Understanding Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly way to travel, but when accidents happen, cyclists are often the most vulnerable people on the road. Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or as a main form of transportation, it’s crucial to understand your bicycle accident rights in the aftermath of a collision. In this blog post, the Missouri bicycle accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group will walk you through what your bicycle accident rights are, what steps you should take immediately after an accident, and how to protect yourself legally and financially.
Your Rights as a Cyclist on the Road
Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means you have the right to ride in the street, the right of way in appropriate situations, and the right to legal protection if another driver’s negligence causes you harm.
Importantly, if you’re injured in a bicycle accident caused by a driver, a pedestrian, or unsafe road conditions, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy
What to Do to Protect Your Bicycle Accident Rights
Knowing what to do in the moment can make a significant difference in how well you’re able to exercise your bicycle accident rights later. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Even if your injuries seem minor, call the police and file a report. This creates an official record of the incident, which can support your case down the line.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos of your bike, your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is your top priority. Some injuries–especially head, neck, or soft tissue trauma–may not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are documented, which is key for any claim.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
Be polite, but don’t apologize or admit responsibility at the scene. Statements made in the heat of the moment can be used against you later.
Understanding Negligence and Liability in Bicycle Accidents
To hold someone legally responsible for your injuries, your attorney will need to prove negligence. This means showing that the other party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Common causes of driver negligence include:
- Failing to yield to cyclists
- Distracted driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path (“dooring”)
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
Sometimes, liability may also involve local governments or property owners if dangerous road conditions–like potholes or obstructed bike lanes–contributed to the accident.
How Insurance Plays a Role in Protecting Your Bicycle Accident Rights
One of the most confusing parts of exercising your bicycle accident rights is dealing with insurance companies. Depending on the circumstances, multiple insurance policies may come into play:
- Auto Insurance (of the driver): This is usually the first source of compensation if a vehicle hits you.
- Your Own Health Insurance: Can help cover immediate medical costs while your claim is processed.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver flees or lacks sufficient insurance, this coverage (if you have it) can provide compensation.
It’s critical to avoid signing anything or giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
Patterson Legal Group: Here With the Info You Need on Bicycle Accident Rights
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re happy to provide the information you need about bicycle accident rights. We’re also here for you if you’ve been injured in a bicycle wreck through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of litigators and trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at 888-687-2400 or going online through our secure contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “No Win, No Fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step towards the money you deserve.
