Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Jefferson City

Your morning commute takes a devastating turn. One moment you’re cycling through Jefferson City’s familiar streets, and the next, you’re lying on the pavement with sirens wailing in the distance. The driver who struck you is already making excuses, and you’re left wondering how you’ll pay for medical bills while dealing with injuries that may change your life forever. Bicycle accidents happen more frequently than most riders realize, and the consequences can be life-altering. At Brydon, Swearengen & England, P.C., we help our clients understand their legal rights in the face of challenging situations. We’re here to help you seek appropriate compensation when the unthinkable happens.

The Hidden Dangers Every Cyclist Faces

Driver Negligence

Most bicycle accidents stem from driver negligence rather than cyclist error. When motorists fail to exercise reasonable care, the results can be catastrophic for vulnerable cyclists.

Common forms of driver negligence include:

• Failure to yield the right of way when turning across bike lanes
• Following too closely or aggressive tailgating behavior
• Speeding through intersections where cyclists are present
• Distracted driving from texting, phone calls or other distractions
• Impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Unsafe lane changes without checking for cyclists

Road Hazards That Target Cyclists

Unlike cars and trucks, bicycles are uniquely vulnerable to road conditions that barely affect motor vehicles. Potholes, debris, uneven pavement and poorly maintained surfaces can send cyclists tumbling without warning.

Municipal authorities have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways for all users, including cyclists. When they fail in this duty, injured riders may have grounds for premises liability claims.

The Most Dangerous Types of Bicycle Accidents

Turning Collisions

These accidents occur when drivers make right or left turns without checking bicycle lanes or yielding to approaching cyclists. The driver sees the green light and turns immediately, often striking the cyclist in a T-bone collision that can cause severe injuries or death.

Dooring Incidents

When parked car occupants open their doors without looking, they create an instant barrier that cyclists cannot avoid. These accidents often result in facial injuries, broken bones and secondary crashes as the cyclist is thrown into traffic.

Rear-End Crashes

While minor fender-benders between cars might only cause property damage, rear-end collisions involving bicycles frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and fractures as the cyclist is propelled forward.

Sideswipe Accidents

Drivers passing too closely to cyclists can clip them with side mirrors or create dangerous air currents that force riders off the road. These seemingly minor contacts often lead to serious crashes and run-over accidents.

Injuries That Change Everything

Bicycle accidents don’t just result in scraped knees and wounded pride. The injuries sustained in these crashes can permanently alter your life and your family’s future.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries that may require lifelong care
• Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or complete paralysis
• Fractured bones in the arms, legs, ribs and pelvis
• Road rash and soft tissue injuries requiring multiple surgeries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Neck injuries causing chronic pain and mobility limitations

The medical expenses alone can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, not accounting for lost wages, rehabilitation costs and the immeasurable impact of pain and suffering.

Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident

Establishing Negligence

To recover compensation for bicycle accident injuries, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the incident. This involves demonstrating that the driver or other responsible party breached their duty of care and that this breach directly resulted in your accident.

Evidence crucial to proving negligence includes:

• Police reports and traffic citations
• Witness statements from the scene
• Traffic camera footage or surveillance video
• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Professional reconstruction of the accident

Why You Need Legal Representation Now

Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friend

Insurance adjusters may seem sympathetic immediately after your accident, but their goal is to minimize payouts, not ensure fair compensation. They often use tactics like:

• Requesting recorded statements that can be twisted later
• Offering quick settlements that fall far short of true damages
• Disputing the extent of your injuries or medical treatment
• Admitting partial or full responsibility

Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you only five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting this long can severely damage your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and your ability to prove negligence diminishes with each passing day.

Calculating True Damages

The full cost of your bicycle accident extends far beyond immediate medical bills. Experienced attorneys know how to calculate:

• Future medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost earning capacity over your lifetime
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of life’s enjoyment and companionship
• Property damage to your bicycle and equipment

Let Us Help You Protect Your Future

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, every decision you make in the coming days and weeks will impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerable state or accept settlements that fail to account for the true cost of your injuries.

The experienced attorneys at Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C. understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face. We’ve helped countless cyclists recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after devastating crashes. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.