Crash to Compensation: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Riding a powerful bike on an open road gives an adrenaline rush. But in an instant, that feeling can turn into a nightmare. A sudden stop, a careless driver, a jarring impact can change everything. The very next second onwards, confusion and pain make it difficult to know what to do next.

When a devastating crash left our client, Joshua, stranded on a busy St. Louis street, he was dazed but knew he needed to act quickly. His story is an important lesson in how an accident victim can protect their rights and how a skilled St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can get the advantage in court and take the case towards success.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Joshua rode through an intersection when a car failed to see him and turned directly into his path. He was thrown from his bike, falling hard on the pavement with a searing pain in his leg. Amidst chaos, he took a step that proved invaluable to his case. First, he managed to move to the side of the road to avoid further danger. He immediately called 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance. While waiting, a few witnesses stopped to help. He asked for their names and contact information, a move that would later be crucial. He also made sure to take a few photos of the scene, the vehicles, and his visible injuries, all before the police arrived. These initial, clear-headed actions laid the groundwork for his future claim.

Why Do Insurance Companies Blame Motorcycle Riders?

After being treated, Joshua received a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They offered a small settlement, claiming that as a motorcyclist, he was partially to blame for the crash. This is a frustrating reality for many riders. The insurance adjuster tried to argue Joshua should have been more visible or should have been able to stop in time, completely ignoring their client's negligence. 

This is a classic tactic used to minimize payouts and avoid liability. Facing mounting medical bills and an insurer unwilling to negotiate in good faith, Joshua realized he needed a professional advocate to fight for him.

How Can I Get an Insurance Company to Pay My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Joshua reached out to our team at Thompson Law. The first thing we advised him was to cease all communication with the insurance company, a critical step most people miss. Any statement given to an insurer can be used against a claimant later on. We took over all correspondence, ensuring Joshua’s rights were protected from that moment forward. We immediately began our investigation, knowing the insurance company’s initial report was biased and incomplete. We were determined to build a case to demonstrate the true extent of Joshua's injuries and losses.

How Thompson Law Proves Fault in St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Cases

We started by gathering the evidence Joshua collected, which proved to be a powerful starting point. We then located the witnesses he spoke to and obtained their detailed statements. Their testimony confirmed that the driver turned suddenly and without signaling. We also hired an accident reconstruction expert to analyze the scene, damage to the vehicles, and the police report. The expert’s analysis confirmed Joshua had no time to react, and the at-fault driver was entirely responsible for the collision. We meticulously collected all of Joshua’s medical records, from his emergency room visit to his physical therapy appointments. We also documented his lost wages and projected future expenses to build a comprehensive claim for every dollar he was owed.

What Damages Can I Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis?

With a strong case built on irrefutable evidence, we began negotiations. The insurance company’s initial lowball offer was a distant memory. We demanded a fair settlement accounting for all of Joshua’s damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. The final settlement we secured for Joshua included:

• Medical Expenses: All of his past and future medical bills, from his initial hospital stay to rehabilitation.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time he was unable to work.

• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.

• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace his motorcycle.

Wrapping Up

Joshua walked away with his life rebuilt. If he’d accepted that first lowball offer or gone at it alone, he’d be drowning in medical bills and regret. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers minimizing what they pay you. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting just as hard for your interests?

Your accident is past, but your fight for fair compensation is your hard present. Don’t let your story end with “I wish I had.” Your recovery starts with a conversation. Thompson Law is ready to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. Reach out now to schedule your free consultation with a trusted St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer.