Many people in St. Louis, Missouri are now choosing to drive motorcycles. However, driving a motorcycle requires more skill than driving a car. They rely on two wheels instead of four; therefore, motorcycles can tip over more easily. Individuals who drive a motorcycle are also more at risk of having an accident than if they were driving a car.
Motorcycle accidents in St. Louis can have devastating consequences for a person. Serious or fatal injuries can occur to the driver or passenger of the motorcycle. As an individual recovers from a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, they could be unable to work; thus, losing their income. They might also incur huge medical bills as a result of the accident.
Unfortunately, motorcycle fatalities have increased within the last 10 year. There has been an average of between 85 and 105 motorcycle fatalities within the state of Missouri each year within the last 5 years. In St. Louis, the average motorcycle fatalities that occur each year are between 8 and 10.
Studies show that just over half of motorcycle accidents each year are multiple-vehicle crashes, and just under half of the accidents are single-motorcycle accidents. In 30 to 50 percent of all motorcycle accidents in which the other driver is at fault, the other vehicle infringed upon the motorcyclist right of way, with the majority of the cases being that the other vehicle made a left turn in front of the motorcycle.
Missouri law requires that all drivers and passengers, regardless of age, who ride on a motorcycle, must wear a helmet. There are certain types and sized of motorcycles that this law covers.
Statistics show that in the majority of motorcycle accidents in St. Louis, the driver of the other vehicle was at fault. Motorcycles are smaller; therefore, they are more difficult to spot. Drivers of other vehicles might not stop or yield to a motorcycle. Drivers in St. Louis might also be distracted because they are talking on a cell phone or texting while driving. There are some times, however, that the person driving the motorcycle was at fault. In most of these instances, human error by the motorcyclist contributed to the crash.
In Missouri, if a person who is driving a motorcycle is injured in an accident, they can claim damages, even if the accident was their fault. However, their cost is reduced by the amount that they are at fault.
In St. Louis, faulty parts also contribute to many motorcycle accidents. A bike could have defective brakes, engine difficulties or bad tires, which might cause a blowout. In this case, the person who is injured can file suit against the company responsible for maintenance of the bike.
People driving motorcycles are more likely to be in an accident if they are young, inexperienced, speeding, intoxicated or riding without a license. Experts say that 40 to 45 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents in Missouri involve alcohol, and in many cases, it was the motorcyclist who was driving while intoxicated. Other common causes for motorcycle accidents in St. Louis include inadequate training, driving recklessly, bad weather conditions or road maintenance flaws.
