What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Kansas
Bicycle riding is a popular hobby across the United States, especially during the summer months. It offers a relaxing form of cardio for individuals of all ages and encourages people to spend more time outdoors. According to PeopleForBikes’ 2024 U.S. Bicycling Participation Study, 112 million Americans—35% of those ages 3 and older—rode a bike at least once in 2024. That’s a significant portion of the population relying on both their own caution and the attentiveness of other vehicle drivers each day.
While state-specific data is more limited, Kansas sees substantial bicycle traffic thanks to its expansive trails and suburban landscapes. One noteworthy highlight is the Flint Hills Trail, the longest trail in the state. Spanning 118 miles from Osawatomie in the east to Herington in the west, it draws cyclists from across the region.
Unfortunately, many of Kansas’s trails are gravel, and the road conditions for biking aren’t much better. In a national ranking of bicycle friendliness by the League of American Bicyclists, Kansas placed 21st out of 50 states. The ranking considered factors such as funding, infrastructure, legislation, safety, and more. While this isn’t a terrible position, there is still considerable room for improvement, particularly in enhancing trails and road safety to help reduce the number of bicycle accidents statewide.
Future infrastructure upgrades will certainly improve cycling conditions, but those changes take time. In the meantime, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved in bicycling, including the most common causes of accidents, typical injuries, and the steps to take if you’re involved in a collision. If you’re an avid cyclist like our own attorney, Jerry Wallentine, this is essential information to keep you safe and prepared. And if you’ve already been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team today.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
While both bicyclists and drivers can be at fault in an accident, our firm is dedicated to advocating for riders who have been injured due to the negligence of drivers, bicycle manufacturers, or property owners.
No one should have to fear injury while enjoying an activity meant to be freeing, but all too often, it’s the bicyclist who suffers the most severe consequences in a dangerous encounter with a vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving- Drivers who are texting, making phone calls, or adjusting the radio often cause collisions with both motorists and bicyclists. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences.
- Poor road conditions– As noted earlier, Kansas does not rank highly in bicycle friendliness. Gravel roads, narrow bike lanes, or a complete lack of bike lanes pose significant safety risks, especially when cyclists must ride near much larger vehicles.
- Failure to yield to bikers– Many drivers fail to properly share the road. While bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles, drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes, particularly when turning across them.
- Riding at night– Low visibility during nighttime increases the risk of accidents for both drivers and cyclists. Motorists should use headlights and maintain clear windshields, while cyclists should wear reflective gear and use front and rear bike lights to remain visible.
- Failure to follow safe driving/riding laws– Bicycle accidents frequently result from failure to follow simple traffic rules. In addition to failing to yield as mentioned above, this includes running stop signs or red lights, and other violations by either drivers or bicyclists that compromise roadway safety.
Injuries endured in bicycle accidents
Because cyclists are not protected by an enclosed space, accidents involving motor vehicles are often quite severe. However, as with any accident, the level of severity can vary. Based on nearly 20 years of personal injury experience, here are the most common injuries Wallentine Injury Law sees in bicycle accident cases.
- Road rash– Road rash occurs when the body slides across pavement, often resulting in severe bruising, abrasions, and burns that leave a rash-like appearance on the skin.
- Head injuries– Even with a helmet, head injuries can still occur. While helmets significantly reduce the impact, cyclists remain vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and penetrating head trauma.
- Fractures– When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle or hits the ground on impact, bone fractures are common. These often include broken arms, legs, hands, fingers, and ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries– Due to the frequency of broken bones in bicycle accidents, soft tissue injuries are also common. This includes the strain or tear of ligaments and muscles within the body, most frequently in the broken limbs of the accident.
5 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
In addition to understanding the causes of bicycle accidents and common injuries, it is most important to know what steps to take if you become the victim of a negligent bicycle accident. Wallentine Injury Law outlines five simple steps every frequent cyclist should keep in mind.
Step 1: Address your safety
Before anything else, evaluate your safety and condition following a bicycle accident. Move to a safe area away from traffic, then assess yourself for any injuries, especially to the head. Check your helmet for damage, as it may indicate a potential head injury.
Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously hurt, seek medical attention. Medical professionals can detect hidden injuries and help prevent long-term complications. Additionally, a clear medical record is crucial to your personal injury claim, so be sure to retain all documents related to your injuries.
Step 2: Contact the Police
While it may feel inconvenient in the moment, contacting the police is required according to the Kansas Revisor of Statutes if someone is injured or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Police officers can assist with scene management, traffic control, and emergency medical services.
Most importantly, they will complete an official police report, which can be a valuable asset to your personal injury claim. Because only an officer on-site can file this report, it’s essential to ensure law enforcement is called to the scene.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Whether for a legal claim or an insurance filing, gathering evidence after a bicycle accident is critical. Take photographs of the scene, including road conditions, the vehicles or bicycles involved, and the surrounding area. If video footage is available, secure a copy. For frequent riders, we recommend using a bike-mounted camera for added protection in the future.
Lastly, collect witness statements and contact information from anyone who saw the accident take place.
Step 4: Speak with the Driver
While you should avoid admitting fault, it’s important to speak with the driver who struck you in order to exchange contact and insurance information. Keep the conversation factual and minimal to protect your bicycle accident claim.
Step 5: Contact a Kansas Bicycle Attorney at Wallentine Injury Law
After completing the steps above, reach out to an experienced attorney. At Wallentine Injury Law, we prioritize our clients by ensuring their voices are heard and their stories told. Every case is unique, and we are committed to helping you receive the medical care and legal representation you deserve after being injured by a negligent driver.
Call today at (913)-934-6333 or contact us online for a free consultation—we’re here to listen, guide you, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
