Fighting for Injured Riders in Springfield and Southwest Missouri
A motorcycle offers freedom — but no protection. Without the enclosed frame, airbags, and crumple zones of a car or truck, riders face a far greater risk of severe injury or death when another driver is careless. The risk is especially serious in Missouri: according to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 175 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri roadways in 2023 — the highest number ever reported in the state. If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, the motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Even the most careful rider can’t control the drivers around them. Crashes are frequently caused by motorists who are speeding, drunk or otherwise impaired, texting, talking on a cell phone, distracted, or operating an unsafe vehicle.
After a collision, the other driver often claims they “never saw the motorcycle.” Even if that’s true, it is not a defense. Every driver has a duty to be aware of their surroundings, and a driver who causes an accident that injures a rider is liable for the harm they cause.
An experienced lawyer for a motorcycle accident levels the playing field. From the moment you hire us, we begin gathering evidence, documenting your injuries, and building the case needed to hold the at-fault driver accountable. The sooner you reach out, the sooner that work can begin.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle crash can protect both your health and your claim:
- Get medical care immediately. Your health comes first, and medical records also document your injuries.
- Report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor, so the crash is officially documented.
- If you’re able, photograph the scene, both vehicles, and the damage to each.
- Contact a motorcycle accident injury lawyer with experience handling these cases before speaking with the insurance company.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, even a low-speed collision can cause serious harm. Injuries we frequently see in motorcycle crash cases include:
- Head, facial, and brain injuries
- Spinal cord and nervous system injuries
- Broken bones and injuries to the hands and feet
- Road rash, contusions, and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Psychological injuries
Were you riding as a passenger when the crash happened? You may also have a claim. Learn more on our motorcycle passenger injury page.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
The insurance company’s goal is not fairness — it’s to settle for the smallest amount possible. Adjusters may offer a lowball settlement or try to pin the blame on you. You don’t have to accept less than you deserve. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
One factor makes acting promptly especially important: Missouri’s statute of limitations generally gives you five years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim. Five years can pass quickly once medical treatment, investigation, and negotiations are underway, and missing the deadline can bar your claim entirely.
Before making any decisions, speak with a motorcycle accident attorney who can review your options and explain what to expect. Compensation in these cases often accounts for:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages
Why Riders Trust the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave
A motorcycle wreck can upend your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Our attorneys believe injured riders deserve full and fair compensation, and we’re prepared to fight aggressively to get it. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we win — and you can review our verdicts and settlements and meet our legal team before you decide. With offices in Springfield and Joplin, we serve riders throughout Southwest Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
If another driver caused your crash, yes. Insurance companies often undervalue rider claims or argue you were at fault. An attorney can assemble evidence, handle negotiations, and pursue the compensation you’re actually owed.
Your lawyer investigates the crash, gathers evidence of the other driver’s negligence, documents your injuries and losses, negotiates with the insurance company, and takes your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Yes. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule, being partially at fault does not bar you from recovery — your award is reduced by your share of the blame. An attorney can review the facts of your crash and explain your options.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. In addition, your case review is free.
In most cases, Missouri gives you five years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. Because deadlines and exceptions vary, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Related Reading from Our Blog
- The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries — A look at the injuries riders suffer most often and why motorcyclists face a far higher risk of serious harm than people in passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Accident Claim Tips — Practical steps for protecting your rights and strengthening your case after a crash, from documenting the scene to seeking prompt medical care.
- Motorcycle Safety Tips — Simple precautions — from gear and bike maintenance to checking the weather — that can help you reduce your risk every time you ride.
- How to Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — What to ask and what to look for when choosing an attorney, including experience, track record, and how to evaluate a lawyer’s communication.