MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri
Motorcycles are more dangerous than automobiles largely because of the rider’s lack of safety devices and protection from the hard surface of the road and other vehicles. Occasionally, a motorcycle accident victim may walk away unscathed. More likely than not, motorcycle accidents generally cause serious injuries, even at relatively low speeds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 45% of motorcycle-related deaths occur in single bike accidents. In 2008, there were 5,290 motorcycle fatalities nationwide. That was the eleventh time the annual number of fatalities had increased since 1997. However, in 2008 the number of individuals hurt in motorcycle accidents declined for the first time since 1998. It dropped by 6.8 percent.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in Missouri in 2008, there were 103 motorcycles involved in fatal crashes (including mopeds and three-wheel bikes). That was 8.2 percent of fatal crashes, up from 6.9 percent in 2007, when 92 bikes were involved in fatal accidents.
Dangers Associated with Motorcycles
Motorcycles are more dangerous than automobiles due to lack of safety devices. Even a low-speed accident can have serious consequences.
A common cause of motorcycle accidents is mechanical negligence. A two-wheeled vehicle is more susceptible to dangerous road conditions and requires excellent maintenance. A misaligned tire or wet roads may only slightly increase danger for an automobile driver, but may greatly increase it for a bike rider.
The issue of helmets continues to be debated, with each state determining its own laws. In March 2009, the Missouri Senate voted to allow people over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet as long as they are not on an interstate highway. Although many studies have produced statistics showing the safety benefits of wearing a helmet, there is still debate as to how much a helmet limits the rider’s ability to see vehicles in neighboring lanes or hear the sounds of the road.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
Since motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious injuries, you may be entitled extensive compensation for:
- Related medical bills
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of wages
- Mental and physical suffering
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Long-term living assistance
For more information about the injuries often caused by motorcycle accidents, please see the Motorcycle Accident Injuries page.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can obtain full compensation for your injuries. At The Bradley Law Firm, we will investigate the cause of your motorcycle accident and the specific circumstances surrounding it. With our extensive contacts in the medical professions, we will contact qualified expert witnesses to study and interpret the data and, if necessary, testify for you in court proceedings.
If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact the Missouri personal injury lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm. We will promptly respond to your inquiry and offer a free case evaluation on all injury cases. We also serve residents of Jefferson City and rural parts of Missouri.