Many people enjoy riding their motorcycle simply for the freedom and pleasure of riding in the Ozarks. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle can also be risky. One of the biggest dangers to motorcyclists is car and truck drivers on the road, specifically those who do not pay attention to their surroundings and don’t know how to safely share the road.
When a car or truck driver makes a careless or dangerous decision near a motorcycle, the driver could cause a serious accident or even a fatal crash.
If the car driver hurts a motorcycle rider or his passenger because of careless or wrongful actions, that driver’s insurance company should be made to compensate the motorcycle accident victim. Unfortunately, many motorcycle victims are met with an insurance company adjuster who tries to blame the victim.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Missouri you need to assert your legal rights. Take action to make the driver live up to his or her responsibility and cover your losses by looking for motorcycle accident lawyers in Missouri.
Making an Accident Claim
Motorcycle riders have a legal right to obtain compensation in any situation where a driver’s negligence led to a motorcycle crash. A motorcyclist can prove that a driver was negligent by showing either:
- That the driver broke a safety rule of the road, such as by exceeding the speed limit or running a red light OR
- That the driver was unreasonably careless in operating the vehicle, falling below the level of care that a hypothetically reasonable driver would have exhibited in the same situation.
The motorcycle rider will also need to show that the motorist’s negligence was a direct cause of an accident that led to injuries. The motorcycle rider has to show all of these things by a preponderance of the evidence in order to convince a jury to hold the driver responsible in a personal injury claim
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Claims
Drivers who cause motorcycle crashes must cover all losses that are a direct result of their negligence or wrongdoing. This includes compensating the injured motorcycle rider, a passenger, or his or her surviving family members for:
- All medical bills from the injuries (including those likely to be incurred in the future)
- All lost income/wages because of the injuries (including any future loss of earning power or potential)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (including compensation for funeral bills, medical bills and lost companionship)
The specific amount of damages or compensation is going to vary based on many factors including not only the facts of the accident but also how bad your injuries are, the amount of insurance the responsible driver had, what type of insurance you had and whether you sue or settle.
Choosing from accomplished motorcycle accident lawyers can also be advantageous, as your lawyer can help you make a strong case so you have an optimal chance of maximizing your compensation. Contact Krebs Law Firm for help from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Missouri and get the compensation you deserve.