Negligent motorists in Kansas City, Missouri frequently cause collisions with bicycles when they fail to watch the road attentively, disregard traffic laws, and otherwise drive recklessly or carelessly. Since bicyclists have extremely limited protection, they stand to suffer debilitating and sometimes lifelong injuries in a crash.
If you suffered injuries in a Kansas City bicycle accident, the knowledgeable legal team at Bruning Law Firm is ready to help you. We will aggressively fight for your interests and pursue the maximum compensation available to you in your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Kansas City bicycle accident attorney, please call us at (816) 370-5384 or contact us online today for more information.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Our Kansas City Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
- How Much is a Kansas City Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
- Most Common Locations for Kansas City Bicycle Accidents
- Common Types and Causes of Kansas City Bicycle Accidents
- Most Common Injuries in a Kansas City Bicycle Accident
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Kansas City Bicycle Crash
- Important Steps to Take after a Kansas City Bicycle Crash
- Contact an Experienced Kansas City Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose Our Kansas City Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
Bicycle accidents can result in extremely serious and sometimes permanent injuries. Given everything that is riding on the line, you want the best possible team of personal injury attorneys representing you throughout your case.
At Bruning Law Firm, we have a combined 40 years of experience representing injured accident victims. We have also recovered in excess of $250 million on behalf of our injured clients. You can see our most recent client testimonials and case results on this site.
Our office is conveniently located at 4420 Madison Ave # 104, Kansas City, MO 64111. Let us help you maximize the compensation you receive immediately for your bicycle accident injuries.
How Much is a Kansas City Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Economic damages are the most straightforward and include quantifiable financial losses. You can claim medical expenses – such as hospital visits, surgeries, or rehabilitation.
You may also recover compensation for lost income if your injuries prevented you from working. This includes both past earnings and any potential future earnings you may lose if your ability to work is affected in the long term.
Additionally, you can claim costs related to repairing or replacing your bicycle.
Non-economic damages address the less tangible effects of your accident. These include pain and suffering, which encompass the physical pain and emotional distress you experience due to your injuries.
For instance, if you are dealing with ongoing pain or anxiety from the incident, you may receive compensation for these hardships.
Another aspect is loss of life enjoyment, which reflects how your injuries may have hindered your ability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
In cases of severe driver negligence – such as driving under the influence or recklessly – punitive damages may punish the negligent party and discourage similar behavior.
To determine the specific value of your case, gather relevant evidence. This can include medical records, medical bills, accident reports, and witness statements.
At Bruning Law Firm, we can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Most Common Locations for Kansas City Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Kansas City, Missouri, often occur in locations where driver negligence is a significant factor.
- One of the most common areas for bicycle collisions is busy urban roadways. Streets like Broadway Boulevard and Main Street have high traffic volumes, where drivers may not pay close attention to cyclists. This negligence can lead to collisions, particularly at intersections, where vehicles make turns or change lanes without adequately checking for cyclists.
- Another critical area is near parks and recreational paths. Kansas City boasts numerous parks, such as Loose Park and Swope Park, which attract cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers may become distracted while navigating these areas – especially when entering or exiting parking lots. The influx of pedestrians can also confuse drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving cyclists.
- Residential neighborhoods are also common sites for bicycle accidents due to driver negligence. Many cyclists use quieter streets, but some drivers may speed or fail to yield when turning onto these roads. This negligence can lead to dangerous encounters, especially if cyclists ride on the road or near parked cars.
- Additionally, busy shopping districts, such as those around Country Club Plaza, pose risks for cyclists. Drivers distracted by shopping, navigation, or conversations may fail to notice cyclists.
- Finally, poorly marked bike lanes can contribute to accidents. In some parts of the city, bike lanes may be unclear or non-existent, forcing cyclists to share the road with vehicles. When drivers do not respect these lanes, accidents can occur due to negligence.
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle crash that occurred in one of these locations, the legal team at Bruning Law Firm can aggressively fight for your interests, pursue a claim on your behalf, and work to maximize the compensation you recover.
Common Types and Causes of Kansas City Bicycle Accidents
Negligent drivers can significantly increase the risk of bicycle accidents in Kansas City, Missouri, through various reckless behaviors.
- One common way negligent drivers cause accidents is through distracted driving. When drivers take their attention away from the road—whether by texting, adjusting the radio, or engaging in conversations—they may fail to notice cyclists. This lack of awareness often leads to collisions, especially at intersections or during lane changes.
