Summertime is the time for motorcycles to be on the roads in Missouri. On major roads or the back roads, other drivers must be alert to their two-wheeled motorists. When drivers are neglectful, motorcycle accidents may occur.

At 11 a.m. on Monday June 22, a 49-year-old motorcyclist came to the top of a hill only to find his lane blocked by a horse trailer attached to a parked truck. The blind hill had hidden this obstacle from the motorcyclist until it was too late. He was not able to stop his motorcycle in time, but laid his motorcycle down. In turn, he hit and skid along the road and underneath the horse trailer.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesperson indicated that the truck was unoccupied at the time of the accident. The driver had apparently parked his truck in the road and gotten out to speak to someone. The motorcyclist refused treatment for his injuries on the scene, but later was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated. The driver of the parked truck was not injured; he was gone by the time the highway patrol arrived but had left his information at the scene.

Not all motorcycle accidents are fatal, but they most often result injuries to the motorcycle driver. All drivers should be alert and defensive on all roadways, especially in the motorcycle months of summer. When a driver is found to have been negligent in causing or substantially contributing to one of the motorcycle accidents in Missouri, the victim has the right to pursue a civil claim for financial relief. A successful lawsuit may result in compensation for pain and suffering, missed time from work, medical expenses and other damages recognized by our personal injury laws.

Source: dailyjournalonline.com, “Motorcycle accident leaves one injured“, Renee Bronaugh, June 24, 2015