Take Action After a Bicycle Accident in Missouri or Kansas
Bicyclists face many of the same dangers as motorcyclists face when riding. The lack of protection offered by the vehicle type combined with dangerous motorist behaviors and hazardous road conditions can result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries for a bicyclist in an accident.
The damages and losses sustained by a rider can be substantial. Understanding the steps you should take after a bicycle accident is crucial because taking the wrong steps could hurt your chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
In this article, our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer discusses:
- Bicycle Accident Statistics for Kansas and Missouri
- What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Missouri & Kansas?
- Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Crashes in Missouri & Kansas
- Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims in Missouri & Kansas
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Kansas & Missouri
During 2017, there were 333 bicycle accidents in Kansas resulting in five fatalities and 298 injuries. Over the past 10 years from 2007 through 2017, 49 riders lost their lives and 3,358 riders were injured in bicycle crashes in Kansas.
In Missouri during 2017, nine people were killed and 493 people were injured in pedalcycle accidents. During the previous year, ten people were killed and 445 people were injured in pedalcycle accidents in Missouri.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Missouri & Kansas?
Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. You need to be careful when moving because you could cause additional injury; however, you also need to weigh that factor against the danger you could be exposed to if you remain still. Call 911 immediately to report the bicycle accident. It is important that you have an official record of the accident when you file an insurance claim.
If possible, take pictures or make a video of the accident scene. However, do not place yourself or others at risk to take pictures. Also, ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be very useful in proving fault and liability.
A physician should examine you as soon as possible after the bicycle crash, especially if you did not go to the emergency room. Prompt medical treatment protects your health and your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies often argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash or are not as severe as you claim if you delayed seeking medical care after an accident.
Once your physical injuries are stable, contact a Kansas City bicycle accident attorney for a free consultation. An attorney can guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim, help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim, and protect your right to a fair settlement for your bicycle injury claim.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Crashes in Missouri & Kansas
Bicyclists may sustain a variety of injuries in a bicycle crash. Some injuries may heal within a few weeks. However, other injuries may cause permanent impairments and disabilities.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Abrasions, cuts, and road rash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Death
The severity and type of injury sustained in a bicycle accident are factors in determining the value of an insurance claim. In most cases, a claim is worth more money when the injury causes a permanent disability or impairment.
However, do not let an insurance adjuster convince you that your claim is not worth much because your injuries were “minor” or healed in a few weeks or months. If in doubt, always consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Kansas City to discuss the value of your claim before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance provider.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims in Missouri & Kansas
Compensation is available for a variety of damages and losses associated with a bicycle accident. Depending on your case, you may receive compensation for your:
- Medical bills, including the cost of physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, hospitalizations, and surgeries
- Loss of income, including bonuses, commissions, and wages
- Property damage for your bicycle and personal property
- Personal care and assistance with household chores
- Scarring, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Future damages, including loss of earning capacity, personal care, and medical expenses
Recovering compensation for a bicycle accident claim will not undo the damage caused by a reckless or negligent driver. Compensation can pay for continued medical care and help you recover from a financial hardship caused by the bicycle accident.
Contact Our Kansas City Bicycle Accident Attorney
Call The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus at 816-203-0143 for a free consultation with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. Our free, no-obligation consultation is confidential. You are not under any obligation to hire our law firm after receiving advice from a trusted legal advocate for injury victims. Our law firm assists clients throughout Missouri and Kansas.
You can also download a copy of our bicycle accident attorney's book, Crash Course, which details the 9 mistakes to avoid wrecking your accident claim. No matter what you do, don't delay. Take action to preserve your legal rights today.
