If you were injured in a Missouri motorcycle accident, protect your rights before speaking at length with the insurance company or accepting any offer. Motorcycle crash injuries can lead to major medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, property damage, and permanent changes to how you work, ride, and live.
At Bur Oak Injury Law in Columbia, Missouri, attorney Chris Miller personally handles motorcycle accident injury claims throughout Central Missouri. Chris Miller has been licensed in Missouri since 2012, has personally handled motorcycle injury cases since 2012, and has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court. (573) 499-0200 — Free consultation.
Missouri motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries because motorcycle riders do not have the same physical protection as passengers inside cars. The numbers show the risk: over 80% of motorcycle crashes in Missouri result in injury or death. In 2024, there were 138 motorcyclist fatalities on Missouri roadways, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and 4 times more likely to be injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
These cases also involve documented bias. Insurance companies and jurors often have a negative bias against motorcyclists, which can affect the outcome of a claim. An insurance company may argue that a rider was speeding, wearing the wrong gear, operating carelessly, or accepted the risk simply by being on a motorcycle. That bias can make it hard for victims to recover damages unless the evidence is developed early and clearly.
Long-term medical costs and rehabilitation expenses often exceed initial estimates. Settling before you understand future treatment, therapy, lost wages, and permanent limitations can leave money on the table. Maximum medical improvement — the point where doctors have a clearer picture of future treatment needs, permanent limitations, and long-term prognosis — is the right time to evaluate any settlement.
Missouri operates under a fault-based insurance system. The party responsible for the accident is liable for damages. Victims have three paths to recovery: a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance, available coverage such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or a personal injury lawsuit under §516.120 RSMo.
We represent injured motorcyclists throughout Central Missouri, including Columbia and surrounding communities. Whether you were a rider or passenger, whether the accident happened on a city street, rural road, highway, or interstate, Bur Oak Injury Law can help you understand your rights and the next steps.
One attorney handles your entire case personally from start to finish. Chris Miller does not hand your file off to associates or paralegals. He works directly with you, learns the injuries, reviews the medical records, talks through the legal issues, and handles the insurance company.
To file a motorcycle accident claim in Missouri, you need to prove that someone other than yourself was at fault for the accident. Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to see bikes, particularly during left-hand turns. We investigate how the crash happened, who was involved, what caused the event, and what damages resulted.
Fatal motorcycle crashes leave families facing grief, funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and the loss of guidance, comfort, and support. We provide wrongful death legal support for families who lost loved ones in motorcycle fatalities.
Missouri wrongful death claims are governed by §537.080 RSMo and §537.100 RSMo. Under §537.080, surviving family members may bring a claim when a death was caused by another person's negligence or wrongful act. Under §537.100, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within three years of the date of death. Only one wrongful death action may be brought for the death of one person against a defendant.
Motorcycle crashes produce a distinctive and severe injury pattern. Because riders lack the structural protection of a vehicle frame, the following injuries are common — and they carry long-term physical, financial, and personal consequences that deserve full legal accountability.
TBIs are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. A TBI can cause memory problems, mood changes, speech issues, headaches, seizures, impaired balance, and long-term cognitive and physical impairments requiring lifetime care. In Missouri, riders under 26 are legally required to wear a helmet. Riders 26 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry proof of medical insurance.
High-impact collisions can cause spinal cord injuries leading to chronic pain or permanent paralysis. These injuries may require emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, wheelchairs, home modifications, and lifelong medical care.
Road rash occurs when friction scrapes away skin as a rider slides across pavement. Severe road rash can expose nerves, muscle, or bone and may require cleaning, debridement, multiple surgeries, skin grafts, scar treatment, and months of recovery.
Motorcycle crashes often cause complex fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, wrists, ankles, collarbone, and face. Broken bones may require plates, screws, rods, multiple surgeries, casting, and physical therapy.
A hard impact can injure the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, or other organs. Internal injuries may not be obvious at the crash scene but can quickly become life-threatening. Treatment may include emergency surgery, ICU care, blood transfusions, and long hospital stays.
Burns can happen when a motorcycle fuel tank ruptures, a bike catches fire, or a rider contacts hot engine parts or exhaust. Severe burns may require wound care, skin grafting, infection control, pain management, and reconstructive procedures.
Crush injuries, severe fractures, vascular damage, and infection can lead to the loss of a limb. Amputations require surgery, prosthetics, physical therapy, home adjustments, and psychological support.
Some motorcycle injuries are fatal. Wrongful death claims under Missouri law can pursue compensation for funeral costs, medical bills before death, lost wages and benefits, and the loss suffered by surviving family members.
Chris Miller personally handles every step of your case — from the first call through resolution. No handoffs to associates or paralegals.
No fee unless we win. One attorney handles your case from the first call through resolution. Call (573) 499-0200 or submit the form above.