St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm

1,000s of Satisfied Clients
$1 Billion+ Recovered in Compensation
40+ Years of Experience

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Other than clothing and helmets, motorcyclists often have very little protection in a crash. As a result, motorcyclists are over twice as likely to get injured in a traffic collision. These injuries can leave victims suffering significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. If you were in this situation, a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney at Brown & Crouppen can help you seek maximum compensation.

Call (314) 501-9510 to or request a free case evaluation online to understand your legal options. A St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer can help answer questions about your case and build a strong claim to recover compensation for damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in the St. Louis area, the lawyers at Brown & Crouppen can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no upfront cost to you—if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.

Since 1979, our award-winning Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys have helped clients recover over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. We help those who have suffered motorcycle accident injuries obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Motorcycle accident legal guide by Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
Motorcycle Accident Legal Guide

Use our guide to understand key legal considerations and what to do after a motorcycle accident.

Why You Should Trust Brown & Crouppen After a Motorcycle Crash in St. Louis, Missouri

As one of the Midwest’s largest motorcycle accident law firms, you can count on Brown & Crouppen to get results. Our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers have a long history of supporting clients and achieving success:

Over 40 years of experience handling personal injury lawsuits

More than $1 Billion recovered for injury & accident victims

Settlements 30x higher than what insurance companies originally offered

If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries or experienced a death in the family due to a motorcycle accident in the St. Louis area, the lawyers at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm can help. 

With a team of over 250 legal professionals and an extensive network of attorneys, we’re capable of providing unparalleled legal representation. We believe in compassionate support, frequent communication, and achieving the best results for our clients.

Recover Compensation with the Help of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm have helped our clients recover millions in compensation. If you’ve been injured in a St. Louis motorcycle accident due to no fault of your own, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation.

Our skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyers help can help you recover compensation for the following:

  • Pain and suffering 
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death of a family member if a St. Louis motorcycle accident is fatal

Automobile drivers can be held liable for damages if they are at fault for the accident. In fact, other drivers are often at fault in most motorcycle accidents.  An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Louis can help motorcycle accident victims collect evidence, build a strong claim, and help obtain compensation for injuries caused by the accident.

Most motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court with the liable party’s insurance company. At Brown & Crouppen, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers negotiate with the insurance company to maximize compensation and get the settlement you deserve. 

If our accomplished trial attorneys cannot reach a satisfactory settlement agreement for your motorcycle accident claim, we are prepared to take the case to court and fight for you in front of a jury.

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Noteworthy Successes in Motorcycle Accident Cases

The following are just a few of the many verdicts and settlements we’ve achieved on behalf of motorcycle accident victims:

Recover Compensation with the Help of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The St. Louis accident and injury attorneys at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm have recovered compensation for hundreds of accident victims. We are deeply committed to helping those hurt by the negligence of others. Here are what some of our clients have to say about our representation: 

Our clients appreciate our open communication, compassionate approach, and attention to detail. We have helped countless people throughout the St. Louis area file a successful claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and get compensation for medical bills and treatment. Let us do the same for you and see the difference that quality representation can make first-hand.

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How Do I Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?

Here is what you need to know about getting compensation after a motorcycle crash in St. Louis:

Missouri is an at-fault state when it comes to traffic accidents. After an accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries and suffering.

If your damages exceed the limits of the at-fault party’s insurance policy, you can file a lawsuit or seek benefits from your insurance provider if you added underinsured motorist coverage to your policy.

What if your motorcycle accident doesn’t involve another vehicle? Sometimes, a defective bike or faulty piece of safety equipment might cause you to crash. Other times, a road defect or dangerous road design could lead to a wreck.

You still have the right to pursue compensation. Under Missouri state law, anyone who contributes to a motorcycle crash can be liable for resulting damages. This could include a motorcycle manufacturer, the manufacturer of a piece of defective equipment, or even a government agency.

These types of motorcycle accident cases can be complicated—especially when a government entity like the state of Missouri or the city of St. Louis is involved. So, it is important to enlist the help of the best motorcycle accident attorney for you. 

