What Is the Helmet Law in Missouri?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmet use saved approximately 25,000 lives over 15 years in the United States. Motorcyclists who operate without helmets are at substantial risk of death or severe injury.

Further, helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. Since most motorcycle deaths and injuries are preventable, helmet law in Missouri is an effective way to save lives and accident-related costs.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

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Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

You may be entitled to compensation if you sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s fault. 

More importantly, working with a trusted St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney enhances your chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your losses.

Helmet Law in Missouri

In Missouri, motorcycle riders who are 26 years and younger with an instruction permit must wear protective headgear while the vehicle is in motion, irrespective of age. Twenty-six years and older riders may operate a motorcycle without a helmet if they demonstrate proof of financial responsibility.

Even so, a law enforcement officer shall not stop, inspect, or detain to establish compliance.

The Missouri helmet law does apply to motorized bicycles defined by the state as having an engine of 50 cc or less brake power, which is less than 3, with a maximum speed of 30mph.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents

Here are a few typical causes of motorcycle accidents:

Speeding

According to NHTSA, speeding killed 12,330 people in a recent year. Speeding reduces your safety when driving too fast during bad weather conditions or on poorly lit paths. 

Some of the dangers of speeding include:

• Increased likelihood of loss of vehicle control
• Reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
• Speed increases the stopping distance after a driver perceives danger
• Speed increases the severity of the crash, leading to severe injuries

Open Car Doors

Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car passenger opens the door without checking if the path is clear. When a rider crashes into the open door, it causes different injuries, including head trauma, severe lacerations, and broken bones.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic to beat slow traffic. Riders practicing lane splitting increase the risk of causing a rear-end accident to the front driver.

Since motorists may not expect a rider to share a lane, they may make sudden maneuvers, resulting in a collision.

Sudden Stops

A rear-end collision may occur when the front vehicle suddenly stops, making it difficult to react. If a rider is too close to the front driver, they risk a crash if the front driver suddenly stops.

Get Help From an Experienced St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you sustain a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, your life is likely to worsen. You’ll have to endure mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a reduced quality of life.

You should have representation from an experienced attorney who’ll aggressively fight to protect your rights.

Consider working with a professional from Burger Law with a proven track record of representing injured victims.

Contact us online or at (314) 542-2232 for a free case evaluation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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