Ferguson, MO Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling is a popular way to commute and exercise in Ferguson and throughout North St. Louis County. Unfortunately, when motorists fail to share the road, the consequences for cyclists can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, you need a legal team that understands Missouri traffic laws and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

At The Cagle Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured cyclists. While our main office is located in the heart of St. Louis, we proudly serve clients in Ferguson and the surrounding communities, fighting relentlessly to secure the financial compensation you need to recover.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Ferguson

Bicycles offer little to no protection against a multi-ton vehicle. Even at low speeds, collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures. Most bicycle accidents in the Ferguson area are caused by driver negligence, including:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using navigation systems instead of watching the road.

• Failure to Yield: Cars turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist or failing to stop at intersections.

• “Dooring” Incidents: Parked drivers opening their doors directly into a cyclist’s path.

• Unsafe Passing: Motorists failing to leave a safe distance when passing a bicycle on local roads like Florissant Road or Chambers Road.

Missouri Bicycle Laws: Establishing Motorist Liability

Securing a successful recovery requires proving that the driver violated specific Missouri traffic safety regulations. Missouri maintains clear statutory codes engineered to shield cyclists from vehicular negligence.

Bicyclists’ Rights and Duties on the Road

Under RSMo § 307.185, every individual operating a bicycle on a street or highway is granted all the legal rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. This means cyclists have a legal right to occupy the travel lane when sharing the space is unsafe. When an aggressive driver attempts to crowd or force a cyclist off the road, they violate this bedrock statute.

The Safe Passing Distance Requirement

When a driver overtakes a bicycle traveling in the same direction,  RSMo § 300.411 explicitly mandates that the motorist must leave a safe distance when passing and maintain that clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. If a driver executes a close pass (often called a “buzz pass”) and causes a cyclist to crash or swerve into an obstacle, the driver can be held civilly liable for all resulting damages.

Prohibitions on Obstruction of Bicycle Lanes

Under RSMo § 300.330, motor vehicle drivers are strictly prohibited from driving within any designated bicycle lane except when executing a lawful maneuver to cross the lane (such as turning). Furthermore, vehicles must explicitly yield to any bicycle currently within that designated lane before crossing it. Parking or idling a vehicle inside a bike lane is completely illegal, as it forces cyclists to merge into high-speed vehicle traffic.

What Compensation Can an Injured Cyclist Recover?

Under Missouri law, injured cyclists have the right to seek compensation for damages caused by a negligent party. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will investigate your crash to help you recover:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Property damage (repair or replacement of your bicycle)

Note on Missouri Comparative Fault: Missouri is a “pure comparative fault” state. This means even if an insurance company tries to claim you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Never let an insurance adjuster pressure you into a reduced settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in St. Louis County

If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Adrenaline can mask severe injuries. Go to an emergency room or urgent care right away.

2. Call the Police: Ensure a formal accident report is filed by the Ferguson Police Department or St. Louis County Police.

3. Document the Scene: If you are physically able, take photos of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, your injuries, and the surrounding road conditions.

4. Do Not Speak to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: Direct all communications to your attorney.

Partner With The Cagle Law Firm

You do not have to navigate the complex legal system alone. The Cagle Law Firm has a proven track record of standing up to aggressive insurance companies on behalf of injured Missourians.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

FAQs:

Q: How Do You Prove Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Ferguson?

A: Proving “fault” or liability is done through evidence such as a police report, available video and witness statementst.  The police report from the accident is one of the most important initial pieces of evidence for proving fault.

Q: What Is Comparative Fault in a Bicycle Accident Case?

In a bicycle accident case, Missouri utilizes pure comparative fault in an accident invovling more than one party. It’s possible for more than one party to be responsible for the victim’s injuries, but it is also possible for the victim to have contributed to causing their accident. If you are in a bicycle accident with another vehicle, you can count on the driver’s insurance carrier claiming to contributing to fault in the collision.  This happens regardless of the facts of the collision.  They make this arguement to reduce the amount of compensation.

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Recover for a Bicycle Accident in Ferguson?

A: The amount of compensation you can recover for a bicycle accident in Ferguson depends on the specific details of your case. These accidents often result in severe injuries that require expensive medical care and can lead to additional losses. The severity of your injuries and the type of insurance coverage involved are direct factors in fighting for compensation.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Ferguson Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

If you are hurt, you will need an attorney. While there may be coverage, the insurance company will not initially offer you anything near fair if you are seriously hurt.  Our attorneys build your case from the beginning supporting the other driver’s liability and the severity of your injuries.  You will have to hire an attorney to pry fair compensation away from any insurance adjuster.

Contact our legal team today at (314) 276-1681 or toll-free at (800) 685-3302 to schedule your 100% free, confidential case evaluation.

Zane T. Cagle has represented injured clients across Missouri and Illinois for over 20 years.  Our attorneys get results–see Case Results. As a member of the Multi Million Advocates Forum and Super Lawyer, Zane can be trusted to handle your injury case.

Related Videos:

• Zane T. Cagle | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers
• “How much is my case worth?” | The Cagle Law Firm
• “How long will my case take?” | The Cagle Law Firm
• “Why do I need an attorney?” | The Cagle Law Firm