Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Wichita
Motorcycle accidents in Wichita often happen due to the negligence of other drivers. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks, drivers who are distracted, impaired, or simply inattentive frequently cause devastating collisions.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Wichita:
- Driver Inattention: Drivers often fail to check their blind spots or misjudge the distance and speed of an approaching motorcycle.
- Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Wichita involves vehicles turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using a GPS, eating, or other distractions behind the wheel contribute to a significant number of motorcycle accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a heightened danger to motorcyclists, who have less protection in a crash.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of a collision, especially with vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.
- Lane Changes Without Checking: Motorcycles are easily overlooked in a driver’s mirrors. Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of accidents in Wichita.
- Dooring Accidents: When a parked car occupant opens a door into the path of a moving motorcycle, serious injuries can occur.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and other roadway hazards can cause motorcyclists to lose control, particularly if municipalities like Wichita fail to maintain roads properly.
According to the
Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, motorcycles accounted for 7.3 percent of all fatal crashes in Kansas despite making up a much smaller percentage of vehicles on the road. Wichita’s busy traffic corridors, like Kellogg Avenue and I-135, are frequent sites of serious motorcycle accidents.
Common Injuries in Wichita Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on Wichita’s roads. Without the protective frame, seatbelts, airbags, or other safety features that cars and trucks offer, riders are exposed directly to the force of impact in a crash. Even low-speed collisions can cause devastating injuries that require months, years, or even a lifetime of medical treatment.
In Wichita motorcycle accidents, it is common to see injuries that demand extensive hospitalization, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Many victims experience permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work, care for their families, or enjoy the activities they once loved.
Below are some of the most common and serious injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents in Wichita:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk for serious head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can range from concussions to skull fractures and severe brain trauma. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and changes in mood or behavior. In severe cases, TBI can lead to permanent cognitive impairments or coma, drastically altering the victim's quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine is one of the most catastrophic injuries that can result from a Wichita motorcycle accident. Injuries to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. Victims may lose sensation, motor function, and control of bodily functions, requiring lifelong medical care, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and significant home and vehicle modifications.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Motorcycle crashes frequently result in broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgery, including the use of plates, screws, and rods to stabilize the fractures. Even after surgery, victims may experience limited mobility, chronic pain, or the need for ongoing physical therapy to regain strength and function.
- Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s body slides across the pavement after being ejected from the bike. While it may sound minor, severe cases can cause deep abrasions that strip away multiple layers of skin and tissue. Road rash can lead to painful infections, scarring, nerve damage, and the need for skin grafts. Infections from untreated road rash can even become life-threatening if not properly managed.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a crash can cause serious internal injuries that are not always immediately visible. Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys can result in internal bleeding, requiring emergency surgery. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of internal injuries can lead to fatal complications.
- Amputations: In particularly violent collisions, motorcyclists can suffer crush injuries that severely damage limbs beyond repair. In some cases, traumatic amputation occurs at the scene of the crash. Other times, surgical amputation becomes necessary to save the victim’s life. Amputees often face long-term challenges, including the need for prosthetics, physical rehabilitation, and psychological adjustment.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of a Wichita motorcycle accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and fear of driving or riding again. Psychological trauma can affect personal relationships, career prospects, and overall mental health. Counseling and therapy are often crucial parts of a full recovery.
Motorcycle accidents leave lasting physical and emotional scars. According to the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (
KTSRO), 41 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes across Kansas in 2023, with many more seriously injured. Wichita riders are among those impacted, facing long and challenging roads to recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wichita, it is important to seek both medical attention and experienced legal help. Comprehensive medical treatment combined with the pursuit of full compensation can make a critical difference in rebuilding your life after a serious crash.
Determining Liability in a Wichita Motorcycle Accident
Establishing liability is one of the most critical steps in any Wichita motorcycle accident claim. Without clear proof of who caused the crash, you may struggle to recover the compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders often face unfair biases in the legal and insurance process. Some adjusters and jurors wrongfully assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless or risk-takers, regardless of the facts.
