St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. The injuries are often severe, the medical bills pile up quickly, and insurance companies seem determined to blame you for what happened.

You need someone who understands both the unique challenges of motorcycle accident cases and the serious nature of your injuries. The Bruning Law Firm's St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience fighting the bias riders face from insurance companies, securing maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries caused by negligent drivers throughout Missouri and Illinois.

St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Guide

Why Choose The Bruning Law Firm?

When you're facing serious injuries from a motorcycle accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to take on the insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation.

The Bruning Law Firm has built a reputation on delivering results for injured motorcyclists throughout St. Louis, the Metro East, and the surrounding areas.

Extensive Experience in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers understand that these cases differ from typical car accident claims. We know that motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road and that the injuries from motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic.

We've handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases, securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

The Bruning Law Firm understands the physics of motorcycle accidents, the common types of injuries riders sustain, and the long-term medical care that's often required. We also know how to counter the bias that motorcyclists often face from insurance companies and juries.

Resources to Build Compelling Cases

Motorcycle accident cases require detailed investigation and expert testimony to prove what really happened and demonstrate the full extent of your damages. Our firm works with accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze skid marks, impact damage, and other evidence to show how the accident occurred.

We collaborate with medical experts who can explain your injuries to insurance companies and juries, including the ongoing treatment you'll need and how your injuries will affect your life long-term. We also work with economists who can calculate your lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous work.

Knowledge of Missouri and Illinois Law

St. Louis sits right on the Mississippi River, with many of our clients living in Illinois but seeking representation from a big-city law firm.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys are licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois, and we understand the different laws, statutes of limitations, and court procedures in both states.

Whether your motorcycle crash happened on Highway 40 in Missouri or Interstate 64 in Illinois, we know the local courts, judges, and legal requirements that will affect your case. This dual-state knowledge is crucial for Metro East residents who suffered an injury in Missouri or Missouri residents who suffered an injury while riding in Illinois.

Convenient Locations and Personal Service

Our main office is located at the intersection of several major St. Louis thoroughfares, making it easy for clients throughout the region to meet with us in person.

We're familiar with the local motorcycle riding community and the popular routes that take riders through areas like the Missouri wine country, along the Great River Road, and through the scenic Ozark foothills.

We understand that recovering from serious motorcycle accident injuries can make travel difficult, so we're willing to meet with clients at their homes or in the hospital when necessary.

You can reach our St. Louis office at (314) 735-8100. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

What typically causes motorcycle collisions in St. Louis? The way insurance companies try to paint it, you'd think it was all the fault of the biker, however, it is usually the fault of other motorists on the road. Here are the most common causes behind motorcycle crashes:

• Driver Failure to See Motorcycles: Motorcycles have a smaller profile, which makes them harder for other motorists to see, especially while in blind spots. However, it is still every motorist's duty to watch out for motorcycle riders and other road users.
• Left-Turn Accidents: The most common type of motorcycle crash occurs when drivers making left turns misjudge motorcycle speed. They pull out in front of the oncoming motorcycle, causing potentially catastrophic injuries.
• Distracted Driving: Negligent drivers on their phones make the roads more dangerous for everyone, especially motorcycle riders.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Failure to check blind spots and then changing lanes is a recipe for disaster for bikers who will be knocked down into the road.
• Following Too Closely: Every motorist has a duty to stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Rear-end collisions are catastrophic for riders as they have little to shield them from the impact.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, oil slicks, and other hazards on the road can cause minor issues for cars, though for bikers, they are downright dangerous.
• Dooring: When drivers park on the street, they should watch out when opening their doors into traffic lanes, or they could knock a motorcyclist off their bike.

At The Bruning Law Firm, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers are intent on fighting motorcycle prejudice from insurers to get injured victims throughout Missouri and Illinois the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Even with a helmet and protective gear, motorcyclists suffer some of the most catastrophic injuries when they are hit with passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Motorcycle accident victims frequently experience:

• Road Rash: Road rash and burn injuries can range from severe to minor. More severe cases will require skin grafts, resulting in expensive medical bills and a need for maximum compensation.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A motorcyclist can suffer traumatic brain injury, even with a helmet. If this injury is severe, it could have lifelong impacts or even result in coma or death.
• Spinal Cord Injuries / Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries are life-changing, often leading to permanent disability for injured motorcycle riders.
• Broken Bones / Fractures: Since riders are exposed, legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis fractures are common in motorcycle crashes.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are some of the most serious injuries of all as they are not immediately apparent. Fatalities are common when medical treatment is ignored.
• Amputation: Crush injuries in severe motorcycle collisions when riders are thrown under vehicles that weigh several tons, requiring amputation of severely damaged limbs.
• PTSD / Psychological Trauma: Motorcyclists additionally suffer intense psychological trauma after crashes. They may feel extreme anxiety about riding, experience depression by being unable to do the things they once loved, or endure other mental impacts.

