Bike accidents happen quickly. One moment you are on your bike. The next moment you are on the ground, injured, and scared. If you are in Kansas City when this happens, this guide can provide the information on what to do next.
Step 1: Make it to Safety
If you can, try to get your car all the way to a sidewalk or anything that’s elevated off of the grass. The idea is you will have gotten off of the roadway. Never put yourself in danger and if you are injured, stay put until help arrives.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
It’s always a good thing to call the police after a crash. If you are injured, it is even better to call for an ambulance. The police will create a crash report. A police report will be an extremely valuable piece of evidence for your case later on.
Step 3: Get Medical Help
No matter what, see a doctor. Some injuries do not reveal themselves immediately. Collect and hold onto any and all medical bills and records that relate to your accident. Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.
Step 4: Get Name and Information
If you are able, get the driver’s name, phone number and insurance information. Get the contact information for as many witnesses as you can. Their testimony may help you with your claim.
Step 5: Take Pictures or Notes
If you have a cellphone, take pictures from it. Get pictures of the bike, the car, your injuries, the road. Write notes of what happened while it is still fresh in your head. Include the date, time and weather.
Step 6: Don’t Fix Your Bike
Leave your bike as it was. It’s part of the case. Your lawyer may use it to show how the crash happened.
Step 7: Stay Off Social Media
Don’t post about the crash online. Insurance companies can use your posts against you. It’s safer to stay quiet until your case is done.
Step 8: Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Alone
The driver’s insurance is not your friend. They may try to trick you or pay less. Don’t sign anything. Don’t agree to a quick deal. Always talk to a lawyer first.
Step 9: Call a Kansas City Bike Injury Lawyer
A skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can guide you. They help you:
- Deal with insurance companies
- Gather strong evidence
- Talk to doctors and experts
- Figure out how much money you may get
- File paperwork the right way
They take stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Why Bike Crash Cases Are Hard
Bike crashes can cause serious harm. Riders don’t have seat belts or airbags. Even a slow crash can lead to big injuries like:
- Head trauma
- Broken arms or legs
- Back and neck pain
- Cuts and bruises
- Nerve damage
- Road rash
You may miss work or school. You may need surgery or rehab. These crashes can change your life.
How These Crashes Happen
Most bike crashes happen when drivers don’t see riders. Common causes include:
- Cars turning without looking
- Drivers texting or not paying attention
- Doors opening into bike lanes
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic lights
- Unsafe passing
- Poor road signs or potholes
If the driver was careless, they may be at fault. A lawyer will look at the details.
How a Lawyer Helps
Bike crash lawyers know Missouri law. They know what to look for. Here’s what they’ll do:
- Read your crash report
- Collect medical records
- Get expert help if needed
- Handle all phone calls
- File papers with the court
- Fight for fair pay
You don’t have to face this alone.
What Can You Get Paid For?
If the crash was not your fault, you may get paid for:
- Hospital bills
- Rehab and medicine
- Lost wages from work
- Pain and suffering
- Bike damage or replacement
- Long-term care
- Scars or lasting injury
Every case is different. A lawyer can tell you what your case is worth.
What If You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?
Missouri doesn’t require adults to wear bike helmets. If you weren’t wearing one, you may still have a case. The driver can still be held at fault.
What If You Were Partly to Blame?
Missouri uses a rule called “pure comparative fault.” That means you can still get paid—even if you were partly wrong.
Here’s an example:
- Your damages are $20,000
- You were 25% at fault
- You may still get $15,000
The court lowers your payment by your fault share.
How Long Do You Have to File?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the crash to file a claim. That may sound like a long time, but waiting too long can hurt your case. The sooner you act, the better your chance of a strong case.
How Long Will the Case Take?
It depends. Some cases settle in months. Others take longer if they go to court. Your lawyer will keep you updated. They’ll explain what to expect at each step.
Will You Need to Go to Court?
Maybe. Many bike injury claims settle before trial. If the offer is too low, your lawyer may suggest going to court. They will help you prepare.
What Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee.” This means:
- No money paid up front
- The lawyer only gets paid if you win
- Their fee comes from the settlement
Always ask your lawyer to explain the fee before you sign.
Why Choose a Kansas City Lawyer?
A local lawyer knows:
- Missouri traffic laws
- Kansas City roads and bike lanes
- Local courts and judges
- How insurance companies work here
They know what works in your city.
How to Find the Right Lawyer
Look for someone who:
- Has handled bike crash cases before
- Listens to your story
- Offers a free meeting
- Explains things in plain words
- Doesn’t rush you to sign
Trust your gut. A good lawyer will care about your case.
Don’t Settle Too Fast
Insurance companies may offer quick money. But those offers are often too low. You may have long-term costs you don’t know yet. Let a lawyer review the offer first.
Healing Takes Time
A crash can hurt your body, your mind, and your wallet. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Focus on healing. Let an experienced local Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer handle the legal side.
FAQs
1. If I didn’t immediately report the accident, can I still file a claim?
You can, but with challenges. A police report is always worthwhile. You would want to contact a lawyer to determine what your next steps are now.
2. What if I was hit by Uber or Lyft?
You may still have a claim. Both of these rideshare companies have enhanced coverage availability by law because of their status. A lawyer should be able to ascertain where liability originates from.
3. What if a pothole caused my crash and I want to sue the city?
Maybe. The city may be liable if they were aware of a dangerous pothole and failed to take action to fix it. Generally speaking, you have a very limited period of time to sue a municipality so you want to act quickly!
4. What if I was hit while riding on the road in darkness?
You probably still have a claim. Missouri law requires bicycles to have lights when ridden in darkness. If you are not violating the law, then you should have a better case.
5. What if I was riding in a crosswalk?
This depends on which jurisdiction you were riding in, as the city of Kansas City does allow some types of riding. A lawyer can help you discern and navigate your local laws to determine your rights.
