Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident St. Louis, Missouri

Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis and Missouri. If someone broke the rules of the road and injured you, trust in the honest, experienced and aggressive legal advocacy of Burger Law to protect your future and demand a full recovery. Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the injured and vulnerable in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Call us now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

There is no doubt that motorcyclists are second-class citizens on the Missouri roads. Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and excitement and a sort of meditative connection between the mind and body. It relieves tension and stress and can offer a great sense of camaraderie and brotherhood with other bikers. Unfortunately, there can be a price to pay: that can all come to a crashing halt when a negligent driver does not respect your safety and injures you. You did nothing to deserve the hospital bills and physical and mental pain that are haunting you right now. At Burger Law, our lawyer for motorcycle accident team cannot stand bullies who think they can disrespect motorcyclists' safety and resistant insurance companies that refuse to hold their policyholders accountable. That is why we spend every day investigating and litigating claims, trying cases and demanding full compensation for those injured through no fault of their own. You deserve justice and a great financial recovery, and the Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law will get it for you. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT. You do not pay until we win your claim.

If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri?

Despite the fact that motorcycles make up only .06 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the country, they accounted for 4 percent of all injuries and 14 percent of all fatalities in traffic-related accidents, according to the National Safety Council. Nationwide, in 2020 there were 82,500 motorcycle accident injuries and 5,579 deaths. According to the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, in 2020 there were 2,177 motorcycle crashes, which resulted in 1,658 injuries and 118 deaths.

Nearly half of deadly motorcycle accidents occurred in the summer between June and September, and half occur on the weekends between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday.

What Can a Missouri Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Do for My Claim?

A diligent and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer will be your legal advocate when you need help the most. From initial consultation to securing you maximum compensation, we will:

• Investigate your claim and determine liability

  We have seen just about every auto accident case imaginable, and know how to uncover the causes of accidents and determine fault. We will gather every type of evidence we can, including pictures, surveillance footage, dash or helmet cameras, police reports and more. Then, we will use our experience and network of crash experts to determine exactly how your accident happened and who needs to be held responsible.

• Determine how much your case is worth

  Then, we will consult with medical and economic experts to put a precise dollar amount on your injuries, and write a settlement letter demanding that you receive all of it. Every claim is different, and your compensation will be based on the severity of your injuries, how much time you lost from work recovering and how the injuries have affected you physically and emotionally. We have settled auto crash cases for anything from $20,000 to $5,000,000.

• Play hardball with the insurance company

  An insurance adjuster's number one goal is to pay you as little money as possible, even nothing. Our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers do not let them get away with it. Insurance companies in St. Louis and throughout Missouri have come to fear the Burger Law name because they know we accept nothing but full compensation. bad faith failure to settle so they know we will not back down until you receive everything you are owed.

• Keep you informed and offer sound legal counsel

  We pride ourselves on our communication with our clients. Being injured in a motorcycle accident already causes enough confusion and doubt, so you need a law firm that will consistently be by your side and keep you updated on the status of your claim. We handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on recovering. As your case progresses, we will offer advice based on our experience and knowledge of claims and lawsuits. We are always honest about whether or not we believe you can get more money or if it is best to proceed to trial. But in the end, we know you need to make the best decision for your family and future. We fight on your behalf, but we leave the ultimate decision up to you.

• Take your case to trial if we have to

  You need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Missouri that does more than research and fill out paperwork. You want someone who is not afraid to stand up for you in front of a judge and jury and demonstrate the merits of your case. Among the many awards, honors and accolades that Burger Law has received are the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and being board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident in Missouri?

We know that injuries are always unexpected, and few people save up just in case they will ever have to deal with being injured because somebody else broke the rules. That is why our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means we take a percentage of your final compensation as our fees. You pay nothing upfront and we only get paid once we win your case. That is important for two reasons:

1. We will only agree to take on your case if we truly believe in its merits and that we can add significant value to it.
2. We will always be straight with you and you will not receive any empty promises.

At Burger Law, our Missouri motorcycle crash lawyers work for you, the injured, and only you.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in St. Louis and Missouri?

