Columbia, MO Bicycle Accident Attorney

Helping Injured Cyclists Across Mid-Missouri

Bicycling is a popular and enjoyable form of exercise, recreation, and transportation. Unfortunately, bicyclists are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries in the event they’re involved in a car accident or truck crash.

In such cases, the negligence of a car or truck operator is often the cause of the accident and the cyclist’s injuries. If that’s the case, the bicyclist may be able to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Columbia bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help you hold those responsible for your bike accident and injuries accountable. We can help you navigate the legal process, and we know how to effectively negotiate a settlement or argue your case in court. Most importantly, our legal team knows how to help you secure the maximum compensation you need to recover from your injuries and get your life back on track.

To get started, give us a call at (888) 287-1046 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Columbia, MO.

Missouri Bicycle Laws

In Missouri, bicycles are legally considered vehicles, which means that cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Cyclists are expected to obey all traffic signals, signs, and roadway markings. They must ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it. When riding on the road, cyclists should stay as far to the right as is safe and practicable, except when making a left turn, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle.

Missouri does not have a statewide law requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, but some cities and counties have their own helmet laws—especially for minors. While helmets aren't legally required everywhere, wearing one is highly recommended for safety. Cyclists riding at night must equip their bicycles with a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector or light visible from 600 feet. These lighting requirements help ensure cyclists are visible to others in low-light conditions.

Cyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks unless local ordinances specifically prohibit it. However, when riding on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, cyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. It's also important to note that Missouri law prohibits riding more than two abreast on the road unless on a designated bike path or lane.

Motorists also have responsibilities when sharing the road with cyclists. Missouri law requires drivers to pass cyclists at a safe distance—though the state does not define a specific distance like the “3-foot rule” found in many other states. Still, courts and law enforcement may interpret unsafe passing as negligent or reckless driving.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents involving negligent drivers are, unfortunately, all too common. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Failure to Yield Right of Way – Drivers often fail to yield to cyclists at intersections, especially when turning. This can lead to collisions when a cyclist is legally proceeding through the area.
• Distracted Driving – A distracted driver may not notice a cyclist on the road due to texting, eating, or using in-car devices. This lack of attention increases the risk of hitting a cyclist.
• Speeding – Drivers going over the speed limit have less time to react to cyclists and less control over their vehicles. This greatly increases the chance and severity of accidents involving bikes.
• Unsafe Lane Changes – When changing lanes, drivers may not properly check mirrors or blind spots. This can result in sideswiping or cutting off cyclists traveling in the same direction.
• Dooring – Dooring” occurs when someone opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path. Cyclists often have no time to avoid the collision, leading to serious injuries.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Alcohol or drugs impair a driver's vision, judgment, and reaction time. This makes it much harder to notice or safely pass cyclists on the road.
• Running Stop Signs or Red Lights – Drivers who ignore traffic signals may strike cyclists crossing intersections legally. Cyclists are especially vulnerable in these scenarios due to limited protection.
• Tailgating or Aggressive Driving – Aggressive drivers who follow cyclists too closely or drive aggressively can cause crashes or force cyclists off the road. This behavior is both reckless and dangerous.
• Not Checking Before Turning – Some drivers make turns without looking for cyclists approaching alongside them. This often results in “hook” collisions where the car turns directly into a cyclist’s path.
• Poor Visibility – Low-light conditions or weather can make cyclists harder to see. Drivers who don’t adjust their driving accordingly put cyclists at risk.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

In many cases, a bicycle accident is caused by a driver who fails to yield the right of way to the bicyclist. In these cases, the driver's failure to yield the right of way is considered negligence. In Missouri, a driver is required to yield the right of way to a bicyclist if the bicyclist is using a roadway in the same direction as traffic.

If the driver fails to yield the right of way, the driver may be liable for causing the accident and causing the bicyclist's injuries. If that’s the case, the victim may be able to recover damages for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash
• Bruises

What Should I Do if I'm Injured in a Bicycle Accident Due to Another Person or Entity's Negligence in Missouri?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person or entity’s negligence, it’s essential to know your rights and what actions to take. The following are a few tips for what you should do if you’re injured in a bicycle accident because of another person or entity’s negligence in Columbia, MO:

• Seek medical attention immediately – Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Adrenaline can mask the severity of injuries, and some medical conditions may not present themselves until later. Make sure you receive medical treatment and keep all the relevant medical documents and bills to present them as evidence later.
• Report the accident to the police and gather evidence – After seeking medical attention, the police should be called to the scene to document the accident. They will file an accident report that can be used for your claim later. Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, the damage to your bicycle, and the injuries you sustained. If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information and ask them for a written statement. All this information will be valuable evidence to support your claim.
• Consult with a personal injury attorney – A personal injury attorney is trained to handle situations like this. They’ll evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process of filing an injury claim. They’ll also help you negotiate with insurers and make sure your rights are protected. Personal injury lawyers also provide legal representation by communicating with insurance companies and defending your rights in court.
• Notify your insurance company – If you have insurance, notify your provider of the accident as soon as possible. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, your insurer needs to know about it. They’ll provide you with the necessary information on how to proceed with your claim. This notification will also help protect your rights and interests.
• Keep a record of everything – It's crucial to keep all documentation regarding the bicycle accident. This includes medical bills, medical reports, lost wage information, and expenses related to repairing or replacing your bicycle. A personal injury attorney can assist you in organizing and keeping track of these documents, providing another layer of protection should your case go to court.

Schedule a free consultation with our Columbia, MO bicycle accident lawyers by calling (888) 287-1046 or using our online contact form.