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Motorcycling in Missouri is a hobby that over 140,000 people share. Our state is known for its scenic roads, the Ozark Mountains, and Route 66. While riding should be as stress-free as possible, that isn’t always the case, as accidents do happen. To focus on your happiness and health during this stressful time, Albers Injury Law offers access to an experienced Arnold motorcycle accident lawyer.
In Arnold, MO, you must follow the laws of the road to operate a motor vehicle, which includes motorcycles, on public roadways. Following the law will not only help you avoid penalties but also reduce the risk of accidents.
You must have a class M motorcycle license in Missouri to operate your bike on public roads. Any person over 15 and 182 days old can apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. Motorcyclists must complete a training course approved by the state and pass a Class M and Class F written and vision test.
Additionally, all riders must carry motorcycle insurance with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $10,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
To operate your bike, your motorcycle must pass a safety inspection every two years. New models, however, are exempt for five years following their manufactured date.
While you are responsible for taking safety precautions, few laws dictate what kind of safety gear you need. Adults under 26 must wear a helmet that meets U.S. DOT requirements. Likewise, other adults must have a helmet if they do not carry health or motorcycle insurance with medical benefits.
According to motorcycle accident data, there were 151 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022. Unfortunately, about 14% of all traffic fatalities involve motorcycle riders, with accidents happening on short trips less than five miles long at 30 mph or slower.
Typically, motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Because motorcycles are smaller, some motorists claim they can’t see the bike and may turn into their path of travel. This can also happen when changing lanes or coming to a stop in traffic.
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident requires you to analyze the scene and provide evidence of who caused the crash.
Traffic and other surveillance cameras can capture the scene of an accident. For example, a vehicle runs a stop sign and hits you while you’re legally crossing the intersection. If a camera catches the incident, you can easily prove who was at fault.
Unfortunately, fault isn’t always clearly identified. Sometimes, two drivers will share fault for an accident. For example, one car may drive through a stop sign while the other may have been speeding. In cases where the drivers have two different stories, an Arnold motorcycle accident attorney can help you discover the truth.
Police reports and witness statements can help determine what happened to cause an accident.
Following an accident, your motorcycle accident lawyer in Arnold will help you navigate your legal case. Your attorney can help investigate the accident via police reports, accident scene evidence, and consultations with witnesses and motorcycle accident experts.
Throughout the process, you will have multiple deadlines. Our lawyers will file your claim and all motions on time to ensure you meet all deadlines and have a valid claim. Additionally, an attorney can work with the insurance company to negotiate a settlement. Typically, insurers will attempt to pay less when negotiating with the client so having an attorney advocate for you is vital.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a motorcycle injury is five years. This means that you have five years from the day that you discover your injury to file a claim. If you do so after this deadline, you risk having the case thrown out.
The worth of your accident depends on the severity of your injuries and damages to your property. When it comes to a motorcycle accident, there are various damages that you can pursue.
The most common damages to seek are medical bills and other expenses. Medical expenses may include hospital stays, ambulance fees, surgeries, or other medical costs. Any injuries that you sustained as a result of the accident and that resulted in medical bills are eligible for damages.
When you work with an Arnold, MO, motorcycle accident lawyer, he or she will evaluate whether you can obtain lost wages. Lost wages refer to the wages you would have received if you hadn’t been in the accident. If you had to take time off work for medical appointments or due to a temporary disability, you can seek lost wages. Additionally, if you lose your job because of your injuries, you may be able to claim the missing income.
Motorcycle accidents are traumatic. Following the event, you may find yourself suffering from emotional distress and post-traumatic stress. Pain and suffering damages seek to compensate you for the loss of enjoyment in your life and the emotional burden that you face after an accident.
Some cases may also award punitive damages. Punitive damages are awards designed to punish the defendant for flagrant or deliberate disregard for the safety of others. Typically, courts use punitive damages as a deterrent for reckless conduct. For instance, if the other driver was intoxicated during the accident, this is more than simple negligence and may result in a higher award. Missouri has a cap on punitive damages of either $500,000 or five times the compensatory damages.
At Albers Injury Law, we believe in helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you were injured or sustained damages due to a motorcycle accident, you may have a claim against the other party. To learn more, contact us to speak with an Arnold motorcycle accident lawyer today!
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At Albers Injury Law, we fight to get you the results you deserve
Available 24/7
Contact our Award Winning Attorneys to review your case
2021 Johnson Rd Granite City IL 62040.
1623 Jeffco Blvd suite 205 Arnold MO 63010
1902 E Battlefield Rd suite a Springfield MO 65804
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