1. Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car vs. motorcycle collisions, truck vs. motorcycle collisions, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, defective motorcycle parts claims, road defect accidents.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective parts claims, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, jury bias mitigation, pre-trial hearings, jury selection, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Wichita personal injury law firm comprised of seasoned litigators and veterans in the field of personal injury law. The firm understands the pervading jury biases that work against motorcyclists and employs strategies to root out biased jurors through pre-trial hearings and jury selections. Experienced in handling defective motorcycle part claims and working with crash scene investigators to determine accident causes.
Location: 231 S. Wichita Street, Wichita, KS 67202
Contact: (316) 688-1166 | https://www.huttonlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
2. Bull Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, road construction accidents.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, intersection accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, PIP benefits activation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, mental anguish claims, loss of enjoyment of life claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Founded in 1983 by Bradley A. Pistotnik as Pistotnik Law Offices, later changed to Brad Pistotnik Law in 2014, and renamed Bull Attorneys in 2021. Over 40 years of legal expertise fighting for injured Kansans. The firm has deep familiarity with Wichita’s dangerous roadways including Kellogg/US-54/400, I-135, and K-96 corridors. Maintains offices in Wichita and Garden City. Provides direct cell phone access to attorneys.
Location: 10111 E. 21st Street N., Suite 204, Wichita, KS 67206
Contact: (316) 444-4444 | https://bullattorneys.com
Consultation: Free 24/7 consultation available, no fees unless recovery obtained, will visit clients in hospital or home.
3. Brian & Brian at Pistotnik Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, property damage claims.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, property damage claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, no-fault Personal Injury Protection claims, bodily injury liability claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Personal injury law firm that has handled thousands of personal injury cases and recovered millions of dollars for clients. Experienced in combating insurance company tactics that attempt to place blame on motorcyclists through comparative fault arguments. Understanding of Kansas comparative fault laws and how they apply specifically to motorcyclists. The firm advises clients not to speak to insurance companies or give recorded statements before consulting an attorney.
Location: 9111 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67207
Contact: (316) 689-8035 | https://www.pistotniklawfirm.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
4. Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC (PHP Law Firm)
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, amputation injuries, medical malpractice.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, speeding accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, documentation gathering, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas with more than 100 years of combined experience among attorneys fighting for personal injury and medical malpractice victims. The firm handles all legal work including gathering documentation, filing claims within the two-year statute of limitations, and pursuing maximum compensation. Familiar with Kansas Department of Transportation motorcycle accident data and state helmet and licensing requirements.
Location: 100 S. Main Street, Suite 600, Wichita, KS 67202
Contact: (800) 266-0036 | https://phpattorneys.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, no fees unless recovery obtained.
5. Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, dooring accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, road hazard accidents, poor road condition accidents.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, dooring accidents, road hazard accidents, municipality liability claims, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, expert consultation, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Wichita personal injury law firm with attorneys who prepare every case as if it will go to trial. The firm meticulously gathers evidence, consults with medical and financial experts, and builds compelling arguments from the outset. Familiar with Wichita’s busy traffic corridors like Kellogg Avenue and I-135. Understands how comparative fault can dramatically affect recovery amounts and works to minimize client’s percentage of blame.
Location: 100 N. Broadway, Suite 500, Wichita, KS 67202
Contact: (316) 264-6800 | https://www.lawyerontheline.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Kansas
Statute of Limitations: Kansas imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents pursuant to K.S.A. Section 60-513. This deadline begins on the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the two-year deadline passes, the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. The same duration applies for wrongful death claims, though the statute begins on the date of death. Kansas also follows the discovery rule, where the statute may begin at the date of injury discovery if the victim only finds out about an injury later, though lawsuits are invalid if 10 years have passed since the accident date.
Fault System: Kansas is technically a no-fault state for automobile insurance purposes. However, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is not required for motorcycles in Kansas. Many insurance companies offer the option of PIP coverage for motorcycles, but it is not mandatory. Motorcyclists can opt out of PIP coverage by signing a written rejection when purchasing insurance. For fault-based claims, Kansas allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation from at-fault parties.
