Motorcycles that collide with other types of motor vehicles typically suffer the brunt of the damage, and motorcyclists can sustain severe injuries. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible, so distracted drivers are less likely to see them. When a motor vehicle driver is to blame for your motorcycle accident, you can pursue financial recovery for your injuries. This type of case is much easier with a Mehlville motorcycle accident lawyer.
The injuries following a motorcycle collision can be catastrophic and disabling for a motorcyclist, while a motor vehicle driver may only suffer superficial losses. When another driver is at fault, their insurance carrier can be held accountable for the significant financial and emotional losses associated with these injuries. At The Cagle Law Firm, our attorneys can pursue a case for financial compensation.
Our firm is committed to providing expert legal care and representation for injured individuals in our community. The personal consequences of a motorcycle accident can be severe, and the losses from your injuries should be compensated when the crash was not your fault. The personal injury team at The Cagle Law Firm exclusively represents injured individuals, and we can prepare and pursue your case with diligence. We take the time to get as much compensation as is available.
Motorcycles do not have the same physical protection as motor vehicles, such as crumple zones or any form of restraint. Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer a significant injury from the initial impact. They are often then thrown from the motorcycle, hitting the ground and suffering the impact of that collision.
The greater injuries associated with motorcycle collisions will require a larger settlement or verdict to fairly cover those injuries. Insurance adjusters do not want to provide this larger settlement. They will do whatever they can to blame the collision on you or undermine the true cost of your injuries. This includes faulting you if you were not wearing a helmet.
It is important for motorcycle riders to wear protective gear, including boots, riding clothes, and especially a helmet. This gear can help protect you in an accident, putting barriers between you and the road and potentially limiting the impact of a traumatic brain injury or other head wound.
Missouri has repealed the requirement for mandated helmets. However, this does not prevent insurance adjusters from blaming a motorcyclist for not wearing a helmet. Regardless of whether the law mandates helmets or not, insurance adjusters will try to void your requests for compensation by claiming your injuries were due to your own carelessness for not wearing a helmet. A skilled and experienced attorney is essential for arguing against these claims and proving when a driver is at fault.
If you were partially to blame for a motorcycle accident, you could still recover compensation, although it is even more important that you work with an attorney as it may require a trial. You might recover partial compensation for your injuries under comparative negligence laws.
In this situation, the judge or jury will determine the percentage of fault borne by each party involved in the crash. Once fault proportions are determined, then the final verdict for your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. Your attorney can put together a case to prepare for a trial when you are partially at fault, and they can do what is possible to get you the most compensation available.
There is no set settlement amount for most motorcycle accidents, as every collision will result in different injuries at unique levels of severity. More severe injuries will likely require more costly medical treatment and care for a longer period of time. They will also normally result in more pain and greater income loss from missing work. Each of these losses influences the value of a settlement. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to have severe and debilitating injuries than many other types of motor vehicle collisions.
One of the main things you should not do after a motorcycle accident in Mehlville is admit fault for the accident. If you admit fault to a driver, police officer, or insurance adjuster, these words will be used against you to deny you compensation for your injuries.
If you are determined to be at fault, then you will be unable to pursue a case. Any statements you make will be used as evidence against you, as the insurance adjuster has the primary goal of limiting the insurer’s liability. When making a police report, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to first contact the police. Reporting the accident will provide important evidence and help you get emergency medical care. If you are severely injured, you should rely on others in the accident and wait until you can receive medical care. Moving when you are injured could make some injuries worse. If you are physically able to do so, other steps like documenting the accident and getting statements from eyewitnesses can be beneficial.
There is no straightforward answer for who is responsible in most motorcycle accidents, as each collision is unique. Either a motorcyclist or a driver may be to blame, depending on the situation. Motorcyclists may be distracted or under the influence while riding. Motor vehicle drivers may fail to look out for smaller vehicles, or they may drive aggressively near motorcyclists.
These acts of negligence, if they cause the collision, can make that party liable. If the injury case is handled in court, then each party could be found partially responsible.
There are numerous challenges when pursuing compensation after a motorcycle crash. Dealing with these challenges alone and while injured is not beneficial to your well-being, and it can also be incredibly stressful. Contact The Cagle Law Firm when you are injured in a motorcycle accident.
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