Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Kansas City

Kansas Bicycle Laws That May Affect Your Claim

Bicyclists must ride on the right-hand side of the road, following the flow of traffic. They should use designated bike lanes when available. Cyclists are also required to obey traffic signals and signs, including stop signs, traffic lights, and yield signs.

Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. A left arm extended straight indicates a left turn; a left arm extended horizontally indicates a right turn; and a left arm extended downward indicates a stop.

Bicycles must be equipped with a front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector or lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 300 feet.

Motorists must give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. There is no statewide law in Missouri requiring adults to wear helmets while riding bicycles.

Do Bicyclists Have the Right-of-Way?

Bicyclists in the Kansas City area, do not always have the right-of-way. Bicyclists on public streets and highways have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators, meaning they must follow the same traffic rules. This includes yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. Knowing the right-of-way rules for bicyclists is crucial when you’re riding your bike and when evaluating liability for a bicycle accident.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, with the majority stemming from the negligence of motorists, not bicyclists. Our legal team has the resources and experience to handle all types of bicycle accident cases, including those that require litigation. We are committed to seeking justice for local bicyclists who have been unfairly injured due to others' carelessness or recklessness.

Common causes of bicycle accidents are:

• Driver inattention: Driver inattention is a leading cause of bicycle accidents in Kansas City and many other cities across the country. Many drivers fail to notice bicyclists on the road, particularly when they are distracted by mobile devices or other activities while driving.
• Driver recklessness: A driver who is operating their vehicle recklessly, or at high speeds, poses a significant risk to bicyclists. The higher the speed, the less time a driver has to react to a bicyclist on the road.
• Driver refusal to share the road: Some drivers do not respect the rights of bicyclists to share the road. This refusal can lead to dangerous situations where bicyclists are squeezed into tight spaces or forced off the road entirely.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or eating may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road with them.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and ability to stop suddenly, increasing the likelihood of a collision with a cyclist.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause accidents, including those involving cyclists, due to impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times.
• Failure to Yield: One of the most common causes is when motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, especially at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns.
• Dooring: This occurs when a motorist parked on the side of the road opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. It can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
• Unsafe Passing: Motorists may attempt to pass cyclists without providing sufficient space, leading to sideswiping or forcing the cyclist off the road.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries, given the minimal protection that a bicycle provides against the force of a collision. The consequences of these accidents can be life-altering, leading to significant physical and emotional trauma. Our Kansas City bicycle accident lawyers can work closely with medical experts to fully comprehend the extent of our clients' injuries and any resulting permanent disabilities. This comprehensive understanding aids us in effectively advocating for the compensation our clients need to cover their medical expenses and other damages.

Six common injuries suffered by bicyclists in accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Facial and dental injuries
• Internal injuries
• Road rash