After a bicycle accident in Missouri, you might be wondering what you should and should not do to preserve a potential legal claim. Decisions like posting on social media about your bike accident, inadvertently admitting fault, and hastily settling your claim can be detrimental to obtaining the compensation you deserve. Similar to a car accident, the legal implications and complexity of securing damages after a bicycle accident involve various factors, including fault and negligence.
At Goza & Honnold, we are committed to providing you with award-winning representation and professional legal guidance throughout your bicycle accident claim process. We are successful litigators and can assess the best legal options available to help obtain the most favorable outcome for you.
5 Common Mistakes Following a Missouri Bicycle Accident
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Missouri, it can be difficult to determine what actions you should take and what might inhibit your ability to recover potential compensation. Driver negligence, such as distraction, speeding, and failing to yield to cyclists, significantly contributes to the high number of bicycle accidents and underscores the importance of identifying these behaviors for accountability. We encourage potential clients to avoid these common mistakes
Understanding Your Rights as a Bicyclist in Missouri
As a bicyclist in Missouri, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities on the road. Missouri law recognizes bicyclists as vehicles and grants them the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. This means that bicyclists have the right to use the road, follow traffic laws, and be treated with the same respect as motor vehicles.
Missouri Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Missouri has specific laws and regulations governing bicycling. For example, bicyclists are required to:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Obey traffic signals and stop signs
- Use hand signals to indicate turns
- Yield to pedestrians
- Wear a helmet if under the age of 18
Bicyclists are also entitled to use most Missouri highways, except those with speed limits over 50 mph. On roads with bike lanes, bicyclists must use the bike lanes unless it is unsafe to do so. Understanding and adhering to these laws can help prevent accidents and ensure your safety on the road.
Rights to the Road as a Bicyclist in St. Louis
As a bicyclist in St. Louis, you have the right to use the road and be treated with respect by motor vehicles. This includes the right to:
- Use bike lanes and trails
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Obey traffic laws and signals
- Be treated with caution and respect by motor vehicles
It’s essential to remember that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles, and motor vehicles must yield to bicyclists when necessary. By understanding your rights and following the rules of the road, you can help ensure a safer riding experience.
1. Posting About Your Bicycle Accident on Social Media
While it might be commonplace to post about your safety or frustrations on social media following an accident, this may actually inhibit your potential compensation in a bicycle accident claim. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may find information to be used against you or your case. Refrain from social media posts to avoid any negative inferences down the road.
2. Admitting Fault for the Bicycle Accident
Accidents occur quickly, and it can be stressful to talk to the driver involved about what happened. It is best not to comment or agree with anything the at-fault driver says following the accident, as it could be misconstrued as an admission of fault and could affect your bicycle accident claim.
3. Hastily Settling Your Claim on Your Own
Settling on your own with the liable party’s insurance company can be a mistake because the insurance carrier will often offer less than you deserve for your bicycle accident claim. To receive maximum compensation, it is extremely important that you work with experienced bicycle accident attorneys who can navigate the legal challenges and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
4. Failing to Gather Vital Evidence at the Accident Scene
If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, a significant step you can take is gathering some evidence at the accident scene. Your lawyer can assist in obtaining all available information about the scene, but you can also help by taking photos or videos and collecting contact and insurance information for the parties involved or any witnesses.
5. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Failing to seek medical attention following a bicycle accident in Missouri is a mistake that may affect your personal injury claim, as medical documents and treatment records serve as an essential connection between your injuries and the bicycle accident, as well as evidence. Without proof of your diagnosis and treatment plan for injuries, it may be challenging to prove your claim and obtain fair, maximum compensation on your behalf.
Determining Liability and Fault in a Bicycle Accident
Determining liability and fault in a bicycle accident can be complex and requires a thorough investigation. In Missouri, liability is determined based on the comparative fault system, which means that fault is assigned to each party involved in the accident based on their degree of responsibility.
How is Liability Determined in an Accident Involving a Bicyclist in St. Louis, Missouri?
Liability in a bicycle accident in St. Louis, Missouri, is determined by examining the actions of all parties involved. This includes:
- The bicyclist’s actions, such as following traffic laws and using caution
- The motor vehicle driver’s actions, such as yielding to the bicyclist and following traffic laws
- The road conditions and any contributing factors, such as potholes or debris
A thorough investigation, including witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony, is necessary to determine liability and fault in a bicycle accident. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in St. Louis, it’s essential to seek the advice of an experienced bicycle accident attorney to help determine liability and fault and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Damages You May Recover in a Missouri Bicycle Accident Claim
Damages you might be entitled to depend on the severity of the bicycle accident and the extent of the injuries you have suffered. Working with an accomplished Missouri bicycle accident lawyer can help you potentially recover compensation. Hiring a St. Louis bicycle accident attorney is crucial in navigating the legal process and recovering financial compensation for injuries and losses.
The potential economic and non-economic damages you could recover in a successful bicycle accident claim include:
- Medical care expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of ability to work
- Disability
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Property damages
Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer at Goza & Honnold for a thorough assessment of your situation to determine the value of your claim and the best legal actions moving forward.
Speak With the Knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Bicycle accidents may cause significant injuries, especially in instances of high-impact collisions with negligent drivers. In the case of a St. Louis bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek local legal expertise to protect your right to compensation by avoiding common mistakes following an accident. At Goza & Honnold, we have decades of experience fighting for personal injury victims, and we know what it takes to build a successful bicycle accident claim in Missouri.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form to speak with one of our St. Louis bicycle accident lawyers today. Our lawyers offer comprehensive services, from case investigation to trial representation, ensuring you understand your legal rights after an accident.
Goza & Honnold, a trusted personal injury law firm serving Missouri and Kansas, is known for our dedication to client advocacy and trial excellence. With a strong focus on auto accidents, medical negligence, and product liability cases, our experienced attorneys work diligently to secure fair outcomes while being fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. We work closely with our clients to build strong cases that reflect their unique experiences.