At The Bruning Law Firm, our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys fight the unfair bias of insurance companies through extensive experience to get maximum compensation for life-altering injuries caused by negligent drivers in Missouri and Illinois.

Motorcycle Accident Compensation in St. Louis

The compensation available in motorcycle accident cases depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of your accident, and the long-term impact on your life.

Because motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than typical car accidents, the potential compensation can be substantial.

Our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys work to ensure you receive full compensation for all your damages, both economic and non-economic.

Your compensation may include coverage for all your medical expenses, from emergency room treatment and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation and future medical care. If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, we'll fight to recover your lost earnings and diminished earning capacity. Motorcycle accident victims often face months or years of recovery, during which they may be unable to perform their regular job duties.

You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, which includes the physical pain from your injuries as well as the emotional trauma of the accident.

Many motorcycle accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety about riding or even being a passenger in vehicles. Some suffer from depression as they struggle to cope with permanent disabilities or changes to their lifestyle.

In the tragic cases where motorcycle accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. These cases can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the devastating emotional impact of losing a loved one. When devastating injuries impact physical and mental well-being, motorcyclists need The Bruning Law Firm's St. Louis attorneys to fight insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve.

Where Motorcycle Accidents Occur in St. Louis

St. Louis area roads present numerous hazards for motorcyclists, with certain locations seeing higher rates of serious accidents. Interstate 270, which forms a loop around the St. Louis metro area, experiences frequent motorcycle accidents, particularly at busy interchanges like Highway 40 and Interstate 64.

The intersection of Grand Avenue and Highway 40 is another location where our attorneys have handled serious motorcycle accident cases. These cases often involve drivers who fail to see motorcycles when changing lanes or making turns.

Highway 40 through downtown St. Louis and into St. Charles County sees heavy motorcycle traffic, especially during rush hour and on weekends. The section near the Central West End and Forest Park area can be particularly dangerous, with drivers distracted by the busy urban environment. Interstate 44, heading southwest toward the Missouri wine country, is popular with recreational riders, but the combination of tourist traffic and riders unfamiliar with the winding roads can create dangerous conditions.

The Delmar Loop area in University City presents unique challenges for motorcyclists, with pedestrian traffic, the trolley system, and busy intersections creating multiple hazards.

Many of our clients have suffered an injury in accidents near Washington University or in the trendy restaurant and shopping district, often involving drivers who were focused on finding parking rather than watching for motorcycles.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys have experience with all types of motorcycle crashes and the serious injuries they cause. Left-turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle accidents we see.

These occur when drivers making left turns fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge the motorcycle's speed and distance. The results are often catastrophic because the motorcycle has little protection from the impact.

Rear-end collisions happen when drivers following too closely fail to stop in time when a motorcycle slows down or stops. While these might seem less serious than other types of accidents, motorcyclists can be thrown from their bikes and suffer severe injuries even in lower-speed collisions.

Intersection accidents occur when drivers run red lights or stop signs or fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles. Busy intersections throughout St. Louis, including areas around Schnucks supermarket locations and shopping centers, see frequent accidents involving drivers focused on their destination rather than watching for motorcycles.

Lane-splitting and lane-changing accidents happen when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots or when they drift into the motorcycle's lane. Highway 40 and Interstate 270 are common locations for these types of accidents, particularly during heavy traffic when drivers become impatient and make sudden lane changes.

Fighting the Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often treat motorcycle accident claims differently than car accident claims, and not in a good way. They frequently try to blame the motorcyclist for the accident, suggesting that riders are inherently reckless or that the motorcycle was speeding or lane-splitting. These companies may also try to minimize the severity of your injuries, arguing that motorcyclists should expect to be hurt if they choose to ride.

Insurance adjusters often make quick settlement offers immediately after motorcycle accidents, hoping to resolve the claim before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. By settling early, they avoid paying for these future medical expenses.

The insurance companies also have teams of lawyers and investigators working to find ways to deny or minimize your claim. They may hire accident reconstruction experts to dispute your version of what happened, or they may obtain your medical records to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as claimed.

Having experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys on your side completely changes the dynamic. The Bruning Law Firm handles all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring you don't inadvertently say anything that can hurt your case.

