If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer can be your strongest advocate. They will guide you through the challenges of serious injuries and the financial burden that comes with them.
Because motorcycles offer less protection than cars, riders are often at a higher risk for serious, life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes try to deny or undervalue motorcycle accident claims, assuming that riders knowingly accept the risks.
This approach is unfair. As a motorcyclist, you have the same legal rights as any other driver to pursue compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer. Reach out to Empower Injury Law for a free consultation today.
HOW CAN A KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP YOU?
Coping with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, especially when medical bills pile up and you’re losing income. At Empower Injury Law, we support you every step of the way, protect your rights, and handle your case with care.
Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We’ll evaluate every detail of your accident, helping you understand your options and the potential value of your claim.
Witness Interviews: Gathering witness statements can make all the difference in your case. By securing key testimony, we help strengthen your claim and give you the best chance at a fair outcome.
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with top experts, from accident reconstruction specialists to medical professionals, to build a strong accident case.
In-Depth Insurance Review: Insurance policies can be confusing. We’ll comb through the fine print and unlock all available coverages so you receive the maximum benefits available to you.
Skilled Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly for less than what’s fair. We negotiate on your behalf, fighting for a settlement that reflects the actual value of your injuries.
Trial Advocacy: If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and represent your best interests at trial.
With us by your side, you have a dedicated advocate working tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your case.
HEAR FROM OUR SATISFIED CLIENTS
“Kevin helped me out tremendously when I was injured after a wreck. I interviewed with several attorneys before making a decision, and I am beyond grateful that I chose Kevin to represent me. He put in so much work to ensure we had the best outcome possible. I would recommend his services to anyone in need of legal representation.”
–Hayley
“Great experience with Kevin. I found him through Google reviews so I am happy to add my own experience to the list. I had a personal injury claim from an auto accident in March 2020. Initially I had a different lawyer handling the case, but things stalled on his end for various reasons. Kevin took the case over seamlessly and got it settled in just a few months. Very happy with the outcome. Kevin stayed on top of what needed to be done. He was very informative and transparent with the entire process and answered all the questions I had throughout the case. He is now handling a second auto accident injury case I have. If you are looking for a great lawyer, I highly recommend giving Kevin a call.”
–Shaun
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASES WE HANDLE
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, and the number of motorcycle crashes in Missouri is alarming. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities have increased nearly 50% since 2020. In 2023 alone, there were 175 motorcycle deaths, making it the deadliest year on record in Missouri.
At Empower Injury Law, we handle a wide range of motorcycle accident claims in Kansas City:
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN KANSAS CITY
Motorcycle accidents are frequent in Kansas City, and several factors contribute to these dangerous situations. Here are the leading causes:
Distracted/Driving: Distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car controls lead to accidents. When drivers or riders don’t stay focused on the road, they may miss critical details, such as a motorcycle in their blind spot.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that 38% of motorcyclists killed in crashes were speeding.
Inexperienced/Unlicensed Riders: Inexperience on a motorcycle increases the likelihood of accidents. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 35% of motorcyclists killed in crashes were either unlicensed or improperly licensed.
Impaired Riding/Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, putting everyone on the road in danger. Twenty-four percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were substance-impaired, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Unsafe Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes or uneven surfaces, are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards, which can cause a rider to lose control.
Defective Motorcycle Parts: Faulty equipment, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, sometimes causes accidents. When a part of the motorcycle malfunctions, it can lead to catastrophic accidents; in these cases, manufacturers may be liable.
COMMON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to severe injuries because riders lack the protection that cars provide. Here are some of the most common injuries motorcyclists suffer:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Broken Bones
Amputations
Road Rash
Internal Injuries
Burns
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, see a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Seeking immediate medical treatment not only protects your health, but also strengthens your claim with documentation.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN KANSAS CITY
Not sure what steps to take after a motorcycle accident in Kansas City? This guide walks you through the essential actions to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
TYPES OF COMPENSATION FOR KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your losses. Determining the value of your Kansas City motorcycle crash depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to consider:
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Economic damages cover the financial losses directly tied to your accident. These are tangible expenses that can be documented and calculated, such as:
Medical Expenses: This covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical care related to your injuries.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injuries keep you from working, you can receive compensation for lost income during recovery and potential future earnings.
Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any personal items damaged in the accident falls under economic damages.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover the emotional and physical impact of your accident. They may include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
Emotional Distress: This covers the mental anguish, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma resulting from the accident and your recovery.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation.
Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may receive compensation for the impact on these personal connections.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages are granted in motorcycle accident cases when the at-fault party’s actions were reckless or intentional. Unlike economic and non-economic damages that compensate for losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future. These damages typically apply in extreme negligence cases, such as drunk driving or road rage.
PROVING NEGLIGENCE IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASES
To prove negligence, a Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney must demonstrate four key elements:
Duty: People have a legal obligation to act reasonably and responsibly to prevent harm to others. For instance, drivers must stop at a red light; that’s their duty to other road users, including motorcyclists.
Breach of Duty: This occurs when someone fails to fulfill their duty. If the driver runs the red light, they’ve breached their duty to stop.
Causation: This links the breach of duty to the accident. For example, because the driver ran the red light, they collided with a motorcyclist who had the right of way.
