After a Missouri motorcycle crash: get medical care, document the scene, and avoid recorded statements. Missouri's pure comparative fault (§ 537.765) reduces but never bars recovery, minimum insurance is only 25/50/25, and most suits carry a five-year window.
Last refreshed August 27, 2026
Do not admit fault. Do not apologize or speculate about the cause. Under Missouri's comparative-fault rule, anything that sounds like an admission can cut your recovery.
See a doctor even if you feel fine — adrenaline masks injuries, and internal or soft-tissue damage may not surface for hours or days.
A gap in treatment is the first thing an insurer uses to argue your injuries are not serious or not related to the crash.
Five-year deadline. Missouri gives you five years from the crash date to file (RSMo § 516.120) — longer than many states, but evidence and memories fade, so do not wait.
Helmet law. Since 2020, riders 26 and older with at least $25,000 in medical coverage are not required to wear a helmet (RSMo § 302.020). Not wearing one does not bar recovery, though an insurer may argue it worsened head injuries.
Pure comparative fault. Missouri lets you recover even if you were partly at fault — your damages are simply reduced by your fault percentage. A rider 30% at fault still recovers 70%.
Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers is based in St. Louis and serves all of Missouri and Southern Illinois. Consultations are free and the firm works on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win. Call 314-400-9733.
What should I do first after a motorcycle crash in Missouri?
Call 911 and get the police report started, get to safety without moving anyone seriously hurt, exchange information, photograph everything, and see a doctor the same day even if you feel fine - adrenaline masks injuries.
Do I lose my claim if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
No. Since 2020, riders 26+ with at least $25,000 in medical coverage aren't required to wear one (RSMo 302.020), and non-use doesn't bar recovery - though insurers may argue it worsened head injuries.
Can I recover if the crash was partly my fault?
Yes - Missouri's pure comparative fault reduces your recovery by your fault percentage but never bars it. A rider 30% at fault still recovers 70% of damages.
How long do I have to file?
Five years from the crash (RSMo 516.120) - one of the longest windows in the country. But evidence and witnesses fade fast, so the practical clock is much shorter.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You are not required to give a recorded statement, and you shouldn't - adjusters use them to minimize claims. Route insurer contact through your attorney.
Does Missouri bar recovery if the rider was mostly at fault?
No — Missouri's pure comparative fault (§ 537.765) reduces recovery by the rider's percentage but never cuts it off, unlike Illinois' 51% bar across the river.