Motorcycle accidents in St. Peters often leave riders dealing with serious physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance process that can be slow and complicated.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, understanding your legal rights early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your accident claim in St. Peters.
Meyerkord & Kurth represents injured riders in St. Peters and works to hold the responsible party fully accountable for the harm they caused. Call our team today to schedule your free case evaluation.
What Sets Meyerkord & Kurth Apart for St. Peters Motorcycle Accident Cases
When you are dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the attorney you choose matters. Meyerkord & Kurth has built a reputation in the St. Louis area on results, accessibility, and genuine commitment to every client we represent.
- Over $450 million recovered for injury victims in St. Peters and all throughout Missouri
- Direct access to your legal team: we provide clients with private cell phone numbers so you can reach us when it matters
- Backed by an extensive network of medical and legal experts when your case requires it
Choosing the right firm after a serious motorcycle accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. Meyerkord & Kurth brings the experience and resources to handle your St. Peters case with the attention it deserves.
Why Legal Representation Matters After a St. Peters Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident claims are rarely straightforward, and the decisions made in the days and weeks following a crash can significantly affect the compensation available to you. Having an attorney involved early helps ensure your rights are protected from the start.
- Insurance companies often move quickly to settle claims for less than they are worth; an attorney ensures you understand the full value of your claim before agreeing to anything
- Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident frequently requires thorough investigation and evidence, which your lawyer has the experience to do.
- An attorney can also handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and, if a fair settlement isn’t possible, take your case to court.
The sooner an attorney is involved after a motorcycle accident, the better positioned your claim will be. Waiting too long can limit the evidence available and affect the outcome of your case.
Missouri Laws That Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims
Missouri has specific laws that directly shape how motorcycle accident claims are handled. Understanding these before you move forward with a claim is essential.
Pure Comparative Fault
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning that fault for an accident can be divided among multiple parties. If you are found to share some degree of responsibility for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from recovering anything. Even a rider who is found to be partially at fault may still pursue a claim for the portion of damages attributed to the other party.
Statute of Limitations
In most motorcycle accident cases, Missouri law gives injured parties 5 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit.
516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years:
(1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section 516.110, and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;
(2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture;
(3) An action for trespass on real estate;
(4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;
(5) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud.
However, if the accident resulted in a fatality, the timeframe for a wrongful death claim is shorter; surviving family members generally have three years from the date of death to file.
Helmet Law
Missouri’s helmet requirement depends on the rider’s age and insurance status. Riders under 26 are required to wear a helmet at all times. Also, anyone operating a motorcycle under a special education or instruction permit must wear a helmet, regardless of age. Riders 26 and older are exempt from the helmet requirement, provided they carry proof of health insurance or qualifying medical benefits coverage.
In an accident claim, helmet use, or the lack of it, can become a factor in how injuries are evaluated and how fault is assigned.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in St. Peters
The strength of a motorcycle accident claim depends heavily on the evidence available to support it. Gathering and preserving the right documentation early in the process can make a significant difference in how your case is resolved.
The Police Report
The accident report is often the foundation of a motorcycle accident claim. It documents the responding officer’s observations, any citations issued, witness information, and initial determinations about how the crash occurred.
Medical Records
Prompt medical treatment creates a documented connection between the accident and your injuries. Gaps in treatment or delayed care can be used by insurance companies to question the severity of what you experienced.
Photographs and Video
Images of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries provide context that written descriptions alone cannot capture. Surveillance or dashcam footage, when available, can be particularly valuable.
Witness Statements
Accounts from people who saw the crash can be helpful. It’s especially beneficial if these witnesses are objective and don’t have any connection to you, especially if fault is being disputed.
Expert Analysis
In complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts can provide testimony that clarifies how the collision happened and what long-term impact the injuries may have.
The window for preserving certain types of evidence can close quickly after an accident. Working with an attorney early gives your claim the best chance of being supported with the right evidence.
Talk to a St. Peters Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today – Schedule a Free Consultation
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are focused on recovering while facing pressure from insurance adjusters. Meyerkord & Kurth is here to handle the legal side so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact our office today to speak with a St. Peters motorcycle accident attorney about your situation.