St. Charles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Many people enjoy the freedom of riding a motorcycle on the open road. However, many of the things that make these vehicles so great can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are more likely to get into a fatal crash or suffer serious bodily injury than someone in a passenger vehicle.
If you suffer one of these tragic accidents due to the wrongful actions of another, you are entitled to seek financial compensation for your injuries with the help of an experienced attorney. A St. Charles motorcycle accident lawyer can explain your rights and get you on the road to recovery. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Charles
The smaller size and maneuverability of motorcycles can have a potentially deadly drawback in that they can be harder to see to other drivers on the road. When drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles do not pay reasonable attention to the task at hand, things can go wrong quickly. They could make contact with the motorcycle or cause the bike’s operator to swerve and lose control, causing them to crash their bike into stationary objects or fall off of it. Whether the auto driver fails to pay attention, breaks driving laws, or drives drunk or distracted, if the result of their actions is an accident then they can be held liable.
What Are Recoverable Damages in Motorcycle Accident Suits?
When people get into auto accidents, it is usually the insurance companies that handle paying the injured party or parties. They are entitled to seek compensation for economic damages including:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Damage to personal property
However, the catastrophic nature of motorcycle accidents often means that someone will be negatively affected for the rest of their life. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the injured party may not know how much it will take to fully compensate them for their future needs.
In these cases, it is important to seek out a St. Charles attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases. The injured person may also be entitled to damages for the physical and mental pain and suffering caused by the accident, known as non-economic damages. Calculating a number for noneconomic damages is complicated, but an attorney can help. In Missouri, damages are capped at $420,749 for non-catastrophic injuries and $736,310 for catastrophic injuries.
Is There a Filing Timeline for Motorcycle Claims?
Every civil lawsuit has a statutory time limit to file your claim, known as its statute of limitations. For claims related to motorcycle wrecks, this is five years. However, it is important to note that the longer you wait, the weaker your case can become. A lot of supporting evidence is time-sensitive and the plaintiff must act quickly to preserve it.
Speak with a St. Charles Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcyclists have every right to share roads and highways with other vehicles, and drivers owe them the same duty of care as they would any other vehicle. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence while riding a motorcycle, you are entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. A St. Charles motorcycle accident lawyer can inform you of your rights and guide you through the claims process during this stressful time. Call today to learn more.