Biking is a relaxing and convenient mode of transportation for many members of the Brentwood community. Yet, a daily commute or a fun spin through the neighborhood can turn catastrophic when an irresponsible motorist or poorly maintained road surfaces cause an accident.

Cyclists are frequently hurt on Brentwood roads. All too often, they find that trying to get compensation for medical bills, damaged property, and other financial losses they endure is more difficult than they anticipated. Filing a legal claim may be your best shot at getting the resources you need to make your best recovery. Unfortunately, these claims are deceptively challenging, especially while you are dealing with severe injuries and other personal losses.

When you are at your most vulnerable, OnderLaw will advocate for you.

A Brentwood bicycle accident lawyer at our firm will provide the guidance and support you need to win your case and reclaim your power. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand that this is about so much more than just a legal process—this is your life. We will stand by your side every step of the way in seeking justice for the harm you should’ve never experienced.

Holding Someone Else Liable for a Bike Wreck

The legal basis for most bike accident claims is “negligence.” In short, a person who recklessly or carelessly violates their duty to act responsibly under the circumstances is legally liable for a resulting accident. Those circumstances can vary significantly depending on who is involved. For example, drivers have an obligation to follow traffic laws and watch out for other people nearby. Municipalities have a duty to maintain roads and sidewalks so bicyclists can travel safely.

There are also different filing deadlines depending on who is named as a defendant. You have up to five years to file a claim against a private individual but as little as 90 days for providing notice of intent to sue a city government.

A Brentwood bicycle crash attorney at our firm can provide more information about what to expect in your situation and help file your claim within the deadlines.

Can a Cyclist Be Liable for a Crash?

After a biking collision or crash, an injured cyclist must also prove that they are not at fault for causing their own injuries. Sadly, many defense lawyers and insurance adjusters will try to blame victims for their own injuries to avoid paying the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, too, sometimes police officers are not fully aware of the laws that protect cyclists. They may assign fault to a cyclist in their accident report when in fact, the cyclist was not to blame.

Courts can reduce the available compensation for injured victims found partially liable for their own accidents. Our skilled Brentwood bicycle accident attorneys know how to stand up to insurers and defense attorneys and protect your best interests every step of the way. We will not let anyone take advantage of you or manipulate you into accepting less than you deserve.

Types of Compensation for Injured Cyclists

Even if you wear a helmet and appropriate gear while biking, a severe accident or collision involving a motor vehicle or other hazards can have devastating and debilitating consequences. Given how long-lasting and traumatic biking injuries can be, it’s important to consider all past and future effects of your accident and demand appropriate compensation. Your lawsuit or settlement demand could include payments for:

  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma and distress
  • Lost work income and working capacity
  • Property damage, including bike repair and replacement costs
  • All medical expenses, including future surgery and rehabilitation expenses

If your biking accident involved egregious negligence or overtly malicious conduct, like drunk driving, your lawyer could pursue additional compensation—called punitive damages—from the wrongdoer. Our Brentwood lawyers will fight for every form of compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident.

Get in Touch With a Brentwood Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle crashes cause hundreds of serious injuries across Missouri each year. Many of those injuries could have been prevented if not for other people’s negligence.

If you were recently in a biking collision, you don’t need to go it alone. A Brentwood bicycle accident lawyer at OnderLaw will be your legal advocate and guiding hand throughout the recovery process. Our personal injury team is dedicated to supporting our friends and neighbors after serious accidents. We are proud and honored to provide support when you need it most.

There are time limits for civil litigation and various legal restrictions you may not be aware of, so don’t hesitate to seek help from our knowledgeable team. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.