St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Injured Cyclists

Throughout St. Louis

A bicycle accident can leave riders with severe injuries, extensive medical bills, and uncertainty about their legal rights. Whether you were struck by a car while commuting, hit by a truck on a busy street, or injured due to dangerous road conditions, bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injury that changes lives forever. At Niesen, McDonough & Niesen LLC, our St. Louis bicycle accident attorney team provides dedicated legal representation to cyclists throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities who have suffered personal injury due to driver negligence or unsafe conditions.

St. Louis bicycle accidents occur throughout the metropolitan area, from popular cycling routes through Forest Park and along the Riverfront Trail near the Gateway Arch to urban bike lanes in the Central West End and University City, busy intersections in Richmond Heights and Clayton, and residential streets throughout St. Louis County. Whether you were riding on the Katy Trail, Great Rivers Greenway paths, Grant’s Trail, or navigating traffic near Halvorsen Klote Davis Park, our bicycle accident lawyer team understands the unique challenges cyclists face and the state law protections available under Missouri bike law.

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Common Causes Leading to Bicycle Accident Cases

A bicycle accident claim may be pursued when a cyclist suffers personal injury due to a motorist’s negligence, hazardous road conditions, or defective bicycle components. Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, bicyclists lack protective barriers, making even low-speed collisions potentially life-threatening.

Frequent causes of St. Louis bicycle accident cases include:

  • Car accidents where drivers fail to yield to cyclists
  • Dooring incidents when vehicle occupants open doors into bike lanes
  • Right hook and left cross collisions at intersections
  • Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles and blind spots
  • Bus accidents where cyclists are caught in merge zones
  • Hit-and-run accidents leaving bicycle accident victims without immediate recourse
  • Distracted driving including texting and phone use
  • Drunk or impaired drivers
  • Aggressive driving and road rage toward cyclists
  • Unsafe lane changes and failure to check mirrors
  • Pedestrian accident-style collisions on shared paths
  • Dangerous road conditions including potholes, debris, and poor maintenance
  • Construction accidents in work zones lacking proper cyclist accommodations
  • Product liability issues with defective bicycle components or safety equipment
  • Premises liability for poorly maintained private paths or parking areas

Our personal injury lawyer team thoroughly investigates each bicycle accident to determine liability, preserve critical evidence, and build a compelling case for compensation under state law.

Take the First Step:

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to a driver’s negligence or unsafe road conditions, our St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. We’ll evaluate your bicycle accident case, explain your legal options, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your injuries or blame you for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Damages Available to Bicycle Accident Victims

Bicycle accident cases frequently involve serious injuries requiring immediate emergency care and long-term medical treatment. A successful personal injury claim may provide fair compensation covering all accident-related expenses and losses.

Compensation in a bicycle accident case may include:

  • Emergency medical treatment and ambulance transport
  • Hospital stays and surgical procedures
  • Orthopedic care for broken bones and fractures
  • Treatment for traumatic brain injury and head trauma
  • Spinal cord treatment and rehabilitation
  • Road rash treatment and skin grafting
  • Dental and facial reconstruction
  • Physical therapy and occupational rehabilitation
  • Medical bills both current and future
  • Prescription medications and medical equipment
  • Lost wages during recovery periods
  • Loss of earning capacity if unable to return to work
  • Pain and suffering from physical injuries
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
  • Bicycle repair or replacement costs
  • Damaged personal property including clothing and gear

In fatal bicycle accidents resulting in wrongful death, surviving family members can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. Our injury attorneys understand the devastating impact these tragedies have on families.

Our Approach to Bicycle Accident Claims

Bicycle accident litigation requires understanding both traffic laws and the specific vulnerabilities cyclists face on Missouri roads. Our St. Louis bicycle accident lawyer team approaches each case with thorough preparation and commitment to achieving maximum results.

Our process includes:

  • Obtaining police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
  • Reconstructing the bicycle accident with accident reconstruction experts
  • Reviewing all medical records and injury documentation
  • Consulting with medical specialists regarding long-term prognosis
  • Analyzing applicable traffic laws and cyclist rights under the Missouri bike law
  • Identifying all liable parties, including drivers, employers, and municipalities
  • Calculating total economic damage,s including future medical needs
  • Documenting how injuries impact your quality of life
  • Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
  • Preparing for trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlement offers

We know how insurance companies attempt to blame bicycle accident victims by claiming cyclists were at fault or suggesting injuries are minor. Our bicycle accident attorney team counters these tactics with solid evidence, expert testimony, and vigorous advocacy to protect every cyclist’s rights.

Types of Injuries Common in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often result in severe and multiple injuries due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to motor vehicle occupants. Our St. Louis bicycle accident attorney team represents clients suffering from the full range of bicycle accident injuries.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury and concussions
  • Skull fractures and head trauma
  • Spinal cord injury causing paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones and compound fractures
  • Shattered pelvis and hip injuries
  • Road rash requiring skin grafts
  • Facial injuries and dental damage
  • Shoulder separations and collarbone fractures
  • Wrist and arm fractures
  • Knee and leg injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Catastrophic injury resulting in permanent disability

Long-term consequences may include:

  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Chronic pain syndromes
  • Mobility limitations and disability
  • Loss of independence
  • Cognitive impairment from brain injury
  • Emotional trauma and PTSD
  • Inability to return to cycling or other activities
  • Economic damages from reduced earning capacity

Many bicycle accident victims face months or years of recovery, and some never fully recover from their injuries. Our injury attorneys ensure all these impacts are thoroughly documented in your bicycle accident claim to secure appropriate compensation.

