Riding a bicycle has a lot of advantages. It’s a great source of exercise, an eco-friendly alternative to automobile transportation, and, of course, it’s just plain fun. But when you share the road with negligent drivers, it can also be dangerous.
The personal injury lawyers at The Cagle Law Firm know how scary it can be when a car or truck suddenly crashes into you at speeds your bicycle could never achieve. We also know how terrible it is living with the pain of a severe bicycle accident injury, not to mention the financial burden of pricey medical bills and lost work opportunities.
That’s why The Cagle Law Firm wants to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve when these crashes happen. There are many ways a bicycle rider can be hurt while on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured by a careless motorist, a Kansas City bicycle accident attorney can help.
Inattentive driving is a major problem on the roads today. A car doesn’t even have to be on a major roadway, though, to pose a hazard to bike riders. In residential areas, many motorists back their cars out of their driveways when leaving their homes. Not all drivers are mindful of what’s behind them, however, and because of their small profile, bicyclists are frequent victims of driveway accidents.
While there are instances where both vehicles are partially liable, in general, it is the person already in the traffic lane who has the legal right-of-way. As long as you are obeying the speed limit and following the rules of the road, and as long as the backing car is not already halfway out of the driveway, it is the motorist who is responsible for most driveway collisions. If you are hurt, you will want to involve an experienced attorney right away rather than waiting for an insurance company to determine “liability” or fault.
Side-swiping generally happens in one of two ways. In the first, a motor vehicle attempts to pass a bicyclist only to misjudge the distance between the two vehicles while merging into the same lane. In the second, a motorist attempts to make a right turn while the bicyclist is to the right and again fails to leave enough room.
In the second situation, not even being stopped at a traffic light guarantees protection, as sideswiping is one of the most common types of intersection accidents. And though it might seem like a minor collision, our bicycle accident attorneys in Kansas City, MO, know that, for bike riders, even a nudge from a big, fast-moving, 3000-pound automobile can prove devastating.
There are many causes of motor vehicle accidents. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO has seen it all, from texting while driving to drinking while driving. Sometimes, though, it’s as simple as just plain carelessness, and that’s precisely the case when it comes to blind spot accidents.
Blind spots are those locations around a motor vehicle that, due to either angles or obstructions, hide portions of the road from a driver. These areas are often found on either side of a vehicle and aren’t reflected in the vehicle’s mirrors. Not checking blind spots when turning or merging causes countless accidents every day.
By far, the most dangerous (and often fatal) type of bicycle accidents are rear-ended and head-on accidents. When a car or truck going 60 mph—or even a tenth of that speed—runs directly into a person riding a bike, it is common for that person to sustain injuries to the head, extremities, skin, and even spinal cord.
Wearing a helmet and elbow pads can mitigate some damage, but considering that bicycles offer so little protection, being severely injured during a road accident can happen easily. Considering that the extent of those injuries can result in any number of permanent disabilities, our Kansas City bicycle accident attorneys want to make sure you’re taken care of in your time of need.
However it happened if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, you are entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial suffering. The Cagle Law Firm is home to experienced and professional bicycle accident lawyers in Kansas City, MO. We want to put our expertise to work for your benefit.
Don’t be just another victim; Stand up and be heard. Contact The Cagle Law Firm today.
Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION today by contacting us at (314) 276-1681 or by sending us an email through the online contact form.
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