While riding a motorcycle is enjoyable for many reasons, it also unfortunately comes with risks. Other drivers often fail to safely share the road with motorcyclists, regularly resulting in severe and costly collisions and injuries in the Kansas City area.
If you suffered an injury on your bike because of someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers with The Bruning Law Firm. We know the many ways other drivers injure motorcyclists and seek justice for bikers who can face wrongful blame for their own injuries.
Contact us now for a free consultation. We can assess your legal rights and options at no cost and with no obligation. Our trusted legal team is here to help you.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Our Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
- Compensation You Can Pursue
- Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Kansas City?
- Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
- Why You Need Our Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- The Bruning Law Firm is Standing By to Help
Why Choose Our Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Choosing the right Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your case is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. The Bruning Law Firm stands apart for several key reasons:
Experience
We have more than three decades of experience representing clients in motorcycle accident cases in Missouri.
Our attorneys understand the unique challenges and nuances involved. We’re well-versed in local and state laws that govern motorcycle riders, so we know how to handle all legal system complexities effectively on your behalf.
A Proven Track Record
The Bruning Law Firm has a strong track record of success. We’ve secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts that reflect our commitment to achieving the best possible results.
These past successes demonstrate our capability to handle complicated cases, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court if necessary.
Personalized Attention
Every case deserves personalized attention. Unlike larger firms where clients may feel like just another case number, we ensure each client receives dedicated, focused legal services. Our attorneys are accessible and communicative, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Compensation You Can Pursue
Compensation in motorcycle accident cases can vary widely based on the specifics of each case, including the severity of injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the jurisdiction.
Here’s a look at some of the potential compensation you can obtain:
- Medical expenses: This is often the most significant component of a claim, covering everything from emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitative therapies. Compensation can include past, current, and estimated future medical costs associated with your injuries. Your Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer with The Bruning Law Firm will work to ensure that ongoing medical care needs don’t financially burden you.
- Lost income and earning capacity: Your injury might cause you to miss significant work. Your attorney will seek compensation to cover these losses. Also, if you won’t be able to return to your job for an extended time, you may be eligible for compensation for lost future earnings or diminished earning capacity. This accounts for the difference in earning potential before and after the accident.
- Pain and suffering: This is an example of non-economic damages because it’s intangible. It doesn’t lend itself to a “price tag,” so to speak. However, a skilled Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney will try to obtain compensation for your physical pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages are subjective and can vary significantly. They involve the nature of the injury, its associated pain, and how the crash affected the victim’s daily life.
- Property damage: You can also claim motorcycle repairs or replacement costs. If the accident damages personal items, your attorney can also pursue money for those replacement or repair expenses.
- Loss of consortium: In severe cases, the spouse of an injury victim may claim loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship and support caused by the injuries.
- Punitive damages: Although less common, juries may award punitive damages when the defendant committed reckless or malicious behavior. Victims don’t receive punitive damages due to their direct losses. Instead, courts award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Never work with a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer who promises you’ll get a certain amount of money without knowing the facts of the case. Many factors determine how much compensation an accident victim can obtain.
The most significant factor is the severity of your injury. In most cases, the worse the injury, the more money the victim will receive. Someone with a severe traumatic brain injury, for instance, will get more than another person with a broken finger.
The at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits may also impact the compensation amount. In some cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can play a role.
If a wreck caused by an uninsured driver hurts you, our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers will seek other avenues of compensation. We can, for instance, pursue the insurer of another driver whose negligence may have contributed to the collision.
Every motorcycle accident case is unique, so compensation will vary. Our experienced Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers with The Bruning Law Firm can determine the value of your damages and work to obtain every dollar you deserve.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Kansas City?
In a recent year, 151 motorcyclists died in Missouri, a number that accounted for nearly 15 percent of all traffic deaths that year. Although there are dangerous spots for riders all over the state, urban areas such as Kansas City are particularly hazardous.
These are just a few hotspots where drivers must pay extra attention to motorcycles.
- Independence Avenue: The most dangerous stretch of this major throughway is the area between Beacon Avenue and the Paseo. However, areas near Van Brunt Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue are also troublesome.
- 39th Street: The intersections of 39th with Troost Avenue and Prospect Avenue are hotspots.
- Broadway: The intersections of Broadway and 38th and 39th Streets are dangerous, as is the Broadway/Westport Road Intersection.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
There are many types of accidents involving motorcycles. All of them can lead to horrible injuries.
The following looks at some of the most common accident scenarios and the injuries that often result.
