Warm Fall- Busy St. Louis Motorcycle Season

By The Cagle Law Firm | October 3, 2025 | Car Accidents, Featured, Motorcycle Accidents, News

It’s early October and the temperatures for the weekend are still in the 80’s.  Right now is ideal motorcycle riding weather.  While some yearn for fall, we know it will come fast and then we will be in the throws of winter. In the Midwest, we appreciate this time between scorching hot and polar vortex.   Few things ruin a ride like a motorcycle accident.  Motorcycle crashes tend to be serious if not catastrophic in nature.  Motorcyclists generally have to attempt to predict the driving behaviors of others, however, all motorists need to look out for one another.

Safety Reminders for Motorcyclists

Safety experts make a number of recommendations and offer frequent reminders:

• Wear a Helmet– while Missouri no longer has a mandatory helmet law, safety experts highly recommend that each rider wear a Dept of Transportation approved helmet
• Wear Safety Gear– motorcyclists that ride safely wear the right protective gear that include a high quality riding jacket and pants, abrasion resistant and padding, sturdy gloves and boots providing ankle support. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation make various recommendations depending on the weather.
• Be conspicuous–wear high visibility vest, garments with reflector features and accessories to boost your visibility to other drivers
• Maintain Your Motorcycle– ensure all of your lights and horn are working and both mirrors are adjusters.  Tire safety is critical. Good traction is a key component and safe braking.
• Maintain High Level of Awareness–  motorcyclists get little room for error.  Motorcyclists must constantly scan the roadway for dangers and ride alert.
• Drive Sober– never ride impaired.
• Turn Left with Caution–  most crashes between cars and motorcycle involve turning left.  If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
• Slow Down– take your time and maintain control of your motorcycle
• Allow Adequate Space-allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Because motorcycles are easy to maneuver, it becomes tempting to weave in traffic, split the lane and make improper passes.
• Observe and Obey Traffic Law
• Let Other Motorists Know Your Intentions.  Use your directional light signals and hand signals.  Also, flashing your brake light periodically before you stop will alert drivers behind you to be cautious.

Safety Reminders for Car Drivers Regarding Motorcycles

Often we say, “look twice, safe a life”.  It is not just a catchy phrase but a good habit to help any motor vehicle driver avoid collisions with other vehicles.  The most common reason a motor vehicle driver will give after a crash with a motorcycle is “I did not see them”.  Motorcycles are physically smaller and have a conscious and subconscious threat level.  That means that consciously and unconsciously, as drivers we view the size of the other vehicle relative to their “threat” or size in comparison to the vehicle we are currently operating.   We know that when a passenger vehicle collides with a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist usually does not come out on the best end of the crash.  Driver of automobiles can take action to keep a look out for motorcycles.

• Share the Road, Not the Lane. While there may look like there is enough room in a lane for both a motorcycle and an automobile, give the motorcycle the room they need to navigate safely. Slow down and don’t crowd.
• Increase Your Following Distance for Flashing Turn Signals–when you see flashing turn signals in front of you on a motorcycle, slow down and make sure they actually make that turn before you attempt to pass. If you notice a motorcycle is driving a distance with a flashing light, increase your following distance.
• Minor Annoyance for Vehicles Can Be Hazards for Motorcycles–motorcyclists often may need to change speed or adjust position due to a sudden reaction due to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved payment.  Allowing extra space for the motorcyclists so they can react is really helpful
• Motorcycles React Differently–allow more following distance between you and the motorcyclists.  A motorcyclists that has to suddenly stop can result in rear-ending that is fatal for the motorcyclist.
• Look in All Directions During Left Turns-Motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle account for nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities in the US. Before you turn left, remember to look for oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles. Vehicle accidents involving the collision of left-turning automobile and oncoming motorcycle can be severe. In those scenarios, there is simply no where for the motorcyclists to go.  Keep a look out before you turn.
• Intersections–Caution and Approach with Special Care-  many accidents involving any vehicle occur at intersections.  View and obey traffic rules at intersections.  Proceed slowing. The minute you wait at a light by being cautious may be the minute that prevents serious injury or death.
• Check Your Blind Spots-Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see if you are not actively looking.  The shape and size of motorcycles can blend into the images in your rear-view mirror. Actually, checking your blind spots is just good driver safety to avoid hitting other vehicles.
• Pass with Care— always pass any vehicle with care. Use your turn signals before changing lanes or merging to allow motorcyclists and other motorists to anticipate traffic flow
• Consider the Weather-inclement weather has a greater impact on motorcyclists, particularly rain and snow.  However, even something like windy conditions can be challenging for a motorcyclists–give them some room

Motorcycle Crashes are Most Often Severe if Not Deadly

The thing is, motorcycle riding does not suffer foolishness. There is little error a motorcyclist can make an maintain a long riding career.  We have represented many seriously injured motorcyclists involved in crashes with other vehicles.  Most often, these are not simple neck strain injuries that resolve in a few weeks. Motorcycle crash injuries can easily involve traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns and catastrophic injuries.  When someone is seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, that individual needs a personal injury attorney.  Simply, insurance carriers do not take individuals without representation seriously-no matter how smart or business savvy you are.  It is a regrettable fact.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

If you are hurt, you should talk to an attorney BEFORE you have any discussions with any insurance carrier about the facts of the collision (if you remember) or your injuries.  The temptation when you are seriously injured is to relay the nightmare you are living and the genuine fears and concerns you have for your future.  That information is wasted on an insurance adjuster who has but one job. Their job is not to pay out fair claims.

Call our attorneys who care and furthermore, has a financial interest in what is happening to you.  Contingency fee agreements mean we only get paid when we get you results.

Those who are seriously injured have the first priority of trying to physically recover when everything in their world is turned upside down.  Our attorneys learn your story, investigate and develop a plan of action. Typically, we find that clients have a early sense of relief knowing they are not going to be turned into a record keeper/gatherer and self-advocate weekly trying to advance their own case while trying to get some normalcy.

Call us toll free 1.800.685.3302 or locally 314.276.1681

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