Bicyclists in Missouri face a significantly higher risk of severe injuries than drivers when involved in traffic accidents. Unlike motorists, who benefit from airbags, seatbelts, and reinforced vehicle frames, bicyclists have little protection beyond a helmet.
This lack of physical safeguards leaves cyclists vulnerable to life-threatening injuries in collisions with larger, heavier vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced Missouri bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation.
Injured cyclists can hold the responsible party accountable with proper legal guidance and secure damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
The disparity in size and weight between bicycles and motor vehicles amplifies the danger, even at low speeds. A car striking a cyclist can result in devastating impacts, causing broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or worse. For victims of such crashes, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.
Bicycle accidents are life-changing, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Understanding your legal rights and taking immediate action with the help of our experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Missouri can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.
How Often Do Bicycle Accidents Happen in Missouri?
In 2023, Missouri recorded 394 bicycle crashes, highlighting the risks cyclists face on the state’s roadways. These crashes resulted in 7 fatalities, 322 injury-related incidents, and 65 instances of property damage.
This underscores the potential for severe consequences, as most accidents involve injuries or deaths rather than minor damage.
Urban vs. Rural Bicycle Accidents
Missouri’s bicycle crashes are more prevalent in urban areas. There were 333 crashes, including six fatalities and 276 injury crashes. By comparison, rural areas experienced 61 crashes, with one fatality and 46 injury crashes. Urban areas present unique risks for cyclists, such as high traffic density and more complex intersections, contributing to a higher rate of accidents.
Long-Term Trends in Missouri
Between 2019 and 2023, Missouri saw 75 cyclist fatalities, with men disproportionately affected, accounting for 68 of these deaths compared to 7 women. Most of these fatalities occurred in urban districts like St. Louis and Kansas City.
While 2023 saw a 20% reduction in bicycle fatalities compared to the previous year, the risks remain significant, with helmet usage often being a decisive factor in survival.
National Statistics Offer Broader Context
Nationally, bicycle crashes remain a pressing issue, with 1,105 cyclists killed in 2022, a 13% increase from the previous year. Of these fatalities, 83% occurred in urban areas, and intersections accounted for nearly 29% of the crashes. Male cyclists were over six times more likely to die in these incidents than females, reflecting similar patterns observed in Missouri.
Bicycle accidents in Missouri and across the U.S. highlight the importance of road safety measures, including helmet use and awareness campaigns, to protect vulnerable cyclists.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri bicycle accident lawyer, contact our legal team. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to speak with you.
What Are Some of the Factors Contributing to All These Bicycle Crashes in Missouri?
Bicycle accidents in Missouri are often the result of a combination of driver negligence, road conditions, and a lack of awareness regarding cyclist safety. These incidents can lead to devastating injuries or fatalities. Below are some of the primary factors contributing to these crashes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. Drivers texting, eating, or not paying attention to the road may fail to notice cyclists until too late. This lack of focus can result in dangerous collisions, especially in busy urban areas where cyclists often share the road with heavy traffic.
Failing to Yield to Cyclists
Intersections are hotspots for accidents when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists. Misjudging the speed or distance of an approaching bike can lead to serious collisions. Drivers who turn at intersections, run stop signs, or pull into traffic without checking for cyclists pose significant risks.
Dooring Accidents
In urban settings, parked cars present an additional hazard. “Dooring” occurs when a car door is opened directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This type of negligence is prevalent on streets with heavy bike traffic and limited shoulder space.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increasing the likelihood of severe collisions. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, honking, or cutting off cyclists exacerbate the risks. Some drivers fail to recognize that cyclists have equal rights to the road, leading to hostile interactions and accidents.
Impaired and Reckless Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another major factor. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and judgment, making them more likely to strike cyclists. Ignoring traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs, creates unpredictable dangers for everyone on the road.
Road Design and Lack of Infrastructure
Poorly designed roads without bike lanes or clear signage force cyclists to share space with vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Addressing these infrastructure challenges could significantly reduce collisions and improve safety for all road users.
Missouri’s high rate of bicycle crashes highlights the need for greater awareness, better infrastructure, and stricter traffic law enforcement to protect vulnerable cyclists.
To learn more about the causes of bicycle accidents in Missouri, reach out to an experienced Missouri bicycle accident attorney from our law firm today.
What Are Some Types of Injuries Related to Bicycle Accidents in Missouri?
Bicycle accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering trauma. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protective barriers that vehicles provide.
