Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? Collisions of this nature are infamous for their high risk of severe injuries due to the lack of protection riders have, especially compared to those in passenger vehicles.
If you’ve been involved in a crash like this, it’s not uncommon to find yourself facing medical bills and lost wages on top of long-term physical and emotional effects. It might seem like too much to handle, but the good news is you don’t have to deal with it all on your own.
Instead, let a motorcycle accident lawyer in Belton from Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers help you. We have 45 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in compensation. We’re here to represent you as your Belton personal injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents can result from many of the same hazards as any other traffic accident, but there are additional risks that are unique to riders. To give you an idea of what victims often endure, let’s take a look at common causes of motorcycle collisions:
- Left-turn accidents: A driver who turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle is a common—not to mention deadly—type of crash. This often happens when the driver misjudges the speed of the bike or simply doesn’t see the biker at all.
- Lane changes and blind spots: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles, making them particularly vulnerable when drivers fail to check blind spots before changing lanes.
- Rear-end collisions: When a car hits a motorcycle from behind, the rider can be thrown from the bike, even at a low speed. This often leads to serious injuries. Distracted or aggressive drivers are often to blame in these cases.
- Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and debris pose much greater risks to motorcycles than they do to other vehicles. A hazard that might be a minor annoyance to a car can be a major fear for riders because it can cause them to lose control and crash far more easily.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Both motorists and riders alike can contribute to motorcycle-related crashes by speeding, tailgating, or weaving between lanes.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment—by either the motorcyclist or the other driver involved in the crash—remains a major factor in many motorcycle crashes throughout Missouri.
Your motorcycle accident lawyers in Belton can help you identify the cause of the collision that left you injured.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be much more serious than those suffered by victims of car accidents. Since motorcycles lack the protective frame, airbags, and seatbelts that cars provide, riders are more exposed to direct impact and the risk of being thrown from their bikes.
These are examples of common and severe injuries sustained by victims in motorcycle crashes:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can result from direct head impact, especially if the rider was not wearing a helmet. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, both of which can impose long-lasting cognitive effects.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe back injuries can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Road rash: When a rider slides across the pavement, the layers of their skin can be scraped away, leading to painful wounds, a heightened risk of infection, and permanent scarring.
- Fractures and broken bones: Riders often suffer broken legs, arms, ribs, and hips during a crash, especially if the bike falls on top of them or they are thrown from their bike.
- Internal injuries: Damage to your organs—as well as internal bleeding—can be life-threatening, especially because they might not be immediately visible after the collision.
- Amputations and disfigurement: In high-impact crashes, limbs can be crushed, leading to surgical amputation or permanent disability.
Your Belton motorcycle accident attorneys can take on the responsibility of proving the full extent of your injuries. This information can help your legal counsel pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a motorcycle accident is five years from the date of the accident. This 60-month timeframe applies to the majority of motorcycle collision cases.
That said, if the accident resulted in a fatality, the wrongful death statute of limitations applies instead. As a result, eligible family members only have three years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a claim.
Failing to file within the appropriate time frame will likely result in the court dismissing your case altogether. It might seem like you have a long time, but building a strong case takes a while, so it’s important to contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Belton as soon as possible.
Contact Our Belton Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love was hurt in a collision involving a motorcycle, you don’t have to carry the burden of recovery all alone. Motorcycle accident cases are often very complicated, and trying to find your way through the justice system while healing from your injuries can be hard.
We’re here to make everything easier on you. At Foster Wallace, you can trust our motorcycle accident lawyers in Belton to support you every step of the way. We recognize the hardships you’re facing, and we’re committed to pursuing the compensation you need.
Don’t wait to get the support you deserve—contact us today to take the first step toward holding those responsible for your injuries accountable. After everything you’ve been through, justice is what you deserve.
