What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
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St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Trusted by Injured Riders Across Missouri & Illinois
Find Out if You Have a Case
St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Fighting for Riders Across Missouri & Illinois
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than car crashes. Riders have little protection, which means injuries can be life-changing.
In Missouri, motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles but account for a higher share of serious and fatal crashes. Too often, drivers fail to see or respect riders on the road.
If you were hurt in a crash, you have the right to pursue compensation. However, proving fault and dealing with insurance companies can be difficult without legal help.
Tyson Mutrux, founding partner of Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers in St. Louis, represents injured riders across Missouri and Illinois. We fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering so you can focus on recovery.
Award-Winning St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Recognized for Excellence
Tyson Mutrux has recovered compensation for motorcycle accident victims across St. Louis, Columbia, and throughout Missouri and Illinois. Riders face unique bias from insurance companies who portray them as reckless regardless of the facts. Tyson knows how to counter that narrative. Licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and U.S. Federal Courts, he has been named Best Attorney in Columbia for 2025, recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys – National Association of Distinguished Counsel (2015), Best Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia – Experise.com (2023), Top 10 Car Accident Lawyers in Columbia – Trust Analytica (2024) and holds a Superb 10/10 Avvo rating.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Get Results
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, our team has handled motorcycle accident cases for more than 20 years. From St. Louis to communities across Missouri and Illinois, we represent injured riders who need strong legal support after serious crashes.
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients throughout the region. Skilled legal representation matters because insurance companies often start with low settlement offers. Our attorneys work to pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri or Illinois, contact our team today to discuss your claim.
- Seek medical help
- Capture evidence
- File a police report
- Talk to witnesses
Get medical help
Capture evidence
File a police report
Talk to witnesses
How Do Blind Spots Contribute to Motorcycle Crashes in Missouri?
Blind spots are one of the leading contributing factors in Missouri motorcycle crashes. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, more than 70 percent of car-motorcycle crashes stem from driver error, with blind spot failures playing a significant role. When a car or truck driver changes lanes, merges, or turns without properly checking their surroundings, a motorcycle rider can disappear from view entirely in an instant.
How Blind Spots Cause Motorcycle Crashes?
Commercial trucks present the greatest blind spot danger on Missouri roads. A standard semi-truck has blind spots extending more than 20 feet along each side and significantly further behind the trailer. When a truck driver makes a right turn or drifts into an adjacent lane without checking these zones, a motorcycle rider positioned alongside the vehicle has no room to react.
Passenger cars create equally dangerous blind spot situations at intersections. Mirror gaps during left merges are responsible for approximately 42 percent of car-motorcycle crashes in Missouri. Riders who are positioned in a driver’s blind spot during a lane change or turn face catastrophic consequences when a collision occurs.
Night riding and sun glare make blind spot crashes significantly more likely by reducing a driver’s ability to spot a motorcycle even when properly checking mirrors and blind spots.
Missouri-Specific Blind Spot Crash Risks?
Missouri sees more than 2,500 motorcycle crashes annually, with intersections accounting for roughly one third of all incidents. Dangerous intersections including Bannister Road and 71 Highway in Kansas City and multiple I-70 interchange points in St. Louis see disproportionately high rates of blind spot-related motorcycle crashes due to a combination of high truck traffic, complex merging patterns, and failure to yield violations.
On Missouri highways including I-70 and Highway 44, commercial trucks frequently drive in close proximity to motorcycle riders. Poor lane markings identified by MoDOT in certain highway segments further reduce a rider’s ability to position safely away from truck blind zones. Missouri records more than 150 motorcycle fatalities annually, and motorcycles are statistically far more dangerous per mile traveled than passenger vehicles.
What This Means for Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
If a driver’s blind spot failure caused your crash in Missouri, that negligence can be proven through dashcam and traffic camera footage showing the driver failed to check before merging, witness statements confirming the driver made no shoulder check, accident reconstruction analysis establishing the vehicle positions at impact, and electronic data from the truck or vehicle showing steering and braking inputs before the crash.
Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If a blind spot crash caused your injuries, contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers immediately to preserve the evidence needed to support your motorcycle accident lawsuit. No fees unless we win. Call (888) 550-4026 for a free case review today.
How Much Motorcycle Accident Compensation Can You Recover in Missouri?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you are likely eligible for compensation. While every case is unique, the value of your claim depends on several key factors.
Our attorneys fight to secure maximum compensation for all of your losses, which are typically broken into two categories:
1. Economic Damages (Your Tangible Losses)
This is the baseline for your claim. It includes all the measurable costs associated with your accident, such as:
All Medical Bills: This includes the initial ER visit, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
Lost Wages: We calculate all the income you lost from being unable to work.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job, we fight for compensation for this long-term loss.
