At Aramjoo Law Firm, Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating traffic accidents in Kansas City involving a bicycle can be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, work with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can support you during this difficult time.
Our experienced Kansas City bicycle accident attorneys will help inform you of your rights, and we will guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim in order to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries. Contact us today.
Common Causes of Kansas City Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur on Kansas City roads for a number of reasons. Primarily, drivers forget that they are supposed to be sharing the road with cyclists. A few of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Kansas City include:
- Distracted driving, such as eating, texting, or doing makeup instead of watching the road
- Failure to yield the right-of-way, particularly at crosswalks and intersections
- Passing too closely to cyclists
- Backing up without looking
- Changing lanes without looking
- Fatigued driving
- Turning in front of cyclists
- Disregarding the bicycle lane
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Aggression towards cyclists
- Running red lights and stop signs
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident due to another individual’s negligence, it is important that you talk to an attorney as soon as possible. We can investigate the events that lead up to a crash involving a bike rider and establish a negligent driver’s liability.
Kansas City Bicycle Laws
Unfortunately, while Kansas City, MO, has taken steps to increase the safety of bicyclists on the road by adding speed bumps and creating over 30 miles of protected bicycle lanes as part of its Vision Zero Action Plan, catastrophic traffic accidents involving cyclists are still a common occurrence in the city.
In fact, last year alone, 43 pedestrians and cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Kansas City has bicycle laws in place meant to ensure that motorists and cyclists can share the road safely.
In particular, bicyclists need to make sure that they:
- Stay as far to the right as possible when they are on a road to ensure that there is enough room for cars, except when turning left or passing another cyclist.
- Do not ride next to each other unless they are on a designated bike path or otherwise permitted by traffic conditions.
- Have a front-facing lamp on their bike that illuminates the road ahead of them at night. Bicyclists should also have reflectors on the front and back of their bikes as well as on their pedals to make them more visible to motorists.
Following Kansas City bicycle law is critical in order to ensure your safety when taking your bike out for a spin. However, it is also important that drivers follow the law by giving bicyclists a reasonable amount of room when passing them and by not driving in the bike lane. When cars do not give bikers enough space, a potentially deadly accident can occur.
Injuries Sustained By Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicyclists involved in a traffic accident often suffer serious injuries because they are not protected from the impact as they would be in a car. These accidents can then result in life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Head and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Back/spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Death
Possible Damages in a Bicycle Accident Case
Bicycle accident victims may be left with substantial medical bills and lost wages if they are unable to work while they recover from their injuries. This is why it is so important that you work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
An attorney can help you prove the other party’s negligence, and they will work hard to determine what types of damages you may be able to pursue, including compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earnings potential
- Pain and suffering
It is essential that you partner with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you were injured in a bicycle accident as the result of another party’s negligence. An attorney can help you to determine what types of damages you may be able to recover, and they can evaluate your case to determine what it may be worth, giving you the best chances of being fully compensated for your injuries.
How a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
The burden lies on you to prove that your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence. This is why it is so important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after being injured in a bicycle accident. Your attorney can gather evidence proving the other party’s negligence, and they can build a case to recover compensation on your behalf.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident in Kansas City, feel free to contact us at Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you determine what your next steps should be as you start your personal injury claim. Begin your case today by submitting our online form or calling our offices.
Bicycle Accident Case FAQs
What should I do after a bicycle accident?
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it is critical that you receive medical attention as soon as possible. You should also file a police report so that there is documentation of the accident. Finally, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a bicycle accident?
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri is five years, after this time, you could lose your right to compensation. If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Kansas City, you need to act swiftly in order to ensure you are compensated for your injuries.