Missouri Motorcycle Accident FAQ

It’s common for other drivers to fail to see a motorcycle because it’s smaller and narrower than other vehicles. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, you have a legal right to claim compensation for:

• Hospital costs;
• Emergency care;
• Medical equipment;
• Medication;
• Physical therapy;
• Lost wages;
• Future lost wages;
• Personal trauma and suffering.

It isn’t uncommon for a rider to be injured in a motorcycle accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Missouri and Illinois require that all vehicle insurance policies include coverage for uninsured drivers. Moreover, if the other driver had only minimal insurance coverage, you might have an underinsured motorist claim. Under either circumstance, your own insurance policy should pay your bodily injury costs not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance to the limits of your policy. Your insurance company may dispute your claim or try to settle for a lesser amount than you need. It’s helpful to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to have a clear understanding of your legal options. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

A drunk driver, including an intoxicated motorcyclist, is a hazard to other motorists on the road. If you have been injured by a drunk motorcycle driver, you have a legal right to seek compensation for your losses. You can file a civil lawsuit seeking monetary compensation from the at-fault motorcycle rider and their insurance company for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, cost of medications, and personal trauma. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you.

Yes, in some cases, it is possible to obtain compensation from the other driver’s insurance company even if you are partially at fault in a motorcycle accident. Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence standard to determine compensation for injuries from motorcycle accidents. It’s important to determine the degree of responsibility of each driver for the accident. Under Missouri law you are entitled to recover compensation for the degree of fault of the other driver. For example, under Missouri law, if it is proven that you are 70 percent at fault for the accident and sustained damages of $100,000, you would receive $30,000. Unlike Missouri, in the state of Illinois you are required to prove that the other driver is more than 51 percent at-fault or your case will be barred. A St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney can examine the specifics of your accident and explain your legal options for recovery if you are partially at fault.