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If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, navigating the path to recovery can be overwhelming—especially when dealing with insurance companies and complex legal claims. At Wrabec Law, we are dedicated to making a crucial difference in your journey to recover, helping you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
With our seasoned personal injury attorneys by your side, you’ll have the support you need to focus on healing while we work tirelessly to protect your rights, handle negotiations, and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t let insurance adjusters undervalue your claim—get an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident cases to ensure your interests are fully represented.​
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Why Choose Wrabec Law for Your Car Accident Case?
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Experienced Trial Attorneys: With over 60 jury trials and 20 years of experience, we are prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
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Personalized Approach: We treat every client with compassion and work to tailor a legal strategy that fits your unique circumstances.
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Former Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our team knows the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and is skilled at negotiating fair settlements.
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In Missouri, individuals injured in motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various types of damages to help cover their losses. Recoverable damages generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
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Economic Damages
These damages aim to cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident, such as:
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Medical Expenses: Covers current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive devices.
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Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery, as well as any future income lost due to long-term injuries or disability.
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Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of the motorcycle and any damaged gear.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs for transportation to medical appointments, household services, and other expenses directly related to the injury.
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Non-Economic Damages
These damages cover intangible losses that are harder to quantify, including:
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Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
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Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health impacts following the accident.
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Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy due to the injured party’s changed abilities.
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Reduced Quality of Life: For long-term impacts that affect one’s ability to enjoy everyday activities or hobbies.
Punitive Damages (in rare cases)
If the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or malicious intent, Missouri courts may also award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that all applicable damages are fully assessed and pursued in a motorcycle accident claim.
Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags, or a structural frame to absorb impact, leaving riders more vulnerable to severe harm. Each of these injuries can vary in severity and may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
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Road Rash: Skin abrasions caused by contact with the road, which can lead to infections or scarring if severe.
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Broken Bones: Collisions frequently cause fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
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Head and Brain Injuries: Even with helmets, riders are at risk for concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures.
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Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
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Internal Injuries: The impact can damage organs, leading to internal bleeding, which often requires immediate surgery.
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Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries, especially in the neck and back, are common due to the force of impact.
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Psychological Trauma: Motorcyclists may suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a serious accident.
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Seeking medical attention immediately and consulting with a personal injury attorney can be critical steps toward recovery and fair compensation.
Missouri Motorcycle Laws
In Missouri, motorcyclists must have a valid Class M motorcycle license or permit in order to legally operate the vehicle.
Motorcyclists must also carry liability insurance that covers damages sustained by other vehicles in an accident that may have been caused by the motorcyclist, as well as uninsured motorist coverage.
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Motorcyclists should follow the same rules of the road and exercise the same caution as standard automobile drivers, but Missouri also implements additional rules for motorcyclists that include:
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every motorcyclist 26 years or younger must wear a helmet while operating.
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every motorcycle must have a headlamp, a rear reflector, and 2 rear lights.
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motorcycles cannot carry passengers unless they are designed to do so.​
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Note: As with most accident claims, motorcycle accident lawsuits must be filed within 5 years of the accident. If the accident was fatal, the deceased person’s family members have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Required Accident Reporting
Missouri law requires accidents to be reported if any person was killed or injured in the accident or if there occurred damage to a person’s property worth more than $500, and:
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the accident involved an uninsured motorist on any street, highway, or parking area open to the public; or
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the owner or operator of a vehicle involved in the accident did not have automobile insurance.
The owner of a parked car involved in an accident causing death, injury, or property damage worth more than $500 is also legally required to report an accident.
Comparative Fault in Missouri Auto Accident Cases
When it comes to accident claims, Missouri operates under “pure comparative fault,” or “comparative negligence,” rules. This means that the amount of damages an injured party can receive in their car or truck accident lawsuit is based on their percentage of fault for the accident.
The total damage award the plaintiff can recover, will be reduced by the percentage of their level of fault, where fault refers to the other driver’s failure to operate their vehicle with reasonable care (negligence), thus causing the accident
Note: This rule applies even if the injured person is found to be more at fault than the driver they are suing. For example, if they are found to be 80% at fault for causing the car crash, the plaintiff may still recover 20% of the damages (though they will be liable for the remaining 80%).Some examples of parties that may be at fault for a car or truck accident include the car or truck driver, the owner of the truck, the manufacturer of the truck components, or even the person who loaded the truck’s cargo.
We know these rules and the legal process can be very confusing. Wrabec Law is dedicated to guiding you through your legal journey with personalized care, constant and clear communication, attention to detail and respect for your unique situation and settlement goals. Contact Wrabec Law for your free consultation. We will stand by you every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t delay—getting a lawyer involved immediately is crucial. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you have 5 years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit. For accidents involving wrongful death, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of death.
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Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. At Wrabec Law, P.C., we are committed to providing patient guidance and personalized support throughout the legal process. With 2decades of experience and deep knowledge of insurance defense strategies, our team will fight to build a powerful case and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.​
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