St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Every motorcycle accident is a tragedy, especially if you are hurt or you lose a loved one in the accident. When this happens, you have legal rights. You may be able to take legal action against careless drivers who caused your motorcycle accident or may be able to pursue a claim against those responsible for the design or maintenance of the road or the manufacturer of the bike if their breach of duty contributed to your collision.

Injured In A Motorcycle Accident?

Contact An Attorney From Drafahl Law Today

Schedule A Free Consultation

At Drafahl Law Firm, our St. Louis injury lawyers have extensive experience helping clients in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. We know the ins and outs of these types of cases and we can start building a strong case from day one to maximize the chances of a favorable settlement or court verdict that gets you justice. 

Give us a call today at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight for you. Your consultation is always free and we won’t charge you legal fees if we don’t recover payment for your losses so reach out today to find out what we can do for you. 

Let Drafahl Law Firm Fight for Your Rights 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that there were 2,391 motorcycle crashes in Missouri over the course of a single year. Those collisions caused 154 fatalities and 1,950 injuries. 

You can’t trust just any motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get justice in the aftermath of an accident. You need an attorney who you can count on to go the distance in resolving your claim whether you are settling your case outside of court or going to trial because no settlement can be reached.

Here are some of the many reasons why Drafahl Law Firm is the right place to turn after your motorcycle collision in St. Louis. 

• Our attorneys have courtroom experience. We have been named among the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers and are members of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA).
• We’ve recovered substantial damage awards in recent years, including many million-dollar verdicts and settlements in motorcycle accident claims.
• Our client feedback is unparalleled, with past clients describing us as a “huge help” and indicating that our team was “attentive to my needs, answered my many questions promptly and was able to settle for an amount exceeding expectations”

We know you have many firms you can turn to, and we are ready to earn your trust as we demonstrate to you how we can be the strongest possible advocates. 

Awards & Memberships

How Finding The Right St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Get The Best Possible Results

Under Revisor of Missouri Section 537.765 , Missouri established pure comparative fault rules. This means that even if another party was a small percentage at fault for your motorcycle crash, they can still be held accountable for the harm you’ve endured.  You will just recover the percentage of compensation attributed to the defendant. 

At Drafahl Law Firm, we understand the laws that apply to motorcycle crash cases and we are ready to help you prove your case. We can:

• Gather evidence from the scene of the accident including witness testimony, security camera footage, police reports, and photos from the crash scene. 
• Help you to prove how badly the crash harmed you by taking steps like gathering medical records and helping you start a pain journal
• Identifying all defendants responsible for the harm you have endured so you can maximize the chances of full recovery
• Negotiating an out-of-court settlement or presenting your claim in court with solid legal arguments and compelling evidence. 

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, such as to the spinal cord, due to the exposed nature of the rider on roadways. If you or a loved one suffered an injury like this, contact a St. Louis spinal cord injury attorney to pursue financial compensation for any damages caused.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?

Being involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis can be frightening and confusing, especially when you’re affected by serious injuries and the shock of being injured. Knowing what to do immediately and in the days that follow will not only protect your health but also give you a stronger foundation for a legal claim if you decide to make one later on.  

Get Medical Care Right Away

Even if you think your injuries are mild, see a doctor as soon as possible. Adrenaline after an accident often masks pain and injuries. Getting prompt medical attention means all potential injuries are looked at, and it also helps connect your injuries to the accident if you decide to pursue a case for compensation later on. 

Collect Evidence 

While police officers will usually investigate a crash scene, don’t be afraid to gather your own information if you’re able. Snap photos of your bike, damaged vehicles, skid marks, debris, license plates, and any road conditions that could have contributed to the collision. Throughout the process, these pieces of evidence can be used as protection if others try to twist the story or if something important is missing from the official report. 

Ask For Names and Contact Details of Witnesses

Memories can fade quickly after an accident. Get the contact information for anyone who might have seen what happened. Independent witnesses often make the difference later on, especially if the other party’s insurance company disputes fault. 

Don’t Talk Through the Details with the Other Driver

It may feel natural to apologize or say too much at a stressful scene, but choices made in the heat of the moment can come back to haunt you, sometimes even counting as admissions you didn’t mean to make. Remain polite, exchange only necessary information (like license and insurance details), but never take or place blame right there. 

Contact Your Own Insurance Provider 

Let your insurer know about the accident, regardless of fault. Answer their initial questions and provide the police report when available, but be cautious about speculating or describing your injuries in detail until you’ve seen a doctor. Never admit fault, and don’t agree to a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. 

Follow Up With Treatment and Keep Every Record

Stick closely to your medical providers’ orders – get referrals, attend physical therapy, fill and take prescriptions, and keep all documentation organized. Gaps in care can be used by insurance companies to downplay your pain or blame you for failing to “mitigate damages.” 

Speak With a Lawyer 

Motorcycle accidents are especially challenging in Missouri because of biased assumptions about riders. A knowledgeable local attorney can defend you from being blamed for the accident and give you straightforward advice on the value of your claim. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is stressful and the process can feel overwhelming, but carefully following these steps puts you in a far stronger position.

What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

After a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, it’s natural to wonder what your case might be worth, but the reality is there’s no average or universal answer. The value of a motorcycle accident case depends on many elements. Some cases resolve for a modest sum to cover lost wages and minor medical bills, while more serious accidents – those involving surgery, permanent injuries, or emotional trauma – can lead to much larger settlements or awards. 

If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, contact our wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis to get the justice they deserve.

Every claim is different, and the final outcome depends on careful evaluation of the circumstances affecting your life now and in the future. Here are some of the most influential factors that will affect the outcome of your claim:  

Severity and Type of Your Injuries

Injuries that require hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, or cause permanent impairment usually result in higher compensation. The more significant your medical needs, and the longer your expected road to recovery, the greater your potential damages. 

