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Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Do You Need a Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Bicycle accidents are a common and unfortunate reality, often caused by motorists failing to watch for cyclists or disregarding traffic rules designed to protect them. When an unprotected cyclist is struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle, the resulting injuries and damages can be life-altering.
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle collision, it may be worthwhile to consult a knowledgeable St. Louis County bicycle accident lawyer. Depending upon the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. To find out more about obtaining payment for your damages, schedule a consultation today with a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer.
Bicycle Culture in Columbia
With its scenic views and historic landmarks, Columbia is one of the premier cities for bicycling. Many Columbia residents are ditching their vehicles and opting to ride their bike instead. However, this makes the city prone to various bicycle accidents, which can lead to significant injury. In fact, nationwide, almost 50,000 bikers were seriously injured in accidents involving motor vehicles, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These statistics are quite staggering and make the need for an experienced Columbia bicycle accident attorney that much more prevalent. Depending on the severity of the accident, some victims could have severe complications that could significantly impact their quality of life. Furthermore, mounting medical expenses can cause extra strain for victims of bicycle accidents in Columbia, even though they were not at fault. With a Columbia bicycle accident lawyer, it’s possible to recover these damages and get your life back.
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The Bike St. Loius Organization
Columbia: A City Striving for Bicycle-Friendly Roads
For over 20 years, Columbia has been working toward becoming a more welcoming city for bicyclists. This effort led to the creation of the grassroots organization Bike Columbia, which focuses on improving resources and infrastructure for cyclists across the city.
A major milestone for the organization came in April 2014, when 56 miles of existing bike routes were upgraded, and 52 additional miles were added to the city’s cycling network. These improvements reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer and more accessible environment for bicyclists.
What Risks Do Bicyclists Face In Columbia?
Bicycling throughout Columbia has become one of the premier modes of transportation for getting around the city. However, bicyclists often share the road with motor vehicles, creating a hotspot for accidents throughout the city. This can pose significant injury risk or even death to the cyclist if they are involved in an accident. According to the National Safety Council, of the 1,230 bicyclist deaths in 2021, 853 involved a motor vehicle. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Hazards to Cyclists In Columbia
Cyclists in Columbia face numerous hazards while navigating the city. Most choose to travel on the road rather than the sidewalk, often sharing space with cars and trucks. While some roadways include designated bike lanes to create a safer separation between cyclists and motor vehicles, many areas lack this infrastructure, forcing cyclists to ride alongside traffic.
Bicyclists who traverse the city using the roadways are put at increased risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle. Some of the hazards include:
Parked cars may not seem like an obvious hazard, but they can pose significant risks to cyclists in Columbia. One common danger is when someone opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path. If the cyclist cannot react quickly enough, a collision is almost inevitable. Even if they manage to avoid the door, they might swerve into oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of severe injury.
If you’ve lived in St. Louis for a while, you know how congested the roads can become, especially during rush hour. Motorists often attempt risky maneuvers to bypass traffic, which can disrupt a bicyclist’s right of way. These actions make it harder for cyclists to prevent accidents, increasing their risk of injury.
Unfortunately, many motor vehicles do not respect the bicyclist’s right of way, therefore, they often cross into the bike lane to get ahead in traffic, causing potential injury to a bicyclist. The risk becomes especially prevalent during adverse weather conditions or during nighttime hours.
Because cyclists in St. Louis travel much slower than motor vehicles, this can lead to impatient motorists attempting to pass them without regard for their safety or well-being. As a St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer, this seems to be one of the most common types of incidents.
If you are an avid cyclist, you know that it is common to ride in large groups. Although one might think this would improve overall awareness of the cyclists, if one cyclist has an accident with a motor vehicle, it can cause the riders behind them to crash as well, causing significant injury or even death to the unsuspecting cyclist.
Debris in the road is a common cause of injury for cyclists, as small debris on the roadway can cause an incident. Debris, such as rocks or cracks in the road, could cause a cyclist to lose control. This could result in the rider either falling from their bike or causing them to swerve into traffic.
