Who Is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident - MO Law

Cycling is a great way to get around. It's healthy, eco-friendly, and a fun way to travel short distances, especially in urban areas. However, there are also significant risks, and there are many cyclists vs motor vehicles accidents that happen each year.

These accidents can have devastating consequences, including death, severe physical injuries, head injuries, and more. When a bicycle accident happens in St. Louis, victims have the right to compensation. However, to seek compensation, fault and liability need to be determined. So, who is at fault when bicycle accidents occur?

Let's look at Missouri bicycle laws and find out.

Bicycle Riders Have Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Per Missouri law, bicycles are treated the same as vehicles and have the same rights. This means that a bicyclist has a legal right to use the roads, but they must also follow the same rules and laws as a vehicle driver. These include:

• Riding with traffic, not against it

• Obeying stop signs, lights, and lane markings

• Signaling before turning

• Yielding where required

At the same time, motorists must:

• Treat bicycles as lawful road users

• Maintain a safe passing distance (at least 3 feet under Missouri’s safe passing law)

• Yield when turning across bike lanes or shoulders

When either party fails to follow these rules, they can be found at fault for the crash. Proving fault to recover damages isn't always easy, though. For more information, a personal injury law firm in St Louis may be able to help.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Missouri

A bicycle accident can happen for a number of reasons, and determining liability begins with identifying what happened to cause the accident. By looking at the details of the case, fault can be determined and the legal process can begin. Here are some of the common causes of bicycle accidents in St. Louis:

Right Hook Accidents (Driver Turns in Front of Cyclist)

This type of accident occurs when a driver turns right across a designated bicycle lane or shoulder and cuts off the bicycle. Typically, the driver is at fault in this instance, as vehicles must yield to bikes.

Dooring Accidents

These accidents occur when a parked motor vehicle driver opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. Generally, the person opening the door is at fault for not checking for oncoming vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

Drivers who hit a bicycle from behind may have been speeding, texting, or simply not paying attention. The driver is usually at fault, unless the cyclist made a sudden, unexpected movement without signaling.

Sidewalk or Crosswalk Collisions

In some cities, riding a bike on sidewalks or crosswalks is illegal, while others allow it under specific conditions or only allow cyclists on bike paths. Local ordinance varies. If local ordinances prohibit sidewalk riding, a cyclist may be partially at fault. However, if the driver failed to yield, they may still bear most of the blame.

When the Driver Is at Fault - Bicycle Accident Victims Have Rights

In many cases, drivers are held liable for bicycle accidents due to:

• Failing to yield at intersections or while turning

• Ignoring traffic signals

• Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone same

• Speeding or aggressive driving, especially in urban or residential areas

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Unsafe lane changes or passing too closely to the cyclist

Motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles with care and must watch for smaller, less visible road users — including bicycles.

When they fail to uphold this duty, they can be held responsible for the injuries and damages that result. Victims of a bike accident can file personal injury claims to get fair compensation to cover things like medical expenses/medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.

To file a bicycle accident case, however, victims need to work with a St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer. They lawyers can also assist with who is at fault in a pedestrian accident MO.

When the Cyclist May Be at Fault - Accident Involving Bike and Vehicle

While many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, cyclists can also bear some or all of the responsibility in certain cases.

Common examples include:

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Riding against the flow of traffic

• Failing to signal before turning or merging

• Riding at night without proper lights or reflectors, in violation of Missouri bike safety laws

• Weaving between vehicles or entering traffic without checking for cars

• Riding a defective bicycle or having defective bicycle parts that can be attributed to the accident

• Riding on interstate highways

If a cyclist’s behavior contributes to a crash, their damages may be reduced under Missouri’s comparative fault rule.

Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault System

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence standard (RSMo § 537.765). This means:

• The driver and the bicyclist share of responsibility is determined as a percentage.

• Even if an injured cyclist is partially at fault, they can still recover compensation.

• With fault assigned, their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Here is an example: a cyclist is hit by a car and suffers $100,000 in damages. The court finds:

• The driver is 70% at fault

• The cyclist is 30% at fault

The cyclist can still recover $70,000 ($100,000 - 30%).

This rule allows victims to recover compensation even in shared-fault situations — but it also makes it crucial to build a strong case for minimizing your share of blame. This is why an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is so important in bicycle accident claims.

How Fault Is Determined in a Bicycle Accident

Determining who is at fault in a Missouri bicycle crash requires a close look at the facts. Evidence may include:

• Witness statements

• Dashcam or surveillance footage

• Police reports and accident reports

• Photos of the scene, injuries, and bike damage

• Skid marks, road signs, or lane markings

• Statements from both parties

Accident reconstruction experts may also be used in severe or contested cases to analyze how and why the crash occurred.

At Powell Law Firm, a St. Louis bicycle accident attorney will conduct thorough investigations to determine fault and build strong legal arguments for their clients. They can also explain who is at fault if my dog gets hit by a car MO.

How Powell Law Firm Helps Injured Cyclists

When cyclists get serious injuries due to careless drivers, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the rider. Victims need experienced legal representation who understands the traffic laws and knows how to fight back.

Powell Law Firm offers:

• Free consultations to review every case

• Aggressive negotiation with insurers

• Thorough investigation of the crash scene

• Legal guidance to protect victim rights every step of the way

• Courtroom representation if a settlement can’t be reached

Powell Law Firm is a legal team that has helped many accident victims across Missouri — and they are ready to do the same for bicycle accident victims who want to receive fair compensation for their physical and mental injuries. Call now.