Did you know that motorcyclists are at a dramatically higher risk of being seriously hurt in a crash than other motorists? The odds of a motorcyclist being killed in a crash is approximately 24 times higher than it is for occupants of passenger vehicles (NHTSA). It is a sobering statistic. The good news is that riders can reduce their risks. Motorcyclists should always wear a DOT-approved safety helmet. Here, our Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer provides an overview of the law, the latest safety data, and the steps that you should take after a crash.
What to Know About Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Missouri and Kansas
Motorcycle helmets are largely regulated at the state level. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has manufacturer guidelines for motorcycle helmets, but the laws vary from state to state. Here is an overview of the motorcycle helmet laws in Missouri and Kansas:
- Motorcycle Helmet Law in Missouri: In Missouri, the general rule is that all riders and passengers must wear a helmet when operating or riding on a motorcycle, regardless of age. However, under a 2020 state reform, motorcyclists 26 years old and older can opt out of the helmet law if they have sufficient health insurance coverage. (RSMo § 302.026).
- Motorcycle Helmet Law in Kansas: In Kansas, state law mandates that all riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating or riding on a motorcycle. However, riders who are 18 and older are not required by state law to wear a helmet. (Kansas Highway Patrol).
Motorcycle Should Still Always Wear a Helmet: Prevent Brain Injuries and Save Lives
Motorcyclists should always wear helmets—regardless of legal requirements, to prevent brain injuries and save lives. Helmets are proven to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are among the most serious outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Indeed, the Department of Transportation cites comprehensive research that finds that:
- Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by 69%; and
- Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by more than 30%.
Injured Motorcyclists Always Have the Right to Bring a Claim
You should always wear a motorcycle helmet. That being said, doing so, from a purely legal perspective, is a choice for adult riders in Kansas and riders 26+ with proper medical insurance in Missouri. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash with or without a helmet, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of your damages. A top-tier Kansas City motorcycle accident injury attorney can help.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney is a skilled, experienced, and aggressive advocate for justice. If you were involved in a crash—with or without a helmet—we are here to protect your best interests. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. With an office in Kansas City, we represent injured motorcyclists in Kansas and Missouri.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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