Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Quincy, MO
Quincy, MO Personal Injury Attorneys
Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Quincy, MO Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Quincy, 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 too frequently, 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 were injured in a bike accident even after you did everything right, the lawyer for bicycle accident team of Halvorsen Klote will fight for your rights and secure you the financial recovery you deserve. We serve clients in Quincy, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Talking to us is free, and we charge no attorneys' fees unless we secure you the recovery you are owed. Speak directly to an accomplished and friendly bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by getting in touch with us online.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Quincy, MO?
While some simple cases for relatively minor injuries can be handled without the help of an attorney, most require an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Quincy, MO to ensure the ideal result. A personal injury lawyer in Quincy, MO can offer help 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 increase 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 go beyond the policy limits
- Making sure the insurance company applies the law truthfully and ethically
Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights
Dealing with a discompassionate insurance representative can feel defeating. It's their job to help me, isn't it? Yes, but they'll do everything they can to avoid assuming that responsibility.
Insurance companies often count on claimants knowing scant about injury and accident law to provide as minimal money as achievable. We'll make sure they understand their legal duty to pay you for all your damages.
Legal Expertise
Bicycle accident cases involve complicated legal processes, including gathering evidence, deposing people who saw the accident, analyzing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are novice with injury claims can make mistakes or overlook critical steps. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a strength, not a weakness.
You did nothing wrong to deserve your injuries and you shouldn't have to deal with the consequences. Let us handle securing your compensation while you focus on healing.
Gathering Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
Some cases are more complex to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to question witnesses, analyze medical records, and connect your injuries to your accident, as well as question witnesses who can corroborate your story. The more 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 maximum compensation.
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 file a lawsuit and bring them to trial if necessary.
As experienced Quincy, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from our first case review through a jury or bench trial.
Quincy, MO Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2020, there were 983 bike accident fatalities in traffic wrecks in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than any other year since 1987. According to data 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 accidents, which lead to 28 deaths and 1,995 injuries
In both states, highly populated areas with more vehicle traffic see most bike crashes. Over three-tenths 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 traffice-related 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 Quincy, MO?
Most bike accidents are caused either because of biker error or because a motorist merely was not paying attention. Below are the most common examples of what we see typically leads to bike accidents:
- 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 dangerously
- Opening a door after parking on the side of the road checking for bicyclists
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poorly placed road signs
- Road hazards
- Improperly cordoned-of construction sites
- Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
- Defective car or bike components
While intersections are the most common place to see or experience a bike accident, a National Transport Safety Board report found that accidents between intersections are more severe because the speeds are higher than at intersections because of stop signs, traffic lights or turning vehicles. Your Quincy, 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 responsible for your injuries.
What Are Common Injuries from Quincy, MO Bicycle Accidents?
Because of the vulnerability of bicyclists compared to their cars or trucks, injuries suffered in bicycle accidents can be severe and even sometimes result in lifelong disability. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Quincy, MO residents receive compensation for include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Joint injuries such as ligament tears
Because of the high cost of dealing with a bicycle accident injury, you need knowledgeable 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 tragic case of the wrongful death of a family member in the Quincy, 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.
Who is Liable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Quincy, MO?
Who is at fault depends on the the different aspects that caused your injuries. Different accidents may have different, or multiple, liable parties. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is responsible, and an accomplished bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case 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 Motorist
Car, truck and motorcycle drivers can often cause bicycle accidents by not respecting bicyclists' right to share the road. But bicyclists are allowed to enjoy the road the same as an operator of any passenger car, and in the event of an accident the same liability in car accidents applies. For instance, if someone injures you because they were driving drunk, they would owe you damages.
Both Illinois and Missouri have strict regulations for how motorists are supposed to treat and look out for bicyclists, such as leaving a safe distance when passing. Pursuant to the legal theory of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they break a law. So if you were injured by a motorist in a bike lane, 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 Component
If your accident was the result 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 whenever a component is found to be unsafe. If they don't, 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 hired an unqualified driver, they would be considered negligent.
A Government Entity
Municipal agencies both locally and in the state or federal government are responsible for safely designing and maintaining our Quincy, MO roadways. If a hazard such as a pothole caused your injuries, your Quincy, MO bicycle accident lawyer can investigate if a government agency was liable. 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. According to Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, public employees who injure somebody while driving within the course of their employment are not able to receive 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.
What Are My Quincy, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries Worth?
The compensation you receive depends on the severity of the injuries, how they've affected your life, your financial damages and other factors:
- How serious your injuries are — The worse your injuries, the more you'll have to pay in medical bills, which you will be compensated for. Months of physical therapy will lead to more money than a quick trip to the emergency room. Was the accident severe enough to require a knee replacement? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Quincy, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure a new one paid for too.
- The impact your injuries had on your life — Your financial recovery is meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Is it painful to sleep in certain positions? An accomplished and talented Quincy, 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 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, you need to be reimbursed for that.
- If your injuries prevent you from working the same job — If you were a construction worker who sustained a back injury in a bicycle accident in Quincy, MO and now are not able to safely 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 include enough money to make sure your future is comfortable.
- Policy limits — Different insurance plans have different amounts of coverage. 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. 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 were partially responsible for your bicycle accident — Both Missouri and Illinois practice the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, 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 a fact finder awards you $100,000 but you are responsible for 30 percent of the accident, you would receive $70,000. Missouri is referred to as a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can make a recovery 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 Quincy, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that influential corporations and insurance companies often resist taking accountability. We do what we do every day because we believe that an ordinary person who has been injured by another's negligence has a right to the same expert legal representation as wealthy organizations.
What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Quincy, MO
Getting in a bicycle accident can be frightening and confusing, 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 Get Medical Treatment
If you can, move out of the way of traffic. Leave your bike, as trying to move it could exacerbate your injuries. If your injuries are too severe for 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 immediately, schedule a visit to 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 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 establishing how the other drive caused your injuries. Police are trained to allocate fault in an accident. When talking to police, don't acknowledge 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 offer 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 scene, 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 at a later time.
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 never true. The majority of injury attorneys provide free consultations, so it's always advisable to consult with a lawyer about your case before accepting a settlement.
Check out some of the other cases we take on in Quincy, 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
Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Quincy, MO | Halvorsen Klote
You did not ask to be put in this situation, and you do not have to go through this alone. Our Quincy, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has dedicated their lives to fighting for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they receive all the money they are entitled to. You do not pay unless we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Quincy, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
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
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.
