Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Claims: What a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Do for You
Being hurt in a motorcycle accident is terrifying. The bills, the pain, the stress – they can be overwhelming. You don’t know where to turn or what to do. That is where a personal injury lawyer can help you. In Kansas City, motorcycle wrecks happen more frequently than you’d think. Motorcycles go unnoticed by cars. Some drivers are careless. Others don’t respect the road. When this leads to an accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.
Let’s examine more closely what a lawyer will do to help you after a wreck and how your case functions.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Are Different
Motorcycles do not offer the same protection as automobiles. When an accident happens, riders are hurt worse. Broken bones, head injury, and long hospitalization are common. Insurance companies know this. Some try to pay very little. They may blame the rider. They may say you were speeding or were not wearing adequate gear. That’s when a lawyer can help you in the legal process. They know what to do with these tricks. They’ll battle for you to obtain what you deserve.
What a Lawyer Will Do for You
This is what a good Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer will do:
1. Speak to You for Free
Most lawyers offer a free consultation. You can have questions. They’ll explain your rights and next steps. There’s no commitment to hire them.
2. Review the Crash Information
They’ll look at the police report, pictures, and videos. They may visit the crash site. They’ll figure out what really happened.
3. Talk to Witnesses
A lawyer will find and interview witnesses to the crash. What they say could make your case.
4. Speak with Doctors
Your attorney may speak with your doctors. They want to know how bad you’re hurt. This determines how much money you deserve.
5. Negotiate with the Insurance Companies
You don’t need to speak to adjusters. Your attorney represents you. They’ll prevent your words from being taken the wrong way.
6. Calculate the Value of Your Claim
They’ll look at your bills, lost wages, and pain. They will ask for fair payment for all of it.
7. Submit the Claim
An attorney makes the paperwork accurate. They don’t forget deadlines. They follow court rules.
8. Resolve the Claim
Most cases resolve. Your lawyer will negotiate the best that they can. If it is not equitable, they will not accept.
9. Sue if Necessary
If the insurance company is unwilling to pay reasonably, your lawyer can sue. They’ll make a case to a judge or jury.
How Much Can You Get?
Every case is different. You may recover money for:
- Doctor and hospital fees
- Physical therapy
- Medicines
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repair or loss
There are certain injuries that last a lifetime. Your lawyer can ask for money to cover continuing care or career adjustments.
What If You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?
Missouri law now specifies that some riders are exempt from wearing helmets. But if you were not wearing a helmet, the other side might say that you were liable for your own damages. Your attorney can fight this. They’ll show the other driver was still at fault. They’ll try to show that your injury would’ve occurred anyway.
What if the Accident Was My Fault in Part?
Kansas and Missouri follow “comparative fault.” That means even though you were partially at fault, you can still recover some money. Let’s say you were 20% at fault. You might get 80% of the funds you asked for anyway. A lawyer will make your portion fair.
Time Limits to Sue
Here in Missouri, you usually have 5 years. In Kansas, just 2 years. These deadlines are binding. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue. A lawyer makes your claim timely.
How Costly Is an Attorney?
Most attorneys who specialize in injury cases operate on something called a “contingency fee.” That is:
- You don’t pay them up front.
- They only get paid if you win money.
- Their fee comes out of your settlement.
- So you don’t need to reach in your pocket to pay an attorney.
What to Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident
If you are in a crash, attempt to:
- Call 911 right away.
- Get examined by a physician, even if you’re fine.
- Photograph the accident scene, your car, and injuries.
- Attempt to obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Don’t mention the other driver’s insurance to them.
- Call an attorney.
Everything you do after an accident matters. Talking with an attorney earlier rather than later can protect you.
Insurance Company Tricks
Insurance adjusters are friendly. But remember that they work for the company, not for you. Here are a few things they might try to do:
- Blame you for the wreck
- Make you a low, fast offer
- Ask you to make a recorded statement
- Attempt to hurry you into signing papers
An attorney works to recognize and prevent these gimmicks.
Why Local Lawyers Help More
A local Kansas City personal injury attorney is known to the courts here. He is knowledgeable of Missouri and Kansas motor vehicle law. He is known to the ways of insurance companies in this area.
This knowledge of the local territory can accelerate your case and provide more positive results.
FAQs Regarding Motorcycle Crash Claims
1. Am I Still Legally Eligible for a Case If I Didn’t Go to the Hospital Right Away?
Yes. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Your attorney can still prove your injury is due to the accident. Going to the doctor in a timely manner helps your case.
2. Am I Legally Entitled to Compensation for a Totaled Motorbike and My Gear?
Yes. You can include the worth of your bike, helmet, jacket, etc. Your lawyer will place this in the claim.
3. What If I Was Struck by a Driver That Ran Away?
This is a hit-and-run. Your lawyer can find out if you have uninsured motorist coverage. They’ll help you file with your own insurance.
4. How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
It depends. Some recover within a few months. Some take longer if there are extensive injuries or the case goes to court.
5. Can I Still File a Claim If I Wasn’t Riding My Own Bike?
Yes. If you were on someone else’s bike and got injured, you can still file a claim. The insurance of the other driver or bike owner might be involved.
Final Thoughts
A motorcycle accident can flip your world upside down. But you don’t need to do it alone. A Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can take the weight off your shoulders.
They know the law. They know the tricks. They know how to win. You heal. Let them do the fighting.