Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can offer information regarding car-bicycle collisions. Since 1990, our Kansas City Metropolitan Area attorneys have provided residents with professional legal representation for personal injury cases related to car, train, motorcycle and truck accidents as well as nursing facility neglect. Over time our firm has built up an outstanding reputation by focusing on such cases.

This article explains why cyclists get hit by cars and highlights dooring issues, helmet requirements and legal recourse should an accident happen.

Why Do Cyclists Get Hit By Cars?

Cyclists riding on roads encounter several unique challenges. Some of the common causes of them being hit by cars include:

• Driver Inattention
• Failure to Yield
• Lack of Visibility
• Inadequate Infrastructure

Who Is Responsible If a Cyclist Has Been Doored?

Opening their vehicle doors directly in front of an oncoming cyclist's path may result in serious injuries. Accidents on highways and public roads remain one of the leading causes of injuries.

Typically, those responsible are either the driver or passenger who opened the door. Many states have laws mandating that drivers should check surroundings before opening a car door. Being mindful of cyclists or pedestrians approaching may help minimize potential harm.

Can Cyclists Be Held Liable for Not Wearing Helmets?

Always wear a helmet when riding to ensure maximum protection. In certain areas, this may even be mandatory - however failure to do so does not automatically render a cyclist responsible in case of an accident.

Failure of drivers to follow traffic regulations and take necessary precautions with their surroundings contributes to car-bicycle collisions. Injury severity increases significantly when helmets aren't worn.

Courts may determine that injuries sustained by cyclists would have been less serious if they wore helmets, therefore, decreasing compensation payable. This principle of comparative negligence.

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

Medical bills, lost wages and dealing with insurers may become overwhelming for victims. Hiring a personal injury attorney can be of great assistance:

• Understanding Your Rights
• Maximizing Compensation
• Handling Insurance Companies
• Proving Fault

When Should An Attorney Be Hired?

Consult a personal injuries attorney after you experience an accident to ensure they can interview witnesses and gather evidence quickly.

Early legal representation can help safeguard your rights and gather proof in support of your case. Without legal guidance, insurance companies could devise their own strategy against your case.

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

• Expertise: Increase the chances of a positive result and hire a personal injury attorney with experience handling bike accident cases.
• Reputation: Search for attorneys with proven success at winning similar cases and reaching satisfactory settlements.
• Communication: Choose an attorney that listens attentively while effectively providing information.
• Resources: An experienced personal injury attorney should have the resources required to build the strong case.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista LeRoy Law Firm understands the complications surrounding car-bicycle collisions. Our attorneys have years of personal injury law experience representing cases involving cyclists.

As cyclists face unique obstacles on the road, we understand their specific challenges and dedicate significant efforts and resources towards understanding them before crafting personalized legal solutions that address those needs.

Suggested Action Steps

• Visit a doctor as quickly as possible, since some injuries may not show immediately.
• Document the accident by taking photos, obtain witness contact info and record injuries as evidence.
• For your own protection, consult with a personal injury attorney and obtain legal advice.
• Do not settle too early. Insurance companies frequently make settlement offers which do not fully address your needs.

Car and bicycle accidents can have serious repercussions, but with legal guidance from an experienced attorney, maximum compensation could be secured. Stay safe when traveling and get legal assistance should it be required. Contact us today at 816-221-0382 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.