You must have two things before you can legally operate a motorcycle in St. Louis: a Class M motorcycle license or permit and liability insurance.

In Missouri, minimum liability coverage for motorcyclists includes:

  • $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage

Motorcyclists are also required to add uninsured motorist coverage to their auto policies. Under state law, riders must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury uninsured motorist coverage. This can be helpful if you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Most motorcycle accidents in St. Louis happen because someone is negligent. While motorcyclists can contribute to wrecks, other drivers usually set the stage for these types of auto accidents. Some common contributing factors include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, following too closely, and making unsafe or illegal turns. 

When another driver is negligent, you can hold them legally accountable for the consequences of the motorcycle crash.

To file a successful claim and have a strong case, fault must be proven. This means that the party responsible for causing the motorcycle crash must have breached a duty or level of care that otherwise would have prevented the accident and associated injuries. To prove fault in a motorcycle accident, the following must be true:

  • Duty: The defendant (driver or operator of another motor vehicle) failed to uphold their legal obligation to act in a way that would avoid injuries to another party.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty of care or legal obligation to act in a way that would not injure others. This must be legally established to hold the defendant or their insurance company liable for damages that occurred from the traffic collision.
  • Causation: To seek full compensation for damages, it must be proven that the crash was the cause of injuries.
  • Damages: Physical or emotional damages must have resulted from the accident for the victim to pursue compensation.

In Missouri, the burden of proof sits on the plaintiff’s (the victim’s) shoulders. You need to prove your case by a preponderance of evidence, which means that your claim is more likely true than not.

Our Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys will carefully investigate your accident, interview witnesses, work closely with experts, gather evidence, and work hard to build a strong and persuasive claim on your behalf. 

Yes, since Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. Everyone who contributes to a motorcycle accident shares responsibility for the consequences—including crash victims. When you share the blame, you are not prohibited from seeking compensation. 

Instead, your financial recovery is adjusted proportionately based on your role in the wreck. The greater your contribution to the motorcycle accident, the less money you will be awarded when your motorcycle accident case is resolved.

Let’s say you were injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis and suffered damages valued at $100,000. Under Missouri Law for motorcycle accidents, if your lane splitting is determined as a contributing factor to the crash, you might be assigned 25 percent of the fault. As a result, your financial recovery will be reduced by 25 percent, leaving you with a maximum award of $75,000.

Be prepared for the insurance company and at-fault parties to point fingers and blame you after a motorcycle crash. They might argue that you were negligent in some way or that your failure to wear a helmet exacerbated your crash-related injuries. If you don’t stand up and challenge these claims, you could watch your financial recovery dwindle. 

At Brown & Crouppen, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in St. Louis will fight hard to protect you from these victim-blaming tactics. We will demand hard proof and work to dismantle these allegations to preserve your right to compensation. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits?

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, you generally have five years from the date of your wreck to file a lawsuit for damages.

If you lost a family member in a fatal motorcycle accident in St. Louis, you have three years to bring a wrongful death action against the responsible party.

Do not let too much time go by before taking action. You lose the right to recover compensation once the statute of limitations expires.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

The average motorcycle accident settlement amount is approximately $66,000. Each case is unique, however, and settlement amounts are dependent on many case factors.

How Long Will My Case Take?

Each case is unique. However, most motorcycle accident cases settle within 6 to 12 months once medical treatment has been completed.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?

The decisions you make directly following a car-and-motorcycle accident in St. Louis are critical. Here are some quick tips to help keep you safe and protect your legal right to compensation:

  • Call 911 and report the motorcycle accident.
  • Remain at the scene and exchange insurance information with other parties.
  • Stay quiet. Resist the urge to apologize or accept responsibility for the crash.
  • Get to the closest hospital or emergency room in St. Louis as soon as possible.
  • Document the scene by taking pictures and recording video footage.
  • Write down the names and numbers of witnesses.
  • Deny requests to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company.
  • Direct all settlement offers and negotiations to your motorcycle accident attorney.

