St. Louis Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Recovering Compensation for Injured Bicyclists
Riding a bicycle is great exercise and a fun way to get around St. Louis. However, if you’re in an accident, you’re more vulnerable to receiving catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
Our St. Louis bicycle accident lawyers at DM Injury Law can tirelessly advocate for you after you’ve been injured. We’ll help you seek the financial compensation you need to cover any medical bills and other costs.
Tell us your story over a free case consultation. You only have to pay us if we secure compensation for you.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Whether you were injured in a car accident or a truck accident, our attorneys can lead you through the complicated legal process of personal injury claims. After you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention: No matter the severity of your injuries, you should visit a doctor and be checked out.
- Call 911: You need to report the accident to the police. Make sure to NOT admit fault or say “sorry.”
- Collect Evidence: If safe, take pictures and videos of the accident. Capture the collision if possible.
- Speak to Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information and statement so they can support your story.
- Call an Attorney: Hiring a St. Louis bicycle accident attorney can make this process easier. They can help you file claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
If another person’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to hold them accountable. Some of the most common causes of bike crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Backing up without looking
- Opening the car door into the street
- Not giving bicyclists enough room
Are you concerned about the circumstances of your case? Speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri, for legal guidance.
Common Injuries from Bike Accidents
Similar to other types of pedestrian accidents, riding a bicycle makes you more vulnerable to serious injuries than other types of accidents. Because there is little protection, you can receive any other of the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Understanding Missouri Bicycle Laws
An injured bicyclist can be the victim of negligence yet share some of the blame for the accident. If this applies to you, you may still have the chance to recover compensation. It’s important to know the bicycle laws in your area.
- Right to the Roadway: Cyclists in Missouri have the right to use most roads unless prohibited. They must ride as close to the right side as safely as possible but may take the lane when conditions, like narrow lanes, make sharing the road unsafe (RSMo 307.190).
- Safe Passing Law: Motorists must keep a safe distance when passing bicycles and maintain clearance until fully passed. Violations may lead to penalties, primarily if an accident occurs (RSMo 304.678).
- Equipment Requirements: When riding between sunset and sunrise, cyclists must have a white front light, a red rear reflector, and brakes capable of stopping within 25 feet at 10 mph to ensure safety and visibility (RSMo 307.183, 307.185).
- Sidewalk and Crosswalk Rules: Bicycles are generally allowed on sidewalks outside business districts. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing (RSMo 300.347).
- Helmet Recommendations: While not mandated by state law, some Missouri municipalities require or encourage helmets for cyclists under a certain age to enhance safety.
Hiring a St. Louis bike accident lawyer can help you better understand these laws and make the process easier to navigate.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri
- Injury Claim: You have 5 years to file a personal injury claim in Missouri.
- Wrongful Death Claim: If a loved one died in a car accident, you have 3 years to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri.
Illinois
- Injury Claim: You have 2 years to file a personal injury claim in Illinois.
- Wrongful Death Claim: If a loved one died in a car accident, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois.
What Damages Can I Seek After a Bicycle Accident?
A St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation possible. You have the ability to receive economic and non-economic damages. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs (if the accident caused the wrongful death of a loved one)
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of independence
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Disfigurement and scarring
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Our St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys at DM Injury Law are here to fight for the justice and compensation you are owed. No matter how serious your injuries are, we’ll guide you through the legal process so you can focus on recovering.
Schedule your free consultation today. Remember, you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.
