Motorcycle crashes can leave riders with serious injuries. A Skilled Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer helps victims get fair payment. If you were hurt in a bike crash, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Here’s how a local injury lawyer handles motorcycle crash cases from start to finish.
1. First Call: Free Case Review
After a crash, your first move should be safety. Your next step should be calling a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers in Kansas City offer a free call or meeting.
During that first chat, they ask:
- What happened?
- Where did it happen?
- Were there witnesses?
- Are you hurt?
- Do you have a police report?
They explain what your rights are. They also tell you if you might have a good case. This call is private. You don’t pay unless you hire a lawyer and win money.
2. Investigation Starts Right Away
Once you hire a lawyer, they start digging. The goal is to gather proof that shows the other driver caused the crash.
They may:
- Look at police reports
- Collect medical records
- Take photos of the crash site
- Talk to witnesses
- Find camera footage
- Hire accident experts
The lawyer builds a timeline. They find out what the driver did wrong. Maybe they were speeding, drunk, or texting. Every detail matters.
See also: Kansas City Assault Lawyer Explains Missouri Self-Defense Laws
3. Calculating What You’re Owed
Motorcycle crashes cause more than broken bones. You may lose work, face high medical bills, or feel lasting pain. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer adds it all up.
They count:
- Hospital bills
- Rehab costs
- Lost paychecks
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your bike
- Future costs from long-term injury
They don’t guess. They use your records and expert input. That total becomes your demand for payment.
4. Talking to the Insurance Company
Most claims don’t go to court. Your lawyer deals with the insurance company for you. That means you don’t have to take stressful calls or answer tricky questions.
The lawyer sends a demand letter. It includes:
- What happened
- How the driver was at fault
- Your injuries
- Your medical records
- What you want in payment
The insurance company may fight back. They might say you were to blame. Or they may offer less money than you need.
Your lawyer pushes back. They argue with facts, not feelings.
5. Taking It to Court (If Needed)
If the insurer won’t pay fair money, your lawyer files a lawsuit. This doesn’t always mean a trial. Most cases still settle before reaching the courtroom.
If it does go to trial, your lawyer:
- Prepares you for questions
- Picks a jury
- Tells your story with facts and photos
- Cross-examines the other side
- Fights for fair money
Trials take time. But if it wins you the money you deserve, it’s worth it.
6. Motorcycle Crash Claims Are Unique
Motorcycle crash cases are not like car crash claims. Riders face more bias. Insurance adjusters may blame the rider even when the driver was wrong.
A local lawyer knows these tricks. They know how Kansas City juries think. They also understand local traffic laws. This local touch can make a big difference.
7. You Pay Nothing Unless You Win
Almost all personal injury lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” rule. This means:
- No cost up front
- No hourly billing
- Lawyer only gets paid if you win money
Their pay is a percent of your total settlement. So it’s in their best interest to win as much as possible for you.
8. Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Many Kansas City crashes happen for the same reasons. A lawyer knows what to look for.
Common causes include:
- Cars turning left in front of bikes
- Distracted drivers
- Speeding
- Drunk or high drivers
- Lane changes without checking mirrors
- Poor road signs or potholes
Each cause needs its own proof. That’s why your lawyer’s investigation matters so much.
9. What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Missouri uses a rule called pure comparative fault. That means if you were partly to blame, you can still get money.
Here’s how it works:
- If you were 20% at fault, your payment drops by 20%
- If you were 50% at fault, you still get 50% of your claim
- Even if you were 99% at fault, you can still get 1%
A good lawyer fights to lower your fault level. That keeps more money in your pocket.
10. Why Local Experience Matters
A Kansas City personal injury lawyer knows:
- Local courts
- Local judges
- Insurance tactics in the area
- Road conditions in the region
They use that knowledge to help you in the legal process to win. Someone from out of town won’t have the same edge.
FAQs About Motorcycle Crash Claims in Kansas City
1. What is the time limit to file a claim after a motorcycle wreck?
In Missouri, you have five years from the accident date. However, don’t sit on your rights. In most cases, time is your friend and you will create better evidence the sooner you act.
2. If I was not wearing a helmet, would I still get paid?
Yes. In 2020, Missouri changed the law. Riders 26 or older who have health insurance are not required to wear a helmet. Even if you broke the law, you may still get paid. An attorney can explain how the law will affect your case.
3. Will I have to go to a trial?
Most likely not. Most motorcycle wreck cases settle without having to go to a trial. The attorney will prepare the case for trial, but try to settle the case first.
4. How much is my motorcycle wreck case worth?
All cases are different. Some cases are worth not much more than a couple of thousand dollars, some cases are worth six figures or more. The value of the case depends on the nature of your injuries, the amount of bills you have, and what your life will look like in the future.
5. What should I bring to the first meeting with the attorney?
You should bring your identification, photos of the crash, the police report, medical records and bills. It’s ok if you don’t have all of the information. The lawyer will help obtain the rest of the information.
Final Thoughts
An experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer can be the difference between a low offer and real help. They deal with the stress so you can focus on healing. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer who knows how to win.
