Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

In 2023, 172 motorcyclists died on Missouri roadways, accounting for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state. For each of those deaths, many more riders are injured each year in Missouri. On average, based on data collected in Missouri over a 10-year time period, there are around 90 fatal crashes, 90 deaths, and 2,150 people injured per year—all related to motorcycle accidents.

Even careful motorcyclists face dangers on the road every time they ride. Motorcycle accident injuries can be serious and life altering, and the causes of accidents are often different than other types of motor vehicle crashes. If you’ve been injured on a motorcycle in St. Louis, it’s important to hire a lawyer who understands bikers and the causes of motorcycle accidents.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result from many factors, often involving other drivers or hazardous conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:

Failure to Yield at Intersections: Motorists sometimes fail to yield to motorcycles at intersections, pulling in front of them or making blind left turns without giving bikers the right of way.
Lack of Rider Visibility: Weather conditions, blind spots, and other factors can lead to motorcycle accidents when motorists fail to see bikers around their cars or trucks.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted may not see motorcyclists, leading to collisions.
Speeding: Excessive speed by either the motorcyclist or other drivers can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers are less likely to notice motorcyclists and more likely to make dangerous maneuvers, leading to serious accidents.
Dooring: This occurs when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened in the path of an oncoming motorcycle, causing the rider to crash.
Tailgating: Following too closely behind a motorcycle can result in rear-end collisions, which can be particularly dangerous for riders.
Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it harder for motorcyclists to control their bikes and for other drivers to see them.
Aggressive Driving: Drivers who exhibit road rage, weave through traffic, or drive aggressively increase the risk of accidents with motorcycles.
Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles.
Improper Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling can collide with motorcyclists.

Understanding these common causes can help motorcyclists stay alert and cautious on the road and ensure that other drivers are more aware of the risks motorcyclists face. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic and result in serious injuries due to the motorcyclist’s exposure to everything around them. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in motorcycle accidents:

Head and Brain Injuries: These can include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, and long-term cognitive issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can lead to paralysis, herniated discs, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Arm and leg fractures, broken ribs or pelvis, and multiple fractures that lead to surgeries often occur in motorcycle accidents.
Organ Damage: The structure or function of internal organs could be impaired due to a traumatic accident, which could potentially also lead to organ failure and the need for an organ transplant or life support.
Internal Bleeding: Blood vessels can become damaged inside the body due to the impact of a motorcycle accident, leading to internal blood loss that is not visible from outside the body.
Road Rash: These are severe abrasions on the skin from sliding across the pavement that often lead to infection and scarring. In severe cases, skin grafts are required.

These types of injuries can be truly painful and life-changing for injured motorcyclists. They may experience long-term consequences, such as chronic pain, continual mobility issues, and emotional trauma. Additionally, many may also face expensive rehabilitation and medical costs. It’s important that they seek experienced legal guidance to help receive the compensation needed to help with their recovery.

Seeking Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, injured motorcyclists can seek two different types of compensation for damages: economic, and non-economic.

Economic damages cover costs that are tangible. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective. They are meant to compensate for the physical and emotional toll caused by the accident. They may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress (like PTSD), impact on personal relationships, and more.

Our job here at Cofman Townsley is to make sure victims receive compensation to help with both the financial and quality of life impacts of an accident.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Liability

Determining liability in motorcycle accidents can be quite complex. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence law where a motorcyclist may recover damages even if they are partially at fault. That also means that their compensation may be reduced based on their degree of fault. Proving fault is critical and often requires extensive evidence gathering, including police reports, witness statements, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts.

Traffic violations by anyone involved can significantly influence liability. Whether it’s speeding, failure to yield, or illegal lane changes, these violations serve as strong evidence of negligence. Both the motorcyclist’s and other drivers’ actions are thoroughly scrutinized to establish fault in the claims process.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one was involved in a traumatic motorcycle accident and is seeking compensation for damages, the attorneys at Cofman Townsley are here to assist you. With expertise and experience in motorcycle accident cases, our attorneys can take on your case, do the heavy work for you, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Some of the ways we do this include the following:

Gathering evidence and building a strong case
Potentially reducing your assigned percentage of fault
Calculating all your damages, including future losses
Negotiating against insurers who are often biased against motorcyclists
Taking your case to court, if necessary

Time is of the essence in these types of cases. Not only are you running against the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Missouri, which is five years from the date of your injury, but the evidence in these cases is often sensitive and temporary. It is important to find and work with the right lawyer before evidence deteriorates and time runs out.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Traffic accidents are a primary public safety issue in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, with motorcycle accidents still occurring frequently despite improvements. The insurance companies involved in these accidents are businesses focused on increasing profits—even when it means holding back on giving you the money you need. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to defend your legal rights, not corporate profits.

We’ve been helping injured victims throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois since 1973, and we want to help you, too. Our attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and case managers are all here to help you move on from your motorcycle accident. Contact our Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers today, and let us work for you.

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