Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Lemay, MO | Personal Injury Attorneys Greater | Auto Accident Law Firm | HK Law

Lemay, MO

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lemay, MO

Lemay, MO Personal Injury Attorneys


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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lemay, 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 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 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 serve the injured and vulnerable in Lemay, 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 an experienced and friendly bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by reaching out to us online.


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Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lemay, MO | Auto Accident Attorneys | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Lemay, MO

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Lemay, 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 Lemay, MO to guarantee the ideal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Lemay, MO can offer help in a range 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 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 entitled to
  • Finding additional insurance coverage if your damages surpass the policy limits
  • Making sure the insurance company applies the law truthfully and morally

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a discompassionate claims adjuster can feel defeating. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do anything they can to avoid taking on that responsibility.

Insurance companies often depend on claimants knowing limited about laws pertaining to injuries and accidents to offer as little money as feasible. We'll ensure they understand their lawful responsibility to reimburse you for all your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal processes, including collecting evidence, interviewing people who saw the accident, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are unfamiliar with injury claims can make mistakes or neglect critical steps. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a advantage, not a vulnerability.

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 recovering.

Gathering Evidence to Strengthen Your Case

Some cases are more challenging to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to question witnesses, analyze medical records, and link your injuries to your accident, as well as depose 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 discover 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 oppose against your rights. That's why you need seasoned accident attorneys in your corner to initiate legal proceedings and pursue litigation if necessary.

As experienced Lemay, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side for the duration of your case, from initial consultation through a jury verdict.

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

In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in auto wrecks nationwide, 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 nonfatal injuries in bicycle accidents. Kids ages five to 14 are the most likely to sustain an injury, 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 perished, according to statistics in the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, there were 2,180 bicycle crashes, which caused 28 fatalities and 1,995 injuries

In both states, highly populated areas with more vehicle traffic see most bike crashes. Almost a third of bike crashes happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when it is more difficult to notice bikers on the road.

While bicycle accidents make up only one percent of trips taken by American commuters, annually they account for over twice that in traffic accident deaths. The deviation 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 Lemay, MO?

Most bike accidents are caused either because of the biker making a mistake or because a motorist just was not paying attention. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents we see are:

  • Drivers neglecting to to pay attention
  • 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 road checking for bicyclists
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Improperly placed road signs
  • Road hazards
  • Inadequately marked construction sites
  • Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
  • Defective car or bike components

While most bike accidents happen at intersections, a National Transport Safety Board report found that accidents on the side of the road cause more severe injuries because of the higher speeds involved. Your Lemay, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to determine the cause of your injuries and who is liable for your damages.

What Are Common Injuries from Lemay, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Because of the vulnerability of bicyclists relative to their cars or trucks, injuries suffered in bicycle accidents can be traumatic and even sometimes result in permanent disability. We've helped secure maximum financial recoveries for people with:

Because bicycle injuries often require extensive medical treatment and a lot of time off work, you need knowledgeable and passionate 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 loved one in the Lemay, MO area, we will get you a financial recovery to make sure your future is financially secure and to ease the pain, even if just a little.


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Lemay, MO | Personal Injury Attorney | Bike Accident Lawyers Near Lemay

Who is At Fault for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Lemay, MO?

Who you can seek compensation from depends on the specifics of your case. Each case is unique, and as such the liable party varies. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is responsible, and a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your claim and make each of them compensate you based on how much of the accident was their fault. You may be able to seek compensation from:

A Car, Motorcycle or Truck 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 if you are injured by a motorist the same liability in car accidents applies. For example, if someone causes an accident because they were texting and driving, they would owe you damages.

Both Illinois and Missouri have strict regulations for how drivers are supposed to treat and look out for bicyclists, such as allowing at least three feet of space when passing. Under the legal practice of negligence per se, someone violates a state statute and injures someone else is liable as a matter of law. So if you wee injured because a driver passed too closely, your lawyer for bicycle accident will be able to file a negligence per se claim, and the insurance company will likely be more motivated to offer a fair recovery.

A Faulty or Car Parts

If your result was because of a defective product, such as brakes, 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, they are liable for your damages.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If a truck driver, rideshare driver or other 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 least partially liable for your injuries.

A Government Entity

Governmental agencies at the state, local and federal levels are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our Lemay, MO roadways. If a hazard such as signage that makes it difficult for other vehicles to see you at certain intersections caused your accident, your Lemay, MO bicycle accident lawyer may be able to find out that a government agency did not follow their own rules for maintaining safe roads. A claim against the government is different in many ways than a standard personal injury claim, so it is important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to make your claim.

In Missouri, you are also able to make a claim against a public bus driver. Under Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, government workers who injure somebody while operating a motor vehicle are not given sovereign immunity like most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Regrettably, in Illinois, 745 ILCS 10/ does not allow anyone to sue a public employee in a tort case unless there was "willful and wanton" misconduct.

How Much Compensation Can I Collect for My Lemay, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries?

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

  • The severity of your injuries — More serious injuries lead to higher medical expenses, which you will be compensated for. Months of physical therapy will lead to more money than a an appointment or two with your primary care physician. Was the accident severe enough to require a joint replacement? The lifespan for those is 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Lemay, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure you are not the one that has to pay for it when a new one is necessary.
  • How your injuries have affected your physical and emotional well-being — Your financial recovery is meant to compensate you for the effects on your personal life, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. Is it painful to sleep in certain positions? An accomplished and skilled Lemay, 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 — You will also receive compensation for the money you were not able to earn. If you couldn't earn a living because a physician told you to stay home and rest, that lost money will be part of your recovery.
  • If your injuries result in lost earning potential — If you were a construction worker who sustained an injury to a disc in your back in a bicycle accident in Lemay, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift more than a certain amount, 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 amounts of coverage. Illinois and Missouri both require $50,000 per accident for bodily injury in car accident policies, while trucking companies may have up to $5 million in coverage. A knowledgeable lawyer for bicycle accidents will assist you with an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company if the negligent party's insurance doesn't cover all of your damages.
  • Whether you are partially at fault for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal philosophy of comparative negligence, meaning that you can still be reimbursed for your damages if you were partially to blame, but the amount will be lowered based on how much blame you share. 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, your recovery would be $70,000. Missouri is referred to as 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 considered a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Lemay, MO bicycle accident lawyers know how to precisely value claims and get you all of the compensation you deserve. We know that greedy 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 Lemay, MO

Getting in a bicycle accident can be frightening and confusing, but there are several steps you should take to get the most out of both your financial and physical recovery.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Seek Medical Treatment

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 exacerbate your injuries. If your injuries are too severe for you to move safely, stay put until emergency medical personnel to arrive.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, visit 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 receive 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 demonstrating how the other drive caused the accident. Police are trained to assign fault in an accident. When talking to police, don't confess fault or over-explain your actions. 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 location, 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 get in touch with them afterwards.

Don't Settle Too Quickly

The insurance companies' first offer will almost always be an unfairly low 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. Most injury attorneys offer 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 Lemay, MO:


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lemay, MO | Auto Accident Law Firm | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Lemay

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Lemay, MO | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own is confusing, painful and creates a a ton of anxiety 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 Lemay, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has pledged their profession to standing up for people who have been treated unfairly, and ensuring that they recover the full compensation they are owed. We charge no fees we win your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Lemay, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary case evaluation.


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.