Kansas City Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Caring representation for Kansas and Missouri bicycle accident victims and families
Riding a bicycle should be a joy. From the days of our youth when we first learn to ride without training wheels to adulthood when bicycles are used for cross-country tours, bicycles are an inexpensive wonder. Kansas City bicycle riders use their bikes to get exercise, visit friends, and enjoy the local scenery. Some use bicycles to run errands. Other cyclists strap on their helmet and ride with their children on sidewalks, roads, and bicycle paths.
Riding a bicycle can turn tragic in an instant. When motorists speed or fail to respect the right of cyclists to travel on the same road, bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help personal injury victims obtain justice. We are respected across Kansas and Missouri for our record of high settlements and verdicts, including seven- and six-figure results for many clients. We hold negligent drivers accountable for the pain and suffering they cause.
How can we help?
- How dangerous are Kansas City bicycle accidents?
- Why do bicycle accidents happen in Kansas City?
- What types of bicycle accident injuries do you handle?
- Who is liable for my Kansas City bicycle accident?
- What laws govern bicycle riding in Kansas and Missouri?
- How much is my Kansas City bicycle accident case worth?
- What is the time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim?
- Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
Do I have a case?
Call now or fill out a form to receive a free confidential consultation
How dangerous are Kansas City bicycle accidents?
Bicycles are no match for a car, truck, or even a motorcycle. A bicycle doesn’t have a hood, trunk, side doors, or a front to protect a rider, as compared to car and truck occupants. Helmets may prevent or reduce the amount of brain damage a bicycle rider suffers, but the rest of the rider’s body is likely to be severely injured. In the most tragic cases, a cyclist dies when he/she is struck by a motorized vehicle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1,000 bicycle riders are killed each year, and 130,000 are injured. Adults between 55 and 69 have the highest rate of fatalities. Teens, adolescents, and young adults have the highest rates of bicycle-related injuries requiring emergency room care. Lastly, about one-third of fatal bicycle accidents happened because a motorized vehicle driver was intoxicated.
Why do bicycle accidents happen in Kansas City?
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we understand why bicycle accidents happen and why the at-fault parties should be held accountable. Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents are:
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction, such as texting or using a smartphone
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Driving too fast for rainy and other dangerous weather conditions
- Backing out without looking for nearby bicycles
- Not respecting the bicycle rider’s right to be on the road
- Dangerous road conditions that can cause a rider to fall
Defective bicycle parts can also cause a Kansas City bicycle accident.
What types of bicycle accident injuries do you handle?
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our personal injury lawyers work with your physicians and our own network of healthcare providers when necessary to understand what injuries you have, what treatment you’ll need, and how your injuries are making your life miserable. We represent Kansas City bicycle accident victims who have:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Traumatic amputation injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and back injuries
- Road rash
- Nerve, ligament, muscle, and tissue damage
- Dental injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional harm
- Other catastrophic, permanent, or serious injuries
We represent both adults and children who have injuries. Our team also fights for families when a Kansas City bicycle accident is fatal. We understand all the ways your injuries affect every part of your life.
Who is liable for my Kansas City bicycle accident?
Our Kansas City accident lawyers file claims against all responsible parties. Common defendants in a bicycle accident case include:
- The driver of a car, truck, motorcycle, or another type of motorized vehicle
- The owners of the vehicle if different than the driver
- Trucking companies involved in the shipment of goods if a truck struck your bicycle
- The sellers of alcohol if the consumers caused an accident due to their intoxication
- The manufacturers of defective bicycle parts
Other defendants may also be liable. Our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers will explain which insurance companies pay your damages if other defendants are liable. We’ll also explain if you can use your own car’s UM/UIM policy if the responsible defendants are uninsured or don’t have enough insurance to pay your claim.
What laws govern bicycle riding in Kansas and Missouri?
Bicycle riders in Missouri and Kansas generally must follow the same traffic rules as car drivers while on any roads or highways – if the bicycle is permitted to be on the road or highway.
Missouri state law, Section 307.188, provides that “Every person riding a bicycle, electric bicycle, or motorized bicycle upon a street or highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” Some exceptions do apply. Likewise, Kansas state law, Section 8-1587 provides that all traffic laws apply to bicyclists. Some exceptions do apply.
According to Bicycle Universe, “Bikes must be equipped with a number of basic safety gear in order to be legal to ride. Brakes have to be able to stop the bike within twenty-five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.” Missouri also has requirements for lights, reflectors, riding on the shoulder of the road, and riding on the sidewalk. Finally, Missouri has specific laws for electric bikes.
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A few basic safety suggestions for cyclists include using hand signals, lamps if you’re riding at night, knowing the Missouri traffic laws, making sure others can see your bicycle, regular bike inspections and maintenance, and attempting to make eye contact with other drivers when crossing a road.
Generally, helmets are not required in Missouri and Kansas, but they are recommended. Riders should understand which roads they can access and which ones they can’t access.
Additional regulations and laws may vary from different cities or municipalities.
How much is my Kansas City bicycle accident case worth?
Each case is unique, but there are many common factors. Our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers work to maximize your claim by speaking directly with your doctors, reviewing all the treatments you need, speaking with your employers to understand your financial losses, and focusing on all the small details that can often lead to significant settlements and verdicts.
Damages in bicycle accident cases include your current losses and the losses you’ll suffer for the rest of your life. These can include all your:
- Medical bills
- Income and benefits losses
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of life’s pleasures, consortium, and bodily function
- Other economic and non-economic damages
We seek punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was inexcusable – such as when a drunk driver strikes a cyclist.
What is the time limit for filing a bicycle accident claim?
Generally, in Missouri, bicycle accident victims and families have five years to file their claim. In Kansas, bicycle accident victims and families only have two years to file their lawsuits. Some exceptions may apply.
Don’t wait. It is best to speak with our experienced bicycle accident lawyers as quickly as possible so we can investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, review your medical condition, notify insurance carriers, and answer all your questions.
Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
We meet clients at our main office located at 510 Walnut, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, in the River Market area. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offers free consultations for all injury clients. We will make arrangements to come to you if you are too injured or ill to visit us. We also speak with clients through our video chat service by appointment.
We also maintain offices in Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph, Missouri, as well as in, Olathe, Overland Park, and the other Kansas City, KS.
Hurt in a bicycle accident? Our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our lawyers are respected across Kansas and Missouri for our strong track record of results for personal injury victims and families. We work to negotiate just settlements, but we are always ready to try your case before a jury. To discuss your rights with a seasoned Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer, call our office at 816-471-5111 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