Because of these misconceptions, building a strong, evidence-based case is even more important for motorcycle accident victims in Wichita. At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our attorneys understand the challenges motorcyclists face and know how to overcome biased assumptions with facts, expert testimony, and diligent investigation.
Key Factors Used to Determine Liability
Several types of evidence are critical when establishing who was at fault in a Wichita motorcycle accident:
- Police Reports: Law enforcement officers who respond to the crash scene complete detailed reports documenting the accident. These reports typically include the officer’s observations, diagrams of the crash scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and, in many cases, an initial determination of fault. A police report indicating that another driver violated traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield, can be powerful evidence in your favor.
- Witness Testimonies: Third-party witnesses often provide unbiased accounts of how the accident occurred. Witness statements can help clarify events, support your version of the crash, and counter any false claims made by the other driver. In a city like Wichita, where many accidents occur at busy intersections or crowded roadways, witnesses are often available.
- Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage: Wichita has traffic cameras installed at many major intersections. Additionally, businesses and residential properties often have security cameras that may have captured the crash. Footage showing the collision as it happened can be invaluable, offering clear, objective evidence that removes doubts about how the accident occurred.
- Vehicle Damage Analysis: The location, angle, and severity of damage on both vehicles can reveal how the crash happened. For example, significant front-end damage to a car and side damage to a motorcycle may support a claim that the driver failed to yield or made an improper turn.
- Driver Statements: Admissions made by drivers at the scene, even informal remarks such as "I didn’t see you" or "I was in a hurry,” can be used to establish negligence. It is important for victims in Wichita to document any statements made by the other driver and to avoid admitting fault themselves, even casually.
How Kansas Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Case
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash but only if your share of the fault is less than 50 percent. If you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:
- If you are awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Because comparative fault can dramatically affect the amount you recover, it is vital to work with a skilled Wichita motorcycle accident attorney who can minimize your percentage of blame and present a clear, compelling case in your favor.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys perform detailed accident investigations, consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and aggressively advocate for our clients. We know the tactics insurance companies use to shift blame onto motorcyclists and we know how to fight back.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Wichita, do not let assumptions or biases stand between you and the compensation you deserve. Our team is ready to stand by your side and protect your rights every step of the way.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Wichita, Kansas
While many motorcycle accident claims in Wichita are resolved through insurance negotiations, not every case results in a fair settlement. Insurance companies often work hard to minimize payouts, delay claims, or deny liability altogether, particularly in motorcycle accident cases, where unfair stereotypes against motorcyclists can play a role.
In some situations, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary to pursue the full compensation you deserve. Motorcycle accident lawsuits provide injured riders in Wichita the opportunity to present their case before a judge or jury when settlement negotiations break down or when liability is disputed.
When Might You Need to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Wichita?
You may need to file a lawsuit if any of the following situations apply:
- The insurance company denies your claim: Insurers may dispute fault, argue that your injuries were pre-existing, or claim that you are not covered under the policy.
- You receive a settlement offer far lower than what you deserve: If an insurance company offers a settlement that does not fully cover your medical bills, future care, lost income, or pain and suffering, filing a lawsuit may be your best option to pursue fair compensation.
- Liability is disputed: When the other party denies responsibility, or when multiple parties are involved in the crash, it may be necessary to present evidence in court to establish fault. This can often involve working with accident reconstruction specialists and expert witnesses.
- Your injuries are severe and require substantial future medical care: Cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or permanent disabilities often involve significant long-term costs. Insurance companies may refuse to pay full future damages without the pressure of litigation.
