Jefferson City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Helping Victims Throughout Central Missouri Seek Justice

Motorcycles offer unparalleled freedom when traveling through Jefferson City and other areas of central Missouri. But these vehicles also carry certain risks for other drivers. A motorcycle simply cannot offer the same amount of protection as a car or truck in the event of an accident. And even the most careful and experienced motorcyclist can never be prepared for a sudden impact that throws them from their bike and onto the pavement.

While motorcycle operators are often portrayed as reckless in the media, the truth is that in a motorcycle accident case or personal injury claims it is often people driving more conventional vehicles like cars and trucks whose negligence leads to a collision or accident. If you are in this position, our experienced Jefferson City motorcycle accident attorneys and personal injury claim lawyers can help. At Call & Gentry Law Group, LLC, we advocate for injured motorcyclists in their families in seeking fair compensation for catastrophic injuries from reckless motorists who cause a preventable motorcycle crash or a car accident. Our skilled Jefferson City motorcycle accident and personal injury attorney and lawyers can review all of the facts, gather evidence, and circumstances surrounding your motorcycle crash or minor motorcycle accident claims and develop an appropriate legal strategy to seek damages and maximum compensation for all of your injuries.

How Driver Negligence Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Jefferson City, Missouri

According to the National Safety Council, motorcycles make up about 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States and account for just 0.6 percent of all “vehicle miles traveled.” Yet at the same time, police reports show motorcycle operators accounted for 14 percent of all traffic-related deaths in 2021 and 3 percent of all serious injuries sustained in mo motorcycle accidents were to vehicle occupants. This disparity demonstrates the significantly higher risk of injury or even death while in auto accidents that motorcyclists face when compared to common injuries done to other motorists oncoming traffic.

So how does driver negligence play a role in many of these motorcycle accidents? It often comes down to car or truck drivers simply not paying attention. These drivers often fail to keep a proper lookout for motorcycles. And even when they do see a motorcycle, negligent drivers or people in cars or trucks may feel a sense of entitlement that absolves them of any responsibility to avoid placing a motorcycle at risk of accident.

Such attitudes toward motorcycle riders are not just dangerous but illegal. Motorcycles in Jefferson City have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle. And motorcyclists are entitled to the same respect as anyone operating a car or truck. Yet we continue to see motorcycle accidents in Jefferson City and other areas of central Missouri fueled by driver negligence. Some common examples of this include:

• Speeding: When drivers are going too fast, they have less time to react and avoid other vehicles. This creates a special hazard for motorcycles, which are much smaller than a car or truck. A speeding driver often fails to even notice a motorcycle until it is too late to safely stop or slow down..
• Rear-Ending: Motorists must maintain a safe stopping distance–at least two car lengths–from other vehicles at all times. This includes motorcycles. And while a rear-end collision often results in just minor injuries to the occupants of another car, it can prove disastrous when the front vehicle is a motorcycle.
• Blind Spots: Drivers will often claim they never saw a motorcycle until after there was a collision. The truth is that since motorcycles are smaller, they can get lost in another vehicle’s blind spot. That is why drivers need to maintain a lookout for motorcycles at all times while on the road. “Failing to see” a motorcycle is not a valid defense.
• Impairment: Using drugs or alcohol, even in “moderate” amounts, can impair a driver’s judgment and reflexes.

In addition to driver negligence, there may be other parties that can be held legally responsible for a motorcycle accident. For example, if the motorcycle itself is defective or a critical part like the brakes fails, the manufacturer may be responsible for any damages under Missouri product liability laws. And in some cases, a local government or the state may be liable if defective road conditions led to an accident.

Seeking Compensation Following a Jefferson City, Missouri, Motorcycle Accident

If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Even motorcyclists who are able to get up and walk under their own power following a crash may have sustained serious, life-threatening injuries. So it is critical for these motorcycle accident victims to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Some of the more common motorcycle accident injuries we see with our clients include road rash, severe burns, broken bones, and concussions. More severe motorcycle wreck injuries can include spinal cord damage, paralysis, and brain or internal organ damage along with other severe injuries. And of course, some motorcycle accidents result in the motorcyclist’s death.

Victims and their families can seek a wide range of compensation for their motorcycle accident injuries under Missouri law, including the following:

• Economic Damages: Your out-of-pocket financial losses are classified as “economic damages” in Missouri. This includes your past and future medical bills, rehabilitation and therapy costs, and compensation for your lost income and diminished future earning capacity. It also includes any property damage to your motorcycle.
• Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses are categorized as “non-economic damages.” This includes your ongoing pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the permanent trauma of living with disfigurement.
• Punitive Damages: In some motorcycle accident cases, a victim may be able to seek punitive damages, which are meant to punish intentional or especially egregious conduct by the defendant. There are specific standards governing punitive damages in Missouri, so it is important to consult with a qualified Jefferson City motorcycle accident attorney before seeking them.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a motorcyclist is killed in an accident, their next of kin can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Missouri law, damages for wrongful death include the costs of the victim’s funeral and burial, their final medical bills, the income they would have earned had they lived, and the pain and suffering of the surviving family members.

Contact Call & Gentry Law Group Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Motorcycle accidents are often devastating for the victims and their families. Obtaining financial compensation is often a small but important step in the recovery process. If you need to speak with a qualified Jefferson City motorcycle accident lawyer, contact Call & Gentry Law Group, LLC, today at (573) 644-6090 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.