If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, we understand that you are likely facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and emotional uncertainty. Whether a truck cut you off while exiting I-35 onto Broadway, or you were in an accident with a car on 69 South Highway, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we provide the personalized, compassionate support you need to begin rebuilding your life. Our Overland Park motorcycle accident lawyer serves both Kansas and Missouri, and is ready to fight for you.
We know that motorcycle riders often face unfair biases from insurance companies. In their eyes, bikers are always in the wrong. We know that’s not true. We are here to ensure your voice is heard.
Unlike large firms, where you might just be a case number, our lawyer provides one-on-one contact. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique situation, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
While we are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Key Takeaways of Missouri and Kansas Motorcycle Accident Claims
- Motorcycle accident claims in Kansas must generally be filed within two years, while Missouri allows five years for injury claims and three years for wrongful death cases.
- Common legal causes of motorcycle crashes include distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, left-turn collisions, and speeding by other motorists.
- Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, and internal injuries, which affect the value of a claim.
- Injured riders may seek economic damages (medical bills, lost income, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, disability, or loss of companionship).
- Fault rules differ by state: Kansas bars recovery if the rider is 50% or more at fault, while Missouri allows recovery even if the rider is mostly at fault, with compensation reduced accordingly.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a motorcycle crash, you’re probably dealing with an incredible amount of pain, costly medical bills, and other inconveniences. The worst part is that this accident wasn’t your fault.
Hiring a skilled Overland Park motorcycle accident attorney allows you to focus entirely on your recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting. Here’s how we can help:
- Protection from Insurance Adjusters: We will protect you from careless insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim.
- Evidence Collection: We will investigate the crash scene, gather crucial evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.
- Loss Calculation: We will calculate the full value of your past and future losses to ensure you are properly compensated.
- Settlement and Litigation: Our goal is to secure a settlement that covers your needs, but we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
What Makes the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. Different?
When you are vulnerable, you need a Kansas City metro motorcycle accident attorney you can trust. Here is what makes us different from big law firms and other small law firms:
- One-on-One Attention: You will work directly with an experienced attorney, not passed around to paralegals or junior staff.
- 25+ Years of Experience: Our founder, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., has been practicing personal injury law for more than 25 years. He has extensive experience with handling Kansas and Missouri motorcycle accident claims, giving you a significant advantage.
- Dual-State Representation: We are licensed and experienced in both Kansas and Missouri courts. No matter where your accident happened in the KC Metro, we are here to help you.
- No Financial Risk: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. You have no obligation to move forward with your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
The Department of Public Safety Missouri State Highway Patrol says that, in Missouri, there were 154 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022. The Kansas Traffic Crash Facts Book says that Kansas saw 40 fatalities in 2023 involving motorcycles.
Common causes we see include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving occurs when drivers focus on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions instead of paying attention to the road, increasing the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Unsafe lane changes happen when drivers fail to check their blind spots or use their turn signals, often cutting off motorcyclists or causing collisions.
- Left-Turn Accidents: Left-turn accidents occur when vehicles make a turn across the path of an oncoming motorcycle, frequently due to misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or failing to see it entirely.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding and reckless driving involve motorists ignoring traffic laws, such as exceeding speed limits or weaving through traffic, which creates dangerous situations for both motorcyclists and other road users.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Collisions
Because motorcycle riders lack the protective frame of a car, injuries are often severe and life-altering. Whether you’re in a car accident or a truck accident, we have extensive experience helping clients who are suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Paralysis
- Road Rash and Severe Skin Abrasions
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
We understand that these injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and care. A dedicated Overland Park motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure your settlement accounts for these future medical necessities.
Call The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. to speak to our expert lawyer for free. We service the entire Kansas City metro area.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
What Should I Do After Being in a Motorcycle Accident?
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle crash can help strengthen your case. If safe and able to do so, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Being hit while riding a motorcycle can lead to serious injuries. You should see a doctor as soon as possible to get the treatment you need. These medical records can also be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the local authorities. Section 300.110 requires you to report an accident in Missouri if the accident caused catastrophic injuries, death, or property damage over $500.
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s) involved, skid marks, traffic signs, and any property damage. Be sure to also document your injuries. These visuals can serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance details with everyone involved in the incident. This ensures you have all the necessary details for follow-up or filing any claims. In Kansas, this is required by law according to K.S.A. 8-1604.
- Speak to a Lawyer: Contact us today to speak to an expert motorcycle accident lawyer in the Kansas City metro before speaking to insurance companies.
Learn More: Kansas City Motorcycle Laws
Compensation Available for Kansas and Missouri Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Overland Park motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable losses caused by the accident, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for past and future medical care, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work, as well as reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
- Property Damage: Expenses to repair or replace your motorcycle and other damaged belongings.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to recover funeral and burial costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address losses that are not easily quantified, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and a diminished quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for lasting impairments or visible scars.
- Loss of Companionship or Guardianship: Compensation for losing a spouse, parent, or guardian in the accident.
Every motorcycle accident case is unique, and the amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the specific details of your situation. An experienced attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim.
Kansas and Missouri Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Kansas and Missouri?
- Kansas: Under K.S.A. 60-513, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the wrongful death statute K.S.A. 60-1901 also generally sets a two-year limit.
- Missouri: Under RSMo Section 516.120, you generally have five years to file a personal injury claim. However, for wrongful death claims, RSMo Section 537.080 sets the limit at three years.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. As your motorcycle accident lawyer in the Kansas City metro, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge no out-of-pocket fees. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay for our legal services. There is no financial risk to you.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?
You may still be entitled to compensation, but the rules differ by state.
- Kansas: Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule under K.S.A. 60-258a. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Missouri: Missouri applies a pure comparative fault system under RSMo Section 537.765. You can theoretically recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What Areas Do You Serve?
Our law firm is located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. While we’re in Kansas, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, Missouri, and Kansas.
No matter where you are in KC, our Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri motorcycle attorney can help you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Overland Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident law firm in Overland Park is on your side. Contact The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. today. We are ready to listen to your story with compassion and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
