Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Springfield, Missouri

Springfield and the greater southwest Missouri region have plentiful options for motorcyclists, with scenic rides throughout the Ozarks offering winding roads, breathtaking views, and numerous spots for entertainment, dining, and relaxation. But while the open road seems to offer a carefree experience, it does come with the risk of accidents.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are not uncommon in Springfield, Branson, and surrounding communities. Because these accidents often involve larger passenger vehicles and even commercial trucks colliding with much smaller motorcycles, they can cause severe personal injuries and even death to motorcyclists. Even if you wear a helmet and protective clothing, a crash can result in injuries requiring significant medical treatment and may prevent you from working.

Not surprisingly, the effects of a motorcycle accident can get very expensive, very quickly. However, if a negligent driver caused the accident that hurt you, you may be able to seek compensation for these expenses, as well as for the way they’ve affected your life. A Springfield, Missouri, motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and offer the support you need as you recover.

With more than three decades of experience serving Missouri motorcycle accident injury victims, the team at Holland Injury Law, LLC, has what it takes to fight for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.

Top Causes of Springfield Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, but negligent behavior and actions by other drivers are among the leading causes. Some of the ways in which drivers cause accidents that severely injure motorcyclists include:

Failing to check blind spots when turning or changing lanes
Drifting out of their lane when navigating a curve
Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
Driving while sleepy
Driving while distracted by electronics, food and drink, conversation, etc.
Failing to drive at a safe and appropriate speed for the conditions
Failure to yield the right of way to motorcyclists

These negligent actions may also combine with other conditions to produce a catastrophic accident. For example, driving too fast in the rain can lead to a loss of control on slick roads and result in a collision. Potholes, debris, and other road conditions may also result in an accident.

The Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be uniquely dangerous because riders are simply more vulnerable to injury than the occupants of enclosed vehicles. A motorcyclist can wear a helmet and other protective gear, but their vehicle itself offers none of the protection of a car, truck, or SUV. It doesn’t even have a seatbelt.

This means a motorcyclist is susceptible to being thrown from their bike into the path of another vehicle, run over by the vehicle that hit them, crushed underneath their bike, or thrown into a stationary object. Unsurprisingly, victims of motorcycle accidents are at serious risk of injuries like:

Head and neck injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Facial injuries
Crushing injuries
Cuts and lacerations
Burns
Limb loss or injuries requiring amputation
Abrasions, including road rash

The specific circumstances of an accident can greatly affect the injuries that result from it. And because an accident can happen in the blink of an eye, it can be challenging to understand exactly what happened and who is liable for your injuries. A knowledgeable Springfield, Missouri, motorcycle accident lawyer can review the evidence to reconstruct the collision and identify the party or parties who caused your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Wreck

A motorcycle accident suddenly puts a lot on your plate. Here’s how to take stock of your priorities and best position yourself for the challenges ahead:

Focus on Healing– Between emergency care, surgery, prescription medication, rehab, and physical therapy, you may be facing significant medical difficulties. Follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid doing anything that might jeopardize your prospects of making a physical recovery.
Save All Documentation– Keep track of all phone and written communications with doctors, insurance companies, and other parties. This is critical evidence that can help your attorney prepare your case.
Refrain from Oversharing– Avoid having long conversations about the accident and posting about your situation on social media. Insurance companies will be looking for ways to discredit you and minimize the extent of your losses.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Adjusters– Along similar lines, an insurance adjuster might contact you after the accident to get your side of the story. Be very direct and straightforward with them, and share only the facts, not your impressions and feelings. If they want more information, you should refer them to your attorney.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer– As soon as possible following the accident, reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney for help. A lawyer will handle communications on your behalf and give you the time and space you need to focus on your health.

The actions you take following a motorcycle accident can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your injury claim. By protecting yourself and trusting your attorney, you can focus on your physical recovery while your lawyer handles the rest.

How Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

A motorcycle accident lawyer near Springfield, Missouri, should understand the complexities associated with these types of accidents. They’ll know how to approach the process of gathering evidence and evaluating the details of the accident to determine how much compensation you deserve for your:

Past and anticipated future medical expenses
Lost income and loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

The amount of compensation you may be able to recover depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, your likelihood of recovering from them, and their impact on your life.

Once your attorney has reviewed the accident and prepared your claim, they’ll negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company in hopes of securing a settlement that represents full and fair compensation for your losses.

While insurance companies are likely to offer a settlement, especially if they know you have a skilled lawyer on your side, some motorcycle accident cases do end up going to court. If this happens, your attorney will be prepared to argue your case at trial.

Throughout the legal process, your lawyer will be there to answer your questions, meet all legal deadlines, and advise you on your options.

When Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In Missouri, you have five years from the date of your injuries to file a lawsuit against any at-fault parties. While this may seem like a long time, it doesn’t mean you put off contacting an attorney. It takes time to prepare a motorcycle accident case, and certain physical evidence needs to be accessed very quickly for it to be usable. The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the better.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Springfield, Missouri, Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve compensation for what you’ve suffered. Holland Injury Law, LLC, has recovered over $175 million for injured Missourians over the past three decades, and we’re prepared to bring our resources, knowledge, and experience to your fight for justice.

Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney near Springfield, Missouri, and find out what we can do for you.

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