Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Fayette, MO

Fayette, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Fayette, MO. Riding a bicycle can be a cheap and eco-friendly way to get around town, or a great way to explore the outdoors. But too frequently, other motorists don't respect the safety of bicyclists and end up causing an accident. If you sustained an injury in a bike accident because someone else did not respect your safety, the lawyer for bicycle accident team of Halvorsen Klote is here to help see you through your time of need. We serve clients in Fayette, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Talking to us is free, and we charge no attorneys' fees unless we secure you the recovery you are owed. Speak directly to an experienced and friendly bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by contacting us online.

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

While some simple cases for relatively minor injuries can be handled without the help of an attorney, most require an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Fayette, MO to guarantee the best possible outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Fayette, MO can offer help in a variety 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, bicycle accident lawyers 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 complete scope of your damages and all the compensation you are legally owed
• Finding extra insurance coverage if your damages exceed the policy limits
• Making sure the insurance company applies the law truthfully and ethically

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

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

Insurance companies often rely on claimants knowing limited about laws pertaining to injuries and accidents to pay as minimal money as feasible. We'll ensure they understand their legal duty to compensate you for each your damages.

Legal Expertise

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

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

Gathering Evidence to Strengthen Your Case

Some cases are more difficult to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to interrogate witnesses, analyze medical records, and establish a connection your injuries to your accident, as well as interview witnesses who can corroborate your story. The more complicated your case, the more supporting evidence is needed. Skilled 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 liability isn't clear, your damages are high, or other complications arise, the insurance company is going to oppose against your rights. That's why you need seasoned personal injury lawyers in your corner to bring a legal action and pursue litigation if necessary.

As experienced Fayette, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from our first case review through a jury or bench trial.

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

In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in auto crashes in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than any other year since 1987. According to data from the National Safety Council, in 2020 there were 325,173 bicyclists injured in nonfatal accidents. Kids ages five to 14 are the most likely to sustain an injury, while adults aged 55 to 64 are at the highest risk for deaths.

In Missouri, in 406 total crashes, 351 people sustained nonfatal injuries and six people passed away, according to statistics in the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, in 2,180 bicycle collisions 1,995 people were injured and 28 people passed away.

Across the U.S., urban areas with more vehicle traffic see most bike crashes. Thirty-one percent of bike crashes happen at night, when visibility is at its lowest.

While bicycle accidents make up only one percent of trips taken by American travelers and commuters, annually they account for more than two percent of traffic accident deaths. The disparity points to the ruinous destruction drivers can cause when they don't pay attention on the road, and how important safety measures like helmets and staying in bikes lanes are.

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

Each accident is unique, but most bike crashes are caused by motorist error or unsafe road conditions. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents we see are:

• Drivers failing to see a bicyclist
• Drivers failing to yield the right of way
• Drivers neglecting to to obey bike lane laws
• Drivers passing dangerously
• Opening a door after parking on the side of the street checking for bicyclists
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poorly placed road signs
• Road hazards
• Improperly marked construction sites
• Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
• Faulty car or bike components

While most bike accidents happen at intersections, a National Transport Safety Board report stated that accidents on the side of the road cause more severe injuries because of the higher speeds involved. Your Fayette, 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 responsible for your injuries.

What Are Common Injuries from Fayette, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Bicyclists are more likely to sustain severe injuries than anyone else on the road. We've helped secure great financial recoveries for people with:

• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Joint injuries such as ligament tears

Because of the high cost of dealing with a bicycle accident injury, you need accomplished and dedicated bicycle accident lawyers like those at Halvorsen Klote to make sure you are compensated for every way in which the injury has affected your life. In the worst accidents, if you suffer the wrongful death of a family member in the Fayette, MO area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of peace and secure your future.

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Who is Responsible for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Fayette, MO?

Who is liable depends on the specifics of your case. Each claim is unique, and as such the liable party varies. In some cases there are multiple liable parties, and a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case and assign an appropriate amount of fault to each of them. You may be able to seek compensation from:

The Driver of a Passenger Vehicle

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are the most common liable party for bicycle accidents by either not paying attention or driving hostilely toward them. But the road is for everyone, and if a car, truck or motorcycle driver injures a bicyclists the same liability in car accidents applies. For instance, if someone injures you because they were texting and driving, they would be at fault for your injuries.

Both Illinois and Missouri have specific laws for how drivers are supposed to drive around bicyclists, such as respecting bike lanes. Pursuant to the legal theory of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they violate a state statute. So if injured because someone hit you with their car door without looking, your lawyer for bicycle accident only has to provide proof of your damages, and the insurance company will likely be more motivated to offer a fair recovery.

