Motorcycle licensing requirements in cities like Richmond Heights, MO, are intended to help lower the number of motorcycle accidents. Still, they can’t protect riders from other drivers’ errors and poor road conditions.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt or killed in a motorcycle crash, our Richmond Heights motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We have 21 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (314) 463-4173 to schedule a free consultation.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Richmond Heights, MO
Recovering after being in a motorcycle accident in Richmond Heights, Missouri, can take a significant toll. In Missouri, riders must hold a valid Class M license to operate a motorcycle. Insurers may try to use licensing status to reduce or deny compensation.
Our Richmond Heights motorcycle accident attorneys can do the following for you:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Dispute the insurance companies’ claims about your licensing status
- Handling negotiations with the insurance company
- Determine liability
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Whether you or a family member suffered a serious injury or a wrongful death due to a motorcycle accident, you deserve to be represented by a lawyer who understands your needs and will fight relentlessly for them. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and the American Association for Justice.
Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Richmond Heights personal injury lawyer.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements In Missouri
Missouri’s motorcycle licensing requirements are intended to reduce motorcycle injuries and fatalities. Because the potential harm from a motorcycle collision is so much higher, obtaining a motorcycle license is, therefore, typically more difficult than getting a car license.
Requirements For An Adult
If you are 18 years old or older, you must complete a pair of written tests. These include the same test that everyone seeking a driver’s license must complete, as well as a motorcycle-specific test. You will also need to either succeed at an on-cycle skills test or provide the state with evidence that you’ve already completed a motorcycle rider training course.
Requirements For A Minor
The requirements for a younger rider are even stricter. First, the individual must be at least 16 years old and already have a motorcycle permit for at least 182 days. During that time, they must not have been convicted of any alcohol-related offenses or other traffic violations, and they must have had 40 hours of driving instruction (ten of which must have taken place at night).
If they meet all of these requirements, they will receive a graduated driver’s license (GDL), which automatically converts to a full license upon becoming an adult.
Accidents Where A Motorcycle Driver Isn’t Licensed
If the driver of a motorcycle isn’t properly licensed in the event of an accident, they will almost certainly face civil and/or criminal charges. Additionally, an insurance company is likely to determine that a person driving without a license was at fault for the accident.
That, however, can create problems for both drivers. An unlicensed driver is also likely to be an uninsured driver, which means you will probably need to rely on your uninsured motorist policy to cover your expenses, like medical bills and lost wages.
Alternatively, you could file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for the accident. Depending on the financial situation of the other driver, you might be able to successfully get compensation for your losses and expenses.
The most complicated situation is one where the other driver has a driver’s license and insurance but doesn’t have a motorcycle endorsement. In such a scenario, it’s best to contact a law firm right away so a reputable team of attorneys can work through the legal complications to determine what approach is best to take regarding your case.
Contact Our Richmond Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Motorcycle accidents often inflict serious, life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered such a devastating injury in Richmond Heights, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers may be able to help you get compensation. Contact us as soon as possible to speak with a Richmond Heights motorcycle accident attorney. We offer a free consultation.