Motorcycles are popular throughout the country, including in St. Louis, Missouri. However, riding a motorcycle requires specific skills that a motorist may not possess without training and experience. Therefore, riders must obtain a special driver’s license in Missouri to operate a motorcycle.
The St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers of Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers understand the dangers faced by motorcyclists. They also are knowledgeable about insurance tactics used by many companies to try to cheat riders out of the compensation they deserve for a motorcycle crash.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, MO, contact our office at (314) 400-0000 for a free consultation with one of our St. Louis personal injury lawyers.
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How Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle crashes can cause catastrophic injuries and damages. A motorcyclist could incur substantial financial losses and permanent disabilities from a motorcycle wreck. It is crucial that you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, to fight for maximum compensation for your injuries.
Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers have substantial experience handling accident claims. In recent years, our legal team had the distinction of having the “most reported winning cases,” as cited by The Missouri Lawyers’ Weekly. Our winning cases include 6, 7, and even 8-figure results for our clients.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence proving fault
- Identify the parties who caused the crash and who are liable for your damages
- Handle all matters related to insurance claims, including handling all communications with the insurance company
- File all documents necessary to protect your best interests
- Aggressively negotiate and fight for the maximum compensation available for your injury claim
- Provide you with the guidance and support you need as you continue to recover from your injuries
Call our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis.
Missouri Motorcycle License Requirements
You must obtain a Class M endorsement, Class M license, or Class M temporary motorcycle instruction permit to ride a motorcycle in Missouri. The process of obtaining a motorcycle permit or motorcycle license varies depending on the person’s age. Earning a motorcycle license demonstrates that you have the knowledge of motorcycle safety and the skills required for safe driving.
Minors 15 ½ years of age can apply for a temporary motorcycle instruction permit. They must comply with the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing requirements and complete a specific number of supervised hours of driving before receiving an intermediate license.
Minors must pass an approved motorcycle rider training course before receiving a permit. They must also pass the Class F and Class M written, vision, and road sign tests. Written consent from a parent or legal guardian is also required to obtain a permit. Several restrictions apply to minors that do not apply to adult motorcyclists.
If you wish to obtain a Class M license or a Class M endorsement to your driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years of age and:
- Pass the Missouri Department of Revenue written Class F and Class M knowledge test (many riders take a practice test to ensure they are prepared for the actual test)
- Pass the on-cycle skills test (this test can be waived by completing an approved motorcycle rider training course)
- Pass the Class F and Class M vision and road sign tests
- Provide all required documents to obtain a permit or license
- Pay the fees for obtaining the permit or license
Licensing requirements for a motorcycle license ensure that you understand road rules and safe riding procedures. First-time applicants should review the Department of Revenue’s Motorcycle Operator Manual and all requirements for obtaining a Missouri driver’s license.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Louis
Even though you obtain your motorcycle license and follow all safety practices for riding a motorcycle, you could be involved in a traffic accident.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Other drivers failing to see a motorcycle approaching
- Motorists following a rider too closely (tailgating or rear-end accidents)
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to obey traffic laws
If another driver is responsible for causing a motorcycle accident, that driver could be liable for the rider’s injuries and damages caused by the crash.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists do not have protection from the impact of a collision. There is no metal frame or airbags to protect them from injuries. Motorcycle helmets and other protective gear reduce the risk of injury, but they do not prevent all injuries or deaths from motorcycle crashes.
Almost 5,000 riders lost their lives in motorcycle crashes nationwide in 2018. In Missouri, thousands of riders were injured, and 119 riders lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in 2019.
Some of the common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions (road rash), which can lead to severe infections and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
The damages from a motorcycle accident can total hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, especially in cases involving permanent disabilities and impairments. A rider may incur significant medical bills and personal care costs in addition to substantial loss of income and benefits.
Damages Available After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis, Missouri
If another driver negligently caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages due to your injuries. Economic damages make up for your financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and future lost earnings. Non-economic damages attempt to reimburse you for your psychological and emotional losses, such as pain and suffering, PTSD, and depression.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer to begin building your claim for damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accident cases can be complicated. Insurance companies may blame the motorcyclist to avoid paying its insurance claim or lower the claim’s value. Additionally, under Missouri’s statute of limitations, you only have a limited amount of time to file your personal injury claim before you are barred from recovering damages.
Do not allow an insurance adjuster to pressure you into accepting a settlement offer without legal advice. Call us to talk to a St. Louis personal injury attorney about your motorcycle accident. The initial consultation with a lawyer is free of charge.