Missouri Motorcycle Laws

Certain state laws come into play that can affect a motorcycle accident case. Helmet laws vary between states, and where you are on the road is a huge factor. Missouri law requires helmets only for riders under the age of 26 while Illinois law has no universal helmet mandate.

Regardless of helmet requirements, comparative fault in each state will also have a role in your case. Missouri's pure comparative fault rule allows for injured motorcyclists to recover compensation even if they are up to 99% at fault. In Illinois, modified comparative negligence only allows for compensation recovery if you are 50% or less at fault in the accident. Since insurers are known to label riders as daredevils with a death wish, they will use an array of tactics to assign more fault to you to reduce the settlement or deny your claim.

Both states have made lane splitting illegal, however, motorcyclists who get into a crash while performing this maneuver are not automatically at-fault. Low insurance minimums are another concern as they leave riders vulnerable, which is why uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage should always be in place.

Above all, the statute of limitations is a huge concern for every motorcycle accident case as it serves as a ticking clock for how long you have to file your lawsuit. In Missouri, you will have 5 years while in Illinois, you'll have only 2 years. No matter how much time is allowed, it is in your best interest to take legal action as soon as possible before crucial evidence and witness memories fade away.

What to Do After Your Motorcycle Accident

The period immediately following a motorcycle accident is critical for your health and legal case. If you haven't received medical attention, that should be your top priority. Motorcycle accident injuries can be life-threatening, and some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline and shock. Even if you feel okay at the scene, you should be evaluated by medical professionals as soon as possible.

Follow all of your doctor's recommendations for treatment and recovery. It may include surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized treatments. Insurance companies often argue that people who don't follow their treatment plans aren't really injured, so it's important to attend all appointments and follow prescribed therapy regimens.

Keep detailed records of all your medical treatment, including receipts for prescriptions, medical equipment, and travel to medical appointments. Document how your injuries affect your daily life, including activities you can no longer do, changes in your sleep patterns, and the impact on your work and relationships. This information helps our attorneys demonstrate the full scope of your damages.

Preserve any evidence from your accident, including photographs of your motorcycle, injuries, and the accident scene, if possible. If there were witnesses to your accident, try to get their contact information. Keep copies of the police report and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Most importantly, contact our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, but Illinois has only a two-year limit, so if you're a Metro East resident, time is even more critical. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Our St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Having experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can make the difference between a fair settlement and a lowball offer that doesn't cover your actual damages. Our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers handle every aspect of your case, from the initial investigation through trial if necessary.

We conduct thorough investigations of motorcycle accidents, often visiting the accident scene and working with experts to reconstruct what happened. We review police reports, interview witnesses, and examine all available evidence to build the strongest possible case for your compensation claim.

Our attorneys handle all dealings with insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics while we negotiate for maximum compensation. We know how to present motorcycle accident cases in a way that overcomes common biases against riders and focuses attention on the other driver's negligent actions.

We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to ensure we're seeking appropriate compensation for all your damages. It includes not just your current medical bills and lost earnings but also future medical expenses, ongoing care needs, and the long-term impact of your injuries on your earning capacity and quality of life.

We will take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses fair compensation. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and know how to present motorcycle accident cases effectively to juries throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Contact Our St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you after a serious motorcycle accident. The experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyers at The Bruning Law Firm have extensive experience fighting motorcycle rider bias from insurance companies, securing maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries caused by negligent drivers throughout Missouri and Illinois.

We understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face, and we're committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Contact our St. Louis office today at (314) 735-8100 to schedule your free consultation. We'll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options with no obligation on your part. You don't pay unless we win under our contingency fee model, allowing you to get the legal support you need to recover the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Resources

Learn more about motorcycle accidents and your legal options with these helpful resources:

• Road Defects Often Cause Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycle Helmet Provided Inadequate Protection, Who's Responsible?
• Motorcycle Laws That Too Many Motorists Ignore
• Head Injuries from a Defective Motorcycle Helmet
• Can a Lawyer Help After Road Rash in a Motorcycle Accident?
• Disabled after a Motorcycle Accident
• How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
• Losing a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident
• How Do You Recover from a Motorcycle Accident?
• What are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
• What if I Am Partly to Blame for My Motorcycle Accident?
• What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
• Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
• How Does Wearing a Helmet Protect Your Brain?
• How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
• Pain and Suffering for a Motorcycle Accident
• Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

Client Testimonial

"Ryan and Alice were awesome and VERY patient with my questions and keeping me informed with the details of the case. My case was very patience-tested and they remained professional, going out of their way for the best interests of their client (me!). Very grateful for their help! HIGHLY recommend this law firm!" - Chris O.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 2020
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