North Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Most avid motorcycle riders know they must stay up to date with and abide by state laws to keep themselves safe while they travel. Unfortunately, many crashes are out of their hands and occur because of the actions of other careless motorists.

Motorcycle riders are highly vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents with regular passenger cars, therefore, state law allows them to sue the at-fault driver when collisions happen because of reckless conduct. Call a North Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer at BG Law for more information. Our capable personal injury attorneys have experience seeking compensation for injured motorcyclists through civil lawsuits and are prepared to do the same on your behalf.

Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common reasons that motorcycle crashes happen in North Kansas City include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Potholes and other road defects
  • Driver negligence, including forgetting to check blind spots
  • Bad weather

Motorcycle riders can practice defensive driving methods and follow traffic laws, yet they are still at risk of sustaining serious damages in crashes with reckless drivers. A skilled North Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney could identify the cause of a wreck and collect the evidence necessary to hold the at-fault party accountable.

The Common Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer in Crashes

Motorcycle collisions can leave riders with severe injuries leading to long-term or permanent disabilities. Some of the typical injuries include:

Motorcycle Laws in Missouri

Motorcycle helmets can save lives and significantly reduce the risk of severe head and traumatic brain injuries. Most riders in Missouri must wear a safety helmet approved by the United States Department of Transportation. 

There is an exception for riders over 26 years old with the state-required Class M license endorsement who meet both health and auto insurance requirements. Those riders can operate the bike without a helmet. The law does not apply to passengers, however, as they must wear protective headgear whenever they ride.

Motorcycle Safety Requirements in Missouri

Motorcycles must have the following equipment for lawful operation on state roads and highways in Missouri:

  • A working horn
  • A working muffler
  • Front and rear brakes
  • Headlight, taillight, and brake lights

The bike must pass a safety inspection, and riders must register the motorcycle for legal operation within the state.

Driver’s License Endorsement in Missouri

Motorcycle operators must have a Class M endorsement on their permit or driver’s license. To get the endorsement, a person over 15 must take a state-approved safety training course and pass knowledge and vision tests.

Additional Passenger Regulations in Missouri

There are also safety laws regarding legally carrying passengers on the back of motorbikes. Under the Missouri Revised Statutes § 300.345, the motorcycle must have permanent passenger seating for additional riders. That means the manufacturer must have designed the bike for passengers. During an initial consultation, a qualified motorcycle crash lawyer in North Kansas City could answer traffic rules and regulations questions.

Motorcycle Law in Kansas

In Kansas, only riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding. Younger riders must also have shatterproof eye protection or a proper windshield on their bike, and all riders must have eye protection if their windscreen does not extend ten inches above the center of the handlebars.

Motorcycle Safety Requirements in Kansas

Motorcycles must have the following equipment for lawful operation on state roads and highways in Kansas:

  • A working horn
  • A working headlight, taillight and brake lights
  • Working turn signals
  • A registration plate light
  • A rear stop lamp
  • A rear reflector

Driver’s License Endorsement in Kansas

Kansas motorcycle operators must have a Class M endorsement on their permit or driver’s license. To get the endorsement, a person over 15 must take a state-approved safety training course OR pass a written and driving skills test. You may also be able to transfer an out-of-state license.

Reach Out to a North Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles do not provide the security that most other motor vehicles do. As a result, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable on the road and often suffer the consequences of other drivers’ negligence. You could be eligible to collect a settlement or damages award if a careless or reckless driver caused a wreck leading to your injuries.

The sooner you get started, the better your chances are of proving the other driver’s liability. Call a North Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer at BG Law now to discuss the circumstances of your case.

North Kansas City
Phone (816) 800-9446
416 Armour Road
N. Kansas City, MO 64116
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