Damages: These are the injuries or losses suffered due to the accident. After the collision, the motorcyclist might suffer broken bones, need surgery, and be unable to work.
HOW MUCH IS MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
Are you curious about the value of your motorcycle accident case? Watch this video to learn what factors impact your potential compensation.
KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT
$2,000,000 Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Our client was injured in a motorcycle accident when another car crashed into him at an intersection. He suffered a serious brain injury that left him permanently disabled.
At first, the insurance company told his family there was only $100,000 in coverage to pay for his medical bills and replace his income for his family. However, our investigation revealed additional insurance coverages that provided him and his family with much-needed financial resources.
Now, he doesn’t have to worry about taking care of his family while he continues to regain his health.
If a defective or unsafe road condition maintained by a government entity partly caused the motorcycle accident, you must notify the government of your injury claim within 90 days of the accident.
You may lose your chance to seek compensation if you don’t file within the statute of limitations. Contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Empower Injury Law right away to make sure you meet all legal deadlines.
COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE RULES
Missouri follows the comparative negligence rule, which means if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your award will be reduced by 20%. This means you would receive $80,000 instead of the full amount.
HELMET AND SAFETY GEAR REGULATIONS
Missouri has a helmet law that varies by age and insurance coverage. If you’re under 26, wearing a helmet is mandatory. For riders 26 and older, helmets are optional if you have health insurance that provides medical benefits for injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.
Despite the option, wearing a helmet is strongly advised for all motorcycle riders as it significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, not wearing a helmet increases a rider’s risk of death by 38%.
Not only is wearing a helmet important for avoiding serious injury, not wearing one can seriously compromise your injury claim, particularly in cases where the rider sustained a head injury such as a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury. In those situations, you are likely to be assigned a higher percentage of comparative fault, which will reduce the amount of compensation you can recover.
MANDATORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Missouri law requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts are:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Having the right insurance isn’t just about following the law; it’s your safety net if something goes wrong on the road. Make sure your policy covers everything you need so you’re protected if an accident happens.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RESOLVE A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
The time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident case can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies. This video explains what to expect and provides insight into the typical timeline for injury cases.
HOW MUCH DOES A KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER COST?
No Upfront Fees
When you work with the team at Empower Injury Law, there are no upfront fees. You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get the legal help you need. This means you can concentrate on your recovery without the added stress of legal expenses.
Pay Only If We Win
Our payment depends entirely on the outcome of your case. We only get paid if we win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to you.
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This approach ensures that we are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Transparent and Clear Terms
Our law firm believes in transparency. From the very beginning, we’ll explain our fee structure in detail. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees or surprises.
CONTACT A KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, Missouri, it’s important to secure quality legal representation.
Insurance companies often treat motorcycle crash victims differently than those in passenger vehicles. As a motorcyclist, you have the right to fair treatment and maximum compensation when filing a claim, and an attorney can help make sure you get what you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation or call (816) 892-9909. The team at Empower Injury Law can begin the claims process immediately and handle all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
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This page was fact-checked and approved by Kevin Jones, a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience and a frequent speaker on personal injury topics. Voted the #1 attorney in the Courier Tribune and Gladstone Dispatch’s “Best of the Northland” annual community survey, Kevin has empowered hundreds of clients to reclaim control of their lives after serious injuries, helping them restore their finances, support their families, and move forward with confidence. His commitment to accurate, trustworthy guidance makes every page a reliable resource for those seeking support on their path to recovery.
I was in a car accident in Missouri and had no idea how to deal with all the medical bills or insurance stuff. Thankfully, I found this amazing personal injury lawyer. Kevin and his team handled everything from start to finish, and not only did they get me a great settlement, but they also got my medical bills reduced and paid off! I even ended up with a nice amount in my pocket. The whole team was super helpful, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If you need a car accident lawyer who actually cares and gets things done, I can’t recommend them enough!
—JM
Kevin went above and beyond to get the max amount awarded to me in a settlement for an automobile accident I was involved in. He guided me through the process and advocated for me until we were able to get the best settlement possible in my case. His experience, knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, and follow through took the stress off my plate and made something that could have been extremely difficult and stressful for me, an easy and stress free process. I would highly recommend Kevin if you are in need of a trustworthy and reliable lawyer who will fight for you.
—HS
After a car accident and a terrible time with the insurance companies, I contacted Kevin Jones. He jumped right in and was able to work with all parties to get a great settlement offer. He made the process easy and gave me great advice about which steps to take moving forward. I am grateful for his help and would definitely recommend him to my family and friends, should they ever find themselves in a similar situation. It is very comforting to have an expert on your side. Thank you!
—SB
I was involved in a car accident that left my life changed forever. Hiring Kevin Jones was the best decision my wife and I made after. He went to battle with the insurance companies and got me the the treatment I needed. His skills awarded my wife and I a substantial recovery along with peace of mind that we were never alone. Thank you Kevin for all the hard work you put in to protect us and keep me moving forward with my recovery.
—CJ
Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!
—JS
Kevin came highly recommended by another attorney I had worked with, so he’s well thought of in the legal community and is considered an expert in his field. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced, so he made a very bad situation manageable. He’s also a very kind person and was so helpful during the entire process.