The weather in St. Louis can be unpredictable at times and could pose a significant risk to cyclists, resulting in a bicycle accident. Conditions such as wet roads, snow, and other weather-related elements can cause reduced visibility, lost traction, and one of the most common, motor vehicles not noticing the cyclist until it’s too late.
Have you been involved in a bicycle accident? Our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers are here to help! We can help you recover the compensation you deserve and ensure you have the best representation possible.
What Causes The Most Bicycle Accidents in Columbia?
Staggering Statistics on Cyclist Fatalities
The mortality rate for cyclists in the United States reveals alarming trends. Most fatal incidents involve collisions with motor vehicles, often caused by distracted drivers or those who disregard a bicyclist’s right of way. These mistakes can have devastating, sometimes deadly, consequences for cyclists.
Here are some common driver errors that put cyclists at risk:
- Distracted Driving: Tragedy can happen in a split second. Drivers who glance away from the road may fail to notice cyclists, especially since bikes are harder to spot than cars. For instance, a distracted driver might strike a cyclist while crossing an intersection.
- Drunk Driving: Drivers who choose to drink and drive create significant risks for everyone, but cyclists face even greater dangers due to their vulnerability. A collision in these circumstances can lead to life-altering injuries or worse.
- Impatient Driving: Cyclists travel at slower speeds, which can frustrate some motorists. Impatient drivers often attempt risky maneuvers to pass, increasing the chances of a deadly accident.
Columbia Bicycle Accident Statistics
It is unfortunate that bicycle accidents are actually quite common throughout Columbia. According to St. Louis.gov, this is how common bicycle accidents are throughout the city:
- Throughout the country in the year 2015, there were a staggering 467,000 bicycle-related injuries
- 88% of fatal bicycle accidents are men
- On average, the cost of bicycle injuries has skyrocketed to $ 4 billion nationwide
- Over 800 bicycle-related injuries occur annually.
“Tyson is professional, committed, friendly and explains everything well. They allowed me to reflect on the alternatives and fully advised me of my rights. They also gave me time to decide whether or not to hire them. I really felt I was in good hands when they held my case and I proved it right! They reached a favorable outcome that allowed me to be at home with my kids.” – Emily J.
What Injuries are Sustained in a Columbia Bicycle Crash?
The Serious Injuries Cyclists Face in Accidents
When cyclists collide with motor vehicles, they often sustain severe injuries, even if they wear protective gear like helmets required by law. Unfortunately, the sheer force of such accidents typically results in significant harm to the cyclist.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer a traumatic brain injury. This type of injury is particularly dangerous as it can impair motor skills and essential functions necessary for a good quality of life.Spinal Cord Injury
Injuries to the spinal cord, such as a broken back or neck, can be life-altering. These often occur when cyclists are hit by vehicles, as the impact exerts immense force on the body.Road Rash (Abrasion)
Cyclists who fall onto the road often experience abrasions, commonly called road rash. These injuries, though less severe, can be extremely painful and require significant care to prevent infection.Broken Bones
When cyclists fall, they instinctively try to brace for impact. This can lead to fractures or broken bones, which may require extensive medical attention and recovery time.Internal Injuries
Collisions with vehicles or other objects can cause damage to internal organs. These injuries often result in long-term complications, significantly affecting the victim’s life.
How Could a Victim Establish Liability in a Cycling Accident Claim?
Proving Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases
Motorists are often responsible for causing accidents, but insurance attorneys frequently try to shift the blame to the cyclist. To recover damages, an injured cyclist must demonstrate that the accident occurred due to the negligence of others.
Collecting Evidence to Prove Negligence
To establish negligence, it is essential to collect and preserve evidence of causation. Since the accident scene may change over time, cyclists should take photos as soon as possible after the incident. Valuable evidence includes video footage from nearby cameras, photographs of the scene, and statements from witnesses. A Columbia County bicycle accident lawyer can begin gathering and securing this evidence immediately to build a strong case.
What is Comparative Fault in Columbia County?
Comparative Fault and Compensation in Bicycle Accidents
Even if a cyclist is partially responsible for a collision, they may still be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the accident.
