Gladstone Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Gladstone Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The motorcycle accident lawyers of Northland Injury Law are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists and their families. Our firm can pursue the justice and compensation they need to recover after an accident. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents in Missouri. A Gladstone motorcycle accident lawyer can build strong cases, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation to get you the recovery you deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Gladstone

Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but negligence often has a role. Some of the more common causes in motorcycle accident cases include:

• Distracted driving. Texting, eating, using GPS behind the wheel, and other distractions take your attention away from the task of driving.
• Speeding. This limits a driver’s or rider’s ability to react in time.
• Driving under the influence. Alcohol or drug impairment can lead to reckless behavior, which is responsible for 25% of motorcycle accidents.
• Failure to yield. Drivers may turn into the paths of motorcycles at intersections.
• Unsafe lane changes. People can fail to check blind spots before merging.
• Poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, or a lack of proper signage can trip a motorcycle.
• Defective motorcycle parts. Mechanical failures and manufacturing defects can result in vehicle failure.

The team at Northland Injury Law can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the cause. Then, we can hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Motorcycle Accident Laws in Missouri

Missouri has specific motorcycle accident laws that impact riders and their ability to recover damages. For instance, motorcyclists under the age of 26 are required to wear helmets. However, even wearing a helmet can still impact liability and your ability to collect damages. Drivers are also required to carry liability insurance, but minimum coverage won’t pay for serious injuries or damages after an accident.

The state also follows the comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of your fault for the accident. In most motorcycle accidents, you have five years from the date of the accident to pursue compensation. Wrongful death claims have less time.

Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident victims can recover compensation for various types of damages after an accident. It depends on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
• Lost wages and other income lost due to being unable to work
• Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear
• Loss of earning capacity if you can no longer work in the same field
• Pain and suffering, such as physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life

Wrongful death damages can cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support. In 2024, 138 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents, down from 171 in 2023, which was a record high for the state.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your chances of recovering compensation. The first priority is calling 911 or the Gladstone Police Department. Even if you feel okay, injuries may not present themselves until later, which is why prompt medical care is essential. The police will also begin creating a report that is necessary when filing for damages.

If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage done to the vehicles. Gather names and contact information of any witnesses nearby. You’ll need to inform your insurance company of the accident, but avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be interpreted that way.

The sooner you hire a Gladstone motorcycle accident lawyer, the better. The team at Northland Injury Law can guide you through the process of filing a claim while protecting your legal rights and negotiating with insurance companies for you.

Why You Should Choose Northland Injury Law

Northland Injury Law is proud to represent injured motorcyclists in Gladstone and throughout Clay County. We have decades of combined experience in handling personal injury and motorcycle accident claims.

Our team can listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and guide you throughout each step of the legal process. Insurance companies often try to minimize settlement amounts, but we’re not afraid to aggressively advocate on your behalf.

We also hold a strong relationship with Gladstone courts, judges, and insurance adjusters, which we can leverage to our advantage when representing you in your motorcycle accident case.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

Motorcycle accident settlements vary greatly, depending on medical expenses, the injury’s severity, lost wages, and long-term effects. Minor accidents generally settle for less money, while serious cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death can reach much higher amounts. Insurance coverage, liability evidence, and the quality of legal representation also have a big role in a settlement’s size.

What Shouldn’t You Say to an Injury Lawyer?

When speaking with an injury lawyer, it’s important to be honest. Avoid making guesses or downplaying your injuries. Never admit fault or speculate on what happened. Sticking to the facts is safer. Avoid mentioning prior unrelated injuries unless specifically asked about them. Your attorney’s job is to protect you, so give complete information, but leave the fault determination and case strategy up to them.

How Do You Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Selecting the right motorcycle accident lawyer requires careful research. You’ll want to look for a Gladstone motorcycle accident attorney with proven experience in handling motorcycle accident cases rather than general personal injury. Check reviews, case results, and client testimonials to gauge their reputation. When you meet for your initial consultation, you can get a better idea of whether they fit your needs.

How Do You File a Legal Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?

Filing a legal claim after a motorcycle accident typically begins with reporting the crash to law enforcement and then to your insurance provider. You’ll gather medical records, bills, accident reports, and witness statements. An experienced Gladstone motorcycle accident lawyer can prepare and submit information to the at-fault party’s insurer. If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a formal legal claim in civil court.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Northland Injury Law provides compassionate guidance, aggressive advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of justice for injured riders. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.