Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

As the weather is getting warmer, there are some important things to keep in mind before riding your motorcycle. After the winter months, it's always a good idea to check your motorcycle and make sure everything is running properly. In the event that something is wrong, it is extremely important to find out before you get on the road and get in a potentially fatal motorcycle accident. The Motorcycle Safety Federation (MSF) suggests you check the following before you ride:

• Tires — Check the air pressure, general wear and tread. You should also keep a low-pressure tire gauge, 0psi-80psi, in your bike tool bag at all times. Also, if tread depth is 1-2mm, it is probably time to replace your tires.
•Fluids — Check both oil and fluid levels. You should also check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Further, look for leaks. With the battery, check the fluid levels on each chamber; if any chamber is low, top it but only use distilled or deionized water. Tap water has minerals that are not good for your battery. Also, in regard to fuel, you should check the fuel filter on a regular basis and aim to replace it every 2 years.
•Headlights and Taillight — Check both and make sure both high and low beams are working.
•Turn Signals — Turn on both right and left turn signals, checking to see that the lights are working correctly.
•Brake Light — Try both brake controls, checking that both turn on the brake light.

Once you are on the motorcycle, you should check the following:

•Clutch and Throttle — Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle should snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel tight and smooth.
•Mirrors— Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. Make sure you can see the road behind and to the side.
•Brakes — Try the front and rear brakes, checking that each one feels firm and actually holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied. You should also replace your brake fluid every one or two years so your brakes perform the best because brake fluid absorbs moisture, which makes brakes less effective over time and could result in a dangerous motorcycle wreck.
•Horn — Just make sure it works.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist" »

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A 24-year-old man sustained major injuries after he drove a motorcycle into a parked pickup truck in San Francisco. The major injury motorcycle collision occurred after 4 a.m. when the man allegedly took his friend's motorcycle for a test drive after leaving a party.

The man was not wearing a helmet, and broke his arm and leg in the motorcycle accident. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

In Missouri, when an individual is stopped by the police while driving and the influence of drugs or alcohol is suspected, the officer will generally ask that the person take field sobriety tests. Such tests as walking in line and standing on one leg, help an officer decide if the individual should be arrested or take a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test.

If an individual's BAC level is .08% or more, the officer will likely arrest the person, take their license and give them a Notice of Suspension/Revocation if not a citation for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The notice tells the individual that they will not be able to legally drive after 15 days.

The notice also includes a form that allows one to request a hearing. The following details the process of a hearing:

1. The individual must indicate on the hearing request whether they want to have the hearing in-person or by telephone. If a request is not made, a telephone hearing will be scheduled.

2. If a hearing is granted, a permit to drive will be mailed to him/her if they have surrendered their driver license and are eligible to drive in Missouri. The permit will allow one to drive until 15 days after the decision from the hearing.

3. If a hearing isn't requested within 15 days from the date the Notice of Suspension/Revocation was issued, a hearing will be denied and no further appeal is possible.

4. The hearing date and time are mailed to the individual.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Crashes Into Parked Car - Accused Of Drunk Driving" »

Posted by John J. Page | Permalink | Email This Post

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As most motorcycle accident injuries are statistically at motorists' fault over motorcyclists, it is important for drivers to keep in mind the following things while driving alongside motorcycles.

First, respect the motorcycle as any other vehicle. The motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the same privileges as any other vehicle on the road, meaning although a motorcycle is smaller, it is still deserving of a full lane to travel.

Second, look out for motorcyclists on the highway and especially at intersections. Make sure you signal your intentions when driving near a motorcyclist, just as they should when changing lanes and making turns.

Next, anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver because they are impacted more by roadway conditions that other vehicles. This means when there are obstructions such as potholes, debris, and other road conditions that drivers may ignore and a car may easily navigate, look out for the actions a motorcyclist may take. Motorcyclists likely have to make more evasive actions in order to avoid the St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents; so if you pay attention and account for such, safety will be greatly increased.

Continue reading "Use Caution When Sharing The Road With Motorcycles" »

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In Clute, Texas a high school golf coach was badly injured after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck. He has been listed in critical condition, suffering from head injury, broken arms, legs, ribs, and a severe foot injury. The motorcycle accident occurred when the vehicle meged onto the highway and did not see the motorcyclist resulting in a .

The motorcycle ran head-on into the driver's side of the truck, causing significant external and internal injuries. The motorcyclist was not wearing his helmet, the pickup truck driver was not injured, and neither was speeding.

Helmet safety is always an issue of debate, as some states require helmet use where others do not, and some motorcyclists claim that helmets hinder their vision and hearing capabilities. The NHTSA sponsored a study of fifty motorcyclists of various ages and riding experiences to assess the abilities of motorcyclists wearing helmets. The study tests motorcyclists' abilities:

(1) to visually detect the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes before changing lanes, and (2) to detect traffic sounds when operating at normal highway speeds

The vision results showed that most riders recover the lateral field of view that may be lost by wearing a helmet, simply by turning their heads a little farther. Helmet use did not hamper the ability of riders to see traffic or increase the time needed to visually check for nearby traffic.

The hearing results showed there were no significant difference in riders' ability to hear the auditory signals regardless of whether they were wearing a helmet or not. At higher speeds, wind noise obviously makes hearing more difficult in general, but the helmets did not affect hearing abilities. Overall, any possible drawbacks of helmet use are severely negated by the benefits in terms of the protection offered in the event of a motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "High School Coach injured badly In Motorcycle Accident" »

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The U.S. Senate is currently reviewing a bill that would eliminate the requirement for motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet is an issue every year in Missouri, but the law still requires helmet use.

Missouri, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety’s Fatality Report, is still one the most dangerous places to ride a motorcycle. Between 2002 and 2006, 390 motorcyclists died in Missouri motorcycle accidents. Twenty percent of those deaths had to do with wearing a helmet. Almost half of the deaths were the result of a motorcyclist being struck by another vehicle.

In terms of preventing injuries, motorcyclists can ensure their own safety by not only wearing a helmet, but also making sure the helmet meets certain safety standards. There are several things to look at when choosing a motorcycle helmet. The following items should always be considered:

1. Certification

Certain markings, such as a Department of Transportation sticker, means that the helmet is ideal for head protection.

2. Coverage

Generally, a full face helmet with a flip up visor provides the most protection, and an open face helmet is the next best and covers the ears and skull.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accidents " »

Posted by John J. Page | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Motorcycle Accidents

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