Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri

By The Cagle Law Firm | May 29, 2025 | Featured, Motorcycle Accidents, News

Warm Weather Returns Launching Motorcycle Season

It is not by chance that Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month  sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  May begins peak motorcycle riding season.  In the Midwest, there are simply not a lot of motorcyclists in winter months due to the harsh weather.  At the end of March and through April, warmer days present better motorcycle riding days.  Yet, every spring it seems important that we all have a reminder to look out for motorcycles to avoid motorcycle accidents.  It is an adjustment as drivers may not have consciously been thinking about looking for motorcycles. Motorcycles are less visible that larger motor vehicles.  New NHTSA data shows that motorcyclist fatality rates are 28 times higher than passenger car occupant fatalities.

Facts About Motorcycles and Traffic

• There were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2023 which represents about 15 % of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.
• In Missouri, motorcyclists accounted for 17 % of all traffic fatalities yet motorcycles represent approximately 2.6% of registered motorcycles. While motorcycles are a relatively small percentage of the total vehicle population, they contribute a much larger percentage to highway fatalities.
• The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 28 times more than the passenger car occupant fatality rate in 2023, per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
• 36% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers. Motorcycle riders 21-24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 54% in 2023
• Of the 2,171 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2023, 41 % were alcohol-impaired.
• While motorcycle helmet use increased nationwide from 66.5% to 73.8% in 2023, however, motorcycle helmet use in Missouri dropped significantly after the mandatory helmet law was repealed in 2020. Motorcycle fatalities have also increased significantly since the mandatory helmet law was repealed

Motorcycle Safety Tips:

• Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit
• Wear a DOT compliant helmet and other personal protective gear.  NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017 and an additional 749 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets
• Never ride while impaired or distracted. A DUI costs an average of $10K but the increase probability of driver error can be catastrophic
• Complete rider education courses and ride with a current motorcycle license
• Drive and ride defensively

Tips for Motorists:

• Remember that motorcyclists have the same rights on the roadway as any other motorist
• Observe all traffic laws, use signals and always obey the speed limit. Pay close attention to yielding and right-of-way rules especially at intersections.
• Motorcycles are smaller than most other vehicles and can be difficult to see. If you turning at an intersection with an obstructed view of oncoming traffic, wait to see around the obstruction, scan for all roadway users (pedestrians, bicycles and motorcyclist) and proceed cautiously
• When following a motorcycle, allow for plenty of space around the motorcycle to maneuver or stop in an an emergency, change speed or adjust lane positions to avoid hazards
• Never drive distracted.

Most Common Injuries to Motorcyclists:

• Broken bones
• Neck & spine injuries
• Paralysis and nerve damage
• Lacerations and severe skin damage-road rash
• Traumatic brain injuries

These injuries or combination of injuries can be life threatening for a motorcyclists.  Often, motorcycle crash injuries can be catastrophic if not fatal.  Victims suffer more serious injuries because they usually have the initial impact and the the secondary impact of where they are thrown or hitting the ground.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Involved in a Motorcycle Crash?

If you are hurt, the answer is yes.  If you are seriously hurt, it is a grave error to try to make an injury claim on your own.  You are not legally required to hire an attorney, however, we have never met one person that received a sensible offer of settlement from an insurance carrier on their own.  The sad fact is that motorcycle crashes typically involve very serious injuries. And, auto insurance companies did not become multi-billion dollar industries by paying out far claims.  The truth is that your physical injury may be worth quite a bit in your life but devalued greatly by an insurance adjuster.  An injured persons damages are rarely accurately reflected in a medical bill.

Serious injuries require legal representation in order to get the much needed compensation for medical bills, missed work and the inordinate amount of time each person must commit to their medical treatment which impacts their family.

Bringing an Injury Claim While Seeking Medical Treatment

When an injured person is trying to physically recover, the last thing they need to be doing is communicating with an insurance adjuster. When you are hurt, communicating with an insurance adjuster is just a mistake. Do not assume the adjuster is on your side or looking out for your best interest.  They are not.  Hire an attorney to communicate on your behalf focuses consistent messaging and gathering of medical documentation and evidence. When you hire an attorney right away after the collision, the legal team can conduct an investigation and gather evidence that you will very much need to bring your case.  When you are hurt in a motorcycle crash, it is going to take time for you to recover.  Every single person we represent is ready for the entire nightmare to be over.  We understand that.  Insurance companies count on the fact that you just want to be done and that you will not hire a professional.  We have found that those who are seriously injured, simply cannot afford to fail to hire a lawyer.  It is not a matter of a “pay day” as some imply.  Financial compensation is usually the difference between someone drowning in medical debt, confusion and uncertainty or gaining the much needed compensation they need to recover.

Free Consultations

Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations.   The only dumb questions are the ones not asked.  We are happy to talk with you if you are hurt and provide guidance.  If you are not hurt, then we can typically provide information how to handle your property damage claim on your own. Not everyone that calls needs our services. However, we would rather talk to you than have you operating your claim in the dar.

Call us toll free 1.800.685.3302 or locally 314.276.1681

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