st. louis motorcycle accidents attorney: Riding a motorcycle is a pleasurable experience, but a minor mistake or an accident caused by the negligence of another driver can destroy your entire life in just a few moments. One moment you are on the road and the next you find yourself in excruciating pain, countless medical expenses, and a pile of legal complications. It is at such a difficult time that an experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer comes to your aid. You need an expert who knows local roads, traffic laws,s insurance company tactics.
At Brown & Brown, LLP, our st louis motorcycle accident lawyer team has seen it all. We’ve helped riders across Missouri and Illinois fight back after serious wrecks, whether you’re searching for a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney or a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Louis riders trust.
You don’t have to face this alone. A St.Louis motorcycle accident attorney can handle the paperwork while you focus on healing. Call our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney team today. Your free consultation is just a phone call away.
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Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Serving Missouri & Illinois Riders
Motorcycles don’t come with seatbelts or airbags. There’s no steel frame wrapped around you, either. So when a crash happens, riders take the full force. That’s exactly why injuries from motorcycle wrecks tend to be so severe.
Size plays a role too. A motorcycle is small and easy to miss in traffic, especially when a driver isn’t paying close attention. Blind spots swallow motorcycles whole. Left turns become deadly gambles. And a moment of inattention from a driver can leave a rider seriously hurt or worse.
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, don’t wait to call a motorcycle accident lawyer. At Brown & Brown, LLP, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to every case. We dig into the evidence, push back against insurance companies, and work to prove the other driver’s negligence caused your crash. Reach us in St. Louis or across the river in Illinois, and let’s talk about what happened.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents occur because a heavy vehicle, such as a car or truck, fails to yield to a rider. Often, it is as simple as the driver not seeing the motorcycle coming; other times, distraction, speeding in anger, or plain carelessness and negligence cause the accident. The most frustrating thing is that when a proper, thorough investigation isn’t conducted, people usually blame the rider. This mental bias can undermine your legal claim before it even begins. A thorough investigation team can counter this misconception, identify the real culprit, and pave the way for compensation that goes far beyond the insurance company’s modest offers. Most motorcycle accidents occur because a heavy vehicle, such as a car or truck, fails to yield to a rider. Often, it is as simple as the driver not seeing the motorcycle coming; other times, distraction, speeding in anger, or plain carelessness and negligence cause the accident. The most frustrating thing is that when a proper, thorough investigation isn’t conducted, people usually blame the rider. This mental bias can undermine your legal claim before it even begins. A thorough investigation team can counter this misconception, identify the real culprit, and pave the way for compensation that goes far beyond the insurance company’s modest offers.
Getting hit from the side is the single biggest cause of motorcycle crashes. Beyond that, riders regularly get hurt because of:
- Distracted driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Speeding
- Intoxicated driving
- Erratic or aggressive maneuvers
- Bad weather conditions
Skip the investigation, and the true cause of your crash may never come to light. That usually means a smaller settlement than you deserve. Before you sign anything or accept an offer, talk with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers first.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Brain injuries are among the most dangerous and deadly injuries in motorcycle accidents, and they are among the most serious injuries. States that require helmets, such as Missouri, have significantly lower reported rates of these injuries. In contrast, Illinois, where helmet laws are relatively lax, has seen a higher incidence of traumatic brain injuries after accidents. In addition to these head injuries, riders often suffer from spinal cord injuries, broken or crushed bones, and severe abrasions to the road. All of these injuries not only cause severe physical pain, but they can also drastically change your ability to perform your daily activities, your earning capacity, and even your personal freedom.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
The statistics need no introduction; they speak for themselves. The death rate of motorcyclists in road accidents is much higher than that of passengers in other vehicles, which is a very worrying fact. If alcohol consumption is included, the risk doubles, and the statistics confirm this. A large proportion of the fatal motorcycle accidents that occur each year are caused by drivers who are intoxicated, which is a sad and fixable problem.
Riders simply don’t have the protection that cars and trucks provide. When a crash happens, the rider’s body absorbs the impact directly instead of a vehicle frame taking the hit. That’s a big reason why motorcycle crashes turn deadly so often, even at speeds that would leave a car driver with only minor injuries.
Weight matters too. Motorcycles are lighter than nearly everything else on the road, so even a low-speed collision with a car or truck can cause devastating harm.
