Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbia, Mo
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,586 people died in motorcycle crashes and 92,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2014. In addition, motorcyclists are five more time likely to be injured in a collision and 27 times more likely to die in a motorcycle collision than in a car collision. Often, drivers of other vehicles violate the motorcycle’s right of way and cause the accident. And the failure of motorists to recognize motorcycles in traffic is the main cause of motorcycle accidents.
Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The single most dangerous situation for bikers occurs when vehicles are making left-hand turns. Usually, the turning vehicle strikes the motorcycle going through an intersection, passing the car or trying to overtake the car. The vehicle that hits another while making a left hand turn is the responsible party. However, if the biker was in the wrong lane or speeding, the biker may be partially at fault for the collision. Motorcycle lane-splitting is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. This maneuver puts the motorcycle in close proximity to other cars and reduces the space for maneuvering. There are also road hazards that put motorcyclists at risk of a crash, such as potholes, unexpected objects in the road and slick pavement conditions.
Five Most Common Motorcycle Injuries
The following are the five most common motorcycle injuries.
- Neck and Head Injuries – Neck strain and head trauma are common. Injury can range from a concussion to a traumatic brain injury. Not only is a traumatic brain injury debilitating — it can be fatal. And a neck injury can cause paralysis.
- Muscle Damage – There are so many muscles in the human body, and one can sustain a muscle tear, strain or sprain in a motorcycle accident.
- Leg Injuries – Injuries to the leg include knee and foot injuries. Leg injuries can range from moderate to severe and result in shattered or fractured bones.
- Road Rash – Road rash is often caused by sliding across the pavement after a motorcycle accident. It’s not just a bruise but can lead to infections and nerve damage.
- Biker’s Arm – Biker’s arm is a common condition that occurs after the impact of a motorcycle accident. There’s just less protection on a bike, and bikers usually throw their arms in front to lessen the impact. It can cause damage to the nerves of the arm.
Liability and Filing a Claim
If you’re ever involved in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, it’s important not to acknowledge that the crash was your fault. Missouri is an at-fault state and admission of fault may prohibit you from filing a claim. The victim’s awarded damages are also reduced by the percentage of fault for causing the crash. For example, if you’re 60 percent responsible, your award will be reduced by 60 percent. This is just one reason why it’s important to get proper representation from a motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle accident victims have the same rights as those who operate a motor vehicle.
You have the legal right to sue the at-fault party. Compensation is available for medical expenses, ongoing therapy, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbia, Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is five years. If you don’t file a claim within that timeframe, it won’t be valid in the eyes of the court.
Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents
Negligence involved in motorcycle accidents takes a broad range of forms. It may include failure to yield or driving while distracted, such as using a cell phone. Defective motorcycle parts can also play a role in serious motorcycle accidents. If the accident is caused by motorcycle defects, the injured person can sue individuals responsible for repair of the bike and the motorcycle part manufacturer. Motorcycle defects can cause steering problems, engine problems, faulty brakes and tire blowouts.
Important Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’re filing a claim for a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations surrounding motorcycle accidents. This is the professional who will help you get what you deserve for your motorcycle accident. You can get assistance with things like processing medical bills and lost wage information, resolving your property damage, negotiating with the at-fault’s party’s insurance company and receiving fair value for your claim. With an experienced motorcycle attorney, you never ride alone. Even if the insurance company accepts your claim, it’s likely that they will try and settle for less than the case is worth.
Contact Our Columbia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Contact us today to set up your consultation with the legal team at Bley & Evans Attorneys at Law. There will be no charge for the initial evaluation, and from there we can work tirelessly to guide you through the often complicated legal process and work toward the best outcome possible in your case. Contact our office at 844-443-8385.
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Guide to Missouri Wrongful Death Actions / In Missouri, a civil suit for wrongful death is a statutory action authorized by R.S.Mo. § 537.080, 537.085, and 537.090. The statutes created a new cause of action where none existed at common law. In other words, a wr...
Early Winter Weather / Early winter weather struck mid-Missouri late last month. While temperatures remained near 20 degrees with wind chills in the single digits, snow moved into the region. The City of Columbia preemptively deployed a 16 man...
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Snow and Ice Create Dangerous Road Conditions in Mid-Missouri / Snow and ice over the last week has caused dangerous road conditions in Columbia and surrounding areas. Since Friday morning, nearly 400 accidents have been reportedly caused by icy conditions. Additionally, first respon...
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