Motorcycle Accidents

St. Louis Motorcycle Crash Lawyers Serving Missouri & Illinois

Spring and summer are very popular seasons for motorcycle rides. But as more riders take to the road, the danger of devastating motorcycle accidents increases. In fact, motorcycle casualties peak during the spring and summer months. Even though the conditions are right for riding, most Missouri and Illinois motorcycle accidents happen in fine weather and on dry roads. Motorcycle crashes account for an average of 15 percent of all driving-related fatalities per year. That’s why it’s so important to take all the necessary precautions before heading out on a motorcycle.

Click to See Motorcycle Helmet Laws & Statistics

But even if you are a safe rider, other careless and reckless drivers can cause a crash. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver in Missouri or Illinois, our compassionate and skilled motorcycle accident lawyers can help. At The Cagle Law Firm, we will evaluate your motorcycle accident free of charge and explain your legal options for recovery. You have a legal right to seek compensation for injuries in a motorcycle accident when another driver is at fault.

Call our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys today at 800.685.3302 for a free consultation or use our online contact form.

Serious Injuries from Missouri and Illinois Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles can be extremely dangerous even when riders obey traffic safety laws. A motorcycle lacks the impact-absorbing structure and the restraints that other passenger vehicles have. This means there is a far greater chance of serious injuries when a motorcycle is involved.

Hundreds of thousands of riders in both Missouri and Illinois face the very real threat of a motorcycle crash. Missouri has 148,000 registered motorcycles and 342,000 licensed riders, while Illinois has nearly 200,000 registered motorcycles and 558,000 licensed motorcyclists.

Every motorcycle rider in Missouri and Illinois is at risk of suffering from a severe accident when hitting the road. Since motorcycles are so much smaller than cars and trucks, other drivers often fail to see a motorcycle. Drunk drivers and reckless drivers are even more likely to cause a serious motorcycle accident.

Motorcycles and motorbikes weigh far less than almost all cars and trucks. In a collision involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the laws of physics work against the motorcycle rider. The consequences of an accident involving a motorcycle and another vehicle include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents

One of the most devastating results of a severe motorcycle accident is a condition called TBI or traumatic brain injury. While there are many different causes of such a life-changing disability, motorcycle accidents are near the top of the list. The effects of serious head trauma from a motorcycle crash can extend far beyond the accident itself, affecting both the survivor and the survivor’s family.

Some of the most common outcomes of TBI are:

  • Permanent inability to work;
  • Ongoing need for intensive rehabilitation services;
  • Ongoing need for high-cost health care;
  • Permanent need for help in every area of daily life;
  • Only gradual improvement in functioning after the accident;
  • Constant episodes of anxiety and depression; and
  • Withdrawal and isolation from others.

Preventive measures, however, may reduce the severity of head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. Helmets especially help protect riders from the risk of a debilitating brain injury. Statistically speaking, motorcycle helmets that are approved by the federal Department of Transportation have been proven to guard against death and all kinds of head injuries, which include those that may damage the brain.

Illinois does not require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, but all motorcycle riders must wear helmets in Missouri. It is a good idea for everyone to use an approved motorcycle helmet. However, even if you choose not to wear a helmet, you could still recover compensation for your TBI or other injuries if someone else was to blame for your motorcycle accident.

Costly Damages from Motorcycle Crashes

Many injuries from motorcycle accidents will take months or even years to heal. Some motorcycle crash injuries will affect victims for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s so important to contact a St. Louis motorcycle crash lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. By taking immediate action, you can ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first, they may worsen over time, especially injuries involving the neck, back or spine.

The Missouri motorcycle injury attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm are ready to discuss your case and give you an idea of the damages that you can expect to recover. Frequently, one of our lawyers can even come to your home or hospital room to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, you may have a legal right to recover compensation for:

  • Hospital and doctor’s bills;
  • Emergency care;
  • Medical equipment;
  • Medication;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Lost wages;
  • Future lost wages; and
  • Personal trauma, pain and suffering.