Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Lake St. Louis, MO | Personal Injury Attorneys Greater | Auto Accident Law Firm | HK Law

Lake St. Louis, MO

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lake St. Louis, MO

Lake St. Louis, MO Personal Injury Attorneys


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Lake St. Louis, MO Lawyer for Bicycle Accident

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lake St. Louis, 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 is here to fight for the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. We provide expert and sound legal advocacy to clients in Lake St. Louis, 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 a qualified and compassionate 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 Lake St. Louis, MO | Auto Accident Attorneys | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Lake St. Louis, MO

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO to ensure the best possible outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO can offer help in a variety of ways:

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 maximize your compensation by:

  • Gathering evidence that proves the other party's liability
  • Proving how all of your damages related to the accident are included by the insurance policy
  • Calculating the full extent of your damages and all the compensation you are legally entitled to
  • Finding supplementary insurance coverage if your damages go beyond the policy limits
  • Making sure the insurance company follows the law fairly and ethically

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a heartless insurance adjuster 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 accepting that responsibility.

Insurance companies often rely on claimants knowing very little about injury and accident law to pay as little money as achievable. We'll guarantee they understand their legal duty to compensate you for all your damages.

Legal Expertise

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

You did nothing wrong to deserve your injuries 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 complex to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to interrogate witnesses, analyze medical records, and link your injuries to your accident, as well as question witnesses who can validate 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 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 contest against your rights. That's why you need seasoned injury attorneys in your corner to file a lawsuit and pursue litigation if necessary.

As experienced Lake St. Louis, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can fight for you for the duration of your case, from our first case review through a jury or bench trial.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Lake St. Louis, MO Area?

In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents across the country, 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 nonfatal injuries in bicycle 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, there were 406 total bike accidents which resulted in 351 injuries and six deaths, according to data from the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, there were 2,180 bicycle accidents, which caused 28 fatalities and 1,995 injuries

Nationawide, the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more congested. Almost a third of bike crashes happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when visibility is at its lowest.

While bicycle accidents account for only one percent of trips taken by American travelers, annually they account for more than two percent of traffice-related deaths. The discrepancy speaks to the horrible damage motorists can cause when they don't look out for bikers, and how important safety measures like helmets and staying in bikes lanes are.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lake St. Louis, MO?

Each accident is unique, but most bike crashes are caused by driver error or unsafe road conditions. Below are the most common examples of what we see typically causes bike accidents:

  • Drivers neglecting to to see a bicyclist
  • Drivers failing to yield the right of way
  • Drivers failing to obey bike lane laws
  • Drivers passing too close
  • Opening a door after parking on the side of the street seeing if a biker is coming
  • Reckless driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Road signs that impede a motorists vision
  • Road hazards
  • Insufficiently cordoned-of construction sites
  • Pedestrians being oblivious to bikers
  • 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 are more severe because of the higher speeds involved. Your Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Bicyclists are more likely to sustain severe injuries than anyone else on the road. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Lake St. Louis, MO residents receive compensation for include:

Because bicycle injuries often require extensive medical treatment and a lot of time off work, you need talented and passionate 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 Lake St. Louis, MO area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of peace and secure your future.


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Lake St. Louis, MO | Personal Injury Attorney | Bike Accident Lawyers Near Lake St. Louis

Who Can I Hold Accountable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Lake St. Louis, MO?

Who is at fault depends on the the different aspects that led to your case. Different accidents may have different, or multiple, liable parties. In some cases there are multiple liable parties, and a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your accident and assign a proportionate amount of fault to each of them. You may be able to seek compensation from:

Another Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are the most common liable party for bicycle accidents by think they own the road and bicyclists do not. But have the same right to the road as the driver of any other vehicle, and in the event of an accident the same liability in car accidents applies. For instance, if someone causes an accident because they were driving drunk, they would be responsible for your injuries in a civil claim.

Both Illinois and Missouri have strict regulations for how motorists are supposed to drive around bicyclists, such as yielding to bicyclist when turning. Pursuant to the legal philosophy 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 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 Motor Vehicle Parts

If your accident was caused by a defective product, such as carbon fork failure, you can seek 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 truck driver, rideshare driver or other commercial driver, the employer may be partially liable. For example, if a trucking company failed to report drug tests, they would be considered negligent.

A Government Entity

Municipal entities both locally and in the state or federal government need to keep our Lake St. Louis, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as uneven pavement caused your accident, your Lake St. Louis, 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 it is important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to make your claim.

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

What Are My Lake St. Louis, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries Worth?

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 costs, which you will be compensated for. Surgeries will lead to more money than a quick trip to the emergency room. Did your injuries include a joint replacement? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Lake St. Louis, 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. After years of playing piano, is it hard to sit up straight on the bench now? An experienced and skilled Lake St. Louis, MO bicycle accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will secure you compensation for those damages as well.
  • Your lost wages from time spent recovering — You will also be reimbursed for the money you were not able to earn. If you couldn't earn a living 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 suffered a permanent injury in a bicycle accident in Lake St. Louis, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift over 30 pounds, your ability to earn a living has been seriously compromised. Your compensation will need to include enough money to make sure your future is secure.
  • Policy limits — Different insurance plans have different amounts of coverage. A standard car insurance policy may have a $50,000 limit on bodily injury, while trucking companies may have up to $5 million in coverage. A skilled lawyer for bicycle accidents can help you make an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company if the coverage available isn't enough to fully compensate you for your injuries.
  • Whether you are partially at fault for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois are comparative negligence states, meaning that you can still be reimbursed for your damages if you were partially to blame, but it will be proportionately less based on how much blame you share. Meaning, if it is determined that your economic and noneconomic damages come to $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, your recovery would be $70,000. Missouri is a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can receive compensation even if you are responsible for the vast majority of the accident. Illinois is called a a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you would be barred from recovery if you are more than 50 percent liable.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Lake St. Louis, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that influential corporations and insurance companies often resist taking accountability. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe 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 Lake St. Louis, MO

Getting in a bicycle accident can be terrifying and confusing, but there are several steps you should take to help you recover 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, go to the emergency room or urgent care after police tell you you are free to leave the scene. If you didn't go the same day, schedule a visit to your general practitioner as soon as you can. If you don't have medical documentation 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 proving the other party's liability. Police are trained to allocate fault in an accident. When talking to police, don't acknowledge fault or over-embellish your actions. Be honest, but don't say anything beyond the facts of the accident and your injuries, and don't provide any information they don't explicitly 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 site, any damage to your bicycle and the other vehicle, and your injuries. If other people saw the accident, get their contact information so your city, state bicycle accident lawyer can reach out to them at a later time.

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. The majority of injury attorneys provide 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 Lake St. Louis, MO:


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lake St. Louis, MO | Auto Accident Law Firm | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Lake St. Louis

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has committed their lives to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they receive 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 Lake St. Louis, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free case review.


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.