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Abandoning property, including motorcycles, in Missouri and other US states is illegal and could have legal consequences for the owners.
In addition, people who are affected in one way or another by abandoned property can also seek legal advice and take action against the owners if the events have repercussions on their lives or their neighborhoods.
However, it is important to know the legal aspects involved and what a person can do if a motorcycle has been abandoned on their private property or in their neighborhood.
What Is Abandoned Property under Missouri Law?
Under Missouri law, an abandoned property (ABV) is any motor vehicle, ATV, outboard motor, trailer, or vessel unattended and left on private property for a period that must be removed or is subject to removal.
In other words, a motorcycle left unattended by a rider on property that is not their own may be considered abandoned.
What Legal Action Can a Person Who Abandons a Motorcycle Face in Missouri?
Cases may vary. Some abandoned motorcycles may not have plates or may have been part of a crime. Therefore, authorities must define the penalties or punishments that an owner must face if they left unattended property in a public or private place.
Missouri law protects motorcycle owners for some time, usually 30 days. However, some regulations benefit owners of the property where motorcycles have been abandoned.
Section 306.010 of the Missouri Laws 301.193 on abandoned properties explains that any person who buys or owns real estate in which vehicles have been abandoned without their consent can apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of title.
However, when motorcycles are abandoned on public property, local authorities must assess the case to determine what further action to take.
What Are the Steps to Be Taken by a Person Who Is Affected by an Abandoned Motorcycle?
Regardless of whether the motorcycle is abandoned on their property or in their neighborhood, affected individuals should take the following steps:
Notify the owner if applicable - in some cases, motorcycles left in neighborhoods belong to neighbors who breach parking laws.
If the owner does not heed the call or it is unknown who owns the motorcycle, people should notify local authorities.
During this step, the police must approach the scene and assess the situation. Generally, officers place a sticker to notify the owner that they have 24 hours to move the vehicle from where it is illegally parked.
If the motorcycle was abandoned on private property, the owner or buyer should go to the rental department after making the police report to request ownership documents. In these cases, the legal process is more complicated, and people need help from the top motorcycle accident attorneys in St Louis MO.
Who Can Remove the Abandoned Motorcycle?
When owners do not heed calls to move abandoned property, the police can authorize a towing company to remove the motorcycle. It applies to interstate or state highways, freeways, and bridges.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) can immediately remove any vehicle causing a traffic hazard on any state highway.
If the motorcycle has been abandoned on private property, the affected people must notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to take the corresponding actions.
How Can Lawyers Help?
Abandoned motorcycles can affect people regardless of whether they are left in public or private places.
Most of the time, abandoned vehicles uglify the neighborhood or are related to some crime, harming others' well-being. The same happens if the motorcycle is abandoned on private property.
However, all affected people can seek help and legal assistance from specialized lawyers. Attorneys can provide people with all the information they need to take legal action against negligent owners who have abandoned vehicles in public or private places. They can also answer all questions regarding Missouri motorcycle laws, such as how many cc requires a motorcycle license and what is an M1 motorcycle license.
Powell Law Firm understands how unattended property can affect people and can assist all those involved in abandoned motorcycle cases in finding a solution.
In the event that a dispute gets out of hand, these attorneys can even represent victims in court. They can gather evidence, obtain testimony, organize all paperwork, create a compelling case, speak with insurance companies, and more!
Powell Law Firm values its clients and provides a free consultation to assess abandoned property cases. All those affected by others' decisions and actions are encouraged to call (314) 470-1374 right away!
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