Understanding Comparative Fault
Under Missouri’s comparative fault rules, an injured person can still seek compensation, even if they share some of the responsibility. However, the compensation amount will be reduced based on their degree of fault. For example, if a motorist is 90% at fault for failing to give enough space while passing a cyclist, and the cyclist is 10% at fault for not riding as close as possible to the curb, the cyclist’s damages would be reduced by 10%.
Columbia Bicycle Laws
Understanding Bicycle Laws in Columbia
Staying familiar with Columbia bicycle laws is crucial for your safety. These laws not only help protect you but also ensure that you stay safe each time you ride through the city.
Bicycle Helmet Laws in Missouri
While Missouri state law does not mandate that cyclists wear helmets, local ordinances in cities and towns have their own regulations. In Columbia, for example, everyone under 16 must wear a helmet at all times.
Additionally, helmets used by cyclists must meet federal safety standards. They must be certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Head injuries are among the most common and severe injuries in bicycle accidents, but wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of such injuries, potentially preventing life-threatening trauma.
Bicycles are smaller and slower than other vehicles on the road, and riders do not have an enclosure around them to protect them in case of accidents. Recognizing this, lawmakers have enacted special rules to make it safer for bicycles to share the roads with motorized vehicles. These laws place some responsibilities on cyclists, others on motorists, and some requirements on both. For example, as per Mo. Rev. Stat. §307.192, bicyclists are required to signal turns just like motorists are required to do so.
According to Mo. Rev. Stat. §300.347, bicyclists are also permitted to ride on sidewalks if the sidewalk is not within a business district. In addition, Mo. Rev. Stat. §304.678 requires motor vehicles to provide a “safe distance” between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing a cyclist. Failure to do so could be used as grounds to prove negligence.
The law in Missouri allows cyclists to use the road if they are in a non-congested area. They are not, however, allowed to ride on interstate highways. Bicyclists have a duty to follow the laws of the road, such as stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and must ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Furthermore, bicycles must be equipped with reflectors when riding at night and must be equipped with brakes. If a bicycle lacks any of these features, fines could be handed down to the cyclist.
Knowing more about the bicycle laws in Columbia and Missouri can help you stay safe on the roads throughout the state and reduce the risk of harm in the event of an accident.
What Damages Are You Entitled to In a Bicycle Accident Case in Columbia?
If it is proven that the cyclist did not cause the accident, they could be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Although a lawsuit is not always necessary, your Columbia bicycle accident attorney may need to step in and represent you in court if negotiations fail with the insurance company. Some of the most common damages that bicyclists can receive include:
- Medical costs
- Income loss
- Bicycle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Reduced quality of life
Work with a Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Seeking Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, including physical therapy, as well as future treatment needs. You can also seek compensation for lost wages and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
It’s crucial to consult with a skilled Columbia bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. An attorney can help you avoid making statements or taking actions that could harm your case and affect your ability to recover damages. For a free consultation, call us today to learn more.
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Columbia Bicycle Accident FAQs
FAQ
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Columbia are an aggressive driver or a driver who is not paying attention to the road ahead and around them. Regardless of how they occur, bicycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries to the victim. Get in touch with our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers if you have been a victim of a bicycle accident, as you might be entitled to compensation for your damages and injuries. Below are some of the most common questions our clients ask us. However, it is important to note that each individual case varies, and you will need to get in touch with an experienced Columbia bicycle accident lawyer so we can tailor our strategy to their specific situation.
- Ensure your safety first. Move to a safe location if possible.
- Check yourself and others involved for injuries.
- Contact emergency services if needed.
- Exchange information with the other party involved (name, contact, insurance details).
- Document the scene with photos if you can.
Yes, you should seek medical attention even if you don’t immediately feel hurt. Some injuries might not be apparent right away, but they could have serious consequences if left untreated.
It’s generally a good idea to report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage or if you suspect the other party is at fault.
- Name, contact information, and insurance details of the other party involved.
- Witnesses’ contact information.
- Photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bicycle and any injuries you’ve sustained.
Most bike accidents occur in rural areas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, 75% of bicycle accidents took place in the city, while 25% took place in more rural areas.
- 27% of bicycle accidents involving a fatality occurred at intersections.
