Savannah, MO – Two Motorcyclists Injured in Crash on Bus 71

Savannah, MO (April 19, 2025) – Two motorcyclists were injured in a crash involving a pair of Harley Davidsons along Business Highway 71 during the early afternoon of April 16. The accident occurred around 12:39 p.m. and left one rider with serious injuries.

The crash unfolded four miles south of Savannah in Andrew County, where both motorcycles were traveling northbound on Business 71. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 35-year-old driver of a 1997 Harley Davidson Sportster attempted a left-hand turn at a median crossover. The second motorcyclist, a 22-year-old man riding a 2015 Harley Davidson FXDL, sideswiped the turning motorcycle for reasons that are still being investigated by the police.

The older motorcyclist from Gower sustained serious injuries and was transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care. The younger rider from St. Joseph had minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital by private vehicle. Both bikes sustained minor damage and were towed by Blue Knight. Authorities, including CPL J.D. Farmer and CPL J.D. Maudlin, assisted at the scene.

We hope both riders heal quickly and can return to full health soon.

Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri

Motorcyclists in Missouri face significant risks every time they ride, particularly on rural and high-speed roads like Business 71. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, motorcycle crashes account for around 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state, even though motorcycles represent a small portion of total vehicles on the road.

Here’s a closer look at some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Missouri:

• Left-Turn Collisions: One of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists involves other vehicles turning left across their path. In this case, the situation was reversed, with one motorcyclist turning left and another failing to observe. Misjudging timing and distance plays a major role in these crashes, often giving riders little time to react.
• Visibility Challenges: Motorcycles are significantly smaller than cars, making them harder to spot. Drivers—and even fellow riders—often overlook motorcycles in blind spots or during quick maneuvers. This contributes to many of the side-swipe accidents that occur on Missouri’s highways.
• Helmet Non-Use: Not wearing a helmet dramatically increases the severity of injuries in a motorcycle crash. Missouri law allows adults over 26 with proper insurance to ride without helmets, but this often leads to more serious injuries, even in lower-speed crashes.
• Improper Passing or Lane Sharing: When motorcycles attempt to share lanes or pass within close proximity of other vehicles, even a slight miscalculation can lead to collisions. These accidents are common during congested traffic conditions or on multi-lane roads with heavy volume.

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to speak with a Savannah motorcycle accident attorney without delay. Building a strong case starts with gathering evidence right away, especially in crashes involving visibility or turn-related issues. Our team at Wallentine Injury Law can help you determine liability, deal with insurance companies, and recover medical costs or lost wages.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand how life can change in an instant after a motorcycle crash. From emergency room visits to follow-up care and insurance stress, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our team offers free consultations and listens closely to your story. We’re committed to helping riders and their families move forward with confidence. Don’t wait to take the next step—call us today at 913-934-6333, and let’s talk about your options.

Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available.  A post will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.