Comparative Negligence: Kansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured motorcyclist can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are completely barred from any recovery. Any compensation awarded is reduced by the motorcyclist’s percentage of fault. For example, if damages are $100,000 and the motorcyclist is found 20% at fault, recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Kansas requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Kansas also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Motorcyclists may opt out of PIP coverage by written rejection.
Helmet Laws: Kansas has a partial helmet law. All riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear DOT-approved motorcycle helmets. The helmet must fit snugly and have no defects such as loose padding or cracks. Riders 18 years and older are not required by law to wear helmets. However, failing to wear a helmet as an adult may still impact compensation if Kansas’s comparative fault rule is applied to determine whether the motorcyclist contributed to the severity of injuries.
Eye Protection Requirements: Kansas requires all motorcycle operators to wear eye and face protection, regardless of age. Acceptable protection includes shatterproof goggles, glasses, or transparent face shields that are impact-resistant. Riders are exempt from this requirement if their motorcycle has a windshield at least 10 inches high, measured from the center of the handlebars. Passengers under 18 must always wear shatterproof glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. Riding between lanes of traffic, even when other vehicles are stopped, is prohibited. Motorcycles are entitled to an entire lane while on the roadway. However, two motorcycles are permitted to ride side-by-side in a single lane.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Kansas requires a Class M driver’s license or a motorcycle designation on a valid Class C license to legally operate a motorcycle. To obtain the license, applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and a riding skills test. Completion of a motorcycle safety course may waive certain testing requirements.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Kansas law requires motorcycles to have working headlights, taillights, and brake lights. Handlebars must not exceed a certain height. Motorcycles carrying passengers must have a designated seat and foot pegs for the passenger. All equipment and parts must be in proper working condition before operation.
Passenger Requirements: Motorcyclists carrying passengers must ensure the motorcycle is equipped with a proper seat and foot pegs for the passenger. Passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. There are no specific age restrictions on passengers, but safe operation is required.
Damage Caps: Kansas does not impose caps on economic damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are generally not capped in most personal injury cases in Kansas.
Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Kansas must be filed within 2 years from the date of death. Eligible claimants include the surviving spouse, children, or other designated relatives of the deceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Kansas?
Kansas allows 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under K.S.A. Section 60-513. This deadline is strictly enforced, and if you fail to file before time expires, the court will dismiss your case. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year period begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident. Kansas also has a discovery rule that may extend the deadline in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent, but no lawsuit is valid more than 10 years after the accident date.
How does Kansas’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
Under Kansas’s modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, but only if your fault is less than 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are completely barred from any recovery. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to place blame on motorcyclists, so documenting the accident thoroughly and consulting an attorney promptly is critical.
Does not wearing a helmet affect my ability to recover compensation in Kansas?
Kansas does not require helmets for riders 18 years and older. Because there is no legal duty for adults to wear helmets, failing to wear one typically cannot be used as evidence of negligence per se. However, insurance companies and defense attorneys may still argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of head injuries, potentially affecting damages through comparative fault arguments. Kansas juries may also carry some bias against riders who chose not to wear helmets, which could influence their perception of claimed injuries and resulting damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Kansas, and how does it affect accident liability?
Lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding between lanes of traffic, even when other vehicles are stopped. If you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, you will likely be found at least partially at fault, which can significantly reduce or eliminate your compensation under Kansas’s modified comparative fault system. If your percentage of fault reaches or exceeds 50%, you cannot recover any compensation. Two motorcycles may legally ride side-by-side in a single lane.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Kansas?
Kansas allows motorcycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and disfigurement. Kansas does not impose caps on damages in most personal injury cases. Additionally, if you have PIP coverage (optional for motorcycles in Kansas), you may be entitled to no-fault benefits including disability benefits, funeral benefits, medical benefits, rehabilitation benefits, and substitution benefits.