Who Pays for a Bicycle Accident in Missouri? | A Review

There's no doubt that bike accidents can drive medical bills to the sky. Bicycle riders are much more vulnerable to everything compared to other people on the road. Even if they have all the necessary gear, they're still exposed to negligent drivers and poor road conditions.

Who pays for a bicycle accident in Missouri? It's devastating to think that these people have to deal with their injuries on their own. While the at-fault party doesn't even think about what they did, the victim has to pay out of pocket for their medical expenses.

That's not an option with the help of a St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer. The experts at Powell Law know how to navigate bicycle accident cases thoroughly, getting victims the upper hand when negotiating with insurance companies. They can also explain who pays for a motorcycle accident in Missouri.

Who Pays for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Missouri?

The at-fault party is responsible for paying after a crash. Depending on the case, it could be their insurance company or themselves. In any case, the "at-fault party" is the individual who contributed directly to the accident.

Victims would have to sue the other driver to get compensated for what happened. By proving they were negligent, they can get enough money to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and other monetary losses.

The victim must show the driver owed them a duty of care and breached it. In this case, the car driver had to respect the cyclist's lane and didn't do it, for example.

Next, they must show proof that the driver's action was what caused the accident, leading to injuries and monetary losses. In other words, if the driver acted recklessly and caused an accident, and the injuries sustained resulted in bills the victim has to pay, they have a case.

Navigating these complex matters with a St Louis bicycle accident attorney will make the process much simpler.

How Much Money Can Victims Recover in Compensation?

It depends on the type and severity of the injuries. People with traumatic brain injuries will have a bigger case than those with a broken leg. Both cases are important, although one of them has a higher economic value.

Monetary losses also affect the case. How much money did the victim have to spend because of the accident? These amounts will add up as the case develops, and they could influence how much they earn in the end.

Victims should always consult with a professional attorney to come up with an accurate estimate of how much they might earn from their case.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Most bicycle accidents happen because of distracted driving. All bicycle riders must go to designated areas, and car drivers should be aware of everything around them. Carelessness is what often leads to crashes.

Another common factor is dooring. It's when people open their car doors without looking, hitting a cyclist. While it may seem uncommon, it happens more than people think.

All cyclists must be careful when going on the road. Even if they're doing everything right, that doesn't mean the rest will. Wearing protective gear and staying away from high-traffic areas will lower the chances of a crash.

Is It Possible to Sustain Severe Injuries After a Bicycle Accident?

Yes, bicycle riders can experience a wide range of injuries after a crash. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include burns, bruises, and disfigurement.

The reason why bicycle accident injuries are so severe is that riders are too exposed compared to car drivers. Also, the bike is a lighter vehicle, making it easier for the person to go out flying after they get hit.

Some crashes can lead to the bike rider's death. This can be a devastating outcome for the victim's family. In this case, many attorneys encourage family members to build a case and seek compensation for what happened.

It's too hard to go through all the pain that comes from such a traumatic event. Getting money to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as pending medical costs, can bring some peace of mind to the grieving family.

What Should Victims Do After Getting into an Accident?

Accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles can get messy in a matter of seconds. If the victim can still move, they should get themselves (and everyone else) to safety.

The most important thing is to seek immediate medical help for everyone. Once that's out of the way, it's time to document the scene as thoroughly as possible. People can take photos and videos, talk to witnesses, and get the contact information of the at-fault party.

Finally, it's important to talk to a professional attorney to discuss the next steps to take.

What If the Victim Was Partially at Fault?

It's rare for a bicycle rider to be partially at fault for an accident, but it could happen. In those cases, they could still recover damages. Missouri works under the pure comparative negligence rule.

What does it mean? Essentially, bicycle accident victims will earn more or less money according to the degree of fault they have in the accident. The court or insurance adjuster will review the case thoroughly and assign a percentage of fault to the parties involved to solve this matter.

Some at-fault parties will try to shift the blame to the victim to avoid paying that much money. If they're successful, the victim could end up without a significant portion of their compensation. Working with St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys will give victims the upper hand in these scenarios. They also have insight on who pays for a pedestrian accident in Missouri.

Bottom Line

A St. Louis bicycle accident attorney can bring the at-fault driver to justice. It's not fair for accident victims to face their injuries alone. They deserve peace of mind, and the legal team at Powell Law is ready to give them that.

These lawyers have years of experience in personal injury law. They will handle all aspects of the bike accident, including negotiating with the motor vehicle drivers, gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and representing their client in trial.

There's no case too big or small for this legal team. Anyone interested in evaluating their bicycle accident case can schedule a free consultation today.