Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents are often devastating, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, you need more than just legal help; you need a voice that advocates for your rights and justice. That is where the Kansas City personal injury lawyers from Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe step in as “The Voice for Victims.” Contact us today by calling (818) 876-2600 for a free consultation.

Why Choose Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe?

At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, our track record speaks volumes. With over a billion dollars recovered for our clients, we can fight for you to get the rightful compensation you deserve. Here are some other good reasons why you should choose our law firm:

• Free Consultation: We believe in transparent and honest communication from the get-go. Our doors are always open for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.
• Proven Experience: With more than a century of experience under our belt, our law firm has secured successful verdicts and settlements, making a significant difference in the lives of our clients.
• Award-Winning Team: Our lawyers have been nationally recognized with accolades such as America’s Top 100, Super Lawyers,and U.S. News Best Law Firms, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence.

Our Approach

When tragedy strikes, it is not just about legal representation; it is about having a staunch advocate who will voice your rights, seek justice on your behalf, and fight aggressively to help restore normalcy to your life.

Our seasoned Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys will employ a blend of experience and fervor for justice to meticulously strategize your case. We will begin with a thorough examination of the circumstances involved in your accident to identify all potential avenues of liability.

We understand that every case is different with its unique set of challenges. Therefore, we will tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs and goals. We will strive not only to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve but also to demand accountability that can prevent similar incidents in the future.

Your journey after being injured in a motorcycle accident can be long and arduous, but with us by your side, you are not alone. We will help make the journey easier, restoring you with hope, and working tirelessly to better your life post-accident.

Successful Case Results

The Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe have years of experience successfully handling a variety of auto accident cases. Our team of personal injury lawyers have received large settlements and recovered compensation for clients who have suffered from severe motorcycle accident injuries. Some notable case results include:

• $39 Million Settlement: A product liability case involving a child wrongful death claim and other personal injuries settled for $39 million.
• $36.3 Million Settlement: Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe recovered a $36.3 million verdict for Anthony Jones and Lester Pruett against Liquid Asphalt for negligent design and manufacturing of a storage tank, with an initial settlement of $7.2 million with Rand Construction.
• $18 Million Settlement: Defendant Deffenbaugh Industries’ landfill employee operated a defective trash compactor, causing injury to Plaintiff Wixom during a “pull-off” procedure, leading to allegations of negligence and improper machinery use.

Client Testimonials

“They went above and beyond to be sure we were getting the best possible result.”

Why Hire a Lawyer For Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Navigating the legal process after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney can ensure the following:

• Expert Guidance: With a skilled legal mind by your side, you are better positioned to understand the intricacies of your case and the legal landscape.
• Maximized Compensation: An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Kansas City can help identify all potential sources of compensation, striving to maximize the recovery you receive.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Having a seasoned negotiator on your side can make a significant difference.
• Stress Reduction: With a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Kansas City handling your claim, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on securing justice for you.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The open road can be a perilous place for motorcyclists, especially when other drivers act negligently. Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Kansas City:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or not paying attention to the road can easily overlook motorcyclists.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and can lead to severe collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists.
• Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a drunk driving attorney in Kansas City.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorcycles can easily be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot, making unsafe lane changes particularly dangerous.
• Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and other hazardous road conditions can be deadly for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle and Helmet Laws in Kansas City

Missouri’s motorcycle helmet law has undergone significant changes. Initially, the state mandated all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets when riding on state highways. However, a new law was passed in 2020. Under the revised legislation, motorcycle riders and passengers 26 years and older are exempt from wearing a helmet, as long as they have health insurance.

Missouri Revised Statutes – 302.026.  Motorcycle operators twenty-six years of age or older, no protective headgear required, when — proof of insurance coverage required.