Once you have sought medical treatment and your condition is stable, call Brown & Crouppen for immediate legal assistance. We can take the lead on your case, so you have the time and opportunity to focus on getting back on your feet and moving forward with your life. 

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Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can have various causes, often resulting from several factors. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Lack of Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making them more prone to not being seen by other drivers. A common accident involves a car turning left in front of a motorcycle at an intersection.
  • Impaired Riding/Driving: Riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This can make both motorcyclists and drivers more likely to cause accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 43 percent of motorcycle riders killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2021 were under the influence of alcohol.  
  • Distracted Riding/Driving: Using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can lead to accidents.
  • Rider or Driver Fatigue: Riding while tired can impair a rider’s judgment and reaction time. The same applies to motor vehicle drivers, who may be less reactive to a motorcyclist’s presence when fatigued.
  • Inexperienced/Unlicensed Riders: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in 2021 had no valid motorcycle license. 
  • Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions like potholes, debris, wet or icy roads, and uneven surfaces can cause motorcycles to lose traction and crash. Rain, snow, or fog can also reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
  • Speeding: Riding at excessive speeds reduces a rider’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Drivers of other vehicles who speed are also less able to react to seeing a motorcyclist in time. 
  • Car Doors Opening: Riders may collide with car doors that drivers suddenly open without warning when parked parallel to the road, especially in congested urban areas.
  • Unsafe Overtaking: Overtaking other vehicles, especially on narrow or winding roads, can lead to accidents when done without caution.
  • Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues with motorcycles, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents. Improper maintenance or manufacturer error can further exacerbate this risk. 
  • Sudden Stops: Rapid deceleration can lead to rear-end collisions between vehicles and motorcycles, particularly when the rider behind is following too closely.

Certain factors can heighten the risk of severe injury or death in a motorcycle accident. Most prominent is the failure to wear a helmet. This risk has grown in recent years due to Missouri’s 2020 passing of House Bill 1963. This law made it legal for most licensed motorcyclists ages 26 or older to ride without a helmet. 

Of the 620 motorcyclist fatalities in Missouri between 2017 and 2021, 134 were not wearing a helmet. Overall, not wearing a helmet increases a rider’s likelihood of death by 38 percent.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident victims often suffer severe injuries due to helmets and clothing being the only form of protection in the event of a traffic collision. 

At Brown & Crouppen, our top-rated litigators are ready to help you recover compensation for all your motorcycle accident injuries, including:

Contact a member of our skilled legal team to discuss the specifics of your motorcycle accident case immediately. We are here to take your call—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Death?

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 127,485 motorcycle accidents were reported statewide in 2022. Many of these motorcycle accidents resulted in an injury or death:

  • Personal Injury: 31,599 personal injury crashes, 45,456 people injured
  • Death: 878 fatal crashes, 964 motorcycle accident fatalities

Based on this data, nearly .7 percent of all motorcycle accidents in the state of Missouri are fatal. On an average day in Missouri, roughly two to three people are killed in motorcycle crashes.

Award-Winning St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Ready to Fight for You

You do not have to bear the burden of your motorcycle accident alone. Whether you have personally suffered injuries or experienced the tragic death of a family member, our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers can help you work toward a meaningful financial recovery.

Benefit from a respected legal team that has been fighting for motorcycle crash victims in St. Louis for more than 40 years. We have won over $1 billion in compensation for our deserving clients, and we are ready to go above and beyond to achieve the best results in your motorcycle accident case.

We provide top-rated legal representation to crash victims in St. Louis and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Central West End, Clayton, Downtown St. Louis, Ferguson, Forest Park Southeast, Frontenac, Grand Center, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lafayette Square, Midtown, Olivette, Pagedale, Richmond Heights, Shaw, Soulard, The Hill, Tower Grove, University City, or Webster Groves, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for injuries, medical bills, property damage, and other related losses.

Get in touch with a member of our legal team today to schedule your free consultation.

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Motorcycle accident legal guide by Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
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