Experienced Bike Wreck Lawyer in Des Peres, MO | Halvorsen Klote

Des Peres, MO

Bike Wreck Lawyer in Des Peres, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Des Peres, MO Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bike wreck lawyer in Des Peres, MO. Bicycle accidents are always unanticipated, and they can be devastating. Whether you're a veteran Des Peres, MO cyclist or only brush the cobwebs off your bike every now and then, the outcome of a bicycle accidents can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills and a lot of questions about how to be compensated for your injuries. If you've been injured in a bike accident, you need an experienced and trustworthy Des Peres, MO bicycle accident lawyer to guide you through the injury claims process and receive the financial recovery you are legally entitled to. At Halvorsen Klote, we believe that the average person should have access to the same excellent legal representation that large insurance companies have. That's why you don't owe us anything unless we when your case. Based in the Greater St. Louis area, Halvorsen Klote serves the injured in both Missouri and Illinois. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation.

Bike Wreck Lawyer Des Peres, MO | Auto Accident Attorneys | Personal Injury Lawyers Near Des Peres

Des Peres, MO Bike Wreck Lawyer: The Statistics

As cycling becomes increasingly popular, the number of bicycle accidents has steadily risen. In fact, pursuant to research from the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 938 bicyclist deaths in 2020 alone. Despite the fact that bicycle trips make up only one percent of trips in the United States, they result in 2.3 percent of all auto accident deaths. In 2019, an estimated 49,000 bicyclists sustained injuries nationwide.

According to research from the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, there were 381 bicycle accidents in the state in 2021, causing 316 injuries and 7 deaths. In Illinois in 2020, there were 2,180 bike accidents, 1,995 of which lead to injury and 28 of which were fatal, according to the 2020 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics.

How to Find the Best Des Peres, MO Bike Wreck Lawyer for Your Case

When you're looking for a bike wreck lawyer to take on your case, there are a number of important factors to keep in mind. When looking for a lawyer for your bike accident, you should look for:

  • Experience — You need a lawyer who's handled your type of case before. They should be familiar with the unique legal issues that can arise with your type of injury.
  • Reputation — Do your research to find an attorney whose positive reputation precedes them. Look for testimonials from past clients to get a feeling for their track record. Have they ever been officially disciplined, or do they have a reputation for integrity?
  • Communication — Hire an attorney who communicates well with their clients. You need an attorney who will keep you informed about your case every step of the way.
  • Fees — Discover how the lawyer charges for their services. With personal injury, lawyers usually work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning their fees are a percentage of your compensation – only after you've won. Others may charge under a different structure. A bike wreck lawyer's fee structure will impact how much money you get once you've been compensated.
  • Location — Consider where they typically practice law. You need someone who is familiar with the local laws and court system.

The Importance of Hiring a Bike Wreck Lawyer in Des Peres, MO

Bike accidents are most commonly caused by negligent drivers. If you were injured in a bike accident, it is essential to hire a bike wreck lawyer to ensure that you are justly compensated for your injuries and other damages. Our group of skilled Des Peres, MO bike wreck lawyers has successfully represented clients in numerous different types of bike crash claims. We have the experience and resources to perform an exhaustive investigation into your accident to come up with a successful legal strategy.

Insurance companies try to trick injury victims and will do anything possible to avoid having to pay you the money are are owed. Injury victims who are inexperienced with the legal system and dealing with insurance adjusters need a knowledgeable lawyer by their side to make the process simple and fair. At Holversen Klote, your Des Peres, MO bike accident lawyer won't let the insurance company deny their responsibility to compensate you. We'll guide you through the personal injury process and negotiate a fair settlement.

How Our Des Peres, MO Bike Wreck Lawyers Can Help You

If you have been injured in a bike accident, our team of bike wreck lawyers in Des Peres, MO can help you in the following ways:

  • Free Consultation — As most injury victims have never had to deal with the personal injury process before, we're often asked a lot of questions. You shouldn't have to spend money just to understand your situation a little better. We'll review your case with you and tell you how relevant laws affect your case so you feel comfortable proceeding with the process.
  • Investigation — Once you decide to hire us, we will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of your accident, including acquiring evidence and interviewing people who saw the accident. This will allow us to build a strong case on your behalf, and counter any misleading statements the insurance company tells you. We'll also add up all of your damages to determine how much your personal injury claim is worth.
  • Communication — We will deal with all the communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case, including your healthcare providers, on your behalf so that you can focus healing. We'll also keep you completely up-to-date on your claim. Our Des Peres, MO firm is client-centered, and we want you to know that we'll have your back whenever you need it.
  • Negotiation — We will negotiate with the at-fault driver's insurance company to reach a fair settlement for your economic and non-economic damages. Sometimes negotiation only takes a couple months, while other times we'll need to use alternative dispute resolution strategies like mediation if the insurance company won't be fair. If they still refuse to give you what you're owed, we will file a lawsuit and take your case in front of a judge and jury to ensure you get every penny you are entitled to.
  • Compensation — We will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and other damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

At Halvorsen Klote, we are devoted to providing the top-quality legal advocacy to our Des Peres, MO clients. We have a proven track record of winning bike accident cases and are devoted to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.

What Causes Bike Wrecks in Des Peres, MO?