In some cases, a motorcycle accident may even involve dangerous road conditions, negligent maintenance, or unsafe premises. If your accident was caused by a hazardous condition on private or public property, you may have a
premises liability claim in addition to your motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Kansas
In Kansas, the law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents (
K.S.A. § 60-513). This means you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this window, you could lose your right to pursue any compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
Because of this limited timeframe, it is essential to speak with an experienced Wichita motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Early action ensures that critical evidence is preserved, witnesses are located, and your claim is positioned for success.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial. By meticulously gathering evidence, consulting with medical and financial experts, and building compelling arguments from the outset, we ensure that we are ready to fight aggressively for you, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can trust that our team will stand up for you in court to pursue the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Wichita Motorcycle Accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Wichita can feel overwhelming. Between hospital visits, rehabilitation, insurance paperwork, lost wages, and physical pain, it can be difficult to know where to start or whom to trust. Unfortunately, insurance companies often take advantage of vulnerable accident victims by offering lowball settlements, denying legitimate claims, or trying to shift blame.
This is where having an experienced and aggressive Wichita motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, we are committed to helping motorcycle accident victims in Wichita recover the full compensation they deserve. Our legal team handles every aspect of your claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Here is how we help:
- Conducting a Full Investigation: We quickly gather and preserve critical evidence to support your case. This includes reviewing police reports, analyzing medical records, taking photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, interviewing witnesses, obtaining traffic camera or surveillance footage, and working with accident reconstruction experts if needed. A thorough investigation strengthens your claim and prevents insurance companies from unfairly disputing liability.
- Handling All Communications: After a Wichita motorcycle accident, insurance adjusters will often attempt to contact you directly, looking for statements that can be used against you. Our attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies, shielding you from pressure tactics and ensuring that your rights are protected from the very start.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: Motorcycle accident victims in Wichita often face extensive medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, loss of earning ability, and deep personal suffering. We work with medical specialists, vocational experts, and economists to accurately calculate your current and future financial needs. Our goal is to ensure no category of compensation is overlooked and that your settlement truly reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
- Negotiating Aggressively: Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, not on compensating you fairly. Our attorneys negotiate tirelessly on your behalf, leveraging strong evidence and expert reports to demand the maximum settlement possible. We do not accept low offers, and we never recommend settling unless it is truly in your best interest.
- Taking the Case to Trial if Needed: While most motorcycle accident claims in Wichita are settled without the need for litigation, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and present your case before a jury. Our firm has the experience, resources, and dedication needed to fight for justice in the courtroom.
You only have one opportunity to secure the compensation you need after a Wichita motorcycle accident. Choosing the right attorney could make the difference between a minimal settlement and the financial security you deserve.
What Compensation Is Available After a Wichita Motorcycle Accident?
Victims of motorcycle accidents in Wichita are often entitled to significant compensation for both financial losses and the personal hardships they suffer. A successful claim or lawsuit can help you recover funds to pay for your medical care, replace lost income, and account for the pain and trauma you have endured.
Depending on the details of your case, available compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Full coverage of your past and future medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost while you were unable to work during your recovery, including missed bonuses, promotions, and opportunities.
- Loss of Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, sports, traveling, or other activities that once brought you joy, you may be compensated for the loss of enjoyment and quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for lasting physical impairments, such as paralysis, loss of a limb, severe scarring, or other disfiguring injuries that alter your life permanently.
- Property Damage: Payment for the repair or fair market value replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, gear, and any other property damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): If a Wichita motorcycle accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost companionship, lost financial support, and emotional suffering through a wrongful death claim.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to making sure no category of damages is missed. We fight to maximize your recovery so that you have the financial support needed to move forward with your life. We support injured victims in Wichita in motorcycle accidents and many other areas of life, including:
To learn more about how the experienced team at Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott can help you secure the maximum compensation after a motorcycle accident in Wichita, call us today or connect with us online.
Contact Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott After a Wichita Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wichita, do not wait to seek legal representation. Medical expenses, lost income, and long-term disabilities can quickly add up, and the insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests.
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our Wichita motorcycle accident attorneys have helped countless injured riders recover the compensation they deserve. We are committed to providing aggressive, personalized legal representation to motorcycle accident victims throughout Wichita and Sedgwick County.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the full recovery you need to move forward with your life.