2. Non-Economic Damages (Your Intangible Losses)
This category is often the largest part of a settlement and covers the human cost of the crash. This includes:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured.
Loss of Quality of Life: This accounts for your inability to complete daily tasks, pursue hobbies, or spend time with your family as you did before.
A Final Factor: The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
In Missouri, drivers are only required to carry $25,000 in bodily injury coverage. While many carry more, this minimum can be a challenge. We are experts at finding all available sources of compensation, such as commercial insurance policies (if a company driver was at fault) or your own underinsured motorist coverage.
Most Dangerous Intersections for Bikers in St. Louis, MO
As local St. Louis attorneys, we see cases from all over the county. However, some intersections are consistently more dangerous for bikers. We see a high number of crashes at:
I-64/I-44 interchanges where drivers merge without looking.
Grand Boulevard & Forest Park Avenue due to heavy traffic and complex turns.
Kingshighway Boulevard & Lindell Boulevard.
Hampton Avenue & I-44.
Understanding Negligence in Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
In a motorcycle lawsuit in Missouri or Illinois, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s carelessness was the direct cause of the collision in order to establish liability. Victims ought to gather proof to back up their claims. For instance, a St. Louis motorcycle crash lawyer may use a police report showing the defendant was ticketed for speeding, tailgating, or another infraction as strong evidence.
The victim’s compensation may be lowered by the court based on their percentage of fault if their actions caused the accident. For example, only 90% of the total damages can be recovered by a victim who is found 10% at fault for the collision. This legal provision is frequently used by defendants and their insurance providers to reduce or eliminate liability in motorcycle accident cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
An attorney can assist in identifying the precise problem and whether the motorcycle’s engineering flaw was a contributing factor in the collision. Because motorcycle crashes are often caused by manufacturer defects, whether known to the manufacturer or unknown at the time, this situation frequently occurs in motorcycle and vehicle accidents.
You could pursue damages from the commercial driver’s employer or even their personal insurance policy if they were negligent in causing the collision. Throughout the process, you can get assistance from your St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney.
Everyone is aware that interacting with insurance companies can be very challenging, particularly when you take into account that they have a legal team on hand to defend themselves. An already difficult situation can become even more agonizing when dealing with an insurance company. Therefore, the best way to get the money you are entitled to for your claim is to hire a skilled lawyer to handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Our lawyers will help you obtain the most money you are entitled to because they are skilled negotiators with insurance companies.
Our St. Louis Motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help! We can help you recover the compensation you deserve and ensure you have the best representation possible.
How to Handle Medical Bills After Your Motorcycle Accident?
Medical bills from your treatment will probably start to pile up, regardless of which hospital handled your injuries. Sadly, more serious injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident frequently result in greater medical costs, particularly if continuing care necessitates frequent trips to the hospital.
Among the most frequent injury types that need intensive care are traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Those bills won’t go away, let’s face it. A further financial strain may result from delaying payment since it can raise costs and have a detrimental effect on many areas of your financial life.
To ease this burden, you have a few options that can simplify the process:
- Using MedPay/medical payments insurance
- Relying on health insurance
- Seeking compensation from your claim
Maximizing your motorcycle accident claim requires prompt action. At The Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we guide you through the legal process and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Who Is at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?
The driver who caused the collision is usually held accountable and at fault for your accident and any injuries you sustained. However, some liable parties may be held accountable, depending on the case’s extent.
After reviewing your case with you, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to pinpoint the precise cause of the collision.
Some of the most common individuals and entities at fault include:
- Commercial driver’s employer: If a commercial driver caused the accident, they could be held liable, as well as their employer. This is especially true if the employer has rules or regulations that could have led to your accident.
- Motorcycle manufacturer: In the event of a motorcycle defect, the manufacturer could be held liable. Issues with your motorcycle could cause catastrophic results, such as faulty brakes or issues with the motorcycle’s stability.
- Mechanic Incompetence: If a mechanic or technician has worked on the motorcycle recently prior to the accident and did not notice any issues or inadvertently caused an issue, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle crashes in St. Louis are caused by drivers who fail to notice or respect riders on the road. A driver who neglects to check blind spots, fails to yield at an intersection, or texts while driving creates a deadly situation for anyone on a motorcycle. Because riders have no protective barrier between themselves and the road, the consequences are almost always more severe than a standard car crash.
Direct collisions cause the most catastrophic injuries, frequently throwing a rider from the bike onto pavement at high speed. However, a driver’s negligence can cause a serious motorcycle crash without any direct contact. A rider forced to make an emergency maneuver to avoid a car drifting into their lane may lose control, strike a guardrail, or be pushed into oncoming traffic. In these situations, the driver who created the hazard is still liable for the resulting injuries under Missouri motorcycle accident claim law.