Medical Expenses – Present and Future

Any bills you’ve already received, plus any expected future costs (like therapy, procedures, mobility aids, prescription drugs), factor heavily into a claim’s value. 

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Ability

If the accident left you unable to work or forced you into a lesser-paying job, you can claim your lost income. This isn’t just for the present, but also for projected future losses if your injuries affect your career. 

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Non-economic damages may be awarded for the pain, mental distress, scarring, permanent limitations, and loss of enjoyment you’re experiencing in your life because of the accident. These damages can be more difficult to obtain because they are so subjective, but they often make up a big part of settlements or court verdicts. 

Comparative Fault

Missouri’s comparative fault rules allow your award to be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. If you share some of the blame, your share of compensation goes down by your percentage of fault. A lawyer will help you prove that you weren’t at fault and maximize your compensation.  

Insurance Policy Limits

Even the strongest cases hit a ceiling depending on how much coverage the other driver, or your own uninsured/underinsured policy, provides. Your attorney will always check to identify every possible source of compensation. 

Because there are so many moving pieces in these cases, it’s difficult to say exactly what your claim is worth. When you work with a lawyer, they can give you a better idea of the possible outcome. 

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in St. Louis often happen suddenly and can leave riders facing serious, life-changing injuries. Knowing the most common causes can help you stay alert and be smart on the road. Here are some frequent reasons motorcycle crashes occur: 

• Left-Turn Accidents by Cars: Motorcycles are often hit when cars or trucks turn left at intersections without noticing or yielding to an oncoming rider. 
• Blind Spot Collisions: Motorcycles take up less space and may disappear in a driver’s side or rear-view mirrors, leading to dangerous lane changes or merges that throw riders from their bikes. 
• Distracted Drivers: Texting, using a cell phone, eating, or just not paying attention leads to many drivers failing to spot a motorcycle until it is too late to avoid a crash.
• Excessive Speed By The Bike or Car: High speeds give everyone less time to react, and when bikes are involved, the results are often catastrophic.  
• Driver Impairment: Drugs, alcohol, or fatigue severely limit driver judgment and reaction time, making motorcycles (who have less visible profiles) especially vulnerable. 
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, gravel, broken pavement, and slick spots can cause much more trouble for motorcycles than cars, leading to loss of control and serious accidents. 

Because so many of these accidents are the result of driver negligence, there are legal options for injured riders, allowing them to pursue compensation for their losses.

How Do I Seek Compensation For Damages After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, but the process can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to heal.  Understanding each step strengthens your claim and helps you understand what you need to do going forward.  

Filing an Insurance Claim

Most compensation after a crash begins with your lawyer filing claims with all relevant insurance companies. This usually means the insurance company for the person who hit you, possibly your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or any applicable policies held by a third party. Your attorney will gather medical records, accident reports, photo evidence, receipts, and expert testimony to explain your current and future needs. 

Negotiating With Insurers

Insurance companies typically make an initial low offer or may even dispute who was at fault. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will push back, using investigation results and documentation to demand fair damages. Negotiating usually covers your medical bills, bike repairs, lost wages, and even your pain and suffering. 

Considering a Lawsuit 

If the insurer refuses a fair payout, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit in civil court. A lawsuit lets you present evidence and argue before a judge or jury about what you’re truly owed. 

Preparing for Trial or Accepting Settlement

Even after court paperwork is started, most cases settle before reaching a verdict, since the evidence is rereviewed and negotiation pressure increases. Your attorney will keep you informed and help you decide whether to settle or continue all the way to trial. 

Being Ready for Comparative Fault Arguments

Missouri uses “pure comparative fault,” meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame for the crash. However, your award will be reduced by your share of the fault. This makes a strong case and persuasive representation even more important when disputes about blame arise. 

Seeking compensation after a motorcycle crash in St. Louis means persistence and tough negotiations. Having a lawyer by your side helps make sure you get as much as possible from your claim.

How Long Do I Have To File A Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This is called the statute of limitations. 

516.120.  What actions within five years. — Within five years:

  (1)  All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section 516.110, and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;

  (2)  An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture;

  (3)  An action for trespass on real estate;

  (4)  An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;

  (5)  An action for relief on the ground of fraud, the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud.

 If you don’t start your case within that five-year window, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. However, this deadline isn’t always absolute – certain factors can extend or “toll” the deadline, so it’s crucial to understand whether any exceptions apply to your case. 

The Discovery Rule

Sometimes, injuries are not immediately obvious or connected to the accident until later. In these cases, the clock for the statute of limitations doesn’t start running until you actually discover or reasonably should have discovered your injury. 

If You Are Under 21

For individuals under the age of 21 at the time of the accident, Missouri law pauses the five-year timeline until their 21st birthday. This means the countdown only starts once they turn 21. 

Legal Disability

If you are considered legally disabled (because of mental incapacity or other specified disabilities), the period to file is paused until the date your disability is removed. 

When the Defendant Leaves the State

If the person who caused your accident leaves Missouri, the statute of limitations may be paused for the time they are absent. This helps to ensure they can’t avoid responsibility just by leaving the area. 

Claims Against Government Entities

If your claim involves a government agency or employee, strict rules apply. In addition to the 90-day notice requirement to the government agency, other legal time limitations may apply, which could be much shorter than five years. 

Fraudulent Concealment

If the party responsible for your injuries hides their involvement and, as a result, you don’t find out who is to blame right away, the statute of limitations may be paused until you discover or reasonably should discover​their role in causing your harm. 

Every case is different and the rules are complicated, making it critical to work with a lawyer to determine the deadline for your case.

Send Us a Message

To find out more, give us a call at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.