When it comes to motorcycle safety, one of the most common questions relates to helmet laws and whether they are required to be worn in each state. Helmets and helmet regulations are designed to protect riders and ensure safety on the road. Here’s everything you need to know about helmet laws and safety if you’re a motorcyclist in Missouri.
Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Missouri’s helmet law mandates specific requirements for motorcycle riders, aiming to enhance safety and reduce injuries. These laws have changed as recently as 2020, and understanding them is crucial for compliance and making informed decisions about your safety and the safety of your passengers when riding on the road.
Who is Required to Wear a Helmet in Missouri?
Missouri repealed the state’s universal helmet law in 2020, changing the regulations for helmet use based on a rider’s age and other specifics.
Riders under the age of 26 are required by the law to wear a helmet. This applies to both drivers and passengers of motorcycles.
Riders and passengers over the age of 26 are not legally required to wear helmets unless they meet certain conditions. For one, they must carry health insurance. In addition, they must also have proof of financial responsibility. This exemption was designed to give experienced riders more freedom while ensuring they have financial protection.
For specifics on Missouri’s helmet law, check out Missouri Statute 302.026 here.
Ramifications of This Law Change
After Missouri repealed its universal helmet law in 2020, motorcycle accident deaths increased by 47%. Head and brain injuries also surged, with a noticeable increase in moderate and mild injuries, indicating that serious injuries often became fatalities without helmet protection.
Additionally, the cost of treating motorcycle injuries rose, with more complex injuries requiring extensive care. In Missouri, not wearing a helmet increases the risk of death, brain injury, and long-term medical costs, even for those with health insurance.
What Are the Consequences of Not Wearing a Helmet?
Failing to adhere to the helmet law created by the state of Missouri can result in a variety of consequences.
- Legal Penalties: Those under 26 who do not wear helmets can expect fines and legal citations. The exact amount can vary, but it serves as a deterrent to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Those over 26 may also face consequences if they are found riding without meeting the previously mentioned conditions. While police officers cannot stop a rider solely to determine compliance, it can be something that law enforcement may discover if a rider were to be stopped for other reasons.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Beyond legal ramifications, not wearing a helmet can increase the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident. Helmets are proven to be highly effective in preventing head injuries which can be life-threatening or result in long-term disabilities.
The Importance of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet
Wearing a helmet is a fundamental aspect of motorcycle safety. Even if you are not legally required to wear a helmet when you ride, we encourage you to have one on for the following reasons:
- Helmets significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other severe head injuries. They are designed to absorb and distribute impact and minimize the severity of injuries in crashes.
- Many helmets are designed with features that enhance stability and visibility. Reflective elements and aerodynamic designs can contribute to overall safety on the road, making your ride smoother and easier to spot by others on the road. Learn more about making yourself more visible on the road in our blog post.
- Adhering to helmet laws not only keeps you compliant but also prevents financial burdens related to injuries and medical expenses. Wearing a helmet can protect your right to claim compensation after an accident, ensuring that you’re properly compensated for your damages.
Missouri Helmet Law and Your Personal Injury Claim
Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re involved in an accident, you could be found partially at fault and, therefore, receive a reduced proportion of the total compensation.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet when required by law, the other party’s representation may argue that you contributed to your own injuries by failing to adhere to safety regulations. This could reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
On that same note, even if you are not legally required to wear a helmet, the other party’s insurance or the court may still argue for reduced compensation in your claim. Failing to wear a helmet can show that you did not do everything possible to avoid injuries in an accident and may be viewed as a factor that exacerbated them.
Not wearing a helmet can have significant effects on the outcome of your case, especially if you are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Trust an Experienced Accident Attorney with Your Case
Navigating the legal complexities in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially when comparative negligence is involved in a state like Missouri. If you’ve been involved in an accident and need expert advice, consider consulting with an experienced attorney at DM Injury Law. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate. Reach out to DM Injury Law today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the best possible outcome for your claim.