St. Louis County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you have the legal right to bring a claim for compensation against the at-fault party. These claims can demand payments for all medical bills, pain and suffering, and any lost wages as a result the accident.
However, not every claim for damages will be successful. Plaintiffs must prove that another driver was responsible for the accident, which can be challenging without legal assistance
If you wish to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions, contact a St. Louis County motorcycle accident lawyer today. A seasoned injury attorney could work tirelessly on your behalf to demonstrate that another party was responsible for the crash.
How Does a Plaintiff Prove Liability in a Motorbike Crash Claim?
To prove liability in a motorbike claim, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant’s negligence was the main cause of the accident. To do this, victims should gather evidence supporting their claim. If a police report indicates that a defendant received a ticket for speeding, tailgating, or any other violation, a St. Louis County motorcycle crash attorney could use this as a powerful piece of evidence.
If the victim’s actions played a role in causing the accident, they may have their compensation reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, a victim who was 10% responsible for a crash could only recover 90% of their total damages. Many defendants and their insurance companies rely on this portion of the law to limit or erase their liability in motorcycle accident cases. A St. Louis County lawyer could use their keen understanding of comparative negligence to help reduce a motorcycle accident victim’s liability.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks
St. Louis County motorists often contribute to motorcycle accidents by not giving bikers the respect they deserve. When drivers fail to yield when required, check blind spots before changing lanes, or refrain from texting other forms of distraction, they are more likely to cause an accident, placing the lives of motorists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists at risk.
The most severe injuries are the result of direct collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles. This can throw a biker from the seat of their vehicle, forcing them to the pavement. However, reckless actions on the part of defendant drivers can also cause bikers to lose control of their motorcycles without any direct contact. If a biker needs to make an emergency maneuver to avoid a collision, this may also force them into oncoming traffic or off the side of the road.
How Can Motorcyclists Be More Aware of The Increased Risks of Injury Compared to Other Vehicles?
Although riding a motorcycle in St. Louis County can be dangerous, motorcyclists can take steps to protect themselves from collisions. One of the most important things a motorcyclist can do is keep an eye out for other drivers. Automobile and truck drivers often fail to see motorcyclists on the road, which is the most common cause of accidents. Driving within the speed limit and obeying all traffic laws are also important. Failing to do so can increase the risk of being involved in an accident and sustaining severe injuries or even dying.
Fatalities in Local Motorcycle Accidents
If a motorcycle rider passes away in a wreck and the accident was caused by a defendant’s negligence, surviving family members can likely file a wrongful death claim.
When calculating the damages awarded through a wrongful death action, a legal representative and a jury will usually examine life expectancy tables and the decedent’s earning over time to determine the “true value” of their life. Along with repayment for this aspect, a judge will also usually award financial compensation for family member’s pain and suffering, reduced enjoyment of daily life, and the decedent’s funeral expenses.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal motorcycle accident can be a stressful and confusing process, but a St. Louis representative could help with all the relevant stages.
Contact a St. Louis County Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accidents can result in life-changing injuries. Even if you are lucky enough to walk away from a crash, you may still require a trip to the emergency room and miss significant time at work. No matter how severe your injuries may be, if another party is responsible, you have the right to pursue compensation.
A St. Louis County motorcycle accident lawyer could help you make the legal case necessary to demand payment for your losses. They could help gather evidence that points towards a defendant’s negligence, leverage that evidence into a powerful demand package, and accurately measure your losses. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and begin fighting for every dollar you deserve.