A Missouri Motorcycle Injury Lawyer is very familiar with the high rate of fatalities that occur from motorcycle accident.  The shear difference in mass between a passenger vehicle or tractor-trailer and a motorcycle is a major cause in fatal motorcycle crashes.  But another direct factor that can result in life or death is the equipment that a motorcycle rider chooses to use.  The Kansas City Police Department recently published findings that there have been 10 fatalities this year in Kansas City so far resulting from a motorcycle crash.  70% of the time, the rider was wearing a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet.  The fatality rate in motorcycle accidents is actually increased this year as compared with trends in the past consecutive five years. 

Why is there an increase in fatal Missouri motorcycle accident claims?  Part of the reason may be attributable to an overall increase in motorcycle sales.  When gasoline prices were sharply increasing, sales for motorcycles and mopeds increasing accordingly.  Also of note is that Missouri has revised its helmet laws and as of March 12, 2009, anyone over the age of 12 does NOT have to wear a helmet.  It may be some time before there is enough data to provide insight into whether Missouri's repeal of the mandatory helmet law causes an increase in motorcycle accidents resulting in serious personal injuries or death claims.

A Missouri Motorcycle Injury Lawyer may be able to offer assistance to a victim seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.  Often times there is a bias that motorcycle riders are aggressive and dangerous, and that when an accident occurs it was the riders fault.  Don't be victimized twice.  A Missouri Injury Lawyer will be able to adequately investigate the scene and evidence and determine whether the other driver was negligent and thus liable under Missouri Law.