Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash? Read This Before You File a Claim
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries. Riders have little protection. That makes crashes more deadly and costly. If you were hit by a car or truck, you may be able to get money for your losses. This money is called compensation. It helps pay your bills and supports your recovery. In Missouri, experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyers assess motor vehicle collision victims on a daily basis. They really advocate for their clients with insurance companies to help ensure that the victims are fairly compensated for their injuries. Here are the essentials.
What is Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
Compensation means money paid to cover your injury costs. It includes current bills and future needs.
You may get paid for:
- Medical care
- Hospital stays
- Surgery and rehab
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle damage
- Emotional stress
You may also get paid for long-term needs. That could include therapy, wheelchairs, or help at home.
Who Pays for the Damages?
Missouri uses fault-based laws. That means the person who caused the crash must pay. Most of the time, their insurance company handles the payment. But in some cases, other parties may be involved. Here’s who might pay:
- At-fault driver’s insurance
- Your own insurance (if you have the right coverage)
- A third party (like a car maker if brakes failed)
A lawyer will review every option and find the best path to payment.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the driver has no insurance, don’t panic. You still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. This type of insurance is included in many Missouri auto policies. It helps when the other driver has no coverage or leaves the scene. Make sure you report the crash fast and tell your insurance about the hit-and-run.
What Injuries Count in a Claim?
All types of physical and mental injuries may count. Some may show up right away. Others may take days or weeks.
Common motorcycle crash injuries include:
- Broken arms or legs
- Road rash or burns
- Head trauma
- Neck and spine injuries
- Brain damage
- Internal bleeding
- PTSD and depression
Even if the injury seems small, it may get worse over time. That’s why it’s smart to see a doctor right after a crash.
What If I’m Partly to Blame?
Missouri uses pure comparative fault rules. That means you can still recover money—even if you were partly at fault. Your final payment will be reduced by your share of the blame.
Example:
- Total damage: $100,000
- You were 30% at fault
- You get $70,000
Insurance companies may try to blame you to reduce their payout. A lawyer will push back and protect your rights.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Missouri law lets some adult riders skip helmets. But this choice can affect your case. If you were not using a helmet, it is possible that the other side will assert that you contributed to your injury and consequently lower your compensation amount, but it does not end your case. The important argument is not whether you wore a helmet, it is whether the other driver was at fault. If the fault of the other driver shows that they were breaking the rules of the road and/or were negligent, you can win the case.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do For Me?
Lawyers do much more than file paperwork. They coach, assist and advocate for you.
They help with:
- Crash investigations
- Gathering police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Speaking to doctors
- Collecting medical records
- Dealing with adjusters
- Filing claims and lawsuits
Lawyers also know how to build strong cases. They understand what insurance companies fear. That gives you power in talks.
How Long Do I Have to File?
In Missouri, you have five years to file a personal injury claim. But don’t wait. Time can hurt your case. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move or forget. Quick action leads to better results. If the incident results in death, family members must commence wrongful death actions within three years.
What Happens if We Go to Court?
Most cases settle, and do not go to Court. Some cases do go to court, usually if the insurance offer is low. Going to Court can take longer. But, going to court can lead to a higher settlement. An experienced trial lawyer will prepare your case for Trial and advocate for complete justice.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Each case is different. There’s no set payout. The value depends on many things, such as:
- The type and size of injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- How long you miss work
- The pain you feel each day
- Long-term changes to your life
- The other driver’s actions
Your lawyer will use doctors, experts, and case history to set a fair value. Then they’ll fight to get it.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Case Take?
Some cases settle fast—within a few weeks. Others take months or longer. The timeline depends on:
- How badly you were hurt
- How long treatment lasts
- How much the other side fights
- Whether you file a lawsuit
Most lawyers wait until your treatment ends. That way, they know your full costs and needs.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer?
Not without a lawyer. Insurance companies often make low offers at first. They hope you’ll accept before seeing a doctor or a lawyer. You may be offered a quick check. Don’t cash it until you speak with a legal process expert. Signing or cashing that check could end your rights to more money.
What If I Can’t Work After the Crash?
If your injuries keep you from working, your claim may include:
- Past lost wages
- Future lost income
- Loss of career or skills
Doctors and job experts may be needed to prove these losses. A lawyer will help set up these reports.
What If My Loved One Died in the Crash?
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks money for:
- Funeral costs
- Medical bills
- Lost future earnings
- Loss of love or support
- Emotional pain
Only certain people can file. This includes spouses, children, or parents. Your lawyer will guide you on the next steps.
Do I Need to Pay the Lawyer Upfront?
No. Most Kansas City motorcycle lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means:
- You pay nothing now
- They only get paid if you win
- Their fee comes from your payout
This makes legal help possible for everyone—no matter your income.
FAQs
Q1: What do you do after you are in a motorcycle accident?
Call 911, take pictures, get witness information, then seek medical attention. After all of that, call your attorney
Q2: Can I sue the city if the road was dangerous?
Possibly if the city designed the road in a negligent manner or they did not warn you of the danger.
Q3: What about if I was hit by a drunk driver?
Drunk drivers are 100% liable. You will also be able to ask for punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for their behavior.
Q4: What if I was parked and someone hit my motorcycle?
You have a case. The insurance will have to pay you even if you were parked.
Q5: What should I look for to determine if a lawyer works for my case?
You would ask them what motorcycle cases they handled, how many they won and/or settled.
Final Words
A motorcycle crash can change your life in seconds. You may face pain, bills, stress, and confusion. But you don’t have to face it alone. Kansas City personal injury lawyers help riders and families get the money they need to heal and move on. Don’t guess your way through this process. Let a skilled and affordable Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer stand by your side and fight for what’s fair.