Below are some of the most common injuries caused by bicycle accidents in Missouri:
- Road Rash: Road rash occurs when the skin scrapes against a rough surface during a fall. While minor abrasions can be treated at home, severe cases may require medical attention to remove debris, prevent infection, and manage pain.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Collisions with vehicles, objects, or the ground can lead to broken bones or fractures. Commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Symptoms like sharp pain, swelling, and restricted movement warrant immediate medical evaluation.
- Head Trauma: Head injuries are among the most severe bicycle accident outcomes. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, skull fractures, and cranial hemorrhages, can occur even with helmet use. Symptoms like disorientation, blurred vision, or slurred speech require urgent medical care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A fall or collision can damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and can have lifelong consequences.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding, damaged organs, and broken ribs are possible during high-impact accidents. These injuries are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists often sustain facial injuries like broken noses, dental fractures, or lacerations during crashes. Severe cases may require reconstructive surgery.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are common, particularly in the knees, shoulders, and wrists. These injuries can limit mobility and may require physical therapy.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of a bicycle accident should not be overlooked. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring counseling or therapy.
Even minor accidents can lead to costly medical expenses and lengthy recoveries. Thus, it is critical to recognize and address these injuries promptly for physical and financial well-being.
For more information on bicycle accident injuries in Missouri, schedule a consultation with a skilled Missouri personal injury lawyer at our firm today.
What Are Missouri Laws for Bicycle Riders?
Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and exercise in Missouri, but it requires adherence to specific laws designed to ensure safety and harmony on the road. Below, we break down the essential rules and rights for bicycle riders in the state.
Bicyclists Have the Same Rights and Responsibilities as Drivers
Missouri law grants bicyclists the same rights as motor vehicle operators on most roadways. This means bicyclists must obey traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, use hand signals when turning, and ride on the right-hand side of the road, following the traffic flow.
However, local ordinances prohibit bicycles from traveling on interstate highways and other areas designated as off-limits.
Equipment Requirements for Night Riding
For safety, Missouri mandates specific equipment for bicycling between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Riders must have:
- A front-facing white light is visible from 500 feet.
- A rear reflector or light visible from 600 feet.
These visibility tools are crucial for preventing accidents, especially on darker roadways.
Helmet Laws Vary by Locality
Missouri has no statewide helmet law for bicyclists, but many cities and counties require helmets, particularly for minors. Check local regulations before riding to ensure compliance.
Restrictions for Motorists Around Bicycles
Missouri drivers must follow specific rules to protect bicyclists, such as:
- Yielding to cyclists at intersections and in bicycle lanes.
- Passing at a safe distance of at least 3 feet.
- Avoiding honking, which could startle cyclists.
Motorists must also watch for common road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or parked vehicle doors, that might force bicyclists to swerve.
Despite misconceptions, bicycles share equal rights to roadways with motor vehicles. Drivers must respect these rights, while cyclists must ensure they ride predictably and responsibly. Cooperation between drivers and bicyclists minimizes risks and fosters safer roads for all.
How Is Fault Determined in a Missouri Bicycle Accident?
Determining fault in a Missouri bicycle accident requires examining all involved parties’ actions and the circumstances of the crash. Liability can be assigned to various parties, including bicyclists, motorists, manufacturers, government entities, and companies.
Who Could Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
- Bicyclists: Riders may be held partially or fully responsible if they violate traffic laws, ride on the wrong road, or engage in distracted riding.
- Motor Vehicle Drivers: Private drivers often bear liability if their negligence—speeding, failing to yield, or distracted driving—causes an accident.
- Manufacturers: Faulty or defective bicycle parts can lead to crashes, placing liability on manufacturers or retailers.
- Government Entities: Poor road conditions, like potholes, wheel ruts, or missing signage, can make municipalities liable for accidents.
- Companies: If a business-owned vehicle causes an accident, the company may share liability with its driver.
How Is Liability Proven in Missouri?
Missouri uses a negligence-based system to determine fault. To prove liability, the injured party must establish the following:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party had a duty to act with care to avoid harm.
- Breach of Duty: The duty was breached through reckless or negligent actions.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the Accident.
- Damages: The injured party suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.
For example, if a driver fails to yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane, their violation of traffic laws demonstrates a breach of duty. Evidence such as eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and police reports can support this claim.
An experienced Missouri bicycle accident attorney from our firm can help you understand more about liability in bike accident claims. Contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation.
When Might the Bicyclist Be at Fault for the Accident?
