There are many possible causes of motorcycle accidents, including those that entitle victims to compensation under Missouri and Illinois law. Read on to learn more, and to find out whether you have a claim, call our office today to speak with a St. Louis personal injury attorney.
Motor vehicles pose the greatest threat to motorcyclists. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to die in an accident than a motor vehicle driver who strikes them.
Motorists, therefore, have a great responsibility to avoid striking motorcyclists. Motor vehicle drivers may breach their responsibility by:
Distractions are ever-present on the streets of St. Louis. Motorists have the greatest ability to distract themselves, though, and may do so by:
Distracted drivers are negligent drivers. If a driver causes a motorcycle accident while distracted, they’re generally liable for resulting damages.
Reckless drivers put others at a clear risk of harm. Because motorcyclists are at a significantly elevated risk of injury during an accident, reckless drivers constitute an even greater threat to motorcyclists. A reckless driver may:
We will identify any reckless driving that contributed to your motorcycle accident.
Traffic signals and signs serve a critical function. For one, they help prevent accidents. When a motorist runs a red light, ignores a yield sign, fails to maintain their lane, or disobeys any other rule of the road, they put motorcyclists (and others) at risk.
A motorist may face criminal charges for driving while drunk or on drugs. Victims injured by a drunk or drug-affected driver may also take civil action.
Motorists are not the only cause of motorcycle accidents, even if they’re a common one. Other potential causes of your accident include:
The cause of your motorcycle accident will be central to your case. Our team will diagnose the cause of your collision and identify all liable parties.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) notes that motorcycle accidents can cause:
You may suffer other damages. Pain and suffering and the cost of temporary transportation may be recoverable losses. If you lose a loved one, which is a possibility in any motorcycle accident, then you may experience further damages. A wrongful death may cause:
These losses may be recoverable. An attorney from Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. will seek the full amount of coverage you’re entitled to.
Liability for your motorcycle accident depends on the circumstances.
When a motorist causes an accident through negligence, then they are generally liable. Missouri requires all motorists to have auto insurance, and a liable motorist’s insurance may cover your losses. However, you may choose to sue a liable motorist if they lack insurance or your losses exceed their coverage limits.
Employers may be liable when an on-the-clock employee causes a motorcycle accident. Even if the employer did nothing to contribute to the accident, they may cover some or all of your losses.
When defects cause an accident, then the responsible manufacturer may be liable. If the origin of the defect lies with a party other than the manufacturer, then that party may be liable.
If the City of St. Louis or another governmental body oversees dangerous roads that caused your accident, then it may be liable for your losses.
You may want to hire an attorney for your motorcycle accident case. Your case may involve significant compensation, and you may have one opportunity to seek fair coverage. Having an experienced attorney on your side may be a safe bet.
An attorney from our team will:
You can try your case without an attorney. Doing so may be time-consuming, stressful, and ultimately unsuccessful. If you have significant injuries or have lost a loved one, then a lawyer may be the representative you need.
Our firm is comprised of three generations of trial attorneys. We don’t back down from difficult cases. If you deserve justice, then we’ll fight for you. Call Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. today at 314-646-0066 for your FREE consultation. You can also contact us online to submit your case.
Don’t wait to call. We may have a small window to file your case. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get to work.
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