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Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Springfield
Cyclists are at a greater risk of injury than drivers of motor vehicles due to collisions with negligent drivers.
Bicycle crashes are frequently catastrophic in Springfield because cyclists do not have the added protection of a protective metal frame that other vehicles have. As a result, they are fully exposed to personal injury, which makes bicycle accidents more severe and life-changing.
Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is beneficial in such circumstances. They can assist in representing your case to claim the compensation you deserve. Read on to find out more!
Bicycle Accident Law in Springfield, MO
Under Missouri law, bicyclists have the same duties and responsibilities as motorists do when operating their vehicles. They must obey traffic laws, including:
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Following traffic signs and signals on the road
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Not cycling on footpaths or sidewalks
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Riding close to the right side of the road
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Using arm signals to indicate turns
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Using headlights and reflectors when riding at night
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Yielding to pedestrians
Motorists, on the other hand, are required to obey the following driving etiquette:
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Drive with a high degree of caution when passing or riding behind cyclists
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Follow the appropriate rules of the road
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Follow traffic rules when driving around bicyclists
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Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and cyclists
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Should not drive or park in bicycle lanes
If you or your loved one has sustained bicycle accident injuries that require medical care, a Springfield bicycle accident lawyer from Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien P.C. can assist you in recovering damages.
Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Springfield, MO
Drivers are expected to follow traffic laws when driving, and failing to adhere to these regulations may have disastrous consequences. Most bike accidents are caused by negligent drivers, cyclists, or unsafe road conditions, including:
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Being inattentive while exiting a driveway or alleyway
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Being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
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Dangerous and reckless driving on the road
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Failing to provide adequate space for cyclists
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Failing to yield at an intersection
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Faulty bike components
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Hazardous conditions of roads
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Improperly placed road signs
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Inattentive pedestrians
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Opening doors directly into bicycle paths
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Poorly marked construction sites
Bicycle injuries often require extensive medical care and much time off work. Therefore, Missouri accident attorneys will examine the accident scene and other contributory factors to establish liability.
What Actions Should You Take After a Bicycle Accident?
Most cyclists involved in serious automobile accidents in MO, Springfield, may be unable to react immediately. However, if you are able, you should do the following:
- File an accident report
- Notify a personal injury lawyer (as soon as you can)
- Preserve receipts of medical bills
- Provide information about the facts you know
- Schedule a medical appointment
- Take photographs of your injury
- Take the contact information of witnesses present, if any
- Wait at the scene until police officers arrive
- Wait for medical personnel or an ambulance to arrive
Factors Affecting the Damages You Can Claim in a Bicycle Accident Case
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the following facts:
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If the injury prevented you from retaining your job
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If you sustained severe injuries
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If you were partly responsible for the accident
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The amount of insurance coverage
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The effect of the accident on your physical and emotional health
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The time you had to take off work
Who Is Liable for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries?
In determining the responsibility for damages in personal injury law (in the cases of car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or bicycle accidents), the courts will try to find out who or what caused the collision by looking at all the evidence presented by the different aspects surrounding your accident.
A bicyclist is often not at fault for a car accident. Where the cyclist is at fault, the insurance adjuster may try to deny your claim. They may seek to compensate you for only direct monetary damages but not for the pain and suffering caused. In such situations, our accident attorneys can draft a professional demand letter stating the following:
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The facts of the case
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Evidence that the driver was at fault
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Injuries you suffered
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Damages you suffered
Can Multiple Parties Be Liable?
In Missouri, comparative fault is used to determine the extent of liability of all parties involved. This means you can be reimbursed for damages even if you are partially to blame for the accident. However, the amount will be reduced based on your share of the blame.
Suppose the bicycle accident occurred due to defective bicycle tires or brakes. In that case, the manufacturing company is liable, and our MO bicycle accident lawyers at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C., can file a product liability claim against them. Manufacturers must ensure that their products are not dangerous when used appropriately and should issue recalls when safety hazards are discovered.
An employer of a trucking company or a commercial driver may also be responsible for providing a percentage of your recovery for the accident due to their failure to carry out license and drug or alcohol checks on the driver.
Government agencies are responsible for maintaining the roads in Springfield, MO, and you may be able to file a claim against them for a failure to fix a dangerous roadway. However, specific rules and deadlines must be followed when filing such claims.
You may have questions about the insurance company, their coverage, and your ability to take action against the negligent party. Our bike accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the scene, looking for CCTV footage and any witnesses present on the day of the accident. As a result, we can provide timely proof of the damages to the insurance company to offer you fair compensation.
How Can a Springfield Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?
The aftermath of an accident can be stressful and chaotic. Therefore, a bicycle accident attorney strives to provide responsive and effective representation throughout the claims process. They also deal with the insurance company increasing the chances of your claim being accepted.
Contact Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien P.C. Today!
Our attorneys are well-versed in federal and state laws and can represent your claim before a judge and jury.
Rather than going up against an insurance company alone, consider hiring a lawyer from Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien P.C. to support your rights and best interests. In addition, we can take over communications with the defendant and their insurance company and handle all legal aspects of your claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained Due to Bicycle Accidents?
Cyclists involved in bike accidents may sustain serious injury, and our personal injury lawyers have helped to secure maximum compensation for individuals with the following:
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Broken bones and limbs
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Internal damage to organs
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Lacerations, contusions, and dislocations
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Mouth, teeth, and face injuries
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Nerve Damage
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Road rash
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Spinal cord injuries
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Traumatic Brain and skull injuries
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Wrongful death
What Kind of Damages Can You Claim?
You could be entitled to restitution for damages such as:
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Disfigurement/disability
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Loss of earning capacity
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Medical bills (past and future)
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Missed wages (past and future)
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Out-of-pocket expenses
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Severe mental or physical pain and suffering
You can sometimes recover punitive damages where there has been egregious behavior. Our legal team knows how to value claims to get the restitution you deserve.
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