- Left-turn accidents: These occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle that is either going straight through an intersection or attempting to pass the car. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable because they’re less visible to turning drivers. Left-turn collisions often result in severe injuries due to the motorcyclist’s lack of protection.
- Head-on collisions: This is arguably the most devastating type of collision. It occurs when a vehicle collides head-on with a motorcycle. These crashes often result in fatal outcomes due to the high-speed impact and direct force against the rider.
- Rear-end collisions: These happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle. Such accidents can cause serious injuries or death, particularly if impact propels the motorcyclist forward or throws them off the bike.
- High-side accidents: A high-side accident happens when the rear wheel of a motorcycle loses traction and then suddenly regains it, causing the motorcycle to flip over its side. These particularly violent crashes can catapult the rider into the air, leading to severe injuries. A negligent driver can startle a rider, causing them to lose control in this fashion.
- Low-side accidents: In a low-side accident, the motorcycle slides out from under the rider during a turn or sudden maneuver, typically resulting in less severe injuries than high-side crashes. These accidents often occur due to overbraking or losing traction on slippery road surfaces. Again, negligent drivers can contribute by unexpectedly moving into a rider’s lane or startling the rider in some other manner.
- Speeding and alcohol-related crashes: Accidents that involve speeding or alcohol consumption are typically severe, as an impaired or reckless driver can drift into a motorcyclist’s lane. When this suddenly happens, the rider typically doesn’t have enough time to react, leading to a severe crash.
- Hit-and-run accidents: These occur when another vehicle hits a motorcycle and then leaves the scene without stopping to aid or provide information. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face difficulties in getting compensation due to the challenges in identifying the at-fault party.
- Road hazard accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to accidents caused by road hazards such as potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris. Due to their smaller size and stability issues, even small objects or irregularities in the road can lead to crashes with severe consequences.
Injuries in motorcycle accidents often include:
- Head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Limb amputations
- Facial fractures and disfigurement
- Neck injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations and bruises
Why You Need Our Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accident injury victims face significant obstacles when dealing with insurance companies, making it challenging to handle the claims process alone.
Here are key reasons why you need a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer with The Bruning Law Firm to fight the at-fault party’s insurer.
Insurance Policies are Complicated
Insurance policies are often dense and filled with complex legal terminology that can be difficult for laypersons to understand. Insurance adjusters are well-versed in these documents and use their knowledge to protect the company’s bottom line.
Victims may not fully understand their rights or the full scope of coverage available to them without a legal expert.
Undervaluation of Claims
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, often leading to substantially undervaluing your claim. They may offer quick settlements significantly lower than you’re entitled to, hoping that an unrepresented victim will accept it without question.
An experienced Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer can determine the actual value of your claim and negotiate effectively to ensure fair compensation.
Lack of Negotiating Leverage
Without legal representation, you lack the leverage that comes with the threat of litigation. Insurance companies are more likely to take a claim seriously if they know an experienced attorney is willing to take the case to court if necessary. This threat can significantly influence the terms and outcome of the negotiation process.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact the outcome of your recovery and any subsequent legal claims. Here are essential actions to take.
Follow Medical Advice and Treatment Plans
Immediate and consistent medical care is crucial after an accident. Follow all treatment plans and recommendations made by healthcare professionals.
Adhering to prescribed treatments supports a better recovery and provides documented evidence of your injuries and commitment to recovery, which is vital in legal proceedings.
Keep All Receipts and Bills
Document every expense related to the accident. This includes medical bills, medication receipts, physical therapy payments, and other health-related expenditures. Also, keep track of travel expenses, medical appointments, and any modifications needed for your home due to your injuries.
Maintain a Daily Journal
Start a daily journal documenting your physical and emotional recovery. Note your pain levels, mobility issues, emotional state, and how the injuries affect your daily life and work. This personal record can be powerful evidence in demonstrating the accident's impact on your quality of life.
Bring All Documentation to Your Lawyer
When you consult with an attorney, bring all the collected documentation, including medical records, receipts, journals, and the police report.
This information will give your lawyer a comprehensive understanding of the accident’s circumstances and your injuries, helping them build a strong case and effectively advocate for your rightful compensation.
Each step plays a vital role in your physical recovery and legal journey. Ensuring thorough documentation and strict adherence to medical advice not only aids in your health recovery but also strengthens your legal position, helping your lawyer to secure the money you deserve.
The Bruning Law Firm is Standing By to Help
Don’t hesitate to speak with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer with The Bruning Law Firm. We’re ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. Contact us online or call our Kansas City office at (816) 370-5384 for your free consultation.