1. Any qualified motorcycle operator who is twenty-six years of age or older may operate a motorcycle or motortricycle upon any highway of this state without wearing protective headgear if he or she in addition to maintaining proof of financial responsibility in accordance with chapter 303, is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding on a motorcycle or motortricycle.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe consequences due to the limited protection motorcycles offer compared to other vehicles. There are multiple types of collisions that can occur on Kansas City roads, such as the following:

• Left-Turn Accidents: These occur when a vehicle makes a left turn at an intersection or into a driveway, colliding with a motorcycle proceeding straight in the opposite direction. Such accidents often happen due to the vehicle driver’s failure to notice the motorcycle or misjudge its speed.
• Lane Splitting Accidents: Lane splitting refers to riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While it can help motorcyclists navigate through congestion, it also increases the risk of accidents due to the close proximity to cars and the limited maneuvering space.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end accidents are common scenarios, occurring when a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind, often at stop signs or traffic lights. These collisions can result from distracted driving, abrupt stops, or the driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance.
• Road Hazards: Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by road hazards, including potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris, and slippery conditions. These dangers can cause the rider to lose control and crash.
• Dooring Accidents: Often occurring in city settings, dooring refers to a vehicle’s door being opened in the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Riders may not have enough time to react, leading to a collision with the door. In some cases, the motorcycle may be hit by another car while attempting to swerve away.
• Side-Swipe Accidents: These accidents occur when a vehicle changes lanes without noticing a nearby motorcycle, brushing against it or forcing the rider to veer off the road. Side-swipe accidents are often caused by a failure to check blind spots or signal before making lane changes.
• Head-On Collisions: These devastating accidents occur when a vehicle and a motorcycle collide front-to-front, usually when a vehicle crosses into an oncoming lane. Distracted or impaired driving often contributes to these accidents. Head-on collisions are among the most lethal for motorcyclists due to the high impact force and lack of protective barriers.

Common Damages Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can leave the victims with a multitude of damages, impacting their quality of life. Some of the common damages sustained by injured motorcyclists include:

• Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits to ongoing therapy, medical expenses can quickly mount up.
• Lost Wages: Time off work for recovery can lead to a significant loss of income.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional distress caused by a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming.
• Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your motorcycle can be costly.
• Permanent Disability: A severe motorcycle accident can result in permanent disability, affecting the victim’s ability to work and enjoy life.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a motorcycle accident results in death, the family of the deceased may seek compensation for wrongful death.

Motorcycle accident claims present a unique set of challenges and considerations distinct from Kansas City car accident claims. Here is how they differ:

• The Severity of Injuries: Motorcyclists lack the protective enclosure that cars provide. Thus, motorcycle accident claims often involve more severe or catastrophic injuries.
• Helmet Laws: Missouri’s helmet laws and their adherence can play a significant role in the extent of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, as well as how liability for the accident will be allocated. Motorcyclists who are found partially at fault for an accident will have the amount of compensation they can recover reduced by their percentage of fault.
• Bias Against Motorcyclists: There is often an unfair bias against motorcyclists, portraying them as reckless or risk-takers, which can influence the perception of fault in a motorcycle accident claim.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurance claims and coverage can be more complex in motorcycle accident cases, given the severity of injuries and potential biases involved.

Understanding these differences is crucial for a fair and accurate representation of motorcycle accident claims. Our Kansas City car accident attorneys have the experience to navigate these complexities, ensuring that the unique challenges of motorcycle accidents are addressed thoroughly in your claim.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

1. Ensure Your Safety: Check if you and others involved are safe and move away from the traffic.
2. Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, it is crucial to get checked out by a doctor.
4. Gather Information: Collect the contact and insurance information from the other parties involved.
5. Contact Our Law Firm: Reach out to our law firm for a free consultation to understand your legal rights and the next steps you need to take.

Call Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe to Consult with an Experienced Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you care about was injured in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, your journey toward justice begins with a simple, no-obligation consultation. Reach out to us to discuss the specifics of your case and let us be the voice for your cause. Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe at 816-876-2600, toll-free at 877-816-2600, or fill out our online contact form to get started.