- 63% occurred in other areas of the roadway.
- 10% occurred on sidewalks and other typical paths bikers travel.
Our experienced attorneys can help you fight for your rights in court if needed and will be there for you every step of the way.
If the other party doesn’t have insurance, your own insurance policy might provide coverage for situations involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. Consulting your insurance provider or St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer can help explore available options.
Columbia, like many cities, may periodically update or implement new initiatives related to bicycle safety, infrastructure improvement, or road-sharing guidelines. Staying informed about local ordinances and initiatives can be helpful.
Yes, you may be able to pursue compensation from the employer of an on-the-job driver who caused your bicycle accident in St. Louis. This situation falls under the legal concept of “vicarious liability” or “respondeat superior,” where an employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employees while they are performing their job duties.
If the driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job when the accident occurred, their employer could potentially be held liable for the damages caused. However, several factors may affect the outcome, such as whether the driver was truly performing work duties at the time of the accident and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
It’s advisable to seek legal counsel to evaluate the details of the accident, determine liability, and explore your options for pursuing compensation. An attorney experienced in handling bicycle accidents involving on-the-job drivers can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the appropriate parties for compensation.
Whether your bicycle accident case goes to trial depends on several factors:
- Settlement Discussions: Many personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial. If both parties (you and the liable party or their insurance company) can agree on a fair settlement amount, the case might not proceed to trial.
- Strength of Evidence: The strength of evidence can influence whether or not a case goes to trial. If the evidence is clear and convincing, it might motivate the liable party to settle rather than risk an unfavorable outcome at trial.
- Liability and Damages Disputes: Disagreements over liability (who is at fault) or the extent of damages (such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering) can lead to trials when both parties can’t reach a resolution.
- Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits: Insurance coverage and policy limits can impact the likelihood of a trial. If the liable party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, they might opt for a trial to contest the amount they have to pay.
- Legal Strategy: Your attorney’s strategy and the approach of the other party’s legal representation can influence whether the case proceeds to trial. Sometimes, the threat of trial can prompt a more favorable settlement offer.
Ultimately, whether your bicycle accident case goes to trial depends on negotiations, the strength of evidence, disputes over liability or damages, insurance coverage, and the strategies used by your attorneys. Your attorney will provide guidance and insight into the potential outcomes, including the possibility of a trial, as the case progresses.
You’re not legally obligated to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if they contact you. In fact, it’s often recommended to avoid direct communication with the insurance company without consulting a St. Louis personal injury attorney first. Here’s why:
- Potential for Misinterpretation: Anything you say to the insurance company could be used against you. They might try to minimize your claim or use your statements to undermine your case.
- Complex Legal Matters: Personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, involve legal complexities. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that could devalue your claim, even if it seems like a casual conversation.
- Protecting Your Rights: Your rights and the full extent of your damages may not be immediately clear after an accident. Consulting with a personal injury attorney allows you to understand your rights and what you’re entitled to before engaging with the insurance company.
- Handling Communications: Your attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. They know how to navigate these conversations to protect your interests and ensure you don’t inadvertently compromise your claim.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s often recommended not to discuss the details of the accident, and refer them to your attorney. Then, promptly inform your attorney about the contact. They can advise you on the best course of action and represent your interests when dealing with the insurance company.
Suing a county or municipality for a bike accident caused by a road defect can be challenging due to legal complexities and governmental immunities. Therefore, it’s best to consult a St. Louis bicycle accident attorney. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help determine the viability of your claim and navigate the legal procedures involved in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is believed that most bicycle accidents occur between the hours of 6 PM and 9 PM. This is likely due to the amount of traffic on the roadway during this time and dusk, making it more difficult to notice cyclists on the roadway.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, how long it takes to recover varies significantly. For a broken bone, it could take up to two months to recover completely. If the injury is less severe, it could take less than two months to recover; however, this all depends on the severity of the injury.
The odds of getting into a bicycle accident is 1 in 3,362. Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in St. Louis and throughout the country; however, this does not come without its risks. The odds of getting into a deadly bicycle accident are low when compared to other types of accidents.
