Most motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the vehicle’s driver, often due to negligence, lack of awareness, or failure to yield. Riders, being far more exposed, are often seriously injured or killed in these collisions. Collisions between motorcycles and large vehicles, such as trucks, can be particularly devastating due to the size disparity between the vehicles. The force of impact is significantly greater, which increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities.
For families who depend on motorcycle riders as the primary wage earners, the aftermath of an accident can be life-changing. Far too many are left disabled or facing lengthy recoveries with an uncertain outcome. In some cases, underinsured or uninsured drivers can complicate the claims process for motorcycle accident victims, making it difficult to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Victims and their families often need to explore additional legal options to ensure they are fully compensated.
If a motorcycle accident leads to a fatality, the victim's family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss. This can include damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. A wrongful death claim is essential for ensuring that the family receives the financial support they need, especially if the deceased was the primary provider. It is crucial for families to seek legal guidance to understand their rights in such situations.
Dangerous road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents, and in some cases, the property owner may be held liable if the accident occurs on their premises. Poorly maintained roads, debris, or inadequate signage can create hazards that are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. In these cases, a premises liability claim may be pursued alongside or instead of claims against other drivers involved in the accident. This highlights the importance of thorough legal investigation to determine all potential sources of liability.
There is no such thing as a minor motorcycle accident. Even low-speed collisions frequently result in serious or fatal injuries.
Common motorcycle injuries include:
Our Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys know a rider is blamed for causing or contributing to an accident in far too many cases. In other cases, an at-fault driver does not stop at the scene, leaving victims at a significant disadvantage when it comes to recovering all of the compensation to which they are entitled.
Early consultation with an experienced motorcycle injury law firm in Wichita is vital in these cases. A thorough investigation of the accident scene, and a comprehensive determination of all of the factors of causation, are the first steps toward justice.
Additionally, your chosen motorcycle accident lawyer in Wichita must have the knowledge and experience to build a comprehensive case for damages, including economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and compensation for disfigurement or other losses that can be more difficult to value. Because these cases often result in disability or long-term medical complications, your law firm must also understand the economic value of these claims well into the future.
Insurance companies understand the liability in these cases and typically assign your claim to a senior team of adjusters, investigators, and legal and medical experts, whose sole job is to reduce the cost of your claim. Only with an experienced Wichita motorcycle injury lawyer on your side can you expect to win all of the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
In cases where a driver flees the scene, does not have insurance, or lacks enough insurance to adequately compensate you for all losses, your motorcycle injury law firm may also pursue a claim against your own insurance company via an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. In such cases, your insurance company will treat you as any other claimant, not as a valued customer. So it’s important to understand from the outset that any statements you make, even to your own insurance carrier, will likely be used in an attempt to lower the value of your claim.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
The veteran Wichita motorcycle accident lawyers at Riedmiller, Andersen and Scott LLC represent injury victims and their families in Wichita, Kansas and the surrounding areas, including Valley Center, Park City, Kechi, Bel Aire, Eastbourough, Andover, Derby, Newton, El Dorado, Arkansas City, Winfield, Haysville, Goddard and Maize. For a confidential consultation to discuss your rights call 316-648-1369.