Columbia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The popularity of bicycles as a means of recreation and transportation has increased significantly in recent years. In Missouri especially, the 240-mile Katy Trail (the longest rail trail in the U.S.), and the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail in Columbia are both popular with cyclists of all ages who enjoy the many benefits of bicycling, including improved fitness and mental health. However, with the increase in cyclists on the roads, there has also been an increase in the number of bicycle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 130,000 bicyclists are injured in crashes on U.S. roads yearly, with almost 1,000 suffering fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering what your legal options are and how to proceed with filing a personal injury claim.

Although most bicycle crashes occur due to the negligence of another party (e.g., a distracted driver), there are also times when the cyclist may be at fault. In Missouri, as in most states, the doctrine of comparative negligence applies, which means that if the jury finds that the plaintiff (the injured party) was partially responsible for the accident, any damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff. A seasoned Columbia bicycle accident lawyer could work to get an individual the highest compensation

The Rights of a Cyclist after a Collision

Whether the accident occurs on the street, on a path, such as the Katy Trail or MKT Trail, or even in a parking lot, if you believe that another party is at fault, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. There are many different types of injuries that can occur as a result of a bicycle accident, some of which may require extensive medical treatment and result in long-term disability. Common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and road rash. And the costs of medical treatment lost wages, and other damages can be significant. In fact, the CDC reports that the financial cost of bicycle accidents resulting in injury or death in the U.S. is over $23 billion every year. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. A hardworking attorney in Columbia could fight for the compensation needed for recovery after a bike wreck.

How Can an Attorney Help with a Bicycle Collision Case?

Bicycle accidents are not always clear-cut and determining who is at fault can be complicated. An experienced injury lawyer will investigate the wreck and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include talking to witnesses who saw the accident, reviewing police reports, and obtaining surveillance video if any is available. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire an accident reconstruction expert. Once liability has been established, a legal representative will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. In many cases, the at-fault’s insurer will try to settle the claim quickly and for an amount that is lower than what you are actually owed. This is why it is so important to have an experienced injury lawyer on your side who can negotiate on your behalf and make sure that you receive the full amount of compensation that you deserve. If a settlement cannot be reached, your bike crash lawyer in Columbia will take your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Columbia Bicycle Accident Attorney

The injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Chris Miller are experienced in handling all types of claims, including those arising from bicycle accidents. Our experienced Columbia bicycle accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your incident, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.