St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorneys – Free Consultation
Cyclists are the most vulnerable users of our roadways. They are exposed and unprotected, sharing space with thousand-pound vehicles.
The stakes are high and the margin of error is low. One mistake by a driver or moment of inattention can result in catastrophic injuries for the cyclist.
At Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse, our St. Louis bicycle accident lawyers have represented many accident victims who have been seriously injured in collisions with vehicles. We know the devastation that these accidents can cause and we fight aggressively to get our clients the compensation they need and deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, please contact us today at (314) 350-1900 for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
How a St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer can help after your accident
The weeks and months after a bicycle accident can be stressful. You might be dealing with serious injuries, medical expenses, missed time from work, and the insurance company might be giving you the runaround.
Insurance companies know this is a stressful time, and they will try to use it to their advantage. Often, insurance companies will try to minimize the severity of your injuries or argue that you are partially at fault for the accident.
An experienced lawyer will be able to navigate these issues for you, and they will fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. This will allow you to focus on resting and recovering from your injuries.
At Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse, we have decades of combined experience representing victims of bicycle collisions. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, speak to witnesses, review police reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. We will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
Contact us today at (314) 350-1900 for a free consultation.
Understanding the rights that cyclists have on Missouri roads
Under Missouri’s traffic laws, cyclists are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules of the road as cars and trucks.
This means that cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signals and stop signs, use hand signals to indicate turns, and yield to pedestrians.
Cyclists also have the right to ride on most Missouri highways, with some exceptions. On roads where the speed limit is greater than 50 mph, cyclists are generally not allowed.
On roads with bicycle lanes, cyclists must use the bike lanes unless it is unsafe to do so. If a cyclist must leave the bike lane, they must signal and check for traffic before merging into the travel lane. If a car enters the bike lane, the driver must yield to the cyclist.
Missouri law also requires that all cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding.
How common are bicycle accidents in St. Louis?
Every year, there are thousands of bicycle accidents in the United States. In 2015, 818 cyclists were killed in collisions with motor vehicles, and 45,000 were injured.
Missouri is not immune to this problem. In 2016, there were 160 reported bicycle accidents in St. Louis City and County, resulting in 166 injuries and 5 fatalities.
The majority of these accidents occur during the summer months, with the most happening in August. The time of day when most accidents occur is between 3 and 6 pm, when most cars are on the road and visibility is starting to worsen.
Most bike accidents happen at intersections, particularly those with stop signs or traffic lights. The next most common type of accident is when a car rear-ends a cyclist, and the third most common is when a car turns into the path of a cyclist.
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are often caused by driver negligence. Drivers might be distracted, speeding, or might just fail to yield to cyclists.
Typical bicycle accident injuries
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Because cyclists are unprotected and vulnerable, they can be seriously hurt even in low-speed collisions.
Common injuries from bicycle accidents include broken bones, road rash, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, and some might even be life-threatening.
In addition to the physical injuries, bicycle accidents can be traumatic. Bicycle accident victims often suffer from emotional trauma, such as anxiety and depression. These issues can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries, and can have a major impact on every aspect of your life.
What should I do if I’m involved in a bicycle accident?
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are some important steps that you should take to protect your rights.
First, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think that you are seriously injured. Often, injuries from bicycle accidents do not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
Next, you should try to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony if your case goes to trial.
You should also take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as any injuries that you have suffered. This evidence can be crucial in proving your case.
Finally, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
How to file a Missouri bicycle accident injury claim
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In order to recover this compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
This can be a complex process, and it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will be able to gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Understanding fault in Missouri bicycle accident cases
In order to recover compensation in a Missouri bicycle accident case, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
There are many ways to do this, but some of the most common methods include:
- Proving that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident
- Proving that the driver was speeding at the time of the accident
- Showing that the driver failed to yield to the cyclist
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will know how to investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to prove fault.
What is the statute of limitations in Missouri bicycle accident cases?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years. This means that you have five years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
While this might seem like a comfortable amount of time to file a claim, it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible. The longer it is after an accident, the harder it is to gather evidence to support your case.
For example, witnesses might move away or forget what happened. The sooner you file your claim, the better chance you have of recovering the compensation you deserve.
How much is my case worth?
There is no cap to the compensation you can receive in Missouri bike accident cases. The amount of money you are entitled to will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
Some of the factors that will affect your compensation include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The amount of work you missed as a result of your injuries
- Your pain and suffering
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and give you a better idea of the compensation you might be entitled to.
Work with experienced St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys
At NGK Law, our experienced St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys have a proven track record of success. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
We understand the complex legal process, and we will fight for the full and fair compensation that you deserve. today for a free consultation – (314) 350-1900.
Have Questions?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
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What should I bring to my initial consultation with a personal injury attorney?
Bring any relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, insurance information, photos of the accident scene, and correspondence with insurance companies. This information will help your attorney at NGK Law Firm evaluate your case more effectively.
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Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Missouri follows a "pure comparative fault" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. The skilled attorneys at NGK Law Firm can help evaluate the details of your case and advocate for fair compensation.
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How much will it cost me to hire a personal injury attorney from NGK Law Firm?
NGK Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This ensures that high-quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
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What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
Depending on your case specifics, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The experienced attorneys at NGK Law Firm can help you determine the full extent of damages you may be eligible for.
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How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the injury. However, it's crucial to consult with an attorney at NGK Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NGK Has A National Reputation for Helping the Injured Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
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David Grebel has handled several cases for me, always professionally and with a positive outcome. I always felt in the loop. I felt like a person not a number.- Susie W.
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I really appreciated Dave's kindness and thoughtfulness and especially his patience with me throughout my lawsuit.- Gladys R.
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Very responsive and they help you in any way they can. Michael Kruse has handled many cases for me and he is very professional and will fight for you every time.- Matthew G.
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Initially, I was reluctant to bring a lawsuit, but Dave answered all my questions and helped me through the process. I really appreciate all he did to get me what I deserved.- Lou P.
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Absolute professionals of the highest caliber. There's no one else I would recommend to friends or family!- Robert K.
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Dave Grebel is the go-to guy. He has handled cases for my friends and family, always with a positive outcome!- Bryan H.
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Second time using NGK. Took care of me both times! Will use and recommend again! 5 stars!!- Tony B.
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Dawn Schneithorst definitely worked hard for me and my siblings. She deserves a raise. They have me for a lifetime if we ever need them again.- Paige B.