Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Kansas City

How Our Kansas City Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Determining who is at fault in a bicycle accident can be complicated. Understanding the applicable laws and knowing how to gather the right information is critical in establishing a liability claim.

Additionally, our firm can help you with:

• Collecting police reports, witness statements, and other evidence
• Finding a doctor and getting the medical treatment you need
• Negotiating a fair settlement with the negligent party’s insurance provider
• Representing your case at trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries

Based on the severity of the accident, a bicyclist may be entitled to compensation from the driver who injured them. This compensation may include:

• Damage to the bicycle or other property
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

In the tragic event of a fatal accident, the victim’s family or dependents may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents fall into two primary categories: those that involve automobiles and those that do not. Both can be serious, although those involving a motor vehicle tend to result in greater injury, such as head trauma.

Accidents with Automobiles

Although many cities are beginning to build special lanes and paths for bicyclists, the majority of riders find themselves sharing the roadway with cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. In most states, including Missouri, bicycles are considered vehicles on the road. Thus, bicyclists share the same rights and have the same responsibilities as motorists, and are also at risk of being in an accident with an automobile.

As the smallest and least visible vehicle on the road, bicycles are particularly vulnerable to today’s distracted drivers.

When the driver of an automobile is not paying attention, any of the following can happen:

• The driver may turn directly in front of a moving bicycle.
• The driver may neglect to allow adequate distance when following or passing a bicycle.
• The driver may fail to stop or yield at a traffic signal or stop sign.
• The driver may pull out of a driveway or parking lot without looking both ways.

In all of these situations, the driver is failing to follow the law and may be liable for damages incurred by the bicyclist.

Accidents Not Involving Automobiles

When an automobile is not involved, there is an assumption that a bicyclist is responsible for any accident that he or she may have.

Although this is true in many cases, liability may still come into play. When a bicycle is improperly assembled or has defective parts, for example, it may be possible to establish negligence on the part of the manufacturer or retailer.