Kansas City
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than other drivers on the road. Since they lack the protection an automobile provides, they are much more likely to be injured or killed in the event of an accident. Our Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced in handling these types of cases and can help you seek compensation if you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident.

For a free review of your motorcycle accident claim, contact us online or call (816) 253-8606.

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Negligent Motorists

Motorcycles have a right to be on the road. Other drivers have a duty to pay attention to all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. Unfortunately, distracted driving has exploded out of control and drivers of cars and many trucks often fail to pay sufficient attention to motorcycles; many motorcyclists have experienced drivers cutting them off, merging into a lane they already occupy, or otherwise ignoring their presence.

Many questions must be asked following a motorcycle accident, including:

• Did the car’s driver run a red light or stop sign?
• Did the driver look both ways before pulling into traffic?
• Was the driver distracted?
• Was alcohol a contributing factor in the collision?

Riders do not have steel frames protecting them or side airbags to cushion the blow. There are no crumple zones on motorcycles or seat belts to keep the operator on the vehicle. Ejections are common in motorcycle collisions, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.

If you or a family member has been injured by a negligent motorist on the roads of Kansas or Missouri, Cullan & Cullan can help you build a personal injury or wrongful death case by reconstructing the accident to represent your side of the story.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents almost invariably result in more serious injuries than auto accidents. When a car strikes a motorcyclist, the car can sustain little or no damage, while the motorcyclist is often seriously injured.

Motorcyclist injuries often include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Leg and pelvis fractures
• Hip dislocations
• Shoulder injuries
• Amputation
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash

These types of injuries are often life-changing and expensive, especially over time. It may be necessary to take legal action against the negligent party in order to afford quality treatment and care for such serious injuries.

Our Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan are dedicated to helping our clients ensure a better quality of life after they have been in a collision. Our lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you need to help you cope with your injuries, pay for your medical care, and rebuild your life.

Road Rash & Road Burn Injuries

Without seat belts or restraints, motorcyclists are often thrown onto the roadway in the event of a crash. Road burn, known as road rash, occurs when contact with the roadway results in painful scrapes and bruises. Road rash can occur anytime skin comes into contact with pavement, gravel, or the ground.

There are a few types of road rash injuries, and all are extremely painful. An avulsion injury, for example, occurs when the roadway strips away layers of the skin. Bone, fat, nerves, ligaments, and muscle underneath the skin can get exposed.

Skin avulsion injuries range from minor skin flaps to severe amputations:

• Suprafascial avulsions involve the removal of skin down to the subcutaneous tissue layer.
• Subfascial avulsions extend even deeper, affecting muscle and even bone.

Suturing can repair some suprafascial avulsions, but most subfascial avulsions require skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured

The actions you take following a motorcycle accident could affect your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. Repairing your motorcycle, for example, may affect your ability to prove that a defective part caused the crash. You must preserve the motorcycle in its damaged condition so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions, and other evidence.

Here are a few other suggestions regarding what to do after a crash:

• Call for help. If you or a passenger has suffered an injury, the most important matter is to notify the authorities and get medical help.
• Names of witnesses. If you are able, take down the names of witnesses. Often, a witness will leave the scene once an ambulance or police arrive.
• Collect evidence. If you can do so, take photos of your damaged motorcycle, the crash site, and of your injuries. If you do not feel well, ask a family member to obtain photographs of the crash site, your automobile, and your injuries. The insurance company may take photos but often they do not take enough photos—plus they take them, they own them.
• Take notes. Write down everything you remember about the crash. How fast were you traveling? What caused you to lose control? Was your motorcycle shaking before the crash?
• Document your injuries and other losses. See a doctor right away and keep track of your hospital visits, physical therapy, lost wages and other damages.
• Contact an attorney. Talk to a legal professional about what occurred and you can get information about your rights and options based on your specific situation.

Motorcycle Accidents & Product Liability Claims

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is operator error or the negligence of another motorist, but there are some accidents that occur as the result of defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts. Victims who have been injured due to defective motorcycles or faulty motorcycle parts have the right to file a product liability claim against the party responsible for the crash. Our team can begin investigating to determine whether a defect caused your collision or worsened your injuries.

Motorcycle Safety Recalls

Safety recalls relating to motorcycles can be initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or by the product manufacturer. When a recall occurs, the motorcycle owners will be notified and the manufacturer must make a commitment to repair the problem at no expense to the vehicle owners.

Investigating a potentially defective product takes time and owners of defective motorcycle parts are not notified until the recall is officially issued. Therefore, many motorcycle riders are riding vehicles with defective parts without even realizing that an investigation is taking place.

Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash

It is possible to hold at-fault part drivers and manufacturers accountable for their negligence, but the legal process can be complex and challenging. It is critical during this difficult time that you obtain the resources and guidance you need to protect your rights.

Our Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists or surviving family members secure rightful compensation for damages caused by negligent or reckless actions.

Call (816) 253-8606 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident claim.