In Missouri, motorcycles share many of the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles. With the exception of a few motorcycle-specific laws, motorcycles are treated similarly to their four-wheeled counterparts. But what about after an accident? If you were involved in a Missouri motorcycle accident and want to know more about your rights after an accident, keep reading to learn more about your options and what you can do.
What Are Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Missouri?
There are several misconceptions about what to do after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Understanding what to do and how to pursue justice is important to any motorcycle rider.
Medical Treatment
If you were injured in a Missouri motorcycle accident, you have the right to receive medical treatment – and you should. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported that 81% of all accidents involving motorcycles resulted in injury or death; in 99% of fatal motorcycle accidents, the victim was on the motorcycle. Although laws and statewide safety initiatives have helped make it safer to ride a motorcycle, even the most experienced driver can’t always avoid the actions of another driver. Motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic, so if you were injured in any way, be sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and continue treatment.
File an Insurance Claim
Before filing an insurance claim, you should determine who was at fault for the accident. If you’re able to, gather evidence related to the collision including pictures and witness statements. This is important if the accident wasn’t your fault, although it’s important to remember that more than one party can be found at fault for a collision. Even if you were partially at fault, you should obtain the other party’s insurance information to file a claim. Because of Missouri’s pure comparative negligence rule, the amount of compensation you can claim will be reduced by the proportion of fault you had in the collision. In order to prove your case, you should provide the evidence you gathered to insurance, including police reports, medical bills and statements, and motorcycle repair bills.
Pursue Compensation
When you file an insurance claim, one of the most important pieces is making sure that you receive fair compensation for any damages caused by the accident. Depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, you can do so in a few ways: with your own insurance, with the at-fault party’s insurance, or through a lawsuit. Often, insurance companies offer a lower settlement than you deserve. In those cases, you should consult with an expert like a lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you’re compensated fairly.
Learn More About Your Rights: Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Knowing your rights and options after a motorcycle accident is overwhelming when you handle it by yourself. Not only are you left to negotiate with insurance yourself, but you may also miss out on compensation that you’re entitled to. Instead, you should discuss your case with a Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and how to take action to protect them. At Dreyer & Tinney, our law team offers free consultations with no obligations, which means that you can learn more about how we will fight for you before you make a commitment. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your motorcycle injury case.