Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Maryland Heights, MO

Maryland Heights, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Maryland Heights, MO. Riding a bicycle is great for our physical and mental well-being. 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 stand by your side. We offer expert legal representation clients in Maryland Heights, 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 compassionate 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO to guarantee the optimal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO can give support 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 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 eligible for
• Finding additional insurance coverage if your damages exceed the policy limits
• Making sure the insurance company applies the law honestly and ethically

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a discompassionate 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 taking on that responsibility.

Insurance companies often count on claimants knowing scant about injury and accident law to pay as minimal money as achievable. We'll guarantee they understand their legal responsibility to pay you for every single one of your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complicated legal processes, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are inexperienced 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 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 getting better.

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 interview witnesses, analyze medical records, and establish a connection your injuries to your accident, as well as depose witnesses who can validate your story. The greater complicated your case, the more proof is needed. Knowledgeable 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 personal injury lawyers in your corner to file a lawsuit and take them to court if necessary.

As experienced Maryland Heights, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from initial case review through a jury verdict.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Maryland Heights, MO Area?

In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle accidents across the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest total since 1987. According to reporting 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 deaths were most common in riders between 55 and 64 years old.

In Missouri, there were 406 total crashes which caused 351 injuries and six fatalities, according to statistics in the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, in 2,180 bicycle collisions 1,995 people were injured and 28 people perished.

In both states, the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more congested. Over three-tenths of bike crashes occur at night, when visibility is at its lowest.

While bicycle accidents account for only one percent of trips taken by American commuters, annually they account for more than twice that in motor vehicle fatalities. 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 Maryland Heights, MO?

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

• Drivers neglecting to to pay attention
• Drivers neglecting to to yield the right of way
• Drivers neglecting to to obey bike lane laws
• Drivers passing in an unsafe manner
• Opening a door without checking for bicyclists
• Reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Improperly placed road signs
• Road hazards
• Insufficiently cordoned-of construction sites
• Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
• Faulty car or bike components

While most bike accidents happen at intersections, a National Transport Safety Board report found that "midblock" accidents cause more serious injuries because both the motor vehicle and bicycle are traveling at higher speeds. Your Maryland Heights, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will carry out a comprehensive investigation into your accident to determine the cause of your injuries and who is liable for your damages.

What Are Common Injuries from Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO residents receive compensation for include:

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

Because of the seriousness of the bicycle accident injuries, you need accomplished and passionate bicycle accident lawyers like those at Halvorsen Klote to take on your case and fight to make sure the liable parties are held accountable and you are fairly compensated. In the worst accidents, if you suffer the wrongful death of a loved one in the Maryland Heights, 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 is At Fault for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Maryland Heights, MO?

Who you can seek compensation from depends on the the different aspects that led to your case. Different accidents may have different, or multiple, liable parties. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is at fault, and a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your injuries and assign a proportionate amount of fault to each of them. Some of the parties we have successfully secured compensation from in bicycle accidents include:

A Motorist

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents by think they own the road and bicyclists do not. But bicyclists are allowed to enjoy the road the same as the driver of any passenger car, and if a car, truck or motorcycle driver injures a bicyclists the laws for liability in car accidents is no different than any other crash. For example, if someone causes an accident because they were distracted by using their phone, they would be at fault for your injuries.

Both Illinois and Missouri have rules of the road for how drivers are supposed to drive around bicyclists, such as yielding to bicyclist when turning. Under the legal philosophy 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 will only have to prove that the accident caused your injuries, and the insurance company will be more accommodating in negotiations.

A Defective Bike or Car or Truck Component

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 if a safety hazard is found. If they fail to, they are liable for your damages.

A Trucking or Other Commercial Company

If a commercial driver causes your accident, you may be able to make a claim against both the driver and their employer. For example, if a trucking company failed to carry out drug tests, they would be responsible for a percentage of your financial recovery.

A Government Agency

Municipal agencies at the state, local and federal levels need to keep our Maryland Heights, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as cracked pavement contributed to your injuries, your Maryland Heights, 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 necessary 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, government employees who cause an accident 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 allow anyone to sue a public employee in a tort case unless there was "willful and wanton" misconduct.

What Are My Maryland Heights, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries Worth?

There are a variety of factors that determine 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, and you should be reimbursed for all of those expenses. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs 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? That will have to be replaced in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Maryland Heights, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure a new one paid for too.
• 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. Is it a grind just to bring the groceries in? A seasoned and talented Maryland Heights, 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 a physician told you to stay home and rest, you need to be compensated for that.
• If your injuries result in lost earning potential — If you were a construction worker who suffered an injury to a disc in your back in a bicycle accident in Maryland Heights, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift over 30 pounds, your ability to earn a living has been significantly compromised. Your compensation will need to include enough money to make sure your future is not put in jeopardy.
• Policy limits — The defendant'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 may have up to $5 million in coverage. An experienced 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 share any of the blame for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal doctrine of comparative fault, 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. So 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, you would receive $70,000. Missouri is a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can receive compensation even if you were 99 percent to blame. Illinois is referred to as a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you cannot get compensation if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Maryland Heights, 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 resist taking accountability. We do what we do every day 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 Maryland Heights, MO

Getting in a bicycle accident can be terrifying and it can be hard to know exactly what to do, but there are several things you should do to get the most out of both your financial and physical recovery.

Stay Calm, Get to Safety and Seek 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 intensify 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, head to the emergency room or urgent care after law enforcement 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 as soon as you can. If you don't have a doctor's record 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 admit 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 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 reach out to them later.

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 realize 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 provide free consultations, so it's always recommended 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 Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else's negligence 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 Maryland Heights, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has committed their abilities to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they get the full compensation they are owed. We charge no fees we win your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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