Kirkwood Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Kirkwood Bicycle Accident Attorney

It’s important for both drivers and cyclists to be cautious while traveling, and they should also be careful to share the road. When there are collisions between cars and bicyclists, the riders have little protection against serious injuries. If the negligence of a driver caused you to sustain injuries while riding, a Kirkwood bicycle accident lawyer can pursue a case for personal injury compensation.

Legal Representation After a Bike Collision From The Cagle Law Firm

Bicycle accidents can happen because a driver is careless, as a result of poorly maintained roads, or due to unsafe parts of bikes or cars. In each of these cases, an injured bicyclist may have the grounds for a case based on negligence. Falling off a bicycle or colliding with a motor vehicle can cause severe injury and be very traumatic. Some accidents can restrict a cyclist’s movement, preventing them from riding again.

Injuries caused by another party should be compensated. At The Cagle Law Firm, our mission is to secure compensation for cyclists who are injured due to a driver’s negligence. By pursuing a personal injury case, you could recover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering associated with your injuries.

The process of pursuing compensation can be strenuous, but our firm wants to do everything for you. We prepare for each case thoroughly, and our attorneys in Kirkwood can represent you in court for a significant verdict. We strive to secure the coverage you need to move forward with your life.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycles do not have restraints or physical protection, and few bicyclists have personal protective gear outside of helmets or gloves. Even bicyclists with more safety gear have much less protection than vehicle drivers. Some of the common injuries sustained by bicyclists include:

• Road Rash: A cyclist can get road rash if they are thrown from their bike in a collision and make contact with the pavement or asphalt. The high speed of being thrown across the ground can cause severe damage to the skin. It can also result in debris on the road becoming lodged in the soft tissue. Bicyclists often do not have thicker clothing that could protect their skin from these injuries.
• Dislocated and Fractured Bones: Fractures and dislocations can happen anywhere when a bicyclist is involved in a collision. Joints can be pushed to dislocation, and arms, legs, ribs, and many other bones can be broken. A serious accident could result in enough fractured bones to be considered a catastrophic injury.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can happen even when a cyclist is wearing a helmet. These injuries can be life-altering and fatal. TBIs include many types of head trauma, including internal damage or penetrating brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary nerve damage and pain, or it can be serious enough to sever the cord and result in full or partial paralysis.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage can occur in a bicycle accident, and these may not be immediately apparent to the injured individual. If the cyclist does not obtain medical care, the injuries can worsen and be fatal.
• Wrongful Death: There are many unfortunate cases where a bicyclist is killed in an accident. When a cyclist’s injuries are fatal, their family members can pursue a type of personal injury case called a wrongful death case.

The significance of the injuries from an accident can influence a personal injury case. Injuries like TBIs will likely require more costly medical care, long-term treatment, and time off work. Serious TBIs can cause permanent disability. Compensation for such an injury would need to be more significant as a result. Medical care for minor lacerations would likely be less costly, and so would compensation in a case.

FAQs About Kirkwood, MO Bicycle Accident Laws

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

There is no standard answer to whether a driver or a bicyclist is likely to be at fault after an accident. Every collision is unique, and determining who is at fault will also be a unique process. The cause of the accident is an initial indicator of the at-fault party. If a car turns into a bicyclist, the driver may be at fault for failing to yield the right-of-way, or a bicyclist may be at fault for riding while distracted. Both a driver and a bicyclist may be found partially at fault if the case goes to court.

What Is the Injury Rate of Bicyclists?

The injury rate of bicyclists was 1.7% of all traffic injuries in 2021. In that year, there were 2,497,657 reported traffic injuries, and 41,615 of those injuries occurred to pedal cyclists, which includes those on bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, and other non-motorized vehicles. This injury rate can be compared to the fatality rate in the same year, which was 2.2%. There were 996 pedal cyclist fatalities out of 42,939 total traffic fatalities.

Can I File a Claim If I Get Knocked Off My Bike?

Yes, you may be able to file a claim if you get knocked off your bike due to another person’s negligence. The driver or pedestrian who knocked you off your bike must be responsible for causing the accident for you to have a case. If they were careless, and you have injuries because of the incident, you could recover compensation for medical bills and other costs. It’s important to begin pursuing your compensation well before the statute of limitations expires, which occurs within five years after you are injured.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Personal Injury After a Bike Accident?

There is no set amount of compensation you can receive for a personal injury after a bike accident. The compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries. Serious accidents can result in debilitating injuries, with months of physical recovery. This results in high medical costs and lost income, both of which could be compensated in a case. If your injuries are more minor and don’t cost you as much, your compensation will likewise be lower.

Work With a Skilled Attorney After a Bike Accident in Kirkwood

The Cagle Law Firm can determine if negligence was the cause of your bicycle accident. When a driver or other party’s negligence caused your injuries, you deserve compensation. The team at The Cagle Law Firm understands how difficult a bicycle accident can be, and our experts know how to build the strongest case possible. Contact our firm today.