A motorcycle accident can change your life in seconds. One moment you are riding, and the next you are facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. If a careless driver caused your crash, you have the right to seek compensation for what you have lost.
Bretz Injury Law represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Kansas City and across Kansas. With more than 30 years of trial experience, attorney Matthew Bretz fights to hold negligent drivers accountable and help injured riders recover fair compensation.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
Motorcycles offer very little protection compared to cars and trucks. There are no airbags, no seatbelts, and no metal frame surrounding the rider. Even a low-speed crash can cause broken bones, road rash, or head injuries.
At higher speeds, the results are often catastrophic. Riders may suffer spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or injuries that require multiple surgeries and months of recovery. In the worst cases, motorcycle accidents are fatal.
What makes motorcycle crashes different from car accidents?
The human body absorbs most of the impact in a motorcycle crash. This means injuries tend to be more severe, medical costs are higher, and recovery takes longer. Insurance companies know this, and they often try to reduce or deny claims to protect their bottom line.
Motorcycle accident cases also face a common bias. Adjusters and even jurors sometimes assume the rider was at fault simply because motorcycles seem risky. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows how to counter this bias with facts and evidence.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Kansas City
Most motorcycle accidents happen because another driver failed to pay attention or follow the rules of the road. Riders are harder to see than cars, and many drivers do not check for motorcycles before turning, changing lanes, or pulling into traffic.
The most frequent causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Distracted drivers using phones or not watching the road
- Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Running red lights or stop signs at intersections
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Tailgating or aggressive driving near motorcycles
- Unsafe road conditions such as potholes, loose gravel, or poor signage
When another driver’s careless actions cause a crash, the injured rider has the right to pursue a claim for damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Kansas Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Kansas has specific laws that apply to motorcycle riders. Understanding these laws can affect your accident claim and your ability to recover compensation.
Kansas requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation safety standards. Riders must also wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield. A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle in the state.
Kansas follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20 percent.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Kansas?
In Kansas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident involved a government entity, such as a city responsible for dangerous road conditions, the deadline may be much shorter. Acting quickly protects your rights and gives your attorney time to build a strong case.
How Bretz Injury Law Handles Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Bretz Injury Law, every motorcycle accident case is prepared as if it will go to trial. This approach gives our clients leverage during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know when an attorney is willing to take a case to court, and they respond accordingly.
Attorney Matthew Bretz spent the early years of his career doing defense work before switching to represent injured people more than 25 years ago. He understands how insurance companies think, how they build their defenses, and where their arguments are weakest.
What happens when you hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
When you retain Bretz Injury Law, your attorney begins investigating the accident right away. This includes gathering the police report, obtaining medical records, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence from the crash scene. If needed, accident reconstruction experts are brought in to establish exactly what happened.
Your attorney handles all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. This protects you from making statements that could be used against your claim later. You focus on healing while your legal team focuses on building the strongest possible case.
Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases
If another driver caused your motorcycle accident, Kansas law allows you to pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses. These are called damages, and they cover both the financial costs and the personal impact of your injuries.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages from missed work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of their loved one’s companionship and support.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover your losses, you may be able to file a claim under the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. Kansas law requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, but not all drivers on the road follow the rules. Your attorney can review your coverage and determine the best path forward.
Why Attorney Matthew Bretz Fights for Accident Victims
Matthew Bretz’s dedication to representing injured people comes from personal experience. On Valentine’s Day in 1992, his 16-year-old sister Marlee and two of her friends were killed in a train collision. That tragedy shaped his career and his commitment to holding negligent parties accountable.
He serves on the National Board of Directors for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and trains trial lawyers across the country through the Keenan Trial Institute. With admissions to practice in Kansas, California, and multiple federal courts, he brings decades of courtroom experience to every case he takes.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash
After a motorcycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely contact you quickly. They may seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to reduce the value of your case or shift blame onto you.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. You do not have to accept their first settlement offer. In fact, early offers almost never reflect the true value of a serious motorcycle accident case. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Having an attorney handle insurance communications protects your rights and ensures you do not settle for less than your case is worth. Bretz Injury Law manages every interaction with insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What should I do right after a motorcycle accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel okay. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Call the police so there is an official accident report. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage if you are able. Get the other driver’s insurance information and contact details for any witnesses. Then contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster.
Does not wearing a helmet affect my claim?
Kansas requires helmet use, and not wearing one could reduce your compensation. The defense may argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. However, this does not automatically prevent you from recovering damages. Your attorney can address this issue and present evidence about the true cause and extent of your injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Many motorcycle accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, going to trial may be necessary. Bretz Injury Law prepares every case for trial from the start, which often encourages fair settlements before a courtroom becomes necessary.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Bretz Injury Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, Bretz Injury Law is ready to review your case. Attorney Matthew Bretz and his team focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases, and they bring more than 30 years of trial experience to every client they represent.
There are no upfront fees. The firm works on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Call 913-392-6352 or submit a consultation request online to get started.
Bretz Injury Law proudly serves motorcycle accident victims in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, Hutchinson, Salina, Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, and Hays.