The most common causes of motorcycle crashes in St. Louis include drivers failing to yield at intersections, distracted driving including texting while driving, unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots, following too closely, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and road hazards including potholes, uneven pavement, and missing lane markings.
Will My St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Go to Court?
Most motorcycle accident lawsuits in Missouri and Illinois are resolved through negotiation with the insurance company before trial. A fair settlement is often reached because insurers want to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a courtroom verdict.
However, when an insurer disputes liability, claims the rider was at fault, or refuses to offer fair compensation for your injuries, filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and taking your case to court becomes necessary. Mutrux Firm prepares every motorcycle crash case for trial from day one. Insurance companies know we will follow through, and that preparation consistently produces better settlement results even when the case never reaches a jury.
How Can I Stay Safe While Riding in St. Louis?
While you cannot control other drivers, you can take steps to reduce your risk on St. Louis roads. The most important habit a motorcyclist can develop is defensive riding, assume other drivers do not see you and ride accordingly. Failure to notice a motorcycle is the single most common driver error leading to a crash.
Always obey traffic laws and speed limits, increase your following distance, wear high-visibility gear, and use your headlight even during daylight hours. Be especially cautious at intersections, during lane changes, and when riding near commercial trucks with large blind zones on I-70 and Highway 44.
Wrongful Death After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Missouri
If a motorcycle rider passes away in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Missouri Revised Statute 537.080. Missouri gives surviving spouses, children, and parents three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
When calculating wrongful death damages, a jury examines life expectancy tables, the deceased’s earning history and future earning potential, the financial contributions they made to the family, and the loss of companionship and guidance suffered by surviving family members. A judge may also award compensation for the family’s pain and suffering, reduced enjoyment of daily life, and funeral and burial expenses.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal motorcycle crash is one of the most emotionally difficult legal processes a family can face. Mutrux Firm handles every step of the process so surviving family members can focus on healing.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is three years from the date of death. In Illinois, both personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years.
These deadlines are strict. Missing either one permanently eliminates your right to compensation regardless of how strong your motorcycle accident claim is. Additionally, critical evidence disappears long before these deadlines arrive. Dashcam footage is overwritten within days. Witnesses relocate. Physical evidence is cleaned up or repaired.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Illinois
Illinois motorcycle crashes occur across the state for many of the same reasons as Missouri, but with some Illinois-specific contributing factors. On busy Chicago interstates including I-90, I-94, and the Dan Ryan Expressway, high vehicle density and frequent lane changes create constant blind spot risk for riders. In downstate Illinois, rural two-lane highways with limited visibility and higher speed limits contribute to a disproportionate share of fatal motorcycle crashes.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, failure to yield is consistently among the top causes of Illinois motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections in the Chicago metro area. Distracted driving, drunk driving, and unsafe lane changes round out the most common driver failures that lead to motorcycle crash lawsuits in Illinois.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Illinois and the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Illinois circuit court is the next step. Unlike Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations, Illinois gives you only two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death claims arising from a fatal Illinois motorcycle crash, the deadline is also two years from the date of death.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Mutrux Firm is licensed in Illinois and represents motorcycle crash victims across Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, and every community in the state. We prepare every Illinois motorcycle accident lawsuit for trial from day one.
Illinois Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Illinois law requires all motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. Illinois also requires uninsured motorist coverage on every motorcycle policy.
If the driver who caused your Illinois motorcycle crash carried insufficient insurance to cover your losses, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide an additional source of compensation. Mutrux Firm identifies every available insurance policy in your case to maximize your total recovery.
Wrongful Death After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Illinois
If a loved one died in a motorcycle crash in Illinois caused by another driver’s negligence, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1). Illinois gives surviving family members two years from the date of death to file.
Recoverable wrongful death damages in Illinois include medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and guidance for surviving children and spouses, and grief and mental suffering of surviving family members. Illinois does not cap wrongful death damages in most cases following the 2023 expansion of punitive damages eligibility, meaning the full scope of your family’s loss can be pursued in court.
Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers moves immediately after you contact us to preserve every piece of evidence, file all necessary documents, and begin pursuing maximum compensation from every responsible party. No fees unless we win. Call (888) 550-4026 for a free case review today.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Blogs
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle crash, the steps you take can directly affect your injury claim. Many riders unintentionally weaken their case early on. To protect your rights, avoid these common mistakes:
Do not admit fault.
Avoid apologizing or saying the crash was your fault when speaking with police, paramedics, witnesses, or the other driver. You may not know all the facts, and fault should be determined after a full investigation.
Do not repair your motorcycle immediately.
The damage to your bike can serve as important evidence. Wait until your attorney confirms it has been properly documented before authorizing repairs.
