Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Troy, IL | Personal Injury Attorneys Greater | Auto Accident Law Firm | HK Law

Troy, IL

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL

Troy, IL Personal Injury Attorneys


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Troy, IL Lawyer for Bicycle Accident

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL. 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 often, bicyclists don't receive the same respect that motorists do and end up injured because of someone else's negligence. 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 the injured and vulnerable in Troy, IL and throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Southern Illinois. Our consultations and initial investigations are free, and you do not owe us anything unless we win your claim. Speak directly to an accomplished and compassionate bicycle accident lawyer by calling 866-382-4167 or by contacting us online.


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Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL | Auto Accident Attorneys | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Troy, IL

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Cases in Troy, IL?

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 Troy, IL to secure the optimal result. A personal injury lawyer in Troy, IL 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 all of your damages related to the accident are included by the insurance policy
  • Calculating the full extent of your damages and all the compensation you are legally entitled to
  • Finding additional insurance coverage if your damages go beyond the policy limits
  • Making sure the insurance company follows the law honestly and ethically

Negotiating With Insurance Companies to Protect Your Rights

Dealing with a heartless 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 taking on that responsibility.

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

Legal Expertise

Bicycle accident cases involve complicated legal processes, including gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, analyzing medical records, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. People who are novice with injury claims can make errors or overlook critical steps. By hiring a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents, your legal standing becomes a asset, not a disadvantage.

You didn't ask to be injured 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 difficult to prove than others. For your bicycle accident case, you'll need an attorney to question witnesses, review medical records, and establish a connection your injuries to your accident, as well as depose witnesses who can validate your story. The more complicated your case, the more supporting evidence is needed. Skilled bicycle accident attorneys like those at Halvorsen Klote will know how to locate 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 contest against your rights. That's why you need seasoned personal injury lawyers in your corner to initiate legal proceedings and bring them to trial if necessary.

As experienced Troy, IL trial attorneys, Halvorsen Klote can be by your side throughout your case, from our first case evaluation through a jury verdict.

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in the Troy, IL Area?

In 2020, there were 983 bike accident deaths in motor vehicle accidents 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 bicyclists injured in nonfatal accidents. Kids ages five to 14 are the most likely to sustain an injury, while adults aged 55 to 64 are the most likely to be victim to a fatal accident.

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 collisions, which caused 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 account for only one percent of trips taken by American commuters, annually they account for over twice that in motor vehicle fatalities. The disparity 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 Troy, IL?

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 leads to bike accidents:

  • Drivers neglecting to to pay attention
  • Drivers neglecting to to yield the right of way
  • Drivers failing to obey bike lane laws
  • Drivers passing dangerously
  • Opening a door without seeing if a biker is coming
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Road signs that impede a motorists vision
  • Road hazards
  • Improperly cordoned-of construction sites
  • Pedestrians forcing a bicyclist to swerve
  • Faulty 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 on the side of the road do more damage because the speeds are higher than at intersections because of stop signs, traffic lights or turning vehicles. Your Troy, IL bike accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to determine the cause of your injuries and who is liable for your damages.

What Are Common Injuries from Troy, IL Bicycle Accidents?

Because of the vulnerability of bicyclists relative to their cars or trucks, injuries suffered in bicycle accidents can be severe and even sometimes result in lifelong consequences. Some of the most common injuries our lawyer for bicycle accident team has helped Troy, IL residents receive compensation for include:

Because of the high cost of dealing with a bicycle accident injury, you need knowledgeable 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 tragic case of the wrongful death of a family member in the Troy, IL area, we will stand by your side and help you find some form of peace and secure your future.


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident Troy, IL | Personal Injury Attorney | Bike Accident Lawyers Near Troy

Who is Responsible for My Bicycle Accident Injuries in Troy, IL?

