An Independence motorcycle accident attorney from Langdon & Emison can help injured bikers get justice for their accident-related losses. Connect with us today for a free case consultation, and don’t worry about costs – your attorney will not accept any payments until compensation is delivered.
Risks motorcyclists face and the serious injuries they endure
Motorcycles are smaller and slimmer than other vehicles on the road, making it easier to get lost in other drivers’ blindspots or go unobserved until it is too late to avoid a collision. Common causes of motorcycle accidents demonstrate these dangers:
- Lane changes or merges: Vehicle operators may fail to notice motorcycles in their mirrors or neglect to signal before making a lane change.
- Slowdowns or stops: Failure to notice a motorcyclist’s brake lights could cause the driver following to hit the motorcyclist from behind.
- Left-hand turns: Bikers face significant risk when another driver makes a left turn from an opposite lane as vehicle operators often miscalculate the motorcyclist’s speed or just don’t see them coming.
- Sideswipes: A sideswipe can happen if a vehicle operator tries to pass a biker but doesn’t properly assess the distance needed to execute that action or if distracted drivers drift out of the lane.
- Land-splitting: Motorcyclists may try to beat traffic by lane-splitting, driving along the white lines between lanes. Though lane-splitting is not illegal in many Missouri cities, it is not safe.
- Unsafe road conditions or obstacles: A single-vehicle can occur if a biker hits a pothole or road debris, or swerves to avoid an obstacle and loses control of the bike.
Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists experience the full weight of impact upon collision with other vehicles, pavement, or other obstacles. The effects of a crash can be devastating, with injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Helmeted and especially unhelmeted riders can experience these injuries and experience diminished or destroyed cognitive abilities, motor functioning, and emotional and psychological well-being.
- Spinal cord injuries: Riders can be thrown from their bikes, pinned to the ground or between vehicles, or experience traumatic jolts that cause partial or full paralysis or other life-changing effects.
- Amputations: Limbs may be crushed and require amputation after a crash.
- Broken bones, road burns, and lacerations: Even a “minor” collision with a vehicle or stationary object can break bones, and when dragged along pavement, the skin is vulnerable to road rash and lacerations.
- Soft tissue damage: Muscle, nerve, and tendon injury can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
Motorcycle accident statistics
According to recent motorcycle traffic safety facts compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the death rate for motorcyclists was almost 22 times higher than the death rate for passenger car occupants involved in accidents per vehicle miles traveled. A total of 6,218 motorcycle operators and passengers died in accidents, 95% and 5%, respectively. A total of 82,687 motorcyclists sustained injuries in accidents.
Missouri data
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (MCRS) presents sobering statistics regarding motorcycle accidents and their outcomes. In 2023, there were 172 motorcycle accident fatalities, a number representing 17% of total traffic fatalities statewide. Of that total, 24 occurred in Jackson County.
Your legal rights as an injured motorcyclist in Independence
Langdon & Emison knows your rights and is prepared to fight for them. As a motorcyclist, you have the:
| Right to the same driving privileges and responsibilities as other drivers |
| Right to safe driving conditions and safe road-sharing practices from other drivers |
| Right to seek compensation when injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence |
| Right to secure representation from an Independence motorcycle accident attorney |
| Right to fair treatment by insurance companies and others involved in your motorcycle accident case |
How we build a strong case to maximize your motorcycle accident compensation
Once you enter a legal partnership with your Independence, Missouri personal injury lawyer, Langdon & Emison will start an immediate and thorough investigation to build your case on a solid foundation of convincing evidence.
We know what kinds of evidence to gather and have the resources to access it. We will tailor our investigation to your case’s needs, but most likely, your attorney will:
- Review police reports to get their official account of what happened.
- Consult with accident reconstructionists to determine the exact cause and identify the at-fault party.
- Contact witnesses and document their testimony.
- Acquire footage from traffic, security, or dashboard cameras.
Valuing your case
Fair compensation covers your losses and accounts for your future accident-related costs. Since insurance companies are businesses, their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may present you with a fast but low settlement offer, hoping you will sign on the dotted line and save them a lot of money. Do not accept an offer without having your Independence motorcycle accident attorney review it first.
Your lawyer will calculate your losses with precision, consulting with your medical team and other professionals to factor in your future care needs. Your lawyer will speak with your caregivers to get a sense of how the accident and injuries have affected your life.