Every accident is different, but research and statistics paint a stark picture of common trends that lead to motorcyclists being put in harm's way because of other people's negligence. The most common causes and types of motorcycle accidents are:

• Drunk driving is a factor in 34 percent of motorcycle fatalities.
• Distracted driving, such as texting and driving,
• Speeding is involved in 33 percent of motorcycle deaths.
• Road hazards such as ruts in the road, slippery surfaces, potholes, gravel and uneven pavement can all cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
• A left-hand turn by a vehicle while a motorcyclist was going straight was a factor in 42 percent of motorcycle crashes.
• Failing to see a motorcyclist is a factor in 41 percent of motorcycle crashes. Unfortunately, this may be related to the phenomenon of "inattentional blindness," which means that many drivers do not see motorcycles — even though they look — because their brain is trained to scan for cars, not motorcycles. This may account for why 74 percent of accidents between a motorcycle and passenger car are head-on collisions.

Whatever caused your collision, you can be sure the Missouri lawyer for motorcycle accident team of Burger Law will conduct a full investigation and determine exactly who needs to be held accountable for not respecting your right to ride safely.

Is Anybody Besides the Other Driver Liable for My Missouri Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

That depends on the specifics of your accident, but it is very possible that after a thorough investigation your motorcycle accident lawyer will conclude that one or more other parties are liable for your injuries:

• You can make a product liability claim against a car or motorcycle manufacturer if a defective product such as faulty brakes caused or contributed to your accident.
• A commercial company can be held liable for their driver's negligence if you were injured in a bus accident, truck accident or rideshare accident.
• A government entity if a road hazard or poorly designed road caused or contributed to your accident.
• A construction company if you were injured in a construction zone if they did not securely zone it off.

Different laws apply to making claims against different liable parties, so it is imperative to hire a lawyer for motorcycle accident familiar with Missouri statutes who understands how to litigate against different entities. For example, there are special restrictions and who you can sue in the government and how long you have to sue them, as well as who can be held liable in a product liability case.

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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Missouri

Getting in a motorcycle accident can be disorienting, especially if you were thrown from your vehicle. There are important steps to take to ensure your safety and that you make the best possible recovery. Our motorcycle accident lawyers recommend the Do's and Do Not's of what to do after a motorcycle accident:

DO Get to Safety

The most important thing after an accident is to make sure you or anyone else do not sustain further injuries. If able, get yourself to the side of the road and out of harm's way, even it means leaving the your precious bike behind. Trying to move or pick up pieces of the bike could lead to further injuries and possibly compromise valuable evidence. If your injuries are severe and involve the back, neck or spine, it is best not to move and wait until emergency personnel arrive at the scene.

DO NOT Apologize or Admit Fault

Many accidents are not cut and dry and at first you may feel the need to apologize to the other driver. But doing so could compromise your ability to collect damages, even if you were partially at fault. Instead, exchange insurance information with the other driver. When the police come, be honest and polite when answering their questions, but do not volunteer information they have not asked for.

DO Call the Police

Missouri Revised Statute §300.110 requires you to call the police "as soon as reasonably possible" if you are involved in an accident that results in injury, wrongful death and/or property damage over $500. Police are trained to evaluate auto accidents and assign fault for the accident. A police report will be one of the most vital pieces of evidence in your claim; if the defendant or insurance company tries to tell you the accident did not happen the way you said it did, you will have proof.

DO Gather Evidence From the Scene

In addition to the police report, other evidence from the scene will be essential when seeking compensation. Take pictures or videos of both vehicles. Take pictures of the surrounding scene as well. Small details may help your claim; for example a lack of tire marks may help demonstrate the other driver was distracted. It is also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses who can corroborate your story. Witnesses may have information that the police failed to put in the report.

DO NOT Wait to Get Medical Treatment

You may feel like you are mostly fine after an accident, but some injuries do not reveal themselves at first, and waiting to get treatment could worsen them. If you wait a month or two before receiving treatment, the insurance company may say that your injuries cannot be as bad as you are claiming or they were caused by something else.

DO NOT Trust the Insurance Company

Insurance companies like to tell people they have to give a recorded statement, but that is not true. If you initially say your injuries were not that bad but then your symptoms worsen, they can hold that against you when you file your claim. An insurance adjuster may offer false sympathy in an attempt to get you to accept their lowball offer. Insurance companies use a lot of tricks to try and devalue claims, and it is important to understand what they are in order to not fall for them. Do not accept their first offer, and always seek a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney before accepting an offer to see if it is truly fair.

