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

New Haven, MO

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in New Haven, MO

New Haven, MO Personal Injury Attorneys


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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in New Haven, MO. Riding a bicycle is great for our physical and mental well-being. But too often, 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 even after you did everything right, 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 New Haven, 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 secure you the recovery you are owed. Speak directly to an experienced and empathetic bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by reaching out to us online.


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

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in New Haven, 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 New Haven, MO to ensure the ideal result. A personal injury lawyer in New Haven, MO can provide assistance 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 included by the insurance policy
  • Calculating the complete scope of your damages and all the compensation you are eligible for
  • Finding extra insurance coverage if your damages exceed 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 claims adjuster can feel defeating. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do whatever it takes they can to avoid assuming that responsibility.

Insurance companies often rely on claimants knowing very little about injury and accident law to offer as minimal money as feasible. We'll make sure they understand their lawful responsibility to pay you for all your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve intricate legal processes, including acquiring evidence, interviewing people who saw the accident, analyzing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are inexperienced with injury claims can make errors or miss critical steps. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a asset, not a weakness.

You did nothing wrong to deserve your injuries and you shouldn't have to deal with the consequences. Let us handle obtaining 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 interrogate witnesses, analyze medical records, and connect your injuries to your accident, as well as depose witnesses who can validate your story. The greater 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 a full financial recovery.

Representing You in Court if Filing a Lawsuit is Necessary

Most bicycle accident cases settle out of court. However, if responsibility isn't clear, your damages are high, or other complications come up, the insurance company is going to contest against your rights. That's why you need seasoned injury attorneys in your corner to initiate legal proceedings and take them to court if necessary.

As experienced New Haven, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from our first case evaluation through a jury or bench trial.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the New Haven, MO Area?

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident fatalities in motor vehicle wrecks nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest total since 1987. According to research from the National Safety Council, in 2020 there were 325,173 nonfatal injuries in bicycle accidents. Most nonfatal injuries occurred in children between five and 14 years old, while deaths were most common in riders between 55 and 64 years old.

In Missouri, there were 406 total bike accidents which resulted in 351 injuries and six fatalities, 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 congested. 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 points 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 New Haven, MO?

Each accident is unique, but most bike crashes are caused by driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. 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 respect a bike lane
  • Drivers passing in an unsafe manner
  • Opening a door after parking on the side of the street checking for bicyclists
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Improperly placed road signs
  • Road hazards
  • Insufficiently zoned-off 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 "midblock" accidents do more damage because of the higher speeds involved. Your New Haven, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will perform an exhaustive investigation into your accident to who and/or what caused it and who is to blame for your injuries.

What Are Common Injuries from New Haven, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Bicyclists are at a higher risk for severe injuries than anyone else on the road. We've helped secure maximum compensation for people with:

Because of the high cost of dealing with a bicycle accident injury, you need experienced and dedicated bicycle accident lawyers like those at Halvorsen Klote to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company. In the worst accidents, if you suffer the wrongful death of a family member in the New Haven, MO area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of justice and secure your future.


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

Who Can I Hold Accountable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in New Haven, MO?

Who owes you a recovery depends on the specifics of 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 claim and hold each party responsible for the percentage of blame they share. 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 either not paying attention or driving hostilely toward them. But bicyclists are allowed to enjoy the road the same as the driver of any other vehicle, 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 instance, if someone hits you because they were texting and driving, they would be responsible for your injuries in a civil claim.

Both Illinois and Missouri have specific laws for how motorists are supposed to treat and look out for bicyclists, such as yielding to bicyclist when turning. Pursuant to the legal doctrine of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they break a state statute. 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 you may be able to get a fair settlement quickly.

A Defective Bike or Car or Truck Component

If your result was caused by a defective product, such as steering systems, 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 don't, 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 required their driver to work more hours than regulations allow, they would be responsible for a percentage of your compensation.

A Government Entity

Municipal entities both locally and in the state or federal government are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our New Haven, MO roadways. If a hazard such as a pothole contributed to your injuries, your New Haven, MO bicycle accident lawyer may be able to find out that a government agency did not follow their own regulations for maintaining safe roads. 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 to get maximum compensation.

In Missouri, a public transport operator may also be liable. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public workers who injure somebody while operating a motor vehicle are not able to receive sovereign immunity like most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Unfortunately, in Illinois, pursuant to 745 ILCS 10/ you cannot sue a public employee unless you can prove that they deliberately harmed you.

What Are My New Haven, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries Worth?

How much your claim is worth depends on the severity of the injuries, how they've affected your life, your financial loss and other factors:

  • How serious your injuries are — The worse your injuries, the more you'll have to pay in medical bills, and you should receive 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? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote New Haven, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure you are not the one that has to pay for it when that time comes.
  • The physical, mental and emotional impact of your injuries — The purpose of a personal injury settlement isn't just to cover your medical bills, but to compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Are you afraid to get back on your bike? An accomplished and knowledgeable New Haven, 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 work because a physician told you to stay home and rest, 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 sustained a permanent injury in a bicycle accident in New Haven, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift over 25 pounds, you need to know your future is secure after you've reached maximum medical improvement. Your compensation will need to be high enough to make sure you and your family will still have the means to live a comfortable life.
  • Policy limits — Different insurance plans have different amounts of coverage. Illinois and Missouri both require $25,000 per person for bodily injury in car accident policies, while commercial enterprises usually have much more. A knowledgeable 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 share any of the blame for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal philosophy of comparative fault, meaning that you can still get a recovery if you bear some responsibility for the accident, but it will be proportionately less based on how how much of your fault it was. So if a fact finder awards you $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, you would receive $70,000. Missouri is called a a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can file a claim even if you were 99 percent to blame. Illinois is considered a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you would be barred from recovery if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our New Haven, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that powerful corporations and insurance companies often resist taking accountability. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe that everyone has should be able to lean on the same expert legal representation as wealthy organizations.

What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in New Haven, MO

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

Stay Calm, Get to Safety and Seek Medical Treatment

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 don't allow you to move safely, wait 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 police tell you it's safe to leave the scene. If you didn't go on the same day, see your general practitioner as soon as you can. If you don't have records from a physician of your injuries, you won't be able to get 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 your injuries. Police are trained to determine fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't admit 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 specifically 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, 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 become aware of the full extent of your injuries or hire an attorney. They may tell you no more money is available, but that's almost rarely true. Many injury attorneys provide free consultations, so it's always advisable 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 New Haven, MO:


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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in New Haven, 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 New Haven, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has pledged their abilities to fighting for people who have been treated unfairly, and ensuring that they receive all the money they deserve. We charge no fees we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in New Haven, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a complimentary 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.