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What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Columbia, MO

If you were injured in a bike crash caused by another individual’s negligence, an experienced bike wreck attorney from our firm could advise you on what to do after a bicycle accident in Columbia, MO.

Our legal team at AW Smith Law could help you take steps to strengthen your compensation claim and hold those at fault accountable for your damages. With our decades of legal experience, we could provide the information you need to increase your chances of a fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Seeking Medical Treatment After a Bicycle Accident Is Essential

After a bike collision in Columbia, MO, your physical well-being should be your top priority. If you are able, move yourself and your bicycle to a safe location away from the road, and call 911 if you require emergency medical assistance.

If you do not receive treatment at the scene, you should see a doctor immediately about any injuries you sustained. The medical record produced during your appointment, and any treatment you receive, can be used as evidence in your claim. You should also keep your medical bills, as our attorneys could present them as evidence to value and help you recover your medical expenses.

Gather Evidence and Information at the Scene of the Accident

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 303.040, vehicle operators must report collisions involving death, injury, or property damage over $500 to the police. Therefore, you should take action and call law enforcement after a cycling accident in Columbia. Responding officers will create a report that can serve as evidence in your case. This report should contain:

  • Location, date, and time of the crash
  • Circumstances that may have contributed, such as weather or lighting conditions
  • Contact information of the driver and any passengers
  • Contact information of witnesses
  • The involved driver’s plate and license numbers
  • The involved driver’s insurance information

It is also wise to gather your own evidence when possible. If your injuries allow, collect the information yourself and take photos of the scene.

Who Is Responsible for a Bike Accident?

Common causes of bike collisions include making an improper turn, failing to yield, or running a red light. Drivers are often at fault for these actions. Auto liability insurance covers accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians, and you can file a claim against the motorist who hit you.

However, in some cases, responsibility for a collision is shared. There may be multiple liable parties, including another cyclist. Our Columbia attorneys could help you identify everyone involved in your cycling accident and take the appropriate steps when filing a compensation claim.

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have?

After a Columbia bicycle crash, AW Smith Law could help you understand your rights, explore your options, and determine your next steps.

You Have the Same Rights on the Road as a Vehicle

State law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. This means that cyclists must follow all traffic laws, and motorists must share the road and treat bikes like other vehicles.

You Have the Right To Seek Compensation for Your Injuries

If another party is responsible for your injuries, you could seek compensation for your related expenses, including filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. AW Smith Law’s personal injury lawyers could help you seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy
  • Lost wages, including lost earning capacity from injuries that affect your ability to work
  • Property damages, including your bike and other personal items, such as phones or electronics
  • Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional distress resulting from your injury

We could explain your recoverable losses and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

You Have the Right to Representation

Insurance companies may not always treat injured parties fairly. They aim to maximize profits, and limiting settlements is one method they use. With our legal knowledge, we could build your case, advocate on your behalf, fight for compensation, and increase your chances of a fair settlement.

However, it is crucial to act before the statute of limitations expires. In most cases, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 gives you five years to file a lawsuit involving a motor vehicle accident.

Speak With Our Columbia Attorneys About the Actions To Take After a Cycling Crash

At AW Smith Law, we could help you understand what to do after a bicycle accident in Columbia, MO. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we could assist you. Our team handles cases on a contingency basis, and we look forward to helping you.