Critical Steps After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right actions immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Essential steps following a bike accident:

  • Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
  • Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor—some serious injuries have delayed symptoms
  • Document the accident scene with photos of vehicle positions, road conditions, and your bicycle
  • Collect driver information including license, insurance, and contact details
  • Obtain contact information from witnesses
  • Report the accident to police and ensure a report is filed
  • Preserve all damaged clothing, helmet, and bicycle components
  • Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses
  • Track how injuries affect your work and daily activities
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
  • Do not post about the accident on social media
  • Consult a bicycle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offers

Early legal representation helps preserve critical evidence and strengthens your case. Our personal injury attorney team can handle all communications with insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

Missouri Laws Protecting Cyclists

Missouri state law provides specific protections for bicycle riders sharing the road with motor vehicles. Understanding these laws is essential to proving liability in bicycle accident litigation.

Key provisions of the Missouri bike law include:

  • Bicycles are legal vehicles with full road rights
  • Drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists
  • Cyclists may use full traffic lanes when necessary for safety
  • Bike lanes must be respected by motorists
  • Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators
  • Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and at intersections

When drivers violate these laws and cause bicycle accidents, our bicycle accident lawyer team holds them accountable through personal injury claims that seek fair compensation for all damages.

Results That Speak

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What Our Clients Say

The Law Offices of Frank J. Niesen was a very helpful asset to my case. The lawyer Mike McDonough specifically was very helpful. His communication skills were superb, he always responded in a timely manner and answered all my questions with professional/helpful advice. Overall the service exceeded my expectations, I would definitely recommend them to others.

Serving Bicycle Accident Victims Throughout St. Louis and Beyond

Our law offices proudly serve cyclists across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and surrounding Missouri communities, as well as cyclists from southern Illinois who ride in the St. Louis area. From bike accidents in urban neighborhoods to collisions on suburban streets, from trail accidents to crashes on busy commercial corridors, our injury lawyers understand the local legal environment and fight for bicycle accident victims throughout the region.

We represent injured cyclists in Clayton, University City, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, Florissant, Hazelwood, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, and throughout St. Louis County, as well as St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.

Take the First Step:

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to a driver’s negligence or unsafe road conditions, our St. Louis bicycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. We’ll evaluate your bicycle accident case, explain your legal options, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your injuries or blame you for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

FAQs About Burn Injury Accident Cases

What should I do if the driver who hit me while I was cycling left the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, but you still have legal options. First, report the incident to the police immediately and seek medical attention. If the driver cannot be identified, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through other insurance policies. Our bicycle accident attorney team can investigate surveillance footage, locate witnesses, and explore all available avenues for compensation even when the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Can I recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet during the bicycle accident?

Missouri law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so the absence of a helmet should not prevent you from recovering compensation. However, insurance companies often try to argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet and may attempt to reduce your compensation accordingly. Our personal injury lawyer team works with medical experts to demonstrate the actual cause and extent of your injuries regardless of helmet use. Even if helmet use is raised as an issue, Missouri’s comparative fault law still allows you to recover damages.

How long will my bicycle accident case take to resolve?

The timeline for resolving a bicycle accident claim varies significantly based on injury severity, treatment duration, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly. Simple cases with minor injuries might settle within a few months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injury, disputed liability, or inadequate insurance offers may take a year or longer. Our bicycle accident lawyer team works efficiently while ensuring your case isn’t settled prematurely before the full extent of your injuries and future needs are known.

What if the bicycle accident happened because of a pothole or poor road maintenance?

Accidents caused by dangerous road conditions may give rise to claims against the municipality or government entity responsible for road maintenance. These premises liability claims against government entities involve specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines than typical personal injury cases. Our St. Louis bicycle accident attorney team has experience handling claims against St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and other municipalities for road defects that cause bicycle accidents.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already admitted their driver was at fault?

Even when liability is clear, insurance companies routinely undervalue bicycle accident claims. They may offer quick settlements that seem reasonable but don’t account for future medical treatment, long-term complications, or the full impact on your life. Our personal injury attorney team can evaluate whether any settlement offer is truly fair and negotiate for maximum compensation. Most bicycle accident victims receive significantly higher compensation with legal representation than they would on their own.

What compensation can I receive if my bicycle accident resulted in permanent injuries?

Permanent injuries from bicycle accidents entitle you to substantial compensation beyond immediate medical bills. You can recover for all future medical treatment, lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work, ongoing pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. In cases involving catastrophic injury such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury, compensation may reach into the millions of dollars. Our injury attorneys work with medical experts and economists to fully document the lifetime impact of your injuries and fight for fair compensation that reflects the true scope of your losses.

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