- Another common issue is speeding. Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as cyclists entering their path. This is particularly dangerous in urban areas like Kansas City, where traffic patterns can change rapidly. Speeding can result in more severe injuries for cyclists as the impact force increases with higher speeds.
- Failing to yield is also a significant contributor to bicycle accidents. Many drivers neglect to yield to cyclists at intersections or when making turns. This negligence can lead to serious collisions, particularly when drivers fail to check for cyclists before turning or merging.
- Improper lane changes can also create hazardous situations for cyclists. Drivers who change lanes without signaling or checking blind spots may collide with cyclists in adjacent travel lanes. This type of accident is more likely to occur in busy areas with heavy traffic, where cyclists may be riding alongside vehicles.
- Additionally, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol dramatically increases the risk of accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times make it difficult for drivers to notice cyclists or respond appropriately to their presence, resulting in potentially life-altering accidents.
Common types of bicycle accidents resulting from negligent drivers include dooring accidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, and sideswiping accidents, where a vehicle brushes against a cyclist while changing lanes.
Collisions at intersections often involve complex interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Most Common Injuries in a Kansas City Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents in Kansas City, often result in serious injuries for victims, especially when they result from driver negligence.
- One of the most frequent injuries in bike accidents is head trauma, which can occur even when a cyclist wears a helmet. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are serious concerns that can have long-lasting effects. The force of a collision can cause significant damage, leading to cognitive impairment, memory issues, or even permanent disability.
- Fractures are another common injury sustained in bicycle crashes. Cyclists often suffer broken bones in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries can result from falls or direct impacts on vehicles. Fractures can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, and may lead to long recovery times, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities.
- Road rash is another common injury among cyclists involved in accidents. This type of abrasion occurs when a cyclist falls and scrapes against the pavement, resulting in skin injuries that can be painful and prone to infection. Severe cases may require medical intervention, including debridement and dressing changes, to promote healing.
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and contusions are also common. These injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to swelling, pain, and limited movement. While soft tissue injuries might not be as immediately apparent as fractures, they can result in chronic pain and require physical therapy for full recovery.
- In addition to physical injuries, cyclists may experience psychological effects from accidents. Victims may develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experiences. These mental health issues can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and may require professional treatment.
If you suffered injuries in a recent bicycle crash, the legal team at Bruning Law Firm can handle the legal components of your case while you attend medical appointments and focus on your recovery.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Kansas City Bicycle Crash
Insurance companies that minimize payouts make navigating an insurance claim after a bicycle accident in Kansas City challenging.
At Bruning Law Firm, here’s how we can fight for you in such cases.
- First, we gather all relevant evidence to build a strong case. This includes collecting police reports, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene. We also gather witness statements that can corroborate your account of the events. This comprehensive documentation establishes a clear narrative of what happened and supports your compensation claim.
- Next, we analyze the full extent of your damages. This goes beyond immediate medical expenses and lost income. We consider future medical costs, rehabilitation needs, and the emotional toll of the bicycle accident. By accurately assessing the total damages, we can present a compelling argument to the insurance company regarding the true value of your claim.
- Communication with the insurance company is vital. We handle all interactions on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims, often downplaying injuries or suggesting that you share some fault. We counter these tactics with our evidence and assertive negotiation skills.
- If the insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your expenses, we can escalate the matter. This may involve filing a formal complaint or pursuing legal action if necessary. We aim to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Additionally, we stay updated on Missouri’s laws regarding bicycle accidents, including any relevant statutes of limitations. This knowledge allows us to act swiftly and effectively on your behalf.
By gathering evidence, assessing damages, communicating with insurance companies, and being prepared to pursue legal action, we can effectively fight for your rights and work toward a fair resolution in your Kansas City bicycle accident case.
Important Steps to Take after a Kansas City Bicycle Crash
After a bicycle accident in Kansas City, take the right steps for your safety and any potential legal claims:
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report: After the accident, file a police report. This vital document contains important details about the incident, including witness statements and citations issued.
- Complete Your Medical Treatment: Follow through with all medical recommendations and treatment regimens. Keeping thorough records of your medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments will support your claim and demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
- Speak with an Experienced Kansas City Bicycle Accident Lawyer: At Bruning Law Firm, we can guide you through the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
By taking these steps, you can protect your health and legal rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries sustained in your bicycle accident.
Contact an Experienced Kansas City Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At Bruning Law Firm, our legal team will aggressively fight for your interests, negotiate with insurance company representatives on your behalf, and, if necessary, litigate your case to a resolution in the Missouri Court System.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer, please call us at (816) 370-5384 or contact us online today for more information.
