In Need of a Bicycle Accident, Injury & Fatality Attorney?
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, last year, throughout the state, there were 289 bicycle accidents, resulting in 271 severe injuries and five fatalities—numbers that starkly highlight the catastrophic nature of these incidents. Unlike vehicle accidents, cyclists have little protection, making even low-speed crashes incredibly dangerous. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries, are common in bicycle accidents and often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
As an injured biker, you want an attorney who feels strongly for you and your case. You Need Jerry. Jerry and his wife bike together all the time. They have biked the Katy trail, the Johnson County Trial, the Prairie Spirit Trail, and more. Jerry understands the value of safety toward bikers. A cyclist should never have to get injured due to a dangerous person or negligent driver.
Given the high stakes, having an attorney is essential to building a solid case and navigating the complexities of these claims. Our Kansas bicycle accident attorneys at Wallentine Injury Law, LLC gather comprehensive evidence, negotiate with insurance companies determined to minimize payouts and present compelling arguments to maximize compensation.
With decades of combined experience and over 1,000 clients represented in jury trials, bench trials, motion hearings, mediations, and settlements. With our legal knowledge and skills, we fight for the resources you need to recover, rebuild, and secure your future after such a life-altering event.
Contact our Kansas bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation to share your story. If your personal injury case qualifies, we’ll represent you on a contingency basis, ensuring everyone can access caring and committed legal support, regardless of their financial situation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Kansas Bicycle Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities?
Depending on the specific circumstances, multiple parties may be held liable in Kansas bicycle accidents. Determining liability is critical to building a solid case and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the parties that may be held responsible:
- Negligent Drivers
Drivers who engage in reckless or negligent behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to yield, may be held liable for causing an accident with a bicyclist.
- Vehicle Owners
If the at-fault driver was using a vehicle owned by someone else, the vehicle owner might share responsibility, especially if they knowingly allowed an unsafe or unlicensed driver to operate it.
- Bicycle or Vehicle Manufacturers
If a defect in the bicycle or another vehicle involved in the accident contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Common defects include faulty brakes, tires, or other equipment malfunctions.
- Property Owners
In cases where a bicycle accident is caused by hazardous conditions on private property, such as parking lots or driveways, the property owner may be liable for not addressing or warning of these hazards.
Each case is unique, and our Kansas bicycle accident and injury attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties. By holding the appropriate individuals and parties accountable, we aim to secure the total compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured or tragically lost their life to negligence, allow our personal injury lawyers in Kansas to guide you with the exceptional legal care and unwavering support you deserve, starting with a free consultation.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in Kansas Bicycle Accident Cases?
In Kansas bicycle accident cases, injured cyclists may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of their injuries.
Understanding these potential types of compensation is crucial to ensure you seek the total amount you deserve:
- Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the most immediate expense in bicycle accidents. Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical needs related to the accident if your injuries require long-term care or surgeries.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This includes past income and, in cases of severe injury, the future income you might lose due to diminished ability to work. If the accident permanently affects your ability to earn at the same level as before, you may receive compensation for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering
Beyond tangible costs, bicycle accidents can result in physical pain and emotional suffering, which are eligible for compensation. Kansas allows injured parties to pursue damages for the mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that often follow serious injuries. Pain and suffering damages can be complex to calculate, as they don’t have a set dollar amount and are usually based on the extent and nature of the injury.
- Other Miscellaneous Expenses
Severe injuries sometimes result in extra costs, such as needing transportation for medical appointments, home modifications, or in-home care. These expenses can also be compensated.
Navigating a bicycle accident claim in Kansas can be challenging, mainly when calculating and pursuing all the compensation you deserve. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys can assess your case, identify all the possible damages, and fight to maximize your compensation. We work with medical experts, financial professionals, and investigators to build a compelling case and handle negotiations with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Whether through settlement or litigation, we aim to secure fair and comprehensive compensation for you, starting with a free consultation.
What If the Driver Was Uninsured, Underinsured, or Left the Scene of a Kansas Bicycle Crash?
Under Kansas law, one type of insurance required in every auto policy is Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist coverage, also known as UM / UIM coverage. The required minimums are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Both the driver and passengers are covered. Many drivers choose to have higher coverage amounts for UM / UIM because of the risks of being injured by an at-fault driver with no or inadequate insurance.
UM / UIM coverage in your policy applies when the driver who caused an accident has inadequate or insufficient liability insurance to compensate you fully. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 8% of Kansas drivers are uninsured, making this coverage essential for multiple reasons. However, recovering under your own policy requires you to file a separate claim with your company to get reimbursement.
This is also true when the at-fault driver flees the scene. Your UM coverage can substitute for their missing insurance. However, in hit-and-run cases, proving the details of the accident can be complex and may require evidence, such as police reports or witness testimonies, to substantiate your claim.
Insurance adjusters often scrutinize claims and may delay, underpay, or even deny valid claims. Understanding their tactics and negotiating for fair compensation requires a thorough knowledge of insurance law and policy details. This is why we are here.
Our experienced attorneys are skilled in handling uninsured and hit-and-run bicycle accident claims in Kansas. We understand the complexities involved and are equipped to negotiate assertively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. From gathering evidence to building a solid claim, our team is committed to guiding you through each step, protecting your rights, and ensuring you receive the coverage you’re entitled to. Let us help you navigate the process so you can focus on recovery.
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Contact Our Skilled Bicycle Accident and Injury Attorneys in Kansas
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Kansas bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Contact our experienced Kansas personal injury team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us now at (913)-934-6333 or contact us online to get started—your recovery begins here.