The more severe an accident victim’s injuries are, generally, the more considerable the settlement. Injuries can be minor and temporary or severe and permanent. When an injury hurts the victim badly, a high settlement is more likely.

Motorcycle accidents cause:

• Bruises
• Sprains
• Contusions
• Calf or hamstring strains
• Tendonitis
• Concussions
• Torn ACL and torn ligaments
• Whiplash
• Muscle strain
• Amputation
• Death

Non-economic Damages

In addition to physical injury, an accident victim must prove non-economic damages to recover for them in an injury settlement. Non-economic damages include harm that is not easily quantifiable, but the victim suffers in the aftermath of a traffic accident. Just like other damages, it’s difficult for an accident victim to prove harm on their own.

Hiring an experienced Southeast Missouri accident lawyer is an accident victim’s best chance to recover fully from an accident. Call Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz today to schedule a free consultation and let us put our firm’s 100 years of trial experience to work for you.

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Lack of energy
• Insomnia
• Mental anguish

These injuries can be lofty. and proving them can be difficult. Teaming with an experienced accident lawyer takes the guesswork to prove non-economic damages.

Lost Wages

Lost wages may consist of the time from work that you missed because of your injuries. Lost wages may also include loss of earning capacity. A person loses earning capacity when they cannot do the same work as before the accident.

For example, a firefighter gets into an accident. After the accident, they suffer injuries that make them unable to lift or climb, but they can work at a desk job. The former firefighter can still earn a living, but they cannot earn it the same way they could before.

A defendant must pay the difference in income. In this circumstance, meeting with an accident lawyer is beneficial. They will explain your options when trying to recover damages for loss of earning capacity.

The accident lawyers at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz have a century of combined trial experience. Our attorneys are passionate about getting top-notch results for our clients and their families. Rely on our excellence in representation to ensure that you maximize your settlement claim. Call our office or visit us online to schedule a free consultation today if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident.

Property Damage

Tiu must prove property damage. Property damage can increase the value of a settlement. It is essential to give the police officer at the scene and the insurance adjusters about how the accident damaged your vehicle. You need evidence of the damage, so pictures and videos of how the crash destroyed your car may prove your claim.

An accident lawyer may ask to see any images or videos of the damage to help estimate how much money your claim is worth and how to approach the settlement negotiations process with the insurance company.

A good personal injury case is one a lawyer can prove to an insurance adjuster, jurors, or a judge. An experienced accident lawyer knows how to frame the facts of your case to maximize your settlement chances. Call Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz today to schedule a free consultation if an accident hurt you.

Biker bias is the prejudice that can come from insurance companies. The bias is the preconception that every biker is a risk-taker and operates their motorcycle carelessly. Some insurance adjusters conclude that the motorcyclist is at fault for an accident without a thorough investigation. The bias makes going up against an insurance company difficult and getting the compensation you deserve almost impossible. Hiring an accident attorney to represent you is the best decision after a motorcycle accident.

The accident lawyers at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz have a combined 100 years of trial experience. Our lawyers know what strategies to use to overcome biker bias. We fiercely represent accident victims and are passionate about protecting our clients’ rights after a traffic accident. We are excited to use our century of experience to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve so that you can recover from your injuries in peace.

Riding motorcycles has its unique dangers, but there are ways for a motorcyclist to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers when they are traveling our highways. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 15 percent of fatal traffic accidents involve a motorcycle. The 15 percent figure represents 120 deaths. The Missouri Department of Transportation claimed that this increase showed a dangerous trend.

Motorcyclists between the ages of 21 to 25 have the highest rate of fatal accidents in the state. In addition to age, alcohol use significantly contributed to the rate of accidents. Avoiding alcohol or other intoxicating substances before operating any vehicle will significantly reduce the number of motorcycle accidents across the state.

The state also requires that every motorcyclist and their passengers wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet while riding on or operating a vehicle is state law. The law intends to reduce the number of catastrophic injuries. Using helmets minimizes the chance of dying in a crash by 37 percent.

Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets while they ride are at an increased risk of having a traumatic brain injury as mild TBI designations refer only to the initial presentation of symptoms and not the result. Even seemingly “mild” brain trauma can cause potentially fatal complications. Monitor a TBI for lingering effects or complications, all of which we can help you recover compensation for.