Motorcycle Accident in Kansas City? A Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Your Rights

Riding free. But a single wreck and your world is flipped upside down in an instant. You’ve been in a Kansas City motorcycle accident, you’ll be injured, you’ll have enormous bills, and you’ll be stressed.

This article will detail your rights, how to proceed, and how an attorney can help.

1. Why Motorcycle Wrecks Occur in Kansas City

There are several reasons why motorcycle accidents occur. Some are caused by irresponsible driving. Others occur through poor roads or weather.

Some common causes include:

• Motorcycle drivers not being noticed by car and truck drivers.
• Cars or trucks speeding.
• Drivers who are distracted by their phones.
• Poor road conditions with potholes, gravel, or debris.
• Nighttime poor lighting.
• Heavy rain or snow makes it hard to see.

If you know the cause, you can establish fault later.

2. Things to Do Immediately After the Crash

What you do in the early minutes counts. It can save your health and your legal rights.

Step 1: Check for injuries.

Call 911 immediately for medical help if you are injured.

Step 2: Get to a safe place.

Move to the side of the road if you can.

Step 3: Call the police.

The police report is the key to your claim.

Step 4: Take pictures of evidence.

Take pictures of your bike, the road, and your injuries.

Step 5: Get a doctor to examine you.

Injuries don’t always have symptoms until hours or days after the accident.

Step 6: Keep all documents.

Save receipts, doctor’s reports, and repair estimates that will help in the legal process.

3. Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Kansas and Missouri are different in the laws regarding accident claims. Kansas City is split between Missouri and Kansas.

In Missouri:

You may recover money even though you are mostly responsible. Your portion of fault will be deducted from the amount.

In Kansas:

You may recover only if you are less than 50% at fault.

You may be eligible for:

• Medical bill coverage.
• Wage loss if you’re unable to work.
• Destruction of your bicycle.
• Payment for pain and suffering.
• Loss-of-income compensation for disability.

4. Insurance Companies Might Not Be Your Best Bet

Insurance companies care only about their profits. Their profit is your loss.

They can:

• Leave a lousy settlement proposal for you.
• Blame the accident on you.
• Withholding payment is their other method to get you to settle.

You do not have to take what they propose. You can hire an attorney to represent you.

5. What a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Does

An attorney can represent you from the start. They know local law and how to deal with insurance adjusters.

They can:

• Investigate the accident scene.
• Take statements from witnesses.
• Review medical records.
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts.
• Settle your case on your behalf.
• Sue if no settlement is reached.

Most work on a contingency fee. You pay them only if they win your case.

6. Common Injuries Following A Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists have little protection compared to automobile drivers. Minor accidents can cause severe injuries.

Common injuries are:

• Broken arms, legs, or ribs.
• Road rash and extensive cuts.
• Head and brain trauma.
• Back and spinal cord injury.
• Internal organ injury or bleeding.

These may require surgery and extended recovery periods.

7. Managing Medical Costs

Medical costs can escalate quickly. Even a short stay in the hospital can be many thousand dollars.

You may have:

• Health coverage that pays for part of your treatment.
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay) on the motorcycle policy.
• The ability for your attorney to hold off on bill collection until your case is finished.

8. How to Protect Your Claim

Small mistakes can wreck your case. Remember these tips to protect your rights:

DO:

• Save all accident-related paperwork.
• Follow your treatment plan to the letter.
• Keep a daily journal of pain, limitations, and recovery.

DON’T:

• Talk to the other driver’s insurance company without legal counsel.
• Put accident photos or details on the internet.

9. Deadline to File a Claim

The state has a time limit for filing suit.

Missouri: Five years from the date of the accident.

Kansas: Two years from the date of the accident.

Wait too long and you waive your right to sue.

10. Kansas City Motor Cycle Accident Patterns

Local crash statistics show trends:

• There are many motorcycle accidents in spring and summer.
• Intersections are dangerous spots.
• Helmetless motorcycle riders are more likely to die or experience head injuries.
• Speeding increases the severity of the injury.

11. Why Acting Quickly is Important

Delays will undermine your case:

• Skid marks are gone.
• Roads may change.
• Witnesses have short memories.

Call an experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney near me in Kansas City right away.

12. Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists

Kansas City roads are more dangerous:

• I-70 and I-35 have heavy traffic with high speeds.
• Construction zones have loose gravel or rough roadways.
• Dark rural roads are hazards at night.

13. Witnesses in Your Case

Witnesses may validate your account. They might recall details that establish the other driver’s culpability. If at all possible, try to obtain their names and phone numbers before leaving the accident site.

14. Pain and Suffering Compensation

Pain and suffering entails more than medical expenses:

• Pain and discomfort during and after recovery.
• Emotional distress and nervousness.
• Loss of hobbies or daily activities.

A lawyer can estimate the fair value of such damages.

15. Moving Forward

If you’ve experienced a motorcycle accident in Kansas City and you’ve sustained an injury, you are in no way alone in this. A skilled and affordable Kansas City personal injury lawyer will fight for your deserved compensation while you recover from your injuries. Act quickly to protect your rights and your future.

FAQs

1. Do I have to have a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim?

You can sue without a lawyer, however, a lawyer can help protect your rights and help you get the best settlement possible.

2. Am I partially at fault?

In Missouri, you can recover money, in Kansas you have to be less than 50% to recover money.

3. How long will it take to settle my case?

Simple cases may settle within months. Complex cases may take more than a year.

4. What if the other motorist is not insured?

You can file under your uninsured motorist coverage or sue the driver himself.

5. Do I need to appear in court?

In most cases, cases settle out of court. If needed, your lawyer will represent you.