A Defective Bike or Car or Truck Parts

If your result was because of a defective product, such as steering systems, 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 issue arises. If they fail to, you can make a claim against them.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If you are injured by a truck driver, rideshare driver or other commercial driver, you may be able to make a claim against both the driver and their employer. For example, if a trucking company failed to perform drug tests, they would be considered negligent.

A Government Entity

Governmental agencies at the state, local and federal levels need to keep our Fayette, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as a pothole played a part in your injuries, your Fayette, MO bicycle accident lawyer can investigate if a government agency was liable. A claim against the government is different in many ways than filing a claim with an individual or company's insurance company, so an attorney is vital for the best results in your claim.

In Missouri, you can make a claim against the government if a driver of public transportation injures you. Under Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, government workers who cause an accident while operating a motor vehicle are not given sovereign immunity like other public employees are in personal injury cases. Unfortunately, in Illinois, pursuant to 745 ILCS 10/ you cannot sue a public employee unless you can prove that they deliberately harmed you.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Fayette, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries?

There are a variety of factors that determine what, and how much, compensation you will receive for your bicycle accident injuries:

• How serious your injuries are — More debilitating injuries lead to higher medical expenses, and you should receive all of those expenses. Months of physical therapy will lead to much higher compensation than a a visit or two with your primary care doctor. Did your injuries include a knee replacement? The lifespan for those is 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Fayette, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure you are not the one that has to pay for it when that time comes.
• How your injuries have affected your physical and mental well-being — Personal injury settlements and verdicts are also intended to compensate you for the effects on your personal life, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. Is it harder to play with your kids than it used to be? An accomplished and talented Fayette, MO bicycle accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will fight to make sure the physical and emotional pain you felt is compensated to.
• Your lost wages from time spent recovering — Any personal injury settlement will also include the paychecks you were not able to earn, even if you had sick leave. If you couldn't work because you were on bed rest for six weeks, that lost money will be part of your recovery.
• If your injuries prevent you from working the same job — If you were a warehouse worker who sustained an injury to a disc in your back in a bicycle accident in Fayette, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift over 50 pounds, your ability to earn a living has been severely compromised. Your compensation will need to substantial enough to make sure you and your family will still have the means to live a comfortable life.
• Policy limits — The defendant's insurance policy may have an impact on your settlement amount. A standard car insurance policy may have a $50,000 limit on bodily injury, while commercial enterprises may have up to $5 million in coverage. A knowledgeable lawyer for bicycle accidents can help you make 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 at fault, but it will be proportionately less based on how how much of your fault it was. Meaning, if it is determined that your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering come to $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, you would receive $70,000. Missouri is referred to as a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can file a claim even if you are 99 percent responsible. Illinois is called a a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if you are more than 50 percent liable.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Fayette, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that large corporations and insurance companies often try their best to devalue your claim. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe that an ordinary person who has been injured by another's negligence should have access to the same expert legal representation as wealthy organizations.

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

Getting in a bicycle accident can be scary and confusing, but there are several things you should do to help you get better physically and maximize your compensation.

Stay Calm, Get to Safety and Get 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 don't allow you to move safely, stay put until emergency medical personnel to get to the scene.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, visit the emergency room or urgent care after law enforcement tell you it's safe to leave the scene. If you didn't go immediately, schedule a visit to your primary care physician in the days afterward. If you don't have records from a physician 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 how the other drive caused your injuries. Police are trained to allocate fault in an accident. When talking to police, don't acknowledge fault or over-explain what happened. Be truthful, but don't say anything beyond the facts of the accident and your injuries, and don't give any information they don't directly 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 location, any damage to your bicycle and the other vehicle, and your injuries. If other people saw the accident, ask for their contact information so your city, state bicycle accident lawyer can reach out to them afterwards.

Don't Settle Too Quickly

The insurance companies' first offer will almost always be an inadequate offer. They want you to settle before you discover the full extent of your injuries or hire an attorney. They may tell you no more money is available, but that's almost never true. Most injury attorneys give free consultations, so it's always worth it to consult with 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 Fayette, MO:

• Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Auto Accident Attorney
• Bike Wreck Lawyer
• What to Do After a Car Accident
• Premises Liability Attorneys
• Automobile Injury Attorney
• Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
• Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Injury Claim Lawyer

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Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Fayette, MO | Halvorsen Klote

You did not ask to be put in this situation, and you should not have to pay because someone else did not respect your safety. Our Fayette, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has dedicated their lives to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they get all the money they are entitled to. We charge no fees we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Fayette, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

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