Do not discuss the accident publicly.
Do not post about the crash on social media or discuss details of your injuries with others. Statements can be taken out of context and used against you.
Do not speak with insurance adjusters alone.
Insurance companies, including your own, may request recorded statements. It is often best to have your lawyer handle all communication to protect your claim.
Taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your motorcycle accident case.
Connect with a St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Have you been injured because of a motorcycle accident, truck crash, bus crash or by other negligent acts of another? Our Missouri and Illinois Injury Lawyers can help you!
(888) 550-4026
St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Let’s check out some of the most common questions for motorcycle accident claims.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis?
After a crash, call 911 and prioritize your safety and health. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask serious conditions like spinal damage and traumatic brain injury. Report the incident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, collecting witness contact information, and documenting all vehicle damage and road conditions. Do not make statements about fault to anyone at the scene and contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers at (888) 550-4026 before speaking with any insurance company.
Why do I need a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney?
Insurance companies routinely use the reckless biker stereotype to blame riders and justify low settlement offers, regardless of the actual facts. A St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney at Mutrux Firm fights these unfair tactics by handling all negotiations, gathering evidence to prove the other driver's fault, and preparing your case for trial if necessary. Victims with legal representation consistently recover significantly more compensation than those who handle insurance companies on their own.
I was partially at fault for my motorcycle crash in St. Louis. Can I still recover compensation?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 10 percent at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10 percent. Mutrux Firm fights to minimize your assigned percentage of fault and maximize your total recovery.
How is fault determined in a Missouri or Illinois motorcycle accident?
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility but you can still recover even if mostly at fault. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule where you must be found less than 51 percent at fault to recover any damages. In both states, fault is established using police reports, witness statements, dashcam and surveillance footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and physical evidence from the crash scene. Mutrux Firm gathers all of this evidence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What compensation can a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Louis help me recover?
Mutrux Firm fights for compensation covering all of your losses. Economic damages include current and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and motorcycle repair or replacement costs. Non-economic damages cover physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving fatalities, wrongful death damages may also be available to surviving family members. We work to ensure no cost is overlooked and no category of compensation is left on the table.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle crash claim in Missouri or Illinois?
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim and three years for a wrongful death claim. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years for both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Acting promptly is critical because evidence like dashcam footage and witness memories disappear quickly. Contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after your crash to protect your rights.
What if my motorcycle accident did not involve another motor vehicle?
You may still have a valid legal claim even if no other vehicle was involved. Common causes of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes include defective motorcycle parts, inadequate maintenance by a mechanic or repair shop, and hazardous road conditions like potholes, loose gravel, or missing signage. In these situations, liability may extend to the motorcycle manufacturer, the maintenance company, or a government entity responsible for road upkeep. Mutrux Firm investigates every potential cause to identify all responsible parties.
Do motorcyclists have to carry liability insurance in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri law requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance on their policy. Riders must hold a valid Class M motorcycle license and carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, as well as $25,000 per accident for property damage. Missouri also requires motorcyclists to carry uninsured motorist coverage. If the driver who hit you lacks adequate insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may provide an additional source of compensation.
What if my crash involved a road hazard or defective motorcycle part?
You may still have a strong claim. If a defective motorcycle part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under Missouri or Illinois product liability law. If a road hazard such as a pothole, missing guardrail, or inadequate signage caused or worsened the crash, a government entity responsible for road maintenance may share liability. These cases involve additional parties and deadlines, particularly claims against government entities, so contacting Mutrux Firm as soon as possible is critical.
I was partly at fault for the accident. Can I still recover damages?
Yes. Missouri's pure comparative fault rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash. Your award is reduced proportionally by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 25 percent at fault and awarded $100,000, you would still recover $75,000. Mutrux Firm works to minimize your assigned share of fault and ensure the at-fault driver's insurance company does not inflate your responsibility to reduce their payout.
Will my motorcycle accident case go to court?
Most motorcycle accident claims in Missouri and Illinois resolve through settlement negotiations with insurance companies before trial. However, if the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount or disputes liability entirely, Mutrux Firm is fully prepared to take your case to court and present your evidence before a jury. We prepare every case for trial from day one, and insurance companies know it. That preparation alone often produces better settlement results even without stepping into a courtroom.
What evidence do I need to win my motorcycle accident case?
To win a motorcycle accident case in Missouri or Illinois, you must prove that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent actions like speeding, failing to yield, or distracted driving, and that breach directly caused your injuries and damages. Strong evidence includes the official police report, photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, medical records documenting your injuries, and accident reconstruction analysis. Mutrux Firm gathers and preserves all of this evidence immediately after you contact us to build the strongest possible case.