Motorcycle accidents can change your life fast. One minute you’re riding. The next, you’re in pain, stuck with bills, and unsure what to do. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you have legal rights. You may be able to get money for your losses. But it won’t come easy. You must act fast, stay smart, and avoid mistakes. This page explains your rights, what to do next, and how a local lawyer can help.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Serious
Bikers have less protection than car drivers. That means even a low-speed crash can cause major harm. Bikes are also harder to see. Many drivers say, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” But that excuse doesn’t mean they’re off the hook.
Common crash causes include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Texting while driving
- Not yielding at left turns
These crashes often lead to:
- Broken bones
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and burns
- Lasting pain
These injuries often need long care. Some riders can’t work for months. Others may never ride again.
Missouri Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Missouri law says you have the right to sue if someone else caused your crash.
Here are some key rules:
- You have five years to file a lawsuit.
- Missouri uses pure comparative fault.
- If you’re partly at fault, your pay gets cut by your fault share.
- If you’re 20% at fault, you get 80% of your damages.
Wearing a helmet is still smart. But the law changed in 2020. If you’re 26 or older and have health insurance, you don’t need one. Still, if you had a head injury and weren’t wearing a helmet, the insurance company may fight harder. But that doesn’t cancel your right to sue.
What You Should Do Right After the Crash
Take these steps if you’re able:
- Call 911. Get help.
- Tell the police what happened. Ask for a report.
- Take photos. Show bikes, roads, injuries, and traffic signs.
- Get names and numbers of drivers and witnesses.
- See a doctor right away.
- Save all records, bills, and reports.
Don’t post about the crash on social media. Don’t guess what happened. Don’t admit fault at the scene. Even saying “sorry” can be used against you.
Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurer
Their job is to save money. They may try to trap you.
They could:
- Record your call
- Twist your words
- Offer low money fast
- Say your injuries aren’t real
- Blame you
Always talk to a lawyer first. They speak for you, protect your rights and help in the legal process.
What Can You Get Paid For?
You may be owed money for:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance costs
- Rehab and therapy
- Lost wages
- Bike damage
- Pain and stress
- Permanent limits
- Help at home
Every case is different. You won’t know the real value until a lawyer reviews it. Don’t trust a guess from the internet.
Who Can You Sue?
You may sue:
- A car driver who hit you
- A truck driver or company
- A repair shop that did bad work
- A city for bad roads or signs
- A parts maker for faulty brakes or tires
Some crashes have more than one cause. A skilled local Kansas City personal injury lawyer can find out who was really at fault.
What Makes a Strong Case?
Stronger cases usually have:
- Photos or video of the crash
- A clear police report
- Honest witness stories
- Fast medical care
- Records of every cost
- No delay in filing the claim
Crashes without proof are harder to win. Act fast to keep evidence.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Cases
These actions can weaken your case:
- Saying too much at the crash scene
- Waiting too long to get care
- Posting about the crash online
- Not keeping bills and papers
- Taking the first offer without review
- Skipping doctor visits
One small mistake can cost you big. Let a lawyer guide you early.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Missouri drivers must carry minimum coverage. But many don’t. If the other driver has no insurance, you may still get paid from your own policy. This is called uninsured motorist coverage. Your lawyer can check if that applies.
What If You Were Riding Without a Helmet?
If you’re 26+ and have health insurance, you can ride without a helmet. But if you were hurt, not wearing a helmet may affect your claim. Insurance companies may say you made your injuries worse. But you can still file a case. You may just get less money for head injuries.
What If Someone You Love Died in a Crash?
When a rider dies, the family may file a wrongful death claim.
You may get paid for:
- Funeral costs
- Lost pay
- Medical bills
- Loss of love and care
- Pain and sorrow
Only certain people can file. That includes a spouse, child, or parent. A lawyer can help with this.
Dangerous Roads in Kansas City
Some roads in Kansas City have more crashes than others:
- I-70
- I-435
- U.S. 71
- Broadway Boulevard
- Southwest Trafficway
- Ward Parkway
- Paseo Boulevard
These roads often see fast cars, sudden stops, and poor lighting. Always ride with care, even in daylight.
How Long Do Motorcycle Claims Take?
It depends on:
- How badly you’re hurt
- If fault is clear
- If the case settles or goes to court
- How much money is at stake
Some cases settle in a few months. Others take longer, especially if the other side fights back. Your lawyer can give you a timeline based on your facts.
Why Hire a Kansas City Motorcycle Lawyer?
You don’t just need a lawyer. You need one who knows motorcycle injury law and Kansas City courts. They can:
- Prove fault
- Handle the insurance fight
- Get the right experts
- Make sure your case is solid
- Push for full pay
Most injury lawyers work on contingency. That means no upfront fees. You only pay if they win.
What If You Wait Too Long?
The more time you wait, the more you risk:
- Lost proof
- Faded memories
- Witnesses who move
- A missed deadline
The law says you have five years to sue. But waiting even a few weeks can weaken your case.
FAQs
- Can I still file a claim if I was going fast?
Yes. As long as the other driver was partly at fault, you may still get paid. - Should I accept the first offer?
No. First offers are often too low. Let a lawyer check if it’s fair. - What if the road had a huge pothole?
You may be able to sue the city. But time is short. Act fast. - Do I need a police report to file a claim?
It helps a lot. If you don’t have one, your case may be harder to prove. - Can I still sue if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. But your payout may be lower if you had a head injury.
Get the Help You Need
Motorcycle crashes are hard. But you don’t have to go through it alone. An affordable Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can help you get your life back. Don’t wait. Talk to someone who knows the law, knows the roads, and knows how to fight.
