Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in St. Louis

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in St. Louis, Missouri?

  The non-emergency contact number for the St. Louis Police Department is 314-231-1212.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in St. Louis, Missouri?

  You may obtain a police report of your accident at the St. Louis Police Department's Records Service Center, which is located at 1915 Olive St. An online request may also be submitted via the SLMPD Public Records portal.

• Where do most St. Louis motorcycle accidents occur?

  The most common sites of motorcycle accidents in St. Louis are Interstate 70, Interstate 44, and Page Avenue. Interstate 255 and Missouri Route 21 (or Highway 21), located near St. Louis, also report frequent motorcycle accidents. In fact, Missouri is ranked 7th in the nation with regard to motorcycle mortality rates.

• How common are motorcycle accident deaths in St. Louis?

  There were 159 reported motorcycle accident fatalities in St. Louis in 2021, with most of these occurring from June to October. From 2017 to 2021, 22% of St. Louis motorcycle accident fatalities were aged 50 to 59, while 20% were aged 20 to 29 and 18% were aged 30 to 39.

• Can motorcycle accident victims in St. Louis pursue legal action if they were unhelmeted at the time of the accident?

  Yes. Since August 2020, motorcycle riders in Missouri aged 26 and older are no longer required to wear helmets so long as they possess proof of medical insurance and financial responsibility. However, at-fault drivers may attempt to cite victims’ lack of a helmet as negligence and thus reduce their awarded damages.

• Can motorcycle accident victims in St. Louis still recover compensation if they were partially at fault?

  As per Missouri’s pure comparative negligence rule, motorcycle accident victims are still entitled to damages even if they are partly at fault for the crash. However, the court will deduct from the victims’ awarded damages an amount appropriate to their degree of fault. Victims may consult with a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney to determine their share of fault.

• What is the time limit for filing motorcycle accident claims in St. Louis?

  According to the Missouri Code Section 516.120, motorcycle accident victims have five years from the date of the accident to file their personal injury claim. If the victim is a minor, the five-year period begins from the date of their 21st birthday. However, if the accident involves a government employee acting in an official capacity, the time limit may be much shorter.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.