As every mother knows, motorcycles aren't the safest vehicles in the world, and there are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri. Whether the other driver didn't see the motorcycle, the motorcycle driver was acting negligently or wrongfully (e.g., speeding), or for any other reason, dangerous conditions can put the motorcycle driver and his/her passenger at severe risk for serious injury or death following an accident.
At Popham Law, we are some of the leading motorcycle attorneys in KC, and if you were the motorcycle driver or the passenger, and you were injured in an accident (or a loved one was killed), you need to call the personal injury lawyers at Popham Law ASAP. We offer vigorous, relentless legal representation to make sure that you receive justice.To speak with our auto and motorcycle accident attorneys, call our KC law firm today at (816) 221-2288. Free consultations are available.
Legal Requirements for Passengers in Missouri
Missouri, like most states, requires that motorcycle passengers are only permitted on bikes designed to carry more than one person. Additionally, the motorcycle must have a permanent and regular seat and footrests, and squeezing a passenger onto a single seat is illegal and highly dangerous.Additionally, motorcycle passengers in Missouri must also follow the same safety requirements as the driver; for instance, passengers must wear a helmet (across the border and in the State of Kansas, only passengers under 18 years old must wear helmets).
Safety Tips for Passengers That Can Reduce Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries
Even with the proper safety equipment, both motorcycle drivers and passengers need to prepare for potential dangers by getting used to driving (and riding) on a motorcycle. Remember, if the passenger doesn't really understand how motorcycles work and feel, then the passenger may inadvertently cause an accident by leaning the wrong way or resisting a maneuver, for example.Some other safety tips for passengers on a motorcycle can include:
- Drivers should consider the motorcycle passenger as an active rider, whereas the passenger helps follow safety and procedure operations.
- Drivers should know that the passenger will affect the handling characteristics of a motorcycle, especially during stopping, quick movements, and more.
- Emergency braking procedures will be impacted by the passenger's weight and position on the bike.
- Drivers need to take extreme caution during corners due to the added weight.
- Drivers need to take more time when passing.
- The effects of wind and side winds will be stronger with a passenger.
Insurance Considerations for Motorcycle Passengers
In Missouri, motorcycle owners are required to carry liability insurance. Generally, when a motorcycle driver crashes with a passenger, then the driver's liability insurance should cover the passenger. However, the driver's liability depends on the policy he/she has, and because motorcycle crashes can involve severe injury and death, it's typically advised to get the highest level of liability coverage.In cases when the crash was objectively caused by another driver, then the other driver's insurance should cover the property damage and personal injury. Nevertheless, in any case (whether the accident was caused by the motorcycle driver or another driver), if the motorcycle passenger's injuries are very severe, and the insurance company isn't covering the full extent of the damages, then the passenger may have to file a lawsuit to litigate for reasonable and fair compensation.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Kansas City? Here's What to Do
After a crash, one of the most important things to do is call 911 and get medical help for yourself and anyone else injured. At some point, you may be required to give an accident report to the police. Even if you think the crash was your fault, it's a good idea to refrain from such comments when giving the initial report (some other situation, that you may not have known about, could have been the reason for the crash).Other things you should (or may need to) do include:
- Document nearly everything. Take notes, take photos, and get names and contact information of witnesses.
- Provide insurance information. You should also give your contact information and insurance information to anyone else involved in the accident.
- Contact your insurance company. It's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible; you may want to give them the contact information you collected from witnesses of the crash. Also, don't admit fault and be careful with what you say to the insurance company. Admitting fault could reduce or eliminate an insurance settlement or payout.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. With the help of an attorney, you can acquire leading legal representation and counsel to fight for an insurance settlement or damages award that accurately reflects all the losses you suffered in the wreck.
Call the KC Motorcycle at Popham Law Today
Due to the nature of a motorcycle accident in Missouri, if you were in a collision, you may be dealing with life-changing injuries that may require medical treatment, surgery, and/or long-term care, among others.For this reason, it's important to speak with the KC personal injury attorneys who care. We'll fight for your full and fair compensation, and we'll always put your interests at the forefront of our litigation strategies.Don't hesitate and call the KC motorcycle lawyers at Popham Law today by dialing (816) 221-2288. Free consultations are available.
