Riding a motorcycle in Richmond Heights, MO, is a thrilling and freeing experience, but comes with unique risks. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a weekend ride, knowing how to stay visible and ride defensively makes all the difference.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we believe every rider deserves safe roads and peace of mind. Here are important tips to help you stay safe. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help. We have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Call us at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation with a Richmond Heights motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Richmond Heights, MO
When dealing with a motorcycle crash in Richmond Heights, Missouri, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. That’s where Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers step in.
Our Richmond Heights personal injury lawyers will handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
This includes:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash and think another driver was to blame, we’re here to help you. Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Richmond Heights motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders
Motorcycle safety is about more than basic equipment and technical skill. Here are nine tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Get Your Motorcycle License
In 2023, about one-third of motorcycle riders involved in a fatal crash did not have a valid license. This means they did not have a motorcycle license or any driver’s license, or their license was suspended.
Missouri requires motorcycle riders to have a Class M license or a driver’s license with the M endorsement. Getting your motorcycle license usually requires passing a written and a riding test, but you can waive the riding test if you pass the MMSP Motorcycle RiderCourse.
Get Proper Training
More than 90% of riders involved in a crash never received real training. Most were self-taught or learned how to ride from friends. Before hitting the road, it is a good idea to take basic rider courses to develop a strong foundation.
Take Rider Safety and Skills Courses
No matter how much riding experience you have, safety courses are a great way to develop new skills and improve your confidence.
Advanced courses help you develop effective crash avoidance skills. Without training and experience, it’s common for riders to overbrake and skid their rear wheel while underbraking the front tire. Crash avoidance training helps you learn safe evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, progressive braking, and lane position flexibility to react quickly and stay in control.
Always Wear a DOT‑Approved Helmet and Protective Gear
Missouri law requires riders and passengers under 26 years old — or anyone riding with an instruction permit — to always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Supplement your approved helmet with gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, and pants. Boots are important to improve grip on the footpegs and road and protect against foot and ankle injuries. Opt for light colors or protective gear with reflective material to make sure you’re visible to other motorists.
Stay Visible
A motorcycle’s small size and profile also make it harder to notice. That’s why it’s important to make yourself as visible as possible.
Bright or reflective gear helps, and riding in the center of your lane makes you more noticeable to other drivers. Avoid lingering in drivers’ blind spots, and always assume others may not see you, especially at intersections or when they’re turning.
Practice Defensive Riding and Situational Awareness
Exercise greater caution at intersections. Many motorcycle accidents happen when drivers turn left in front of a rider. Watch for drivers backing out of driveways or changing lanes without signaling. Anticipate potential hazards and always be ready to react safely.
Avoid Lane Splitting
While lane filtering has some safety benefits, lane splitting can be deadly, especially at high speeds. The biggest risk is reduced visibility, as your bike will be somewhere other motorists do not expect it. You will also eliminate safe escape routes to the left or right to avoid a crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Richmond Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Riding in Richmond Heights is a wonderful experience when you’re informed, prepared, and cautious. Use these safety tips to lower your risk and ride with confidence.
And if the unexpected occurs, you don’t need to navigate the aftermath of a crash alone. With over 21 years of combined experience and a commitment to justice, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to stand by you. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash by a careless driver, we’ll fight for a fair recovery.
Call our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Richmond Heights motorcycle accident attorney.
