If you've been injured in a motorcycle wreck, understanding your legal rights and options is essential. At Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped many motorcycle accident victims through the legal process, always with the goal of achieving fair compensation while honoring their unique story. Contact us for a free consultation to get you going in the right direction.
Often, injury victims come to us after they've tried navigating the insurance process alone. We've seen insurance adjusters challenge medical records, dispute injuries, and make lowball settlement offers. Having an experienced legal team in your corner from the beginning helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, and may prevent costly mistakes.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Wichita
Motorcycle wrecks often can occur due to factors entirely outside the rider’s control. The most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers failing to check blind spots or signal lane changes
- Drunk drivers who ignore right-of-way laws
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and loose gravel
- Drivers turning left without noticing an oncoming motorcyclist
We’ve handled countless cases where a driver simply “didn’t see the motorcycle.” That’s not a valid excuse—it’s negligence. And in Kansas, negligence means the at-fault party may be held liable.
Understanding Motorcycle Laws and Comparative Fault in Kansas
Kansas follows a comparative fault system, meaning if you were partially at fault for the crash, your recovery may be reduced accordingly. For example, if you weren’t wearing a helmet or weren’t riding in the proper lane position, a defense attorney might argue you failed to mitigate your injuries.
It’s important to remember that you can still bring a claim even if you share some of the blame—as long as your fault is less than 50%.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Treatment and Documentation
Whether it’s road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, motorcycle crashes often lead to severe injuries. In the chaos of an accident, it’s easy to underestimate how badly you’ve been hurt. But delayed medical treatment can hurt more than your health—it can damage your case.
Insurance companies scrutinize gaps in medical treatment. If you wait weeks to see a doctor, they might argue your injuries weren’t serious or even related to the crash. Seeking care immediately creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries. It can also be important for accessing appropriate treatment—whether that’s surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care for chronic pain.
How We Build Strong Motorcycle Accident Claims
At Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, we take a hands-on, personal approach to every motorcycle accident case. It starts with listening to your story and then we dig into the evidence:
- Accident scene photographs
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction experts, if needed
If liability is contested, a thorough accident reconstruction can make all the difference. We've worked with experts who analyze skid marks, property damage, and vehicle positions to uncover the truth. Our job is to connect the dots and show the insurance company—and if necessary, a jury—exactly what happened and how it has changed your life.
Serious and Long-Term Consequences of Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims often face more than just broken bones. We’ve represented riders who suffered life-altering injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affecting memory, personality, and cognitive function
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or full paralysis
- Severe orthopedic injuries requiring multiple surgeries and physical therapy
And it's not just the injured rider who suffers. A family member may lose financial support, companionship, or the emotional presence of a loved one. The ripple effects are profound.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
Every case is different, but personal injury claims generally seek compensation for:
- Medical bills, including future care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In hit-and-run cases or when a drunk driver is involved, Kansas law may also allow for punitive damages—meant to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters and Lowball Offers
We’ve seen it time and time again: an insurance adjuster calls within days of the crash, offering a quick settlement. It may seem tempting, especially when medical bills are stacking up—but these early offers are rarely fair.
Our attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We craft demand letters that tell the full story, highlighting the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident. If the adjuster won’t take your case seriously, we’re not afraid to file suit. And if needed, we're willing to go to trial.
Timelines and Deadlines Under Kansas Law
Under Kansas law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any compensation. That’s why we urge injured riders to reach out as soon as possible.
What to Expect from Your Free Case Evaluation
When you contact Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, you’ll speak directly with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We’ll review the facts of your case, discuss your legal rights, and give you an honest assessment. If we believe we can add value to your case, we’ll explain the next steps. If we can’t help, we’ll tell you that too.
Our goal is simple: to provide clarity in a confusing time and to get you going in the right direction.
Why Choose Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys
Here’s what we do differently:
- We treat every case like it's our only case.
- We listen to your story and build your case around it.
- We have a track record of verdicts and settlements across Kansas, including a recent $11 million jury verdict in a severe injury case.
We understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases. While past performance is no guarantee of future success, we’re committed to advocating strongly for what’s fair.
Talk Through Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Wichita or the surrounding area, don’t wait. Reach out to Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys for a confidential case evaluation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and determine whether we’re the right fit for your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. You don’t have to navigate this alone.