Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration like nothing else. Unfortunately, that same freedom also exposes you to risks that drivers in cars or trucks don't face. In a motorcycle accident, you're far more vulnerable to severe injuries, given the lack of protection between you and the road.

After a crash, you're left dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. After a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, you may wonder how you'll get the compensation you need to recover.

A St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer with Gray Ritter Graham can guide you through the legal process and pursue every dollar you have coming under the law. Insurance companies aren't on your side – they'll look for ways to minimize your claim.

That's why you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight for your rights. Here's a look at some of the unique aspects of motorcycle accidents and what you should know when seeking compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There were 172 motorcycle accident fatalities in Missouri in a recent year, accounting for 17 percent of all vehicle deaths. These accidents can happen for many reasons.

Often, the negligence of other drivers plays a major role. Many motorists fail to see motorcyclists or misjudge their speed, leading to collisions. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can all divert a driver's focus from the road. Distracted drivers may not see a motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.

Failure to Yield

Drivers often fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, causing accidents. A motorist may turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle or pull out of a side street without checking for bikes.

Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. A speeding car or truck collides with a motorcycle with devastating results.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which can lead to catastrophic crashes.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars, so drivers who don't check their blind spots before changing lanes can easily cause a collision.

Road Hazards

Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and other road hazards are dangerous for any driver but particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. A small pothole that wouldn't cause a problem for a car can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.

Why Choose Gray Ritter Graham to Help You Obtain Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, you need a legal team that will fight for your rights.

At Gray Ritter Graham, we understand motorcyclists' unique challenges when seeking compensation after a crash. We know how insurance companies operate and won't let them take advantage of you.

Our team of attorneys has decades of experience obtaining fair compensation for our clients. We also have a long track record of defeating the country's largest insurers when they fail to offer fair settlements.

Our team is committed to securing the compensation you need to recover. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. Whether it's negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company or taking your case to trial, we'll be by your side every step of the way.

Our Focus is On You

Gray Ritter Graham is known for our client-focused approach. We know how overwhelming a motorcycle accident can be and ensure you're fully informed throughout the process.

We're always available to answer your questions and address your concerns. You won't feel like just another case file with us – you'll have a legal team dedicated to achieving your best possible outcome.

Our office is conveniently located in downtown St. Louis, near Market Street and North Seventh Street. We're about four blocks east of the Gateway Arch. Our address is 701 Market Street, Suite 800, and our phone number is (314) 241-5620. Please don't hesitate to call for your free case review.

The Unique Dangers Motorcyclists Face

Motorcyclists face unique risks compared to drivers of cars or trucks. Without the protective shell of a vehicle, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and have little protection in the event of a crash.

Even with a helmet and protective gear, riders are far more likely to suffer severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

Head Injuries

Even if you wear a helmet, head injuries are still a major concern in motorcycle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments, requiring extensive medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can be life-changing and often require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones

The impact of a crash can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These injuries can be painful and take months to heal.

Road Rash

When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, the skin can be scraped off, causing road rash. In severe cases, road rash can lead to infection and require skin grafts.

How Insurance Companies View Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents also tend to result in more severe injuries compared to car accidents, which means higher medical bills and larger payouts. Insurance companies want to protect their bottom line, so they'll often look for ways to minimize what they have to pay.

Insurance companies often approach motorcycle accidents with different attitudes compared to car accidents. They typically stereotype riders unfairly, portraying them as reckless or aggressive even if they didn't cause the accident.

These biases can work against you when you're trying to file a claim. Insurance adjusters may lean on these stereotypes to justify lower settlements or deny your claim entirely.

They might argue that you broke the speed limit, lane-split, or otherwise engaged in risky behavior, even if there's no solid evidence to support these claims.

Other tactics the insurer may use include:

Minimizing your injuries: One tactic they use is challenging the extent of your injuries. They may argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim or suggest that pre-existing conditions are the primary reason for your medical expenses.

Shifting blame: Insurance adjusters will likely argue that you were partially responsible for the accident, even if the other driver was clearly at fault. By doing this, they can reduce the amount they owe you by claiming you're partly to blame.

Offering an unfair settlement: A quick settlement that may seem appealing initially but doesn't fully cover your medical bills, lost income, or future care needs.

How We Counter Insurance Company Tactics

A St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer with Gray Ritter Graham will know every trick up the insurance adjuster's sleeve – and how to defeat whatever tactics they use. We'll gather evidence that supports your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.

With a skilled motorcycle accident attorney on your side, you can push back against unfair settlements and make sure that the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We'll handle all negotiations, working to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and any long-term impact the accident may have on your life.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, you can seek compensation for several types of damages. These include both economic and non-economic damages:

Medical Expenses

Your medical bills may be one of the largest expenses after a motorcycle accident. Your medical costs may include emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you need.

You may deserve compensation for these long-term and future medical expenses.

Lost Earnings

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost income and future earnings if you can't return to work in the same capacity.

Pain and Suffering

A motorcycle accident can result in severe pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma. You can seek compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured as a result of the accident.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Severe injuries can affect your ability to enjoy everyday activities, hobbies, and relationships. You can be compensated for the loss of enjoyment in your life due to your injuries.

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims Complex?

Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than car accident claims. The severity of injuries, the potential for bias against motorcyclists, and the tactics used by insurance companies can all complicate the process. Additionally, motorcycle accidents often involve multiple parties, including other drivers, government entities responsible for maintaining the roads, and even the manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts.

A thorough investigation is necessary to determine who is liable for the accident and ensure that all parties are held accountable. Your St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer will work to gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data, to build a strong case on your behalf.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You

A St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer from Gray Ritter Graham can help you in several ways after a crash. First, they'll take the burden of dealing with the insurance companies off your shoulders.

Insurance adjusters make negotiations stressful, especially when you're trying to recover from your injuries. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, making sure they don't lowball your claim or deny it unfairly.

Your motorcycle accident attorney will also gather evidence to support your case. This evidence may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. They'll work to prove that the other party was at fault and that you deserve compensation for your injuries and other damages.

If the insurer fails to offer an equitable settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court.

A strong legal advocate can present your case to a jury, clearly presenting all the evidence and the full extent of your injuries and losses.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, act quickly to protect your rights. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and the statute of limitations (five years in Missouri) can run out if you wait too long to file a claim. Start the process as soon as possible to give your lawyer the time they need to build a strong case.

By contacting a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer immediately, you can ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines and that all necessary evidence is preserved. Your lawyer will guide you through the process, explaining what to expect and what steps to take to maximize your chances of success.

What to Expect When Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Filing a motorcycle accident claim can be complex, but having a lawyer by your side makes it easier. Your lawyer will begin by gathering all the necessary documentation, including medical bills, police reports, and evidence from the accident scene. They'll also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiating for a settlement that covers all your damages.

Your lawyer can often negotiate a fair settlement without going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. At trial, a jury will decide the outcome of your case based on the evidence presented.

The entire process can take time, but your lawyer will keep you informed and ensure you have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Help You Pursue Justice

If you've suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, don't face the insurance companies alone.

The experienced team of St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Gray Ritter Graham is here to fight for fair compensation. From medical bills to lost income and emotional suffering, we'll work tirelessly to ensure you get what you're entitled to. Don't settle for less – let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.

Contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer with Gray Ritter Graham online or call (314) 241-5620 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.