Missouri Motorcycle Accident Laws

Attorneys Help You Understand Motorcycle Laws in Missouri

All motorcycle riders would be well-advised to understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. When a collision occurs, it is in the best interest of the victim to seek professional guidance from a skilled Missouri personal injury attorney, who will better explain their legal rights and options.

Before getting on your motorcycle, it is important that you understand the Missouri laws that dictate safe motorcycle use. Under Missouri Statute 302.020, all motorcyclists in the state must have a special license, which proves that they passed an examination to ride a motorcycle. In Missouri, it is also illegal to ride without a protective helmet. A helmet is mandatory for both motorcycle riders and passengers in Missouri.

Before even considering riding on roadways, you must get adequate insurance coverage. Each state has different insurance requirements. In Missouri you must have:

• $25,000 – Bodily Injury one person
• $50,000 – Bodily Injury all persons
• $10,000 – Property Damage
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Missouri is what is known as an “at-fault” state. This means that motorcycle riders must be very careful how they discuss an accident with police officers and insurance companies. Admitting fault for a crash may seriously jeopardize potential injury claims. This is why it is so important to have skilled legal representation before discussing the accident.

Rights of a Motorcycle Rider in Missouri

There are laws and rights about which every Missouri rider should know. For example, there is a statute of limitations for all accident claims. This is the amount of time a motorist has to file a claim. In Missouri, injured victims have five years to file a personal injury claim. After this time has passed, the victim will no longer be able to pursue compensation for the accident.

Under Tort Law, injured victims of negligent drivers may pursue compensation for the damages suffered in an accident. Motorcycle riders in Missouri may file a personal injury claim to pursue financial compensation for the crash and to hold the at-fault party accountable. Financial compensation may be available for:

• Medical expenses: All past and present medical bills directly resulting from a crash may be considered in a Missouri personal injury claim. An experienced injury lawyer will work with medical professionals to make sure a claim covers expenses such as medications, emergency room fees, surgeries, medical devices and cost of physical therapy.
• Loss of earnings: When someone is forced to miss work because of the injuries suffered, the lost wages or earnings should be considered when filing for compensation. When someone becomes disabled and no longer able to work, additional compensation should be available.
• Pain and suffering: In cases where a driver’s negligence leads to serious injuries, compensation may be available for physical pain and mental anguish.

To understand all your rights and the laws that govern Missouri motorcycle use, call our law offices. We have a long history of protecting the rights of St. Louis motorcycle riders. We provide free consultations to injured motorcyclists and/or their families. Call our St. Louis motorcycle crash lawyers today to find out how we can help.