Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Glendale, MO

Glendale, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Glendale, MO. Riding a bicycle can inspire a wonderful sense of freedom. But on too many occasions, bicyclists don't receive the same respect that motorists do and end up injured because of someone else's negligence. If you sustained an injury in a bike accident even after you did everything right, the lawyer for bicycle accident team of Halvorsen Klote will fight for your rights and secure you the financial recovery you deserve. We offer expert legal representation the injured and vulnerable in Glendale, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Our case reviews are free, no-risk and no-obligation, and we charge no attorneys' fees unless we win your claim. Speak directly to a knowledgeable and friendly bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by getting in touch with us online.

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Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO to secure the ideal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Glendale, MO can give support 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 every single of your damages related to the accident are included by the insurance policy
• Calculating the complete scope of your damages and all the compensation you are legally entitled to
• 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 heartless claims adjuster can feel disheartening. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do everything they can to avoid assuming that responsibility.

Insurance companies often depend on claimants knowing limited about laws pertaining to injuries and accidents to provide as little money as achievable. We'll ensure they understand their lawful responsibility to reimburse you for every single one of your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complicated legal processes, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, examining medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are unfamiliar with injury claims can make errors or overlook 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 obtaining 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 interview witnesses, examine medical records, and establish a connection your injuries to your accident, as well as depose witnesses who can corroborate your story. The more complicated your case, the more proof is needed. Skilled bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to discover 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 arise, the insurance company is going to fight against your rights. That's why you need seasoned accident attorneys in your corner to file a lawsuit and bring them to trial if necessary.

As experienced Glendale, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side for the duration of your case, from our first case evaluation through a jury or bench trial.

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

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident fatalities in traffic wrecks in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest total since 1987. According to reporting from the National Safety Council, that same year there were 325,173 nonfatal injuries in bicycle accidents. Kids ages five to 14 are at the highest risk for injuries, while deaths were most common in riders between 55 and 64 years old.

In Missouri, in 406 total crashes, 351 people sustained nonfatal injuries and six people passed away, according to data from the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, there were 2,180 bicycle accidents, which lead to 28 deaths and 1,995 injuries

Across the U.S., the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more condensed. Over three-tenths of bike crashes transpire between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when bikers are harder to see.

While bicycle accidents account for only one percent of trips taken by American commuters, annually they account for more than two percent of traffice-related fatalities. The discrepancy 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 Glendale, MO?

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

• Drivers failing to pay attention
• Drivers failing to yield the right of way
• Drivers failing to obey bike lane laws
• Drivers passing in an unsafe manner
• Opening a door without checking for bicyclists
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Poorly placed road signs
• Road hazards
• Improperly zoned-off construction sites
• Pedestrians being oblivious to bikers
• Defective car or bike components

While most bike accidents happen at intersections, a National Transport Safety Board report found that "midblock" accidents are more severe because the speeds are higher than at intersections because of stop signs, traffic lights or turning vehicles. Your Glendale, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will perform an exhaustive investigation into your accident to determine the cause of your injuries and who is liable for your damages.

What Are Common Injuries from Glendale, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Bicyclists are at a higher risk for severe injuries than anyone else on the road. We've helped secure great compensation for people with:

• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Fractures
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Joint injuries such as sprains

Because of the gravity of the bicycle accident injuries, you need talented and tenacious 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 Glendale, 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 Liable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Glendale, MO?

Who is at fault depends on the causes of your accident. Liability is determined based on whose negligence contributed to the crash. In some cases there are multiple liable parties, and a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case and hold each party responsible for the percentage of blame they share. Some of the parties we have successfully secured compensation from in bicycle accidents include:

Another Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are the most common liable party for bicycle accidents by not respecting bicyclists' right to share the road. But the road is for everyone, 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 looking for bicyclists when opening car doors. Following the legal theory of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they break 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 be more honest in negotiations.

A Defective Bike or Car Parts

If your result was the result of a defective product, such as carbon fork failure, you can file a product liability claim. Anybody involved in the chain of distribution must ensure that products are not unreasonably dangerous and issue recalls whenever a component is found to be unsafe. If they fail to, you can make a claim against them.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If you are injured by a commercial driver, your bike accident attorney may be able to prove negligence on the part of the employer. For example, if a trucking company required their driver to work more hours than regulations allow, they would be considered negligent.

A Government Entity

Municipal entities both locally and in the state or federal government need to keep our Glendale, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as a pothole contributed to your accident, your Glendale, 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 crucial to get maximum compensation.

In Missouri, a public transport operator may also be liable. Under Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, government workers who injure somebody while driving within the course of their employment are not granted sovereign immunity like other public employees 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.

What Are My Glendale, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries Worth?

How much your claim is worth depends on the severity of the injuries, how they've affected your life, your economic loss and other factors:

• The severity of your injuries — More serious injuries lead to higher medical bills, and you should be reimbursed for all of those expenses. Months of physical therapy will lead to much higher compensation than a an appointment or two with your primary care doctor. Did your bicycle accident lead to a knee replacement? The lifespan for those is 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Glendale, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure you are not the one that has to pay for it when a new one is necessary.
• The physical, mental and emotional impact of your injuries — Your financial recovery is meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional burdens caused by your injuries, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. Is it harder to play with your kids than it used to be? A seasoned and knowledgeable Glendale, 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 earn a living because a physician told you to stay home and rest, you will be reimbursed for that.
• If your injuries prevent you from working the same job — If you were a construction worker who sustained a back injury in a bicycle accident in Glendale, MO and now are not able to safely lift over 25 pounds, your ability to earn a living has been significantly compromised. Your compensation will need to substantial enough to make sure your future is not put in jeopardy.
• The amount of insurance coverage available — Different insurance plans have different policy limits. Illinois and Missouri both require $50,000 per accident for bodily injury in car accident policies, while trucking companies usually have much more. A skilled 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 are comparative negligence states, meaning that you can still receive compensation if you bear some responsibility for the accident, but it will be proportionately less based on how much blame you share. Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, your compensation would be reduced by $30,000. Missouri is referred to as a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can receive compensation even if you are 99 percent responsible. Illinois is considered a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you would be barred from recovery if you are more than 50 percent liable.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Glendale, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that powerful corporations and insurance companies often resist taking accountability. We do what we do every day because we believe that everyone has should be able to lean on the same knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation as wealthy organizations.

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

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

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Get Medical Attention

If you're able to, move out of the way of traffic. Leave your bike, as trying to move it could exacerbate your injuries. If your injuries don't allow you to move safely, hold out for emergency medical personnel to get to the scene.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, go to the emergency room or urgent care after authorities tell you you are free to 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 medical documentation of your injuries, you won't be able to obtain compensation from the insurance company.

Call and Wait for the Police

You need to have the police make a report, as it will go a long way in establishing how the other drive caused your injuries. Police are trained to determine fault in an accident. When talking to police, don't confess fault or over-embellish what happened. Be honest, 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 other people saw the accident, 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 an inadequate 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 hardly ever true. The majority of injury attorneys give free consultations, so it's always worth it 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO | Halvorsen Klote

You did not ask to be put in this situation, and you do not have to go through this alone. Our Glendale, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has committed their abilities to fighting for people who have been wronged, and ensuring that they get all the money they are owed. You do not pay unless we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Glendale, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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