Columbia, Missouri, Bicycle Accident Attorney

Many Columbia residents put hundreds of miles on their bicycles each year. From college students looking to avoid the challenges associated with vehicle ownership and parking to the countless individuals taking advantage of cycling opportunities on the Katy Trail, many people take every available opportunity to take two wheels instead of four.

Unfortunately, despite the general public being increasingly accepting and accommodating of bicyclists, accidents still happen — and because cyclists have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles, car accidents involving bicyclists are highly likely to result in severe injuries to cyclists.

Bicyclists injured due to drivers’ negligence or carelessness can file personal injury claims under Missouri law to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses arising from an accident. Having experienced and knowledgeable legal representation from a Columbia, Missouri, bicycle accident attorney can help injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve and allow them to focus on their health.

For more than three decades, Holland Injury Law, LLC, has helped injured Missouri bicyclists pursue justice and accountability following accidents involving negligent drivers. We’ve recovered over $175 million for our clients through trial verdicts and settlements with insurance companies and are committed to dedicating our time, knowledge, and resources to our injured clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a bicycle accident lawyer in Columbia, Missouri.

How Do Columbia Bike Accidents Happen?

Despite their ubiquity on the streets of Columbia, bicyclists often don’t receive the same attention and consideration drivers afford their fellow motorists. Unfortunately, this results in accidents that cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries to cyclists. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:

Driver impairment resulting from alcohol or drug use
Driver distraction due to electronics, eating and drinking, conversation, etc.
Failure of drivers to yield the right of way
Drivers executing turns or changing lanes without checking blind spots
Failure of drivers to follow the rules of the road
Dooring incidents, in which drivers open their doors in front of cyclists
Hit and run accidents
Poor road conditions, including debris on the road

What most of these bike accident causes have in common is the negligence of drivers, who have a responsibility to share the road safely with cyclists. A bike crash attorney in Columbia, Missouri, can help you hold a negligent driver accountable for your injuries.

What Injuries Result from Columbia, Missouri, Bicycle Accidents?

Because bicyclists are so vulnerable and so outmatched in collisions with motor vehicles, cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries even in low-speed and seemingly minor collisions. Some of the most common injuries bicyclists experience in accidents include:

Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Severe bruising
Abrasions, including road rash
Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding
Fatal injuries

While Columbia requires cyclists under 16 to wear a helmet and recommends helmet use for all cyclists, the unfortunate truth is that wearing a helmet may not be enough to prevent a severe head injury. It can certainly protect you, and may even save your life, but cyclists who wear helmets and follow the rules of the road can still face significant injuries if a car hits them.

Bike accident injuries can require extensive, time-consuming, and costly medical treatment to address. A Columbia, Missouri, bicycle accident lawyer will calculate the total cost of your injuries and other losses to determine fair compensation.

What Should I Do After a Bike Accident?

The time immediately following a bicycle accident involving a negligent driver is critical. You’ll understandably be focused on your physical recovery, such as getting emergency care, attending follow-up appointments, going through physical therapy or rehab, and more. While keeping up with medical treatment is essential, both for your recovery and for your legal case, there are some other things you’ll need to keep in mind as well:

Document Everything — Keep track of everything related to the accident, including conversations with medical professionals, your employer, insurance representatives, police, and your attorney. You’ll also want to save every piece of communication you receive from other parties. All of these materials are essential pieces of evidence for your attorney.
Avoid Social Media — You may feel compelled to update your social circle and let them know about your bike accident. Unfortunately, content posted to your social media channels can be used to call your account of the accident and the extent of your injuries into question. It’s best to avoid posting on social media until your case is resolved.
Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer — As soon as possible, reach out to a bicycle accident attorney near Columbia, Missouri, who can help you through the complex legal process. Your lawyer will handle communications with insurance companies and ensure you have strong legal protection throughout your case.

The period following a bike collision can be chaotic and confusing. Lean on your bicycle accident lawyer near Columbia, Missouri, for advice and support as they prepare your injury claim.

How Can a Columbia, Missouri, Bike Accident Attorney Help Me?

Pursuing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit can be very complicated. Especially if you have no prior experience with the legal system, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed by the tasks associated with seeking compensation for your injuries.

You can save your time and energy by trusting a Columbia, Missouri, bike accident lawyer to handle all the elements of your case and strengthen your odds of recovering compensation. Your bike accident lawyer near Columbia, Missouri, will:

Thoroughly investigate the facts of your accident
Identify all liable parties
Review medical bills and other documentation and solicit input from medical expertsand economic experts to determine fair compensation
Pursue a settlement through negotiations with insurance companies
File a personal injury lawsuit and argue your case in court if no fair settlement offer is forthcoming
Complete all paperwork associated with your case
Meet all applicable legal deadlines
Answer your questions and address your concerns

Having a Columbia, Missouri, bicycle injury lawyer you can rely on will free you to focus on healing while trusting that your case is in good hands.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive After a Bike Accident?

Compensation in a bike accident case depends on the unique facts of the accident. The severity of your injuries, your prospects for making a medical recovery, and the overall impact of the accident on your life and well-being will all influence the amount of compensation your Columbia, Missouri, personal injury attorney seeks on your behalf. They may be able to recover compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses resulting from the accident
Lost income and loss of future earning potential
Physical and psychological pain and suffering
Property damage

Experienced Columbia, Missouri, bicycle accident legal counsel will be able to evaluate your situation and determine how much compensation you can realistically pursue.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Columbia, Missouri, Today

After a bike accident, you likely face financial worries arising from your medical bills and having to miss work while you heal. This is on top of considerable physical pain, possible post-traumatic stress, and other adverse effects. You shouldn’t have to worry about fighting a legal battle at the same time. The team at Holland Injury Law, LLC, can help you through the process of seeking justice by advocating for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation with a bike accident attorney near Columbia, Missouri, who will listen to your side of the story, help you understand your legal rights and options, and work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve.

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