Bike crashes happen for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Negligent Drivers — The vast majority of auto accidents involve human error. Those errors can include:
    • Car turning left in front of a bicyclist
    • Car colliding with a bicyclist at an intersection
    • Car rear-ending a bicyclist
    • Driver opening a door
    • Car failing to yield
    • Improper passing
    • Drunk driving
    • Distracted driving
    • Speeding
  • Road conditions — Road hazards such as potholes, debris, cracked pavement or poor road planning can cause bicyclists and other drivers to lose control of their bikes and potentially crash.
  • Mechanical failures — Bicycle accidents can also be the result of mechanical defects, like brake failure, tire blowouts or issues with other equipment. Cars are also prone to mechanical defects, for example braking or steering defects, that could cause them to hit a bicycle.
  • Weather — Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery and increase the risk of bicycle accidents.
  • Lack of visibility — Bicycles are harder to see, especially when there's no sun or street lighting, and that can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Lack of Bicycle Infrastructure — A lack of dedicated bicycle infrastructure such as bike lanes or protected bike paths can make cycling on the road more dangerous and increase the probability of accidents.

Who Is Liable for My Bike Wreck Injuries?

Liability for your bike wreck – meaning who owes your compensation – depends on the how your accident occurred and why. Depending on specifics of your bike wreck in Des Peres, MO, we may be able to hold the following parties responsible:

  • A driver who broke the rules of the road
  • Another bicyclist or pedestrian who broke the rules of the road
  • A construction company or government agency responsible for planning, constructing, repairing or maintaining a road
  • A vehicle manufacturer, distributor or seller in a product liability lawsuit
  • A mechanic who did a negligent job repairing your bicycle or a car, causing it to fail

One of the biggest benefits of hiring an experienced Des Peres, MO bike wreck lawyer is that they'll look into every aspect of your case. If someone contributed to your injuries, our investigation will show that and we will hold them accountable for the harm they've caused.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Bike Crash

A bike crash is a stressful and surprising experience. But, by staying calm and taking appropriate action, you can increase your odds of healing and being fairly compensated. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash in Des Peres, MO, immediately afterwards you should do the following:

  • Seek Medical Attention — If you are injured in a bicycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries don't seem severe, it's important to be seen by a doctor within a week to ensure that you're 100% good to go. To make an injury claim, you need documentation of your injuries. Additionally, the costlier your medical bills, the more compensation you'll get for your pain and suffering and emotional distress.
  • Report the Accident — If you are injured in a bicycle crash, report it to the police. This will create an official record of the accident, which will be useful later when you file a claim with the insurance company. Police are trained to assign fault in accidents, and will include the other driver's negligence in their report. If you didn't call police to the scene of the accident, remember to go to a local police station in the following days to make your report.
  • Acquire Evidence — Take pictures of the crash, including any damage to your bike, injuries and the surrounding area. Write down details about what happened, including the date and time, location and any other details, even ones that don't seem important at the time.
  • Collect Information — Collect the contact info of anyone who saw your accident, in addition to the driver's name, contact information and insurance information. The witnesses will be able to confirm your side of the story during their depositions.
  • Contact a Bike Wreck Lawyer — If you were injured through no fault of your own, don't wait to contact a personal injury lawyer. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the claims system and ensure you get the compensation you are owed. We'll take full control of your claim and negotiations so you can spend your energy on healing.

In the days and weeks following your accident, you should:

  • Continue all recommended medical care. This will ensure your physical recovery, and also clearly document the extent of your injuries.
  • Keep a daily journal of how you're feeling and how your injuries have impacted your life. This will help verify your non-economic damages.
  • Don't post on social media – even a seemingly innocent post may allow the insurance company to say your injuries aren't as severe as you say.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without talking to an attorney first.

FAQs About Des Peres, MO Bike Wreck Lawyers

If you're thinking about hiring a bike wreck lawyer in Des Peres, MO, you probably have some questions. The following are some frequently asked questions about personal injury claims:

  • Is a bike wreck lawyer necessary?

    While you are not required to hire a lawyer after a bike accident, it is highly recommended, particularly if the crash caused more serious injuries that require a lot of medical care. A bike wreck lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system, negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that your rights are protected.

  • How much does a bike wreck lawyer cost?

    We work on a contingency fee basis. Meaning, rather than a fixed rate, we collect a percentage of your final payout as our attorneys' fees, but only after we've won your case. With a contingency fee arrangement, money is never a barrier to getting the first-rate legal representation you need.

  • How long will my case take to resolve?

    How long it takes to get you compensation for your bike accident claim can vary depending on your specific accident and injuries. Sometimes, a settlement can be reached within a couple months, while other cases may require many more months or even years to reach a resolution.

  • What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

    If the other party involved in your bike accident does not have insurance, it can make it more difficult to recover compensation. However, a bike wreck lawyer can help you explore other options for getting the compensation you are owed. You can file a claim through your own insurance, or your Des Peres, MO bike wreck lawyer may be able to find other liable parties.

  • What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

    Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, the amount of compensation you are owed may be lowered relative to your level of fault. For instance, if your damages were $100,000 but you were 15% to blame, you would get $85,000.

    Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute §537.765, injury victims in Missouri can still recover compensation even if they are 99% to blame (you would receive 1% of your damages. But, in Illinois, according to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you cannot receive compensation if you share more than 50% of the blame (if the accident is mostly your fault).

Bike Wreck Lawyer Des Peres, MO | Personal Injury Attorneys | Auto Accident Law Firm Near Des Peres

Speak to a Bike Wreck Lawyer in Des Peres, MO Today | Halvorsen Klote

Halvorsen Klote is a reputed and experienced injury law firm that helps victims of bike accidents in Des Peres, MO. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators who are not afraid to take your case to trial if they have to. We have demonstrated history of winning claims for the injured, and we are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to every client we serve. Speak to an attorney today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free consultation.


Joel Halvorsen

Joel Halvorsen

Attorney at Law

Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.


Greg Klote

Greg Klote

Attorney at Law

Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.

Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.