Some fatal crashes come down to bad luck, like an unavoidable weather event. But negligence plays a role far more often than people realize. Common examples include:
Often, drivers speed, misjudge children, or change lanes into blind spots. In addition, many drivers drive while intoxicated, distracted by cell phones or other devices, or extremely tired, which can lead to accidents. Motor vehicle manufacturers are sometimes at fault for poor quality, while states and counties are at fault for failing to provide proper road signs and safety measures. When any of these causes a fatal accident due to negligence, the family has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, funerals are also expensive, and a wrongful death claim can provide a source of income during this difficult time.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
What you do in the minutes and days after a crash matters more than you might think. These steps can protect both your health and your right to compensation.
- Call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Police reports also become critical evidence later.
- Stay at the scene. Leaving before police arrive can result in criminal charges and seriously damage your claim.
- Gather information. Names, insurance details, license numbers, and photos of the scene and your injuries all matter.
- Don’t rush to repair your bike. Insurers need to inspect the damage first. Fixing it too soon can cost you compensation.
- Call a motorcycle accident lawyer. Do this before you talk to any insurance company, including your own.
Taking these steps early gives your st louis motorcycle accident attorney the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
st. louis motorcycle accidents attorney: Building Your Motorcycle Crash Claim
Motorcycle accident claims aren’t simple. They involve digging through medical records, piecing together what happened, and often going toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters who don’t have your best interests at heart. Handling all of that on your own, while recovering from an injury, is a lot to ask.
Our motorcycle accident law firm takes that weight off your shoulders. We investigate the crash, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
After a wreck, you may face losses that go well beyond a damaged bike. We pursue compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
To recover these damages, we need to establish that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. That’s where a thorough investigation from our motorcycle accident attorneys makes all the difference.
For over 30 years, Brown & Brown has stood by injury victims through the legal process. Your initial consultation costs nothing and comes with zero obligation. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if you win. Simple as that.
What Is the Role of Eyewitnesses in Motorcycle Accident Claims?
Eyewitnesses can make or break a motorcycle accident claim. They offer a perspective that’s separate from yours and the other driver’s, which carries real weight when fault is disputed.
A good eyewitness might recall:
- How fast the vehicles were traveling
- What the road conditions looked like
- The sequence of events leading to the crash
Because motorcycle accidents so often come down to a “he said, she said” argument, unbiased testimony can tip the scales. It can back up your account or fill in gaps you may not remember clearly, especially if you were injured or in shock.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Missouri & Illinois Motorcycle Accidents?
Fault isn’t always black and white. Missouri and Illinois both use comparative negligence rules to divide responsibility when more than one party contributed to a crash.
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence model. You can still recover damages even if you’re mostly at fault. Say you’re found 75% responsible. You can still collect the remaining 25% of your damages.
Illinois works a bit differently. It uses a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can only recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. Cross that threshold, and you’re barred from compensation entirely.
| State | Negligence Rule | Can You Recover if Partly at Fault? |
| Missouri | Pure comparative negligence | Yes, even if you’re mostly at fault (compensation reduced by your percentage of fault) |
| Illinois | Modified comparative negligence | Only if you’re less than 51% at fault |
Understanding which rule applies to your case can significantly affect your final settlement, so it pays to have a lawyer walk you through the math.
What Is the Impact of Road Conditions on Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles are far less stable than cars, which means road conditions matter enormously. A pothole that a car barely notices can send a motorcycle rider straight to the ground.
Watch out for hazards like:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel
- Wet or slick pavement
- Poorly marked construction zones
When bad road conditions play a role in your crash, liability doesn’t always stop with the other driver. Government entities responsible for road upkeep can sometimes share the blame. Proving that connection requires solid evidence, including scene photographs and eyewitness accounts that show exactly how the hazard contributed to your accident.
How Important Are Medical Records in Motorcycle Accident Claims?
Medical records aren’t just paperwork. They’re proof. They document how badly you were hurt and draw a clear line between the accident and your injuries, which is exactly what insurance companies and courts want to see.
Useful records to gather include:
- Doctor’s notes
- Treatment plans
- Diagnostic test results
These documents also show that your recovery is ongoing, which matters when calculating future medical costs. That’s why getting prompt medical care after any motorcycle accident isn’t optional. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your claim.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
No single number applies to every case. Your motorcycle accident claim’s value depends on the severity of your injuries, how they’ve affected your life, and the strength of the evidence behind your claim. A minor road rash injury settles very differently than a spinal cord injury that changes your ability to work.
That said, a fair settlement should account for both the costs you can see, like medical bills, and the ones that are harder to put a number on, like ongoing pain. Our motorcycle accident attorneys walk through every angle of your case before putting a figure on the table.
Factors That Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Several elements shape how much your claim is ultimately worth, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Total medical expenses, both past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- The strength of available evidence, including eyewitness testimony and accident reconstruction
- Your percentage of fault under comparative negligence rules
- The available insurance coverage, including uninsured or underinsured motorist policies
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in Missouri?
