What Are Your Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident in Parkville?

From a Personal Injury Lawyer in Parkville, MO: Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident

Identifying Fault in a Missouri Bicycle Accident

Under Missouri law, you can hold another party liable for your injuries if they acted negligently. That may include a motorist who failed to yield the right of way, a driver who opened a car door into your path, or a property owner who allowed unsafe road conditions to persist. In Missouri, the comparative fault system applies. That means you can recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident, as long as you are not 100 percent at fault. The amount of your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. 

Working With Insurance Companies

Most personal injury claims start with an insurance claim. You have the right to file a claim against the liability insurance policy of the person or entity responsible for the accident. In Missouri, motorists must carry minimum liability coverage. If the other party responsible for your accident is illegally uninsured, an attorney can work with insurance companies to ensure you still get the compensation you deserve.  

In addition, insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claims for their own financial gain. You must support your claim with evidence, including medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and photographs from the scene. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an unreasonably low settlement, you have the right to file a lawsuit in court.

Understanding Time Limits and Filing Deadlines

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, meaning you must file your lawsuit within five years from the date of the accident, or you lose your right to recover damages. While that may seem like a long time, you should begin building your case as soon as possible. Evidence can become harder to obtain the longer you wait. Witnesses may forget details or become unavailable, and records may be lost or destroyed.

Pursuing Compensation for All Forms of Loss

Under state law, you have the right to seek compensation for damages, both economic and non-economic. The former includes medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, and lost income, while the latter set of damages refers to pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injury permanently affects your ability to work or perform daily tasks, you may also seek compensation for future losses. A thorough and well-documented claim allows you to recover the full amount you deserve under Missouri law.

When you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident in Parkville, Missouri law allows you to take legal action against the person or party who caused your harm. Schedule a consultation with us today at Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law, in Parkville, MO if you need legal support after a bicycle accident. 

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