| St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorneys Holding Drivers Accountable
Bicyclists face many dangers on the road. The usage of protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, lights, and fluorescent clothing is not enough to prevent serious injuries from occurring in an accident.
Even though bicycles have the same right to the road as any other motor vehicle, often, drivers do not respect cyclists’ rights and safety. When an accident occurs due to driver negligence, it’s the bicyclist’s responsibility to hold them accountable and seek compensation. The experienced St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Patrick O’Brien can help those who have been injured seek justice and the compensation they deserve.
Request a Free Consultation| How Our St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
As a devoted and successful trial lawyer for injured people, Patrick S. O’Brien has dedicated his 35+ year career to assisting those who have been involved in a variety of accidents. He has a strong record of recovering full and fair compensation for lost wages, future earnings, medical bills, and pain and suffering of his clients.
When you hire Patrick S. O’Brien to be your St. Louis bike accident lawyer, you come first. He handles all aspects of the case, from start to finish. His excellent team assists in ensuring that you are aware of every detail. Their goal is to demystify all issues so that full understanding is achieved. As a client, you will never be in the dark.
Additionally, O’Brien works on contingency, meaning that no fees are paid unless you win. You can rest assured that our St. Louis bicycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf. Once your case is complete, you will walk away with newly formed relationships and feel both appreciated and heard.
| Missouri Bike Laws
In Missouri, bicyclists have the same legal rights as motor vehicle operators, and the law of negligence applies equally. Therefore, bicyclists have the same right of way as motor vehicles. In 2005, the Missouri Governor signed the Missouri Bicycle Safety Law to provide more protection and more transparent rules to follow while on the road. The provisions of this monumental law include:
- Drivers must keep a safe distance between themselves and bicyclists while passing on the road.
- Bicycles are not restricted to the bike lane only – they have the same right to the road as any other vehicle.
- Motor vehicles cannot block the bike lane – if they need to cross, they must yield to any bicyclist.
- Bicyclists may use the shoulder, but are not required to.
The purpose of this law is to give additional protection to bicyclists whose mode of transportation is smaller in size and offers less safety features. It solidifies the rights that bicyclists possess while traveling on Missouri roads. Additionally, it provides punishment for those who fail to obey.
Vehicle drivers must be aware of any cyclists that are nearby, just as they would be for other cars. However, all too often, the same care and attention is not given to bicyclists sharing the road. If you or a loved one have been critically injured in a bicycle accident while on the road, it’s essential that you seek legal assistance in securing the compensation you deserve.
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| St. Louis Bicycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for You
As a victim of a bicycle accident, it’s critical that you seek legal counsel. The Law Offices of Patrick O’Brien will build a strong claim, holding the negligent driver accountable for all damages incurred.
Several acts of negligence can cause a bicycle accident. Often, drivers simply do not pay attention to the cyclists riding next to them. Specific causes include:
- Drifting into the bike lane. Driver inattention can cause them to drift unknowingly into the bike lane, colliding with a bicyclist.
- Unsafe lane changes. While changing lanes, it’s crucial for drivers to check blind spots. Failing to do so could result in a motor vehicle sideswiping a bicyclist.
- Dooring. If a driver does not check for bicyclists after parking their vehicle, their door could swing open and collide with them.
- Distracted driving. Focusing on something other than driving, such as texting, results in a greater risk of collision with a bicyclist.
- Turning left at an intersection. Failing to use the signal while turning left at an intersection can lead a cyclist to believe the vehicle is going straight, resulting in them being in the car’s path.
- Backing up. Drivers should look while reversing, but all too often, they do not, increasing the likelihood of collision.
Regardless of the accident’s cause, the risk of bicyclist injury is prevalent. In many instances, the cyclist is critically injured, especially when high speeds are involved. Bicyclist injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Joint dislocation
- Lacerations and bruises
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Psychological damage
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs or extremities
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Even when a cyclist tries to protect themselves while on the road, it’s impossible to prevent other drivers from acts of negligence. Therefore, it’s imperative to not only receive immediate medical attention for injuries, but also to contact an experienced St. Louis bicycle accident attorney for help. They can assist in seeking compensation, including:
- Lost wages and earnings
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
| Contact Patrick S. O’Brien, St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorney
It’s devastating when a motor vehicle driver does not provide you, the bicyclist, with the proper space and safety as they do for other cars on the road. When an accident occurs and you are critically injured, the negligent party needs to be held accountable for their actions.
Missouri operates on the fault system, meaning that by law, the party responsible for causing someone’s injuries must provide compensation for a variety of damages. Don’t let the person who gave you physical and emotional distress move on without paying a dime – contact Patrick S. O’Brien, St. Louis bicycle accident attorney, immediately.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, the only thing more important than seeking legal counsel is receiving medical assistance. Let us take care of recovering the damages incurred, while you focus on healing and returning to normalcy. Call us today at 866-333-4504 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
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