Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Shrewsbury, MO
Shrewsbury, MO Personal Injury Attorneys
Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Shrewsbury, MO Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Shrewsbury, MO. Riding a bicycle can inspire a wonderful sense of freedom. But too frequently, 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 the injured and vulnerable in Shrewsbury, MO and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Talking to us is free, and you do not owe us anything unless we secure you the recovery you are owed. Speak directly to an accomplished and empathetic bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by reaching out to us online.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO to secure the ideal outcome. A personal injury lawyer in Shrewsbury, MO can provide assistance 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, bike accident attorneys can help you maximize 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 full extent of your damages and all the compensation you are legally owed
- Finding supplementary insurance coverage if your damages surpass the policy limits
- Making sure the insurance company applies the law honestly and morally
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 everything they can to avoid assuming that responsibility.
Insurance companies often count on claimants knowing limited about laws pertaining to injuries and accidents to provide as minimal money as achievable. We'll make sure they understand their lawful responsibility to reimburse you for each 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 unfamiliar with injury claims can make mistakes or neglect critical details. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a strength, not a vulnerability.
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 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 interview witnesses, examine medical records, and establish a connection your injuries to your accident, as well as question witnesses who can corroborate 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 locate 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 responsibility isn't clear, your damages are high, or other complications come up, the insurance company is going to fight against your rights. That's why you need seasoned accident attorneys in your corner to bring a legal action and take them to court if necessary.
As experienced Shrewsbury, MO trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can fight for you throughout your case, from our first case evaluation through a jury or bench trial.
Shrewsbury, MO Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2020, there were 938 bicyclists killed in auto crashes in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest total since 1987. According to data 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, 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 lead to 28 deaths and 1,995 injuries
In both Missouri and Illinois, the vast majority ofMost bicycle accidents occur in urban areas where traffic is more condensed. Thirty-one percent of bike crashes transpire at night, 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 over two percent of traffice-related deaths. The discrepancy points to the terrible destruction drivers can do when they don't look out for bikers, and how important safety measures like helmets and lighting are.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Shrewsbury, MO?
Each accident is unique, but most bike crashes are caused by driver error or unsafe road conditions. Below are the most common examples of what we see typically causes bike accidents:
- Drivers failing to see a bicyclist
- Drivers neglecting to to yield the right of way
- Drivers failing to respect a bike lane
- Drivers passing too fast
- Opening a door after parking on the side of the street checking for bicyclists
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Poorly placed road signs
- Road hazards
- Insufficiently marked construction sites
- Pedestrians not paying attention
- Faulty car or bike components
While most bike accidents happen at intersections, a National Transport Safety Board report relayed that accidents between intersections cause more significant injuries because the speeds are higher than at intersections because of stop signs, traffic lights or turning vehicles. Your Shrewsbury, MO bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will perform 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 Shrewsbury, MO Bicycle Accidents?
Bicyclists are at a higher risk for severe injuries than anyone else on the road. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Shrewsbury, MO residents receive compensation for include:
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Joint injuries such as ligament tears
Because of the high cost of dealing with a bicycle accident injury, you need experienced 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 Shrewsbury, 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.
Who is Responsible for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Shrewsbury, MO?
Who you can seek compensation from depends on the the different aspects that led to your case. Liability is determined based on whose negligence contributed to the crash. In some cases there is more than one person or organization is responsible, and an accomplished bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your case and assign a proportionate amount of fault to each of them. You may be able to seek compensation from:
A Motorist
Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are often responsible for bicycle accidents by think they own the road and bicyclists do not. But the road is for everyone, and if you are injured by a motorist the same liability in car accidents applies. For instance, if someone injures you because they were driving under the influence, they would be at fault for your injuries.
Both Illinois and Missouri have specific laws for how drivers are supposed to drive around bicyclists, such as leaving a safe distance when passing. According to the legal theory of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they violate a law. So if you were injured by a motorist in a bike lane, your lawyer for bicycle accident will be able to file a negligence per se claim, and the insurance company will be more honest in negotiations.
A Defective Bike or Car Component
If your accident was the result of 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 fail to, you can make a claim against them.
A Trucking or Other Commercial Company
If you are injured by a commercial driver, your bike accident attorney may be able to prove negligence on the part of the 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 both locally and in the state or federal government need to keep our Shrewsbury, MO roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as signage that makes it difficult for other vehicles to see you at certain intersections caused your accident, your Shrewsbury, MO bicycle accident lawyer may be able to find out that a government agency did not follow their own regulations for maintaining safe roads. There are special rules for filing claims against government agencies and they have different deadlines for how long you have to file, so it is important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to make your claim.
In Missouri, you can make a claim against the government if a driver of public transportation injures you. According to Missouri Revised Statute §537.600, government workers 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. Regrettably, 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 Receive for My Shrewsbury, MO Bicycle Accident Injuries?
How much your claim is worth depends on the severity of the injuries, how they've affected your life, your economic loss and other factors:
- The scope of your injuries — More debilitating injuries lead to higher medical bills, which you will be compensated for. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs will lead to much higher compensation than a an appointment or two with your primary care physician. Did your injuries include a knee replacement? You will need a new one in 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Shrewsbury, MO bicycle accident lawyer will make sure a new one paid for too.
- The physical, mental and emotional impact of your injuries — Personal injury settlements and verdicts are also intended to compensate you for the effects on your personal life, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. Are you afraid to get back on your bike? An experienced and skilled Shrewsbury, 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 sick leave. 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 prevent you from working the same job — If you were a construction worker who suffered a neck injury in a bicycle accident in Shrewsbury, MO and a doctor orders you not to lift over 35 pounds, your ability to earn a living has been severely compromised. 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 $50,000 per accident for bodily injury in car accident policies, while trucking companies often have coverage into the millions. An experienced lawyer for bicycle accidents will make sure you get all the money possible by filing 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 receive compensation if you were partially at fault, 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 were 30 percent at fault, 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 cannot get compensation if you are more than 50 percent at fault.
At Halvorsen Klote, our Shrewsbury, MO bicycle accident lawyers will know exactly how much you are owed. We know that large corporations and insurance companies often try their best to devalue your claim. 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 Shrewsbury, MO
Getting in a bicycle accident can be terrifying and confusing, but there are several steps you should take to help you heal physically and optimize your compensation.
Stay Calm, Get to Safety and Get 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, wait for emergency medical personnel to get to the scene.
If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, visit the emergency room or urgent care after police tell you you are free to leave the scene. If you didn't go immediately, see your primary care physician as soon as possible. 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 the other party's liability. Police are trained to determine fault in an accident. When speaking to police, don't acknowledge fault or over-embellish what happened. Be honest, but stick to 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 site, 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 reach out to 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 injuries or hire an attorney. They may tell you no more money is available, but that's almost hardly ever true. Many injury attorneys give free consultations, so it's always recommended to consult with a lawyer about your case before accepting a settlement.
Check out some of the other cases we take on in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO | Halvorsen Klote
You did not ask to be put in this situation, and you do not have to go through this alone. Our Shrewsbury, MO lawyer for bicycle accident team has pledged their practice to standing up for people who have been hurt and taken advantage of, and ensuring that they recover the full compensation they deserve. You only pay if we win your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Shrewsbury, MO today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free case review.
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.
