Motorcycle Accidents

You Have A Right To Ride Safely On The Road

In 2018, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured with just under 5,000 killed. According to the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration, motorcycles comprise 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, yet account for only 0.4 percent of all miles traveled.  Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists, are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle accident and 8 times more likely to be injured. Furthermore, motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than are other vehicles.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, brain injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle collisions.  A non-helmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal brain injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a non-fatal brain injury than a helmeted motorcyclist. Motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatality and save approximately 1500 lives each year.

In short, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to result in serious or life-threatening injuries than any other type of vehicle-related accident. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, chances are that you have to deal with injuries that force you out of commission while you heal. That means medical bills, lost work, and the potential for long-term side effects from your injuries. As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis, Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC understands what you are going through, and we can help.

Determining Fault In Motorcycle Accident Cases

Although drivers tend to blame motorcyclists’ “reckless” behavior for accidents, statistics indicate that it is actually other drivers who cause motorcycle accidents. In fact, one study showed that other drivers caused motorcyclist accidents roughly 60 percent of the time. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Failing to look for smaller vehicles (like motorcycles)
• Moving lanes without signaling
• Turning in front of motorcycles (using while making a left-hand turn)
• Pulling out in front of motorcyclists
• Misjudging the speed or distance of a motorcycle

Showing that the other driver is at fault is important in motorcycle accident cases. Your St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build your case against the other driver after your accident. At Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, we gather evidence on your behalf, walk you through your potential damages, and work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve after an accident.

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Motorcycles offer very little in terms of protection for their occupants. There is practically nothing between you and the road, other than perhaps relatively limited safety gear like padded clothing and a helmet. While this freedom is often what makes motorcycles so appealing, this lack of protection leads to serious injuries, and they occur in much higher numbers than other vehicles.

In fact, motorcyclists are over 25 times more likely to die from a crash than those who ride in passenger cars. They are also five times more likely to be injured according to the Insurance Information Institute.

You May Be Entitled To Compensation

Medical bills add up quickly after a serious accident. In fact, medical bills are one of the main reasons that clients bring a personal injury claim after an accident. Bringing a successful personal injury claim will force the party at fault to pay for your medical expenses that are related to your injury. You may also be able to collect other damages, including:

• Lost wages
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Compensation for permanent impairment or disability
• Future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering

In situations where you have lost a loved one in a St. Louis motorcycle accident, you may also be able to collect damages related to funeral expenses. Nothing can replace your loved one, but a personal injury or wrongful death case can help with the financial burden after a serious motorcycle accident.

Call Today For Legal Guidance

As a motorcyclist, you have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, can help you assert those rights. Call 636-946-6886  to set up a free consultation with an experienced member of our personal injury team. There is no obligation and our consultations are always free – call today!

Motorcycle Accident Information Center

• According to most recent estimates, 88,000 motorcyclists are injured per year, with 4,810 of those being killed. In 2006, 93 fatalities resulted in Missouri from motorcycle accidents.
• According to the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration, motorcycles comprise 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, yet account for only 0.4 percent of all miles traveled. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle accident and 8 times more likely to be injured. Furthermore, motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than other vehicles. In 2006, 25 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal collisions collided with fixed objects, compared to 18 percent for passenger cars.
• According to the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration, brain injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle collisions. A non-helmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal brain injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a nonfatal brain injury than a helmeted motorcyclist. Motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatality and save approximately 1500 lives each year.

Frequently Asked Questions