Tom Dickerson
Tom Dickerson is a trial attorney and co-founder of Dickerson Oxton, where he focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury litigation. Since launching the firm with Chelsea Oxton Dickerson in 2010, Tom has helped recover millions of dollars for injured clients through aggressive advocacy and courtroom experience. Known for his client-first approach, he is dedicated to standing up for individuals and families against insurance companies and large corporations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that there are over 126,000 motorcycles registered in the State of Missouri. This is a considerable number, and it is higher than that of many other states with similar populations. While motorcycles cannot carry as many passengers as traditional road vehicles, an individual can still ride on the back of a motorcycle alongside the driver. This may be a convenient and affordable mode of transport for many, but there are also many safety implications to consider. This is especially true when a child rides on the back of a motorcycle, as there may be additional safety regulations involved. Specifically, a child may not be allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle in Missouri if they are below a certain age. This may prove to be an important detail for those who wish to file Missouri motorcycle injury lawsuits on behalf of their injured children. For an expanded conversation on this subject, consider contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599.
There Is No Minimum Age for Riding on the Back of a Motorcycle in Missouri
There is no minimum age for a child who wishes to ride on the back of a motorcycle in Missouri. This is the norm across the country, as only five states have established minimum age laws for motorcycle passengers. Parents are free to ride with their children without worrying about age restrictions in Missouri, although they must follow all other appropriate motorcycle regulations.
The Footrest Law Excludes Most Young Children From Riding on the Back of a Motorcycle
While there may be no minimum age for motorcycle passengers in Missouri, the state nevertheless enforces a footrest law. The law is simple: If a child cannot reach the footrests, they cannot legally ride on the back of a motorcycle. This effectively excludes all young children, since no child above a certain age can realistically reach the footrests. Of course, this all depends on the specific design and type of the motorcycle, since some models may have footrests that are closer or further away from the seat.
Parents Must Adhere to Other Relevant Motorcycle Laws
Aside from the footrest law, parents who want to ride with their children must adhere to all other relevant motorcycle laws in Missouri. Perhaps the most obvious example is just as simple as the footrest law: A child may only ride on the back of a motorcycle if it is specifically designed to carry a passenger. If the bike lacks rear footrests, a rear seat, and other passenger-related features, it is probably unlawful to ride with a child on the back.
Note that this law may also prevent parents from modifying the footrests to allow younger children to ride on the back, as the original design is what matters. The passenger seat must be “permanent and regular” according to the Revised Laws of Missouri. Alternatively, children may ride in a seat “firmly attached” to the side or rear of the bike. This is called a sidecar, and it may circumvent footrest requirements in Missouri. The exact regulations on children riding in sidecars are relatively obscure, and parents may wish to discuss this subject further with Dickerson Oxton. Parents should also know that all riders under the age of 25 must wear a helmet.
What About Children Riding Motorcycles By Themselves?
In Missouri, riders must reach the age of 15 and six months before they can apply for a “temporary instruction permit.” These licenses allow teenagers to learn how to ride motorcycles, and they have various limitations. Temporary instruction permits are not valid after dark, and they do not allow riders to transport any passengers (regardless of age).
The Missouri State Highway Patrol states that the operation of any motorized bicycle on public streets is illegal without a valid driving license. This prohibition also applies to mini-motorcycles, scooters, and similar vehicles. Parents who knowingly allow their children to operate these vehicles before they turn 16 are breaking the law in Missouri – and they may face various penalties.
What if My Child Suffered an Injury While Riding on the Back of a Motorcycle?
After a child suffers an injury while riding on the back of a motorcycle, a parent may consider legal action. The first step in this process may be to determine whether the child was legally allowed to ride on the back of the motorcycle at the time of the accident. If not, then the driver of the motorcycle may become liable. These situations often arise after divorce. For example, the child might have been spending time with the father, and perhaps the father negligently allowed the child to ride on the back of the motorcycle despite the obvious safety concerns. If this is the case, then the other parent may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the father.
Note that a lawsuit may still be possible even if the child was capable of reaching the footrests at the time of the accident. A violation of the footrest law only represents one potential form of negligence, and there are many other possibilities to consider. For example, the driver of the motorcycle may have been intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Learn More About Motorcycle Accidents With Dickerson Oxton
While motorcycles are less common than passenger vehicles in Missouri, there are still a considerable number of motorcycle accidents in the Show-Me State each year. Many of the victims of these accidents are children, and parents may consider their legal options in the aftermath. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Missouri may be able to help parents assess their legal options as they pursue compensation on behalf of their children. This compensation may help families cover the cost of medical treatment, the burden of emotional distress, and other damages. The age at which a child is allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle could prove to be a key detail in these claims. That said, each motorcycle accident lawsuit is slightly different – and it may help to discuss the specific details alongside an attorney. Continue this discussion by contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599.