Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Kansas City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Kansas City, Kansas?

  The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department can be reached at (913) 596-3000 for non-emergencies.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Kansas City, Kansas?

  To obtain a police report from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, call (913) 573-6000 for instructions. You can also pay a visit to the Police Records Unit at 700 Minnesota Avenue from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Is a motorcyclist in legal trouble if they are caught in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City without a helmet?

  If the motorcyclist is in Kansas City, Kansas, then they are not in trouble; while the Department of Motor Vehicles strongly advises wearing a helmet while out on the road, it is not mandatory. It is required, however, for riders who are 18 or younger. On the other hand, if the motorcyclist is in Kansas City, Missouri, then they may face penalties and liabilities for accident-related injuries.

• How much can a victim who was partially at fault receive in compensation after a motorcycle accident in Kansas City?

  In Kansas City, Kansas, the modified negligence statute is followed. This means that even if the victim contributed to the accident, they can still expect to be compensated for their injuries and damages, although the amount they are to receive will now be reduced according to the degree of their responsibility. For example, if they were awarded $50,000 in compensation but were found to be 10% responsible, then they will only receive $45,000.

• What can a motorcycle accident victim in Kansas City do to document the event?

  It is important to take down as much information as possible from the scene of the accident in Kansas City. You can take a video recording or pictures of the aftermath, including road conditions, lighting, signage, speed limit, the weather, and the direction in which the vehicles were traveling. Take pictures of the damage to your motorcycle, any injuries you sustained, and where all the involved vehicles came to rest before being taken off the road for safety.

• What if a motorcycle accident victim in Kansas City is too injured to document anything after the collision?

  Documentation of the accident does not come first before anybody's safety. If the victim is in too much pain, their priority is now to dial 911. Once they are in a safe place and monitored by medical staff, they can cooperate with authorities if they still can. Otherwise, they are advised to rest. The responding police officers in Kansas City can visit the hospital to check on the injured.

• Would the comprehensive type of insurance in Kansas City cover physical damages to a motorcycle after an accident?

  No, comprehensive Insurance covers damages caused to a motorcycle if they were caused by vandalism, natural disasters, theft, or anything else that is not a crash. Motorists in Kansas City who want their vehicles to be protected in the event of a crash should inquire about collision insurance. Both collision and comprehensive insurance policies are not mandatory in the state of Kansas.

• 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.