Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lebanon, MO

Lebanon, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lebanon, MO. Riding a bicycle is great for our physical and mental well-being. But on too many occasions, 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 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 provide expert and sound legal advocacy to the injured and vulnerable in Lebanon, 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 until you are fairly compensated. Speak directly to a knowledgeable and friendly 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO to secure the ideal result. A personal injury lawyer in Lebanon, MO can give support 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, bike accident attorneys 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 eligible for
• Finding supplementary insurance coverage if your damages surpass 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 anything they can to avoid assuming that responsibility.

Insurance companies often count on claimants knowing scant about laws pertaining to injuries and accidents to offer as little money as achievable. We'll ensure they understand their legal duty to pay you for all your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve intricate legal processes, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are novice with injury claims can make mistakes or overlook important details. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a asset, not a disadvantage.

You did nothing wrong to deserve your injuries and you shouldn't have to deal with the consequences. Let us handle ensuring your compensation while you focus on recovering.

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 link 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. Knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to locate the evidence needed to win your claim.

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 contest 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 Lebanon, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can fight for you for the duration of your case, from initial case evaluation through a jury verdict.

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

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident fatalities in traffic crashes 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 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 crashes which lead to 351 injuries and six fatalities, according to the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, in 2,180 bicycle accidents 1,995 people were injured and 28 people died.

Nationawide, highly populated areas with more vehicle traffic see most bike crashes. Thirty-one percent of bike crashes occur at night, when bikers are harder to see.

While bicycle accidents make up only one percent of trips taken by American travelers and commuters, each year they account for more than two percent of motor vehicle 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 Lebanon, MO?

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

• 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 fast
• Opening a door after parking on the side of the road seeing if a biker is coming
• Reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Road signs that impede a motorists vision
• Road hazards
• Improperly zoned-off construction sites
• Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
• 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 relayed that accidents between intersections are more severe because both the motor vehicle and bicycle are traveling at higher speeds. Your Lebanon, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will carry out 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 Lebanon, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Because of the vulnerability of bicyclists relative to their enclosed vehicle counterparts, injuries suffered in bicycle accidents can be disastrous and even sometimes result in lifelong disability. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Lebanon, MO residents receive compensation for include:

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

Because bicycle injuries often require extensive medical treatment and a lot of time off work, you need skilled and tenacious bicycle accident lawyers like those at Halvorsen Klote to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company. In the tragic case of the wrongful death of a loved one in the Lebanon, 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 Can I Sue for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Lebanon, MO?

Who you can seek compensation from depends on the specifics of your case. Liability is determined based on whose negligence contributed to the crash. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is to blame, and a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your injuries and make each of them reimburse you based on how much of the accident was their fault. You may be able to seek compensation from:

Another Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents by not respecting bicyclists' right to share the road. But bicyclists are allowed to enjoy the road the same as the driver of any other vehicle, and if you are injured by a motorist the rules for liability in car accidents is no different than any other crash. For example, if someone causes an accident because they were texting and driving, they would be responsible for your injuries in a civil claim.

Both Illinois and Missouri have strict regulations for how motorists are supposed to treat and look out for bicyclists, such as looking for bicyclists when opening car doors. Under the legal theory of negligence per se, someone violates a state statute and injures someone else is liable as a matter of law. 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 Faulty or Car Component

If your accident 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 don't, you can make a claim against them.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If a commercial driver causes your accident, 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 responsible for a portion of your financial recovery.

A Government Agency

Municipal entities at the state, local and federal levels are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our Lebanon, MO roadways. If a hazard such as signage that makes it difficult for other vehicles to see you at certain intersections contributed to your accident, you may be able to make a claim against a government entity with the help of your Lebanon, MO bicycle accident lawyer. 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 are also able to make a claim against a public bus driver. According to Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public workers who injure somebody while driving within the course of their employment are not granted sovereign immunity like most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Regrettably, in Illinois, according to 745 ILCS 10/ you cannot sue a public employee unless you can prove that they deliberately harmed you.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for My Lebanon, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries?

There are numerous factors that dictate what, and how much, you can recover for your bicycle accident injuries:

• The severity of your injuries — The worse your injuries, the more you'll have to pay in medical bills, which you will be compensated for. Surgeries will lead to much higher compensation than a quick trip to the emergency room. Was the accident severe enough to require a joint replacement? That will have to be replaced in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Lebanon, 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 impact your injuries had on your life — Personal injury settlements and verdicts are also intended to compensate you for the less tangible ways your injuries have hurt you, 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? A seasoned and talented Lebanon, 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 PTO. If you couldn't earn a living because you were on bed rest for six weeks, you need to be reimbursed for that.
• If your injuries result in lost earning potential — If you were a construction worker who sustained a back injury in a bicycle accident in Lebanon, MO and a doctor orders you not to 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 substantial enough to make sure your future is secure.
• Policy limits — Different insurance plans have different policy limits. Illinois and Missouri both require $25,000 per person for bodily injury in car accident policies, while trucking companies often have coverage into the millions. A skilled lawyer for bicycle accidents will assist you with 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 fault states, meaning that you can still get a recovery if you bear some responsibility for the accident, but the amount will be lowered 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, you would receive $70,000. Missouri is a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can file a claim even if you are responsible for the vast majority of the accident. Illinois is a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Lebanon, MO bicycle accident lawyers know how to precisely value claims and get you all of the compensation you deserve. We know that influential corporations and insurance companies treat people unfairly. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe that everyone has should have access to the same knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation as wealthy organizations.

What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Lebanon, 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 Treatment

If you're able to, move out of the way of traffic. Leave your bike, as trying to move it could intensify your injuries. If your injuries are too severe for you to move safely, hold out for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, head to the emergency room or urgent care after police tell you you can leave the scene. If you didn't go on the same day, see your primary care physician 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 proving how the other drive caused the accident. Police are trained to determine fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't admit 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 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 location, 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 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 injuries 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 provide free consultations, so it's always recommended 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else's negligence is shocking, infuriating and leads to a large cloud of uncertainty about how you are going to pay for the damage someone else caused and when or if you'll be able to get back to normal. Our Lebanon, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has dedicated their lives to fighting for people who have been treated unfairly, and ensuring that they recover the full compensation they are entitled to. You do not pay unless we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Lebanon, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

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