Skip to content
The blame often starts with a question. “Were you in the bike lane?” “How fast were you going?” “Were you wearing bright enough clothing?” These questions are not about safety; they are a strategy.
They are designed to shift responsibility away from the driver who hit you and onto your shoulders. At Walner Law, our work begins by rejecting that narrative entirely.
A St. Louis, MO bicycle accident lawyer on our team fights to refocus the investigation on the only question that matters: Why wasn’t the driver paying attention?
Key takeaways
After a bicycle accident, you need a legal advocate who recognizes the unique biases and challenges cyclists face. Insurance companies may try to shift blame, and you need a team that can effectively counter these tactics.
Walner Law provides the focused experience and determined representation that injured cyclists in St. Louis deserve.
We are keenly aware of the arguments insurers use to deny claims from cyclists. They may unfairly suggest you were hard to see, broke a traffic rule, or were not in a designated bike lane.
We anticipate these defenses and build a case based on facts and Missouri law, highlighting the driver’s legal duty to operate their vehicle with caution around vulnerable road users.
The injuries from a bicycle crash are often severe and life-altering, from traumatic brain injuries to complex fractures. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving catastrophic harm. We work with medical experts and life care planners to document the full, long-term impact of your injuries to ensure your claim reflects your future needs.
Our primary goal is to secure the compensation you need to recover. We achieve this by conducting a meticulous investigation to prove the driver’s negligence. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present a compelling case that clearly shows how the driver’s careless actions directly caused your injuries.
We handle all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or a court verdict. This allows you to access top-tier legal help without any financial risk.
The foundation of a successful bicycle accident claim is proving that the motor vehicle driver was negligent. This means showing that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care and that this failure directly led to the crash and your injuries.
Every person operating a motor vehicle in Missouri has a legal duty to be aware of their surroundings. This includes looking out for smaller, more vulnerable road users like bicyclists. This duty is heightened in areas known for cyclist activity, such as near Tower Grove Park or on the city’s growing network of bike lanes.
Predictable and preventable driver errors cause many bicycle accidents. Our investigation identifies the careless action that led to your harm. A driver’s inattention or recklessness can manifest in several dangerous ways on St. Louis roads. Common examples of driver negligence include:
These actions are not simple mistakes; they breach the driver’s legal duty to operate their vehicle safely. Our team works to expose this negligence and connect it directly to your injuries.
We use these statutes to frame our legal arguments and demonstrate how the driver violated their responsibilities.
A bicycle accident’s physical, emotional, and financial costs can be overwhelming. A personal injury claim is the legal process for pursuing compensation to cover these extensive damages, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial ruin.
A strong claim is a well-documented one. The value is not based on guesswork but on tangible evidence of your losses. We help you gather and organize all the necessary paperwork, from initial emergency room bills to receipts for prescription medications and physical therapy co-pays.
The goal of a settlement or verdict is to make you whole again from a financial perspective. We pursue compensation for every aspect of your loss, including economic damages (direct financial costs) and non-economic damages (personal, intangible losses).
This can include recovery for medical bills, lost income, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Your medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim. They create a direct link between the accident and your injuries. It is vital to seek medical attention immediately after a crash and to attend all follow-up appointments.
This not only supports your physical recovery but also creates a clear, undeniable record for your case.
For severe injuries, the costs do not end when you leave the hospital. You may require future surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, or modifications to your home. We consult with medical and financial experts to project these future costs accurately, ensuring your compensation is sufficient to provide for your needs for years to come.
Without the protection of a vehicle, a cyclist’s body absorbs the full impact of a collision. This often results in catastrophic injuries that have a permanent impact on the victim’s life. In 2022, Missouri saw 11 bicyclist fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries.
Even with a helmet, a cyclist’s head is vulnerable. A TBI can range from a concussion with lingering symptoms to a severe injury causing permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and a complete loss of independence.
Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most devastating outcomes of a bicycle crash. It can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring a lifetime of medical care, assistive devices, and in-home support. The financial cost of these injuries can easily run into the millions of dollars.
The force of impact can easily shatter bones in the legs, arms, pelvis, and collarbone. These injuries often require complex surgeries, including the installation of plates, rods, and screws. Many victims face a long, painful recovery and may never regain full mobility.
While often considered a less severe injury, “road rash” can be incredibly painful. These deep abrasions can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and a high risk of infection if not treated properly. They can also involve significant damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
A successful claim requires a deep knowledge of the specific state laws that govern traffic, liability, and the rights of bicyclists. A St. Louis, MO bicycle accident lawyer uses these statutes to build your case and protect your rights.
Missouri sets a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under Missouri Revised Statute 516.120, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file. If you miss this deadline, you may be permanently barred from seeking compensation.
While wearing a helmet is always recommended for safety, Missouri does not have a universal helmet law for all cyclists. The other driver’s negligence is the cause of the crash, not your choice of headwear. The insurance company may try to use this against you, but it does not prevent you from having a valid claim.
Initially, your medical bills are your responsibility and are typically processed through your own health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, we can sometimes help you find medical providers who will treat you under a medical lien, which is paid back from your final settlement.
If a poorly maintained road, unmarked construction zone, or other hazard caused your crash, you might have a claim against a government entity or a private contractor. These cases have very different rules and shorter deadlines, so it is critical to contact an attorney immediately.
Yes. While bike lanes provide a dedicated space, cyclists have the right to use most public roads. A driver’s duty to see and avoid cyclists exists whether you are in a marked bike lane or not. The absence of a bike lane is not a defense for a driver’s negligence.
The path to recovery after a serious bicycle accident is long and difficult. You should not have to face it while also fighting an insurance company that is working against you. A St. Louis, MO bicycle accident lawyer at Walner Law can lift that burden from your shoulders.
We will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your health. Your initial consultation with us is free and carries no obligation. Let us listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain how we can fight for you.
Call Walner Law today at (312) 410-8496 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your confidential case review.