Who owes you a recovery depends on the causes of your accident. Each injury is unique, and as such the liable party varies. In some cases there are multiple liable parties, and a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer will investigate your claim and hold each party responsible for the percentage of blame they share. The most common liable parties in bicycle accidents include:

A Car, Motorcycle or Truck Driver

Car, truck and motorcycle drivers are the most common liable party 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 example, 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 drivers are supposed to treat and look out for bicyclists, such as yielding to bicyclist when turning. Under the legal practice of negligence per se, someone is automatically liable for your injuries if they break a law. So if a driver breaks the law and injures you, your lawyer for bicycle accident will be able to file a negligence per se claim, and the insurance company will likely be more motivated to offer a fair recovery.

A Faulty or Car Component

If your result was caused by a defective product, such as brakes, you can file 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 failed to perform a background check, they would be responsible for a percentage of your compensation.

A Government Agency

Governmental entities both locally and in the state or federal government need to keep our Troy, IL roadways free of unreasonable dangers. If a hazard such as uneven pavement contributed to your accident, you may be able to make a claim against a government entity with the help of your Troy, IL 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 to get maximum compensation.

In Missouri, you are also able to make a claim against a public bus driver. Under 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 most other government workers are in personal injury cases. Regrettably, in Illinois, under 745 ILCS 10/ you cannot sue a public employee unless you can prove that they deliberately harmed you.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Troy, IL Bicycle Accident Injuries?

There are numerous factors that determine what, and how much, you can recover for your bicycle accident injuries:

  • How serious your injuries are — The worse your injuries, the more you'll have to pay in medical expenses, which you will be compensated for. Months of physical therapy will lead to more money than a quick trip to the emergency room. Did your injuries include a knee replacement? The lifespan for those is 15-20 years, and your Halvorsen Klote Troy, IL 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 effects on your personal life, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. Does your wrist spasm when you try to play the guitar? A seasoned and knowledgeable Troy, IL bicycle accident lawyer at Halvorsen Klote will secure you compensation for those damages as well.
  • 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 your injuries were too severe to allow you to work for a period, you will be reimbursed for that.
  • If your injuries result in lost earning potential — If you were a warehouse worker who sustained a permanent injury in a bicycle accident in Troy, IL and now are not able to safely lift over 30 pounds, you need to know your future is secure after you've reached maximum medical improvement. Your compensation will need to substantial enough to make sure your future is comfortable.
  • 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 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 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 doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that you can still receive compensation if you were partially to blame, but it will be proportionately less based on how much blame you share. 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 considered a "pure" comparative fault state, meaning you can make a recovery even if you were 99 percent to blame. Illinois is a "modified" comparative fault state, meaning you would be barred from recovery if you are more than 50 percent at fault.

At Halvorsen Klote, our Troy, IL bicycle accident lawyers know how to precisely value claims and get you all of the compensation you deserve. We know that powerful corporations and insurance companies often try their best to devalue your claim. We became personal injury attorneys because we believe that an ordinary person who has been injured by another's negligence should be able to depend on the same high standard of legal advocacy as wealthy organizations.

What to Do if You're Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL

Getting in a bicycle accident can be frightening and confusing, but there are several steps you should take to get the most out of both your financial and physical recovery.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Get Medical Treatment

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 exacerbate your injuries. If your injuries don't allow you to move safely, hold out for emergency medical personnel to get to the scene.

If you don't need to go to the hospital in an ambulance, head to the emergency room or urgent care after authorities tell you you can 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 medical documentation of your injuries, you won't be able to obtain 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 proving how the other drive caused your injuries. Police are trained to assign fault in an accident. When talking 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 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 location, 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 contact them later.

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 rarely 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.

Click on the links below to see some of the other cases we take on in Troy, IL:


Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL | Auto Accident Law Firm | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Troy

Lawyer for Bicycle Accident in Troy, IL | Halvorsen Klote

We know that being hurt in a bicycle accident because of someone else's negligence is shocking, painful and creates a large cloud of uncertainty about how you are going to pay the bills that are piling up and when or if you'll be able to get back to normal. Our Troy, IL lawyer for bicycle accident team has committed their abilities to standing up for people who have been treated unfairly, and ensuring that they receive all the money they are entitled to. We charge no fees we reach a successful conclusion to your case. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Troy, IL today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a free 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.