Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Affton, MO | Personal Injury Attorneys Greater | Auto Accident Law Firm | HK Law

Affton, MO

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO

Affton, MO Personal Injury Attorneys


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Affton, MO Lawyer for Bicycle Accident

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO. Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise and enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. But too frequently, bicyclists are an afterthought on the road and become hurt when other people don't pay attention or don't respect their safety. If you were injured in a bike accident because someone else did not respect your safety, the lawyer for bicycle accident team of Halvorsen Klote will fight for your rights and secure you the financial recovery you deserve. We serve clients in Affton, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Talking to us is free, and you do not owe us anything unless we win your claim. Speak directly to a qualified and empathetic bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by getting in touch with us online.


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Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO | Auto Accident Attorneys | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Affton, MO

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Affton, MO?

While some simple cases for relatively minor injuries can be handled without the help of an attorney, most require an experienced bike accident attorney in Affton, MO to ensure the ideal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Affton, MO can provide assistance in a multitude of aspects:

Maximizing Compensation and Ensuring Fair Settlements

The purpose of making an injury claim is to get compensation. While insurance companies try to offer as little money as possible, bike accident attorneys can help you optimize your compensation by:

  • Gathering evidence that proves the other party's liability
  • Proving how all of your damages related to the accident are covered by the insurance policy
  • Calculating the full extent of your damages and all the compensation you are eligible for
  • Finding extra insurance coverage if your damages exceed the policy limits
  • Making sure the insurance company follows the law honestly and morally

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a heartless insurance adjuster can feel defeating. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do everything they can to avoid accepting that responsibility.

Insurance companies often depend on claimants knowing very little about injury and accident law to offer as few money as achievable. We'll ensure they understand their legal obligation to reimburse you for each your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve intricate legal processes, including acquiring evidence, deposing people who saw the accident, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are inexperienced with injury claims can make mistakes or overlook critical details. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a asset, not a vulnerability.

You didn't ask to be injured and you shouldn't have to deal with the consequences. Let us handle securing your compensation while you focus on recovering.

Gathering Evidence to Strengthen Your Case

Some cases are more challenging to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to interrogate witnesses, examine medical records, and connect your injuries to your accident, as well as interview witnesses who can validate your story. The more complicated your case, the more supporting evidence is needed. Knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to find the evidence needed to get a full financial recovery.

Representing You in Court if Filing a Lawsuit is Necessary

Most bicycle accident cases settle out of court. However, if fault isn't clear, your damages are high, or other complications come up, the insurance company is going to oppose against your rights. That's why you need seasoned accident attorneys in your corner to file a lawsuit and pursue litigation if necessary.

As experienced Affton, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can fight for you throughout your case, from our first case review through a jury or bench trial.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Affton, MO Area?

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident deaths in auto wrecks in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest total since 1987. According to data from the National Safety Council, that same year there were 325,173 nonfatal injuries in bicycle accidents. Most nonfatal injuries occurred in children between five and 14 years old, while deaths were most common in riders between 55 and 64 years old.

In Missouri, there were 406 total bike accidents which caused 351 injuries and six deaths, according to the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, in 2,180 bicycle wrecks 1,995 people were injured and 28 people passed away.

Across the U.S., the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more congested. Thirty-one percent of bike crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when visibility is at its lowest.

While bicycle accidents account for only one percent of trips, annually they account for over twice that in motor vehicle fatalities. The deviation speaks to how important bicycle safety is, and also how important it is for drivers of other vehicles to be aware of bicyclists and share the road with them.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Affton, MO?

Most bike accidents are caused either because of the biker making a mistake or because a motorist merely did not see the bicyclist in time to adjust. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents we see are:

  • Drivers neglecting to to see a bicyclist
  • Drivers neglecting to to yield the right of way
  • Drivers failing to obey bike lane laws
  • Drivers passing too close
  • Opening a door without checking for bicyclists
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Road signs that impede a motorists vision
  • Road hazards
  • Improperly cordoned-of construction sites
  • Pedestrians being oblivious to bikers
  • Faulty car or bike components

While intersections are the most common place to see or experience a bike accident, a National Transport Safety Board report found that "midblock" accidents cause more significant injuries because both the motor vehicle and bicycle are traveling at higher speeds. Your Affton, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to who and/or what caused it and who is to blame for your injuries.

What Are Common Injuries from Affton, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Bicyclists are at a higher risk for severe injuries than anyone else on the road. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Affton, MO residents receive compensation for include:

Because of the gravity of the bicycle accident injuries, you need knowledgeable and dedicated bicycle accident lawyers like those at Halvorsen Klote to make sure you receive full compensation for all of your damages, including pain and suffering. In the worst accidents, if you suffer the wrongful death of a family member in the Affton, MO area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of peace and secure your future.


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Affton, MO | Personal Injury Attorney | Bike Accident Lawyers Near Affton

Who Can I Hold Accountable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Affton, MO?

Who is at fault depends on the the different aspects that surrounds your injuries. Each accident is unique, and as such the liable party varies. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is at fault, and an accomplished bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your injuries and make each of them reimburse you based on how much of the accident was their fault. The most common liable parties in bicycle accidents include:

Another Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents by not respecting bicyclists' right to share the road. But have the same right to the road as the driver of any other vehicle, and in the event of an accident the laws for liability in car accidents is no different than any other crash. For example, if someone injures you because they were driving drunk, they would owe you damages.