Due to the dynamic between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, cyclists will often try any way possible to avoid an accident. However, it is also important to note that because cyclists can use the roadway like a motor vehicle, they must both follow the law accordingly. Therefore, cyclists must take note of traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrians while cycling. This could make the cyclist partially at fault if an accident occurs due to their negligence. However, in Missouri, you are still able to go after compensation if you are not 100% at fault.
You have five years from the date of the accident in Missouri to file a lawsuit as long as a death did not occur. If the accident resulted in the death of the cyclist, then the suit must be filed within three years time.
If the bicycle accident is the fault of the county or city due to potholes, cracks, and other road damage, it is imperative that you start your lawsuit immediately. Failing to submit your claim within the statute of limitations could hinder your efforts to receive compensation altogether.
Although you have five years to submit your claim, it is best to get started right away, as building a case for clients takes time, and we want to make sure we cover all our bases. Your St. Louis bicycle accident attorney will review any evidence, conduct witness testimony, and meet with experts in the industry to assemble a strong case on your behalf.
Therefore, you should get in touch with an experienced attorney right away, so your team of lawyers can begin working on your case and fighting for you.
One of the main factors that determines how much compensation you are entitled to varies on a case-by-case basis. However, it is heavily based on the extent of the injuries sustained in the accident. Likely, if you went to the hospital and took on medical debt and required extensive treatment, you will be compensated to cover those damages. Furthermore, if the injuries sustained are life-altering, you will likely receive substantial compensation.
You might also be compensated for lost income or reduced earning capacity if you are unable to work in the capacity you did prior to the accident. In most cases, you will be compensated by the negligent driver’s insurance company. The terms of the negligent driver’s insurance company are another factor, as their coverage impacts how much compensation you receive. With commercial insurance, you will likely receive a higher payout; however, this is still at the mercy of the negligent driver’s insurance policy.
Determining fault in a situation where a car door is opened on a cyclist can vary based on specific circumstances and local traffic laws. In St. Louis, the responsibility falls on the person opening the car door to ensure it is safe to do so. This means checking for cyclists, pedestrians, or other vehicles before opening the door. If an open door hits a cyclist, the driver or the person who opened the door might be held accountable for the accident.
However, each case is unique and can depend on various factors, including the actions of the cyclist, the speed they were traveling, road conditions, visibility, and local traffic regulations. Determining fault may involve an investigation by authorities or insurance companies to establish liability.
Have you been involved in a bicycle accident in Columbia? Don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers is here to support you. We understand your challenges and are dedicated to advocating for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve. Your recovery matters to us—let’s discuss your case and explore your options together. Contact us today for a consultation!
If you are ever involved in a bicycle accident in Columbia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t appear to be injured at first. Call the police to report the accident and make sure to ask them for a copy of the police report. This will come in handy when it comes to your case and the process of negotiation. You should also get the details of the other parties involved, such as their contact information.
It can be tricky to know if you have a valid bicycle accident claim. However, you most likely have a claim if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. This could include drivers not following the traffic laws, distracted driving, or hazardous road conditions at the scene of the accident. Your St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine if you have a valid claim.
There are a few different types of compensation you could receive for your bicycle accident injuries. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Punitive damages might also be awarded if the other party acted particularly egregious.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally five years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act promptly to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
In the unfortunate case that the driver didn’t have insurance or fled the scene, it’s still possible to recover compensation through your own insurance policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney will help you throughout this process.
In most cases, such as at Mutrux, your attorney will work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any upfront fees. Your attorney is awarded a fee depending on the percentage of the award received after settlement or litigation.
Yes! Missouri actually follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that you might still be able to recover damages ever if you were found partially at fault for the accident. However, your overall compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Some of the most important evidence you could collect is the police report, medical records, photos of the accident scene and injuries, witness statements, and any video footage that might be available at the scene (e.g., traffic cameras, dash cams).
It really depends on your individual case, such as its complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether or not the case can settle or if it goes to trial. Some cases can be resolved in a few months, while others may take several years.
If a defective bicycle part caused the accident, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer on your hands. If a road hazard caused the accident, you might have a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance.