Were you hurt in a collision involving a motorcycle? Incidents like these often result in major injuries, especially because riders are typically more vulnerable to road conditions, vehicle collisions, and weather-related factors than drivers operating cars or trucks.
Motorcycle-related crashes can be complicated, especially when it comes time to determine who is at fault and how to deal with insurance companies. However, with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Liberty by your side, you can make sure your rights are protected at all times.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we want to represent you as your Liberty personal injury lawyer and help you receive the compensation you deserve. With 45 years of combined experience, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri
Motorcycle crashes tend to follow certain patterns, many of which are related to the visibility and vulnerability of the rider. Unlike passenger cars or trucks, motorcycles can easily fall into a driver’s blind spot or be misjudged in terms of speed and distance.
Let’s take a look at factors that frequently cause motorcycle collisions:
- Left-turn accidents: These occur when a car or truck makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. In many cases, the at-fault driver might say they “didn’t see” the motorcyclist or thought they had more time to turn. Either way, these crashes often happen at intersections or driveways.
- Unsafe lane changes: Motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook, especially in heavy traffic. A driver who changes lanes without properly checking their mirrors and blind spots can sideswipe a motorcyclist or force them off the road.
- Following too closely: Rear-end accidents are always dangerous for motorcyclists, even at low speeds. When a vehicle strikes the back of a motorcycle, the rider can be thrown from the bike or crushed between cars.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are operating their vehicles while using their cell phones, adjusting navigation devices, or failing to pay full attention to the road can easily miss a nearby motorcycle. Even a momentary lapse in focus can result in a devastating collision.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, gravel, uneven surfaces, and debris can affect motorcycles more than larger vehicles. Riders may be particularly vulnerable on rural roads or in construction zones where the pavement is less consistent.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment continue to play a role in many motorcycle collisions. This includes impaired drivers and riders alike.
Your Liberty motorcycle accident attorneys will look into the details of your case as they strive to determine what caused your injuries.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are far more likely than other types of crashes to cause serious or fatal injuries. Without the protection that a vehicle frame, airbags, and seat belts offer, riders are more exposed to impact and secondary injuries.
The odds of them being ejected or thrown into other objects are also much higher. As a result, these are examples of injuries that victims of motorcycle crashes often experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can range from concussions to severe brain damage. Riders who weren’t wearing helmets at the time of the crash are particularly at risk, though TBIs can occur even with a helmet.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to your spine can result in either partial or full paralysis. These injuries are usually permanent, not to mention life-altering.
- Fractures and broken bones: Collisions can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or hips, especially if the bike falls on the rider or if they’re thrown onto the pavement.
- Road rash: Sliding along asphalt can cause skin abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding can be difficult to detect immediately, but they are not uncommon outcomes of motorcycle crashes. These circumstances can be life-threatening, especially if you don’t receive immediate medical intervention.
- Amputations and crush injuries: In high-impact crashes, your limbs might be crushed, which often leads to surgical amputation or permanent disability.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Missouri
Missouri law has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those resulting from motorcycle crashes. This means injured riders have 60 months from the date of the collision to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit in pursuit of compensation.
Meanwhile, for wrongful death claims stemming from a motorcycle-related crash, the statute of limitations is even shorter. Families have three years—or 36 months—from the date of their loved one’s death to pursue compensation.
These timelines are strict. Failing to file within the appropriate amount of time can result in the total loss of your legal rights, regardless of the severity of the injuries or the clarity of fault. That’s why it’s important to call a Liberty motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Liberty Today to Discover How We Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle incident, the road to recovery can be long. However, it won’t last forever, and we’re here to help you through such a challenging time. The bottom line is that you don’t have to endure everything on your own—we’re here for you.
It all starts with contacting Foster Wallace and meeting with our motorcycle accident attorneys in Liberty. Not only do we have experience handling personal injury cases just like yours, but we are also committed to advocating for your rights and protecting you every step of the way.
We understand the unique nature of motorcycle accident cases, and we’ll work tirelessly in pursuit of the compensation you need to move forward. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working toward getting you the justice you deserve.
