Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Owensville, MO

Owensville, MO Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Owensville, MO. Riding a bicycle is great for our physical and mental well-being. But too frequently, other motorists don't respect the safety of bicyclists and end up causing an accident. If you were injured in a bike accident even after you did everything right, 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 clients in Owensville, 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 a qualified and friendly bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by contacting us online.

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Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Owensville, 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 Owensville, MO to guarantee the optimal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Owensville, MO can give support in a multitude 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, bicycle accident lawyers 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 covered by the insurance policy
• Calculating the full extent of your damages and all the compensation you are legally owed
• Finding supplementary insurance coverage if your damages go beyond the policy limits
• Making sure the insurance company follows the law fairly and morally

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a heartless insurance representative can feel disheartening. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do everything they can to avoid accepting that responsibility.

Insurance companies often rely on claimants knowing scant about injury and accident law to provide as little money as possible. We'll make sure they understand their legal duty to reimburse you for all your damages.

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal processes, including collecting evidence, deposing witnesses, examining medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are unfamiliar with injury claims can make mistakes or miss 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 obtaining your compensation while you focus on healing.

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 interview witnesses, analyze medical records, and link your injuries to your accident, as well as depose witnesses who can corroborate your story. The greater complicated your case, the more supporting evidence is needed. Experienced bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to discover 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 fault isn't clear, your damages are high, or other complications come up, the insurance company is going to oppose against your rights. That's why you need seasoned personal injury lawyers in your corner to bring a legal action and bring them to trial if necessary.

As experienced Owensville, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can fight for you throughout your case, from initial case evaluation through a jury verdict.

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

In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle wrecks in the U.S., 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, in 406 total crashes, 351 people sustained nonfatal injuries and six people passed away, according to statistics in the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium. In Illinois, there were 2,180 bicycle crashes, which resulted in 28 fatalities and 1,995 injuries

Across the U.S., highly populated areas with more vehicle traffic see most bike crashes. Over three-tenths of bike crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when it is more difficult to notice bikers on the road.

While bicycle accidents account for only one percent of trips, each year they account for more than two percent of traffic accident 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 Owensville, MO?

Each accident is unique, but most bike crashes are caused by driver error or unsafe road conditions. 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 neglecting to to respect a bike lane
• Drivers passing dangerously
• Opening a door after parking on the side of the street checking for bicyclists
• Reckless driving
• Drunk driving
• Improperly placed road signs
• Road hazards
• Insufficiently cordoned-of 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 serious injuries because of the higher speeds involved. Your Owensville, 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 Owensville, MO Bicycle Accidents?

Because of the vulnerability of bicyclists compared to their enclosed vehicle counterparts, injuries suffered in bicycle accidents can be severe and even sometimes result in lifelong consequences. We've helped secure maximum compensation for people with:

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

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 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 Owensville, MO area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of justice and secure your future.

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Who Can I Sue for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Owensville, MO?

Who you can seek compensation from depends on the the different aspects that surrounds your injuries. Each accident is different, and as such the liable party varies. 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:

Another Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers can often cause bicycle accidents by either not paying attention or driving hostilely toward them. But have the same right to the road as an operator of any other vehicle, and in the event of an accident the laws for liability in car accidents is no different than any other crash. For instance, if someone injures you because they were distracted by using their phone, they would be responsible for your injuries in a civil claim.

Both Illinois and Missouri have specific laws for how motorists are supposed to drive around bicyclists, such as looking for bicyclists when opening car doors. According to the legal philosophy of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they break a 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 likely be more motivated to offer a fair recovery.

A Faulty or Car or Truck Component

If your result was because of a defective product, such as brakes, 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 whenever a component is found to be unsafe. If they are negligent in that duty, you can seek compensation from them.

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 the law permits, they would be least partially liable for your injuries.

A Government Agency

Municipal agencies at the state, local and federal levels are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our Owensville, MO roadways. If a hazard such as inadequate lighting contributed to your injuries, you may be able to make a claim against a government entity with the help of your Owensville, MO bicycle accident lawyer. There are special rules for filing claims against government agencies and they have different deadlines for how long you have to file, so an attorney is necessary for the best results in your claim.

In Missouri, a public transport operator may also be liable. Under Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public workers who cause an accident while operating a motor vehicle are not granted 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 there was "willful and wanton" misconduct.

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

There are numerous 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 expenses, and you should receive all of those expenses. Months of physical therapy will lead to much higher compensation than a a visit or two with your primary care doctor. Was the accident severe enough to require a knee replacement? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Owensville, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure you are not the one that has to pay for it when that time comes.
• The impact your injuries had on your life — Personal injury settlements and verdicts are also intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional hardships caused by your injuries, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Is it harder to play with your kids than it used to be? An accomplished and skilled Owensville, MO bicycle accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will fight to make sure the physical and emotional pain you felt is compensated to.
• How much time you miss from work — 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 result in lost earning potential — If you were a warehouse worker who sustained a neck injury in a bicycle accident in Owensville, 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 healed as much as possible. Your compensation will need to include enough money to make sure you and your family will still have the means to live a comfortable life.
• The amount of insurance coverage available — 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 knowledgeable lawyer for bicycle accidents will assist you with an underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company if your damages exceed the policy limits.
• 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 receive compensation if you were partially at fault, but the amount will be lowered based on how much blame you share. Meaning, if a fact finder awards you $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, your compensation would be reduced by $30,000. 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 would be unable to make a claim if more than half the accident is your fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Owensville, 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 treat people unfairly. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe that everyone has should be able to depend on the same knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation as wealthy organizations.

What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Owensville, 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 optimize your compensation.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Seek 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 authorities tell you you are free to leave the scene. If you didn't go immediately, see your general practitioner in the days afterward. 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 assign fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't confess fault or over-explain what happened. 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 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 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 get in touch with 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 damages or hire an attorney. They may tell you no more money is available, but that's almost hardly ever true. Most injury attorneys give 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 Owensville, 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 Owensville, MO | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else's negligence is shocking, painful 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 Owensville, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has devoted their abilities to fighting for people who have been treated unfairly, and ensuring that they recover the full compensation they are owed. You only pay if we win your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Owensville, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

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