Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Guide

• Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz’s Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
• Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Cape Girardeau
• Motorcycle Accident Injuries
• What Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Worth?
• Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau?
• Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Motorcycle Accident Injuries
• What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
• Contact a Seasoned Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz’s Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Cape Girardeau, Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz should be your top choice.

With more than 100 years of combined trial experience, our team of attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We have the experience and resources to go after the compensation you deserve, and we offer contingency fees with a guarantee that you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case.

Our firm’s track record speaks volumes, having successfully recovered millions of dollars for our previous personal injury clients.

Our client-centric approach sets Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz apart. We prioritize clear communication, understanding your unique needs, and tailoring our strategies to achieve the best possible results for you.

We treat you like family, giving you the strength to speak out and fight for your rights. Our team of personal injury lawyers is passionate about helping injured victims and their families, and we will do everything in our power to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Some of our recent successes on behalf of our clients include:

• $2 millon settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.8 millon settlement for an auto accident/wrongful death case
• $1.7 millon verdict for an auto injury case involving a police car
• $1.5 millon settlement for an auto injury crash case
• $1.25 millon settlement for an auto injury case
• $1.1 millon settlement for a product liability and road design defect case
• $600,000 settlement for an auto injury case

Our office is conveniently located across from the Osage Center and northwest of Southeast Missouri State University at:

1610 North Kingshighway, Suite 201

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Cape Girardeau

Motorcycle accidents can occur in various ways in Cape Girardeau.

Some of the most common types include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle, often due to the driver’s negligence or inattention.
• Intersection Accidents: Intersections can be dangerous for motorcyclists, as other drivers may fail to yield or turn without properly checking for motorcycles.
• Lane Change Accidents: If a driver fails to check their blind spot or uses their turn signal improperly, they may collide with a motorcyclist when changing lanes.
• Left Turn Accidents: These accidents often happen when a car or truck turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, failing to give the motorcyclist enough time to react and avoid a collision.
• Head-On Collisions: These accidents are often catastrophic and can occur when a vehicle crosses the centerline and crashes into a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering injuries.

Some common motorcycle accident injuries in Cape Girardeau include:

• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin contacts the road during an accident, resulting in abrasions and lacerations.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause fractures and broken bones, requiring extensive medical treatment and often resulting in long-term complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Motorcycle accidents can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in the affected areas.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are a common and severe consequence of motorcycle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other long-term complications.
• Internal Organ Injuries: The force of a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may require immediate medical intervention.

One of the most important things you can do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical care for your health and well-being and to support your legal claim. With documented injuries on your medical record, our Cape Girardeau motorcycle accident attorneys can more easily connect your injuries to the accident.

What Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Worth?

The value of motorcycle accident injuries can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the long-term implications.

While each case is unique, compensation for motorcycle accident injuries may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills for treatments, surgeries, therapy, and medication related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Loss of Earnings: If the injuries prevent the victim from working temporarily or permanently, they may recover compensation for lost earnings and future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and subsequent injuries.
• Property Damage: If the motorcycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, the victim may recover compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: If the victim requires it, may recover compensation to cover the expenses of ongoing rehabilitation or therapy.

Consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from our firm to accurately assess the value of your injuries and pursue fair compensation.

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau?

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere in Cape Girardeau, but in certain areas they are more likely to occur.

Main Street

Main Street in Cape Girardeau sees heavy traffic throughout the day, making it a susceptible area for motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists and other drivers need to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws.

William Street

William Street is another major road in Cape Girardeau where motorcycle accidents frequently occur. Drivers who are distracted and unwilling to use defensive driving skills often cause accidents on this busy street.

Mount Auburn Road

Mount Auburn Road is known for its high traffic volume, and motorcyclists must exercise caution when riding on this road. Drivers who aren’t vigilant to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of motorcyclists sharing the road commonly cause accidents on this road.

Independence Street

Independence Street is a major east-west thoroughfare in Cape Girardeau. Multiple intersections along its route can cause accidents if drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or are not attentive to their surroundings.

Some general locations for motorcycle accidents in Cape Girardeau include:

• Busy Intersections: Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcycle accidents due to the volume of vehicles and the potential for drivers to fail to yield or check for motorcycles.
• Freeways and Highways: High-speed roads can be dangerous for motorcyclists, as other drivers can easily overlook their presence or misjudge their speed.
• Curves and Turns: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to accidents on curves and turns, as they require precise handling and balance. The risk of accidents increases when drivers fail to navigate curves or turn properly.
• Rural Roads: Rural roads can attract motorcyclists due to their lack of traffic and higher speed limits. However, they also pose risks as they may lack proper signage, maintenance, or unexpected hazards.

Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Most of the time, compensation for motorcycle accidents comes from insurance policy claims. However, after being involved in a motorcycle accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially while you are trying to recover from injuries.

To make matters even worse, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether. Understanding common insurance company tactics and how to protect your rights is important.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may contact victims with a quick settlement offer soon after the accident, hoping they will accept a low amount without fully understanding the extent of their injuries and potential long-term costs.
• Delaying Tactics: Insurance companies may intentionally drag out the claims process to frustrate victims and pressure them into accepting a lower settlement amount.
• Downplaying Injuries: Insurers may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident. This tactic aims to reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
• Blaming the Victim: Insurance adjusters may attempt to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist, arguing that their actions or negligence contributed to the accident. This tactic reduces the insurance company’s liability.
• Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements from victims and use their words against them later in the claims process.

To navigate these tactics effectively, you will want to have one of our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys by your side. They can effectively negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Cape Girardeau, to protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful claim:

• Continue with Necessary Follow-up Medical Appointments: Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all necessary medical appointments to ensure proper documentation of your injuries and treatment plan.
• Adhere to Your Doctor’s Instructions with Work and Activities: Follow any work or activity restrictions given by your doctor to prevent further injuries and ensure a smooth recovery process.
• Preserve Evidence: Take photos of your injuries and any visible property damage to your motorcycle, riding gear, or helmet. Your attorney can obtain a copy of any police or incident reports that contain witness information.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document all medical expenses, missed workdays, and any other damages related to the accident. You need this documentation when seeking compensation.
• Be Aware of the Missouri Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years in Missouri. If the injuries sustained result in death, the statute of limitations is only three years. Consult an attorney from our firm promptly to meet all relevant deadlines.
• Consult a Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz for your free consultation with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. We will evaluate your case, provide personalized legal advice, and guide you through the claims process.

Contact a Seasoned Cape Girardeau Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Cape Girardeau securing legal representation from a trusted and experienced law firm like Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz is essential to your case.

Our team of attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

With our extensive trial experience we have successfully recovered  millions of dollars in damages for our clients. We have the skills and resources to handle your case. When you choose us, you won’t pay any fees unless we win – guaranteed.

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact our firm now to schedule your free case evaluation. Our team of skilled Cape Girardeau personal injury attorneys is here to advocate for you and fight for a favorable outcome.

Remember, your future is too important to leave to chance. Call today and take control of your legal situation.

Contact us at (573) 335-6651 for your free consultation. When you choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, you can feel confident that your case is in the hands of skilled and compassionate professionals who will prioritize your needs and advocate fiercely.

Don’t wait. Reach out to us now and take the first steps towards securing the compensation you deserve.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.