Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Jefferson City, 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, 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 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 provide expert and sound legal advocacy to clients in Jefferson City, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Our case reviews are free, no-risk and no-obligation, and you do not owe us anything until you are fairly compensated. Speak directly to an accomplished and empathetic bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by reaching out to us online.

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Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO to ensure the ideal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Jefferson City, MO can provide assistance 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, bike accident attorneys can help you maximize your compensation by:

• Gathering evidence that proves the other party's liability
• Proving how every single 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 entitled to
• Finding supplementary insurance coverage if your damages exceed the policy limits
• Making sure the insurance company applies the law fairly and morally

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

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

Insurance companies often depend on claimants knowing very little about injury and accident law to pay as minimal money as possible. We'll make sure they understand their legal duty to compensate you for every single one of your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal processes, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are unfamiliar with injury claims can make errors or miss critical details. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a strength, not a disadvantage.

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 getting better.

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, 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 evidence is needed. Skilled bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to find the evidence needed to get maximum compensation.

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 oppose against your rights. That's why you need seasoned personal injury lawyers in your corner to file a lawsuit and pursue litigation if necessary.

As experienced Jefferson City, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from initial case evaluation through a jury verdict.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Jefferson City, MO Area?

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident deaths in auto crashes across the country, 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 bicyclists injured in nonfatal accidents. Kids ages five to 14 are at the highest risk for injuries, while adults aged 55 to 64 are at the highest risk for deaths.

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

In both Missouri and Illinois, the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more condensed. Over three-tenths of bike crashes happen 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, each year they account for more than two percent of traffic accident fatalities. The deviation speaks to the terrible damage motorists can do 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 Jefferson City, MO?

Most bike accidents are caused either because of biker error or because a motorist just did not see the bicyclist in time to adjust. Below are the most common examples of what we see typically leads to bike accidents:

• Drivers failing to pay attention
• Drivers neglecting to to yield the right of way
• Drivers failing to obey bike lane laws
• Drivers passing too fast
• 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 marked construction sites
• Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
• Defective car or bike components

While intersections are the most common place to see or experience a bike accident, a National Transport Safety Board report stated that accidents on the side of the road cause more severe injuries because the speeds are higher than at intersections because of stop signs, traffic lights or turning vehicles. Your Jefferson City, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will carry out an exhaustive investigation into your accident to determine the cause of your injuries and who we need to seek compensation from.

What Are Common Injuries from Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO residents receive compensation for include:

• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Fractures
• Organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Joint injuries such as ligament tears

Because bicycle injuries often require extensive medical treatment and a lot of time off work, you need skilled 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 Jefferson City, MO area, we will get you compensation to make sure your future is financially secure and to ease the pain, even if just a little.

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

Who is responsible depends on the the different aspects that led to your injuries. Each case is unique, and as such the liable party varies. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is liable, and an accomplished bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case and hold each party accountable for the percentage of blame they share. You may be able to seek compensation from:

The Driver of a Passenger Vehicle

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers can often cause bicycle accidents by think they own the road and bicyclists do not. But have the same right to the road as an operator of any passenger car, and if you are injured by a motorist the same liability in car accidents applies. For example, if someone causes an accident because they were driving under the influence, they would be responsible for your injuries in a civil claim.

Both Illinois and Missouri have specific laws for how drivers are supposed to interact with bicyclists, such as respecting bike lanes. Pursuant to the legal practice of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they violate a state statute. So if you were injured by a motorist in a bike lane, your lawyer for bicycle accident only has to provide proof of your damages, and the insurance company will be more accommodating in negotiations.

A Defective Bike or Car Parts

If your accident was because of a defective product, such as tires, you can seek a product liability claim. Both bicycle and motor vehicle manufacturers are required to design and manufacture safe products and issue recalls whenever a component is found to be unsafe. If they are negligent in that duty, you can seek compensation from 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 hired an unqualified driver, they would be least partially liable for your injuries.

A Government Agency

Municipal entities both locally and in the state or federal government need to keep our Jefferson City, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as a pothole caused your accident, you may be able to make a claim against a government entity with the help of your Jefferson City, MO bicycle accident lawyer. A claim against the government is different in many ways than a standard personal injury claim, so an attorney is crucial for the best results in your claim.

In Missouri, a public transport operator may also be liable. According to Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public employees who cause an accident while operating a motor vehicle are not granted sovereign immunity like most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Unfortunately, in Illinois, 745 ILCS 10/ does not permit anyone to sue a public employee in a tort case unless the harm was deliberate or the employee showed an "utter indifference" to your safety.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for My Jefferson City, 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 — The worse your injuries, the more you'll have to pay in medical expenses, 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 joint replacement? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Jefferson City, 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 physical and emotional hardships caused by your injuries, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Is it a grind just to bring the groceries in? A seasoned and knowledgeable Jefferson City, 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 — 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 a physician told you to stay home and rest, you need to be reimbursed for that.
• If your injuries prevent you from working the same job — If you were a construction worker who suffered an injury to a disc in your back in a bicycle accident in Jefferson City, 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 healed as much as possible. 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 negligent party'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 usually have much more. A talented lawyer for bicycle accidents will assist you with an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company if your damages exceed the policy limits.
• Whether you are partially at fault for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal doctrine of comparative fault, meaning that you can still be reimbursed for your damages if you bear some responsibility for the accident, but the amount will be lowered based on how much blame you share. Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you were 30 percent at fault, your recovery would be $70,000. Missouri is called a a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can make a recovery even if you are responsible for the vast majority of the accident. Illinois is considered a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if you are more than 50 percent to blame.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Jefferson City, MO bicycle accident lawyers work with medical and economic experts to ensure you are truly fully and fairly compensated for your injuries. We know that large corporations and insurance companies often try their best to devalue your claim. Our practice is founded on the idea that everyone has should have access to the same high standard of legal advocacy as wealthy organizations.

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

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

Stay Calm, Get to Safety and Get Medical Attention

If you can, 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, 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 immediately, see your primary care physician as soon as you can. 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 assign fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't confess fault or over-explain what happened. Be honest, but stick to 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 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 an inadequate offer. They want you to settle before you discover 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. Many injury attorneys give free consultations, so it's always advisable to at least speak to a lawyer about your case before accepting a settlement.

Check out some of the other cases we take on in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own is confusing, painful and leads to a large cloud of uncertainty about how you are going to pay the bills that are piling up and when or if you'll be able to get back to normal. Our Jefferson City, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has committed their profession to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they recover all the money they are entitled to. You only pay if we win your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Jefferson City, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary case review.

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