Our team will pursue economic damages to cover medical bills and anticipated expenses, lost income, lost potential earnings and job benefits, the value of damaged property, and other costs incurred by the motorcycle accident. Non-economic damages provide financial recognition of your physical and emotional suffering and diminished enjoyment of life.
What you can expect: Personalized advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice
Langdon & Emison is driven by passion and perseverance. We are passionate about fighting for the rights of injured victims, seeing justice served, and committing the time, energy, and resources to achieve that goal. You will be part of the conversation as we design a personalized strategy for your case. We take your input seriously and will address any concerns–we treat clients as people, not as case numbers.
Many motorcycle accident cases are settled through out-of-court negotiations with the at-fault party’s representatives. If the other side does not offer justice through these discussions, your Independence motorcycle accident attorney will help you decide whether to take your case to court. In either scenario, you can rely on us for fierce advocacy and exceptional representation.
Proven results, trusted advocacy: Why Langdon & Emison is the right choice for your case
Langdon & Emison has represented injury victims for over 30 years and secured over $750 million in settlements and trial verdicts. We have gained national recognition but remain dedicated to our community. Our membership with the Missouri Bar and the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys keeps us informed on all matters relating to Missouri’s legal landscape. More importantly, our client’s own words attest to our commitment.
| I honestly cannot say enough good about this firm. They basically took me by the hand and guided through the whole process. I was provided with updates and explanations. Their support continues to this day well after my case has been settled. I’m forever grateful. Heather Schouten
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| Ever since my accident I felt like I had lost a sense of control in my life, and Langdon & Emison helped me take it back and look forward to the future- which is priceless. Very personable and patient, they guided me through the process and were available with any answers I needed. Sometimes reaching out and getting help that changes your life really isn’t too good to be true. They have my lifelong gratitude and appreciation–Venus Lori
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| I couldn’t be more pleased with the way my case was handled. The staff, especially David was professional, diligent, and very personable and patient with me. He explained every step of the process in terms I could understand. This was a tough case but he never stopped believing we could win. And win we did! Thanks so much–Linda Hauck
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How Missouri laws impact your right to compensation after a motorcycle accident
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system for personal injury cases, as established in item 37.00 of the New and Revised Missouri Civil Jury Instructions. Victims partially at fault for an accident can still hold negligent parties accountable for damages but will see a reduction in their compensation by the same percentage of fault.
The at-fault party will work to put as much fault as possible on you. Langdon & Emison knows the strategies often employed in these situations and will be prepared to challenge them and present evidence to prove the at-fault party’s culpability and protect your compensation.
The Missouri statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is five years, but you should not delay in connecting with an Independence motorcycle accident attorney. Evidence is most accessible in the days close following your accident.
Helmet laws and their impact on claims
Motorcyclists who have proof of insurance and are 26 years or older do not have to wear a helmet when riding, as per the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) 302.026. It is still in a rider’s best interests for their safety and a potential injury claim to use a helmet.
If you are not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, do not give up hope for securing compensation. While you may be assigned some fault for your injuries, you may still be able to recover some of your losses from the negligent party.
Take the first step toward justice today
Langdon & Emison is here when you need us. Call (866) 931-2115 or send a message to schedule your free consultation and discover your legal options. We’re ready to help.
We answer common questions about motorcycle accidents in Independence
Do I have a case if I was lane-splitting?
Don’t assume you are entirely to blame and without hope for compensation in this situation. Reach out to an Independence motorcycle accident lawyer who can determine if another party’s negligence also contributed to your accident.
Do helmets really offer protection?
According to the NHTSA, 82% of motorcycle crashes over a recent year caused injury or death, and fatality risk increased by 38% for unhelmeted riders. Helmet use may also reduce your level of fault in an injury case.
How much is my case worth?
We can’t predict how much a case is worth without knowing its specific factors. The severity and effects of your injuries, each party’s degree of fault, and other elements determine the case’s value. You can trust us to fight for the maximum.
Resources for injured motorcyclists in Independence
Langdon & Emison Attorneys at Law
- 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Unit 440, Independence, MO 64057
Missouri Department of Revenue
Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Motorcycle Safety
- Troop A Headquarters (serving Jackson County), 504 S.E. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
- (816) 622-0800
