specific circumstances of your case and tailor their legal strategies accordingly.  We’ll work to investigate the causes of your accident, identify at-fault parties, advocate on your behalf, and, when necessary, fight for your compensation in a trial. We will make sure to address any and all of the questions you have regarding your case. Our goal is to help you focus on your personal recovery knowing that your case is in good hands with our attorneys.

People choose our law firm for their cases because we know how to win. Our attorneys are experienced in handling personal injury claims due to motorcycle accidents, and we are proud to share many notable achievements,including:

• Over $10,000,000 recovered for our clients
• 250+ five-star reviews on Google 
• A 99% success rate in our cases

At Hipskind and McAninch, our lawyers possess a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances of motorcycle accident claims. Our attorneys are aware of the tactics insurance companies use to try to undermine the claims of motorcycle crash victims, and we know how to guide you so that you can avoid these pitfalls.

We put a lot of effort into building the strongest cases for our clients, and in 2020, we were named ‘The Best Car Accident Lawyers in St. Louis.’ Our work ethic is rooted in a genuine passion for the law and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those we represent. Other notable recognitions we have been honored with include:

• Three consecutive years on the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
• Perfect five-star reviews on Avvo, the largest online lawyer listing service
• National Premier Top Ten Personal Injury Attorney
• TopLocals Top Rated Personal Injury Lawyers.

Check out our attorney bios to learn more about the accomplishments of our motorcycle accident lawyers.

No Win, No Fee, No Worries

We firmly believe in serving the needs of everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you only pay us if we win your case. Our fee structure is designed to give you peace of mind knowing that we will do everything we can to win your case and that our payment is contingent upon winning your case. 

We also offer prospective clients a free consultation to discuss the details of their motorcycle accident with an experienced attorney. The initial consultation allows us to understand your case better and provide you with valuable legal advice. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.