If you are a motorcyclist in the area, you know the surrounding countryside is perfect for outdoor adventures year-round. You also know that road hazards pose more danger for you than those driving or riding in other vehicles. Even when you take safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear, you can end up in a catastrophic accident.
If you sustain injuries on the road because someone else was careless or your bike malfunctioned, a Wildwood motorcycle accident lawyer could help. A hardworking injury attorney could help you seek financial recourse to compensate you for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
In 2020, Missouri relaxed its helmet laws. According to the Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 302.20, anyone less than 26 years old, or older if operating with an instructional permit, must wear helmets when the bike is in motion, along with passengers. Additionally, police cannot stop motorcyclists solely to check their age if they are not wearing a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that motorcyclists are killed in traffic crashes 28 times more frequently than those in automobiles and recommends all motorcyclists wear helmets to avoid the risk of catastrophic injury as helmets protect riders from traumatic head trauma.
Motorcyclists are not as protected as those in other vehicles surrounded by tons of steel. Protective gear helps, as does paying close attention to weather reports and other drivers on the road, but accidents still happen. Motorcyclists are commonly injured in accidents caused by:
Motorcyclists injured on the road should contact a Wildwood attorney to review their accident case. If another driver causes an accident with injuries, the motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
All drivers have a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. If a motorist puts others in harm’s way because of careless driving, they violate this duty. A local attorney must prove the defendant is directly responsible for the motorcyclist’s crash to recover damages. These damages can cover financial and personal losses suffered in the accident.
Economic damages are those with a specific monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitative care, and property damage. Replacing or repairing the damaged motorcycle is an example of a recoverable economic damage.
Non-economic damages account for the intangible, human losses an injured motorcyclist may suffer. Loss of the enjoyment of life or companionship, lost future wages, and pain and suffering are non-economic damages the court will put a price on.
The Statute of Limitations is a legal deadline that limits the time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit against a defendant. Missouri law limits filing a personal injury case to five years from the accident date. People injured in motorcycle wrecks should speak with experienced lawyer in the area to ensure they are not time barred.
There is a lot to consider after being injured in a motorcycle crash, especially if you were not at fault. An accident can devastate your life and future, and healing can take months or even years.
If a negligent motorist crashes into you, a Wildwood motorcycle accident lawyer could help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call today to schedule your initial consultation.