Both Illinois and Missouri have rules of the road for how drivers are supposed to interact with bicyclists, such as not driving or parking in a bike lane. According to the legal doctrine of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they violate a law. So if you were injured by a motorist in a bike lane, your lawyer for bicycle accident will be able to file a negligence per se claim, and the insurance company will likely be more motivated to offer a fair recovery.

A Faulty or Motor Vehicle Component

If your result was because of a defective product, such as headlights, an engineer, manufacturer and/or vendor may be liable in a product liability claim. Both bicycle and motor vehicle manufacturers are required to design and manufacture safe products and issue recalls if a safety hazard is found. If they fail to, you can make a claim against them.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If a truck driver, rideshare driver or other commercial driver causes your accident, the employer may be partially liable. For example, if a trucking company required their driver to work more hours than the law permits, they would be considered negligent.

A Government Agency

Municipal agencies at the state, local and federal levels are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our Affton, MO roadways. If a hazard such as inadequate lighting contributed to your injuries, you may be able to make a claim against a government entity with the help of your Affton, MO bicycle accident lawyer. There are special rules for filing claims against government agencies and they have different deadlines for how long you have to file, so an attorney is vital for the best results in your claim.

In Missouri, a public transport operator may also be liable. Under Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public workers who cause an accident while driving within the course of their employment are not granted sovereign immunity like most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Unfortunately, in Illinois, under 745 ILCS 10/ you cannot sue a public employee unless you can prove that they deliberately harmed you.

How Much Compensation Can I Collect for My Affton, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries?

The compensation you receive depends on the severity of the injuries, how they've affected your life, your financial loss and other factors:

  • The extent of your injuries — More significant injuries lead to higher medical bills, and you should receive all of those expenses. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs will lead to more money than a a visit or two with your primary care doctor. Did your bicycle accident lead to a joint replacement? That will have to be replaced in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Affton, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure a new one paid for too.
  • The physical, mental and emotional impact of your injuries — Personal injury settlements and verdicts are also intended to compensate you for the effects on your personal life, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Is it harder to play with your kids than it used to be? A seasoned and knowledgeable Affton, MO bicycle accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will fight to make sure the physical and emotional pain you felt is compensated to.
  • How much time you miss from work — You will also receive compensation for the money you were not able to earn. If you couldn't work because a physician told you to stay home and rest, that lost money will be part of your recovery.
  • If your injuries result in lost earning potential — If you were a warehouse worker who suffered a back injury in a bicycle accident in Affton, MO and now are not able to safely lift more than a certain amount, you need to know your future is secure after you've reached maximum medical improvement. Your compensation will need to be high enough to make sure you and your family will still have the means to live a comfortable life.
  • The amount of insurance coverage available — The negligent party's insurance policy may have an impact on your settlement amount. Illinois and Missouri both require $25,000 per person for bodily injury in car accident policies, while commercial enterprises may have up to $5 million in coverage. A knowledgeable lawyer for bicycle accidents will make sure you get all the money possible by filing an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company if the negligent party's insurance doesn't cover all of your damages.
  • Whether you were partially responsible for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that you can still receive compensation if you were partially to blame, but the amount will be lowered based on how much blame you share. Meaning, if a fact finder awards you $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, your compensation would be lowered by $30,000. Missouri is called a a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can file a claim even if you are 99 percent responsible. Illinois is referred to as a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Affton, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that greedy corporations and insurance companies treat people unfairly. Our practice is founded on the idea that everyone has should be able to lean on the same expert legal representation as wealthy organizations.

What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO

Getting in a bicycle accident can be terrifying and it can be hard to know exactly what to do, but there are several steps you should take to get the most out of both your financial and physical recovery.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Seek Medical Attention

If you're able to, move to the side of the road to get away from oncoming traffic. Leave your bike, as trying to move it could make your injuries worse. If your injuries are too severe for you to move safely, wait for emergency medical personnel to get to the scene.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, head to the emergency room or urgent care after authorities tell you you can leave the scene. If you didn't go on the same day, make an appointment with your general practitioner in the days afterward. If you don't have a doctor's record of your injuries, you won't be able to make a valid injury claim.

Call and Wait for the Police

You need to have the police make a report, as it will go a long way in demonstrating the other party's liability. Police are trained to determine fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't confess fault or over-embellish your actions. Be truthful, but don't say anything beyond the facts of the accident and your injuries, and don't offer any information they don't specifically ask for.

Gather Evidence and Witness Contact Information

While waiting for the authorities to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, any damage to your bicycle and the other vehicle, and your injuries. If there are witnesses present, ask for their contact information so your city, state bicycle accident lawyer can contact them afterwards.

Don't Settle Too Quickly

The insurance companies' first offer will almost always be a lowball offer. They want you to settle before you become aware of the full extent of your damages or hire an attorney. They may tell you no more money is available, but that's almost rarely true. The majority of injury attorneys give free consultations, so it's always advisable to at least speak to a lawyer about your case before accepting a settlement.

Click on the links below to see some of the other cases we take on in Affton, MO:


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO | Auto Accident Law Firm | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Affton

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Affton, MO | Halvorsen Klote

You did not ask to be put in this situation, and you do not have to go through this alone. Our Affton, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has pledged their abilities to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they recover the full compensation they are entitled to. We charge no fees we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Affton, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.


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.