While motor vehicle drivers often bear the brunt of liability in bicycle accidents, there are instances where a bicyclist can be found at fault for contributing to the collision. Below are some common behaviors that might lead to a bicyclist being held responsible for the Accident:
Violating Traffic Laws
Missouri’s cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators. If a bicyclist runs a red light, fails to yield to oncoming traffic, or disobeys other traffic rules, they may be held partially responsible for any resulting accidents.
For example, if a bicyclist rides through a stop sign or crosses intersections recklessly, this can contribute to a collision and make them liable.
Riding Under the Influence
While Missouri does not criminalize bicyclists riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this behavior can impair judgment and coordination. Intoxicated bicyclists are more likely to make poor decisions, such as swerving into traffic or failing to control their speed, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
The bicyclist could be found at fault if such behavior contributes to a crash.
Riding Recklessly or Carelessly
Bicyclists who engage in reckless behavior, such as weaving through traffic, riding at excessive speeds, or failing to signal turns, may be considered at fault. These behaviors reduce the ability to navigate the road safely, increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles or obstacles.
Riding on Sidewalks
Under Missouri law, bicyclists in business districts are generally prohibited from riding on sidewalks. Riding on sidewalks poses significant risks to pedestrians and increases the likelihood of accidents, especially if the bicyclist collides with a pedestrian. If such a collision occurs, the bicyclist can be liable for any injuries caused.
Riding the Wrong Way
Bicyclists must always ride in the same direction as traffic, on the right side of the road. Riding against traffic can lead to crashes, particularly when the bicyclist is forced into the path of oncoming vehicles. If a bicyclist causes an accident due to riding the wrong way, they may be found at fault.
Riding Without Proper Lighting
Bicyclists are required to have proper lighting when riding at night, with headlights visible from at least 500 feet. Inadequate lighting reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents, especially when drivers fail to see cyclists. If bicyclists are not adequately illuminated and cause an accident, they can be held liable.
Comparative Fault Laws in Missouri Bicycle Accident Claims
In Missouri, comparative fault laws significantly determine liability and how damages are awarded in personal injury claims, including those related to bicycle accidents. According to Missouri Revised Statute Section 537.765, the state follows a pure comparative fault doctrine.
This means that even if a bicyclist is found to be partially at fault for the Accident, they may still be entitled to recover compensation from other liable parties. However, the amount awarded is reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the bicyclist.
For instance, if you sustained $100,000 in damages but were found 40% at fault, you could still recover up to $60,000. Conversely, if your fault percentage increases to 80%, you may only be eligible for $20,000 in compensation. The law ensures that fault is divided proportionately, and each party is responsible for their share of the damages.
Understanding these laws is crucial when pursuing a bicycle accident claim in Missouri, as they can significantly impact the compensation you are entitled to.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Didn’t Stop?
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Missouri and the driver who hit you didn’t stop, you may be dealing with the complications of a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run accident is defined under Missouri Revised Statute §577.060 as a situation where a person involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact information, rendering aid, or complying with legal obligations.
If the responsible driver cannot be located, your options for compensation may be limited. However, our skilled lega team specializes in hit-and-run accident cases.
We can help investigate the accident, attempt to track down the at-fault driver, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Missouri Bicycle Accident Claim?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is five years from the date of the Accident. This means you have up to five years to file a claim seeking compensation for injuries or damages.
However, it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later. Delaying your claim can make gathering evidence, such as witness testimonies or critical documentation, that strengthens your case more challenging. The sooner you file, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about Missouri’s statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims, contact our experienced Missouri bicycle accident lawyers today.
How Much Is My Missouri Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Missouri, determining the value of your claim can be challenging. Several factors come into play, including the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Covers immediate and long-term costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: This compensation covers time missed from work and any potential reduction in future earning capacity due to the injury.
- Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged bicycles.
- Insurance Coverage: The available coverage can impact your compensation, especially if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Includes physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impacts such as PTSD or depression.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Compensation for losing the ability to engage in daily activities or hobbies previously enjoyed.
- Punitive Damages: May be awarded if the at-fault party acted recklessly or with egregious behavior.
Ultimately, the value of your claim depends on the specifics of your injury and its impact on your life, along with available insurance coverage. Consulting with an experienced lawyer can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Experienced Missouri Bike Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Missouri, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury claims, including those involving bicycle accidents.
We understand the complexities of Missouri’s laws and the challenges of these cases, such as determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and assessing the full extent of your damages.
By working with our law firm, you’ll have a dedicated team fighting for your rights, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and ensuring your claim is handled efficiently and effectively. Don’t face the aftermath of a bike accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Some of the cities in Missouri our legal team serves includes St. Louis, Florissant, Springfield, Kirksville, Columbia, and more.