DO Keep a Record of Your Damages

Keep complete records of all your medical bills, medical reports, your out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and how many days you missed from work. You can also keep a daily journal detailing how your injuries have affected you physically and in your ability to complete daily tasks and enjoy life as you used to.

DO Call a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident at Burger Law

Our Missouri motorcycle accident law firm has over 30 years of experience investigating and litigating cases. We will immediately start working on your case, and take over all communication with the at-fault driver's insurance company so you can focus on healing. Insurance companies can be bullies, but we know how to stand up to them and fight for your rights. We offer sound legal counsel based on our experience and knowledge of Missouri laws. Our motorcycle accident attorneys constantly keep you informed and give you all the information you need to make the best decision for you, your family and your future.

What Are My Missouri Motorcycle Accident Injuries Worth?

After a crash, an experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will help you get compensation for your economic damages — all your lost wages, medical expenses and out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to and from medical appointments — and noneconomic damages — how your injuries have affected you physically, emotionally and mentally. The damages you receive for your motorcycle accident depend on several factors:

• How severe are your injuries? More serious injuries not only lead to more medical bills and time off work, but lead to higher noneconomic damages because they affect your life in greater ways.
• How long will your injuries last? Were you able to feel normal again after several months of chiropractic appointments? Or were you an athlete who lost a limb? Are you able to play with your kids the same or give the same affection to your spouse? The more permanent your injuries, the higher a recovery you will make.
• Are you partially at fault for your injuries? While Missouri Revised Statute §537.765 allows for a recovery if you are partially to blame for your injuries, the amount will be lowered based on how much blame you share.
• What are the policy limits? Different defendants will have different policy limits. A typical car driver might have a $50,000 limit, while a trucking company may have as much as $5,000,000. If your damages exceed the policy limits, there are ways we can ask for more, and we can file an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. At Burger Law, our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers make sure not to leave anything on the table.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Missouri Motorcycle Accident?

Proving negligence in a personal injury claim involves your motorcycle accident lawyer demonstrating that the five following elements are true:

1. Duty of Care — In order to prove any negligence claim, you must show that the defendant had a responsibility not to expose you to unreasonable risk of harm. Under Missouri Revised Statute §304.012, all motorists are "to exercise the highest degree of care," meaning any other driver automatically owes you a duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty — Then you must show that the defendant did not fulfill their obligation to keep you safe. Was the driver drunk or using their phone? Did they not check their blind spot before merging? Likewise you can show that a manufacturer did not issue a recall when they know of a defect, or that a commercial company did not run a background check on a driver.
3. Cause in Fact — What caused your injuries? If a car sideswipes you and you fall and tear your ACL, the cause in fact is that the car that ran into you.
4. Proximate Cause — This determines legal culpability for your injuries. Did the car merge into you because they fell asleep at the wheel? Then the driver would be liable for drowsy driving. Did they hit you because you were stopped at a stop light and their breaks stopped working? Then a manufacturer or mechanic may be liable for your injuries.
5. Damages — In any personal injury claim, you cannot make a claim unless you suffered some form of loss. If you were lucky enough to ride away with just a couple bruises, you may not have a claim because bruises do not lead to a financial loss. If you require medical treatment, lose time off work and your injuries affect you in your every day life physically and emotionally, then you have a claim.

At Burger Law, our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers are proud to take on cases that other law firms think are just too tough. We know how to prove negligence, often against multiple parties in the same accident.

In our 30 years of experience, we have represented hundreds of clients in St. Louis and throughout Missouri and have secured them over $175 million in verdicts and settlements. We have seen firsthand the devastation negligent actors can cause for motorcyclists who were simply trying to express their freedom to enjoy and share the road. These trying times will not last forever. With the help of Burger Law's Missouri lawyer for motorcycle accident team, you will recover the full compensation you need to truly recover and be made whole again. We are the most- and highest-rated personal injury law firm in the Midwest for a reason: we do not back down and will fight until there is nothing left to fight. Speak directly to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Missouri today (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.