Averages can be misleading in personal injury cases because every crash is different. Still, settlements in Missouri motorcycle accident cases tend to reflect the severity of the injury involved. Catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, typically result in far higher settlements than cases involving broken bones or road rash alone.
Rather than fixating on an average, it’s more useful to have your specific case evaluated. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can review your medical records, lost income, and the facts of your crash to give you a realistic picture of what your claim might be worth.
Why Choose Brown & Brown, LLP?
Brothers Dan and Ed Brown built Brown & Brown, LLP around a simple idea: fight for people facing personal injuries or criminal charges, and treat every client like a person, not a case number. For more than 30 years, that mission hasn’t changed.
We’ve represented thousands of clients across St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois. Every case gets personalized attention because no two crashes or clients are exactly alike. We’re in your corner from the first phone call through the final settlement.
Our Track Record With Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accident claims require a specific kind of legal know-how, from understanding comparative negligence rules to taking on manufacturers in product liability cases. Our attorneys bring that experience to every motorcycle crash claim we take on, working to secure fair compensation for riders and their families throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Contact Brown & Brown
Ready to talk to a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney about your case? Reach out to Brown & Brown, LLP for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you understand your options moving forward.
Reviewed by Dan Brown, Founding Partner
Dan Brown, Founding Partner at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law, reviews this content. Since co-founding the firm in 1993, Dan has represented thousands of clients in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Practice Areas
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Personal Injury
- Mass Tort
How Can We Help You?
Send us a message or call today to schedule your free case evaluation. Our team is ready to review your motorcycle accident claim and help you take the next step toward the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Missouri or Illinois?
Missouri gives you five years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury claims. Illinois shortens that window to two years. Claims involving government entities often come with even tighter deadlines.
Evidence fades fast, and building a strong case takes time. It’s usually best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. Miss the statute of limitations, and you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
What if an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Caused My Motorcycle Accident?
You still have options, even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage. Many motorcycle policies include uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
In some cases, additional parties may share liability, such as a commercial driver’s employer or a government entity responsible for dangerous road conditions.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Accident?
Yes, not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically disqualify you from filing a claim. Whether it affects your case depends on the specific circumstances and the laws in the state where the crash happened.
Missouri and Illinois both apply comparative negligence rules, so your compensation could be reduced if your actions contributed to your injuries. Even so, the driver who caused the collision can still be held responsible. Every case is different, so it’s worth having an attorney review the details of your accident.
Should I Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident?
Be careful here. Insurance adjusters often want you talking so they can find ways to reduce what their company pays out.
You may need to share basic facts about the accident, but avoid giving a recorded statement or discussing fault before talking to a lawyer. Even an offhand comment can end up beinbest you later.
What Happens if a Defective Motorcycle Part Contributed to My Crash?
If a faulty part played a role in your crash, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer could be held liable under product liability law.
Crashes caused by defective brakes, tire failures, or other mechanical issues can lead to claims that are separate from those against a negligent driver. These cases often involve close examination of the motorcycle itself, along with maintenance records and the specific part that failed.
Product liability claims can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Because these cases get technical fast, having an experienced attorney guide the process matters.
Can a Motorcycle Passenger File a Personal Injury Claim After an Accident?
Yes. Passengers hurt in a motorcycle accident generally have the right to file a personal injury claim. It’s uncommon for a passenger to bear any fault for causing a crash, so they may pursue compensation from the motorcycle driver, another involved motorist, or several parties depending on how the accident unfolded.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Motorcycle Accident?
Even a “minor” motorcycle accident is worth a phone call to a lawyer. Injuries that seem small at first, like soft tissue damage or mild road rash, can turn into bigger medical issues down the road. Insurance companies also tend to offer lower settlements when they sense you don’t have legal representation.
When a “Minor” Motorcycle Crash Turns Into a Major Claim
Symptoms don’t always show up right away. Concussions, soft tissue injuries, and nerve damage can take days or even weeks to surface fully. By the time you realize the injury is more serious than you thought, you may have already accepted a lowball settlement offer or missed the chance to document your losses properly. Talking to a motorcycle accident lawyer early on protects you either way.
Conclusion
A crash can leave you hurt, scared, and unsure what to do next. That’s normal. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. A St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through every step, from medical bills to insurance calls.
At Brown & Brown, LLP, our st louis motorcycle accident lawyer team fights for real results. We know Missouri and Illinois law inside and out. Whether you need a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney or a motorcycle accident lawyer st louis riders recommend, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait to call. A St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney riders trust can protect your rights today. Contact our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney team now. Your free consultation is just one call away.
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