Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
Many motorcyclists suffer serious injuries because other motorists aren’t looking out for two-wheel vehicles on the road and overlook them in traffic. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
The St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can review the circumstances of your accident and discuss your legal options.
For more than 30 years, our law firm has stood up for injured people. We have recovered significant settlements and jury awards on behalf of thousands of clients to date. In 2015, we were named one of the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ 10 best law firms. No matter how severe your injuries are, our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys will stand with you throughout the claims process.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, you should take certain steps to safeguard your health and protect your right to compensation:
- Call 911 to report the accident– Contact law enforcement immediately and report the motorcycle accident. Police will secure the scene and create an accident report, which could be useful evidence for your claim. Request an ambulance for each person that needs emergency medical assistance. Medical personnel will treat your injuries and transport you to the hospital if necessary.
- Get the other driver’s information– The pieces of information you need from the other driver in the collision are the person’s name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, license plate number, and insurance information. If you are too badly injured to collect this yourself, the police officer who responds to the accident will gather it and include it in the report.
- Document the crash scene– If your injuries allow, use your phone to take photos of your injuries, the damage to vehicles involved in the collision, and the area around the crash. You should look around for eyewitnesses or any security cameras that may have recorded the collision.
- Seek medical treatment– If you are not taken to a hospital by emergency medical responders, see a doctor for a medical evaluation as soon as possible. You may have suffered internal injuries of which you are not yet aware. Waiting too long to see a doctor could affect your ability to recover compensation for your losses.
- Save your medical records and receipts– Your medical records and receipts are crucial pieces of evidence in a personal injury case.
- Do not give a recorded statement to insurance companies– Your insurance policy likely requires you to report an accident within a few days or weeks. But when you report the accident to your insurance company, keep it brief and provide only a bare-bones account of what happened. Do not give a recorded statement until you have spoken to a lawyer. You do not want to say or do anything that could hurt your case.
- Hire a motorcycle accident attorney– You need to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle collision, especially if you were badly injured. Critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate within a few days or weeks. That could affect your ability to recover compensation. Contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer right away gives you a better chance of recovering the money you need for medical bills and other losses.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Missouri
Until 2020, Missouri had a law on the books that required all motorcyclists and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience level. Now, however, only riders under age 25 or younger and riders who have only an instruction permit are required to wear helmets. Motorcyclists and passengers ages 26 and older have the option of whether to wear a helmet as long as they have health insurance.
Our St. Louis injury attorneys are often asked what happens if a rider was not wearing a helmet when involved in a motorcycle crash. While not wearing a helmet can result in more severe injuries in the event of a collision, it does not affect who was at fault for a crash.
If the other driver or an insurance company tries to contest your personal injury claim because you were not wearing a helmet, talk to a lawyer right away.
When Should I Hire a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you suffered only minor injuries and financial losses in a motorcycle accident, you might not need an attorney. However, if you have suffered serious injuries in a crash and someone else was at fault, a lawyer can help you demand just compensation for your injuries. It won’t cost you anything to speak with an attorney and get a clear understanding of your legal options.
Without an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you will be at a disadvantage when trying to recover the full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. You may have considerable long-term health needs after a motorcycle crash. You may be entitled to seek compensation for your future losses and medical needs as well as your expenses to date.
How Much Can I Recover in a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Claim?
It’s difficult to say with any certainty how much you could recover without a thorough review of your specific motorcycle accident case.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for the following losses and expenses:
- Medical bills, including the cost of future care
- Lost wages while you recover from the crash
- Lost future earnings due to your injuries or impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Talk to Our St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
The St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to fight for your rights. We will stand up for you and demand fair compensation for your injuries. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.