Springfield, MO Pedestrian & Bicyclist Accident Attorneys
Representing Injured Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable to traffic-related injuries. Each year, tens of thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists are injured in motor vehicle accidents across the United States. Despite efforts to make cities more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, thousands of people are killed in preventable roadway crashes. Understanding the risks these individuals face is crucial in advocating for their safety and rights.
The partners at Bishop & Hayes P.C. have half a century of combined experience assisting traffic accident victims. Auto accident recovery is our sole area of practice, so we fully focus our skills, knowledge, and resources on this area of law. By focusing exclusively on this field, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Springfield stay up-to-date with the latest legislative changes and safety innovations that could impact pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Injured while walking or biking in Springfield? Our pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (417) 785-3410 or contact Bishop & Hayes P.C. online to schedule a consultation today.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 5,000 pedestrians and 800 bicyclists are killed in traffic accidents each year. This highlights the continual need for awareness and infrastructure improvements to safeguard these road users.
The most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates:
- From 2017-2018, there was a 3.4% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents (6,283 in 2018 compared to 6,075 in 2017).
- On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident every 84 minutes.
- 17% of all traffic-related pedestrian fatalities were children aged 14 and younger.
- Almost 1 in 5 fatal pedestrian accidents involved a hit-and-run driver.
- Alcohol involvement was reported in 37% of all fatal bicyclist crashes in 2018.
- 857 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018, accounting for 2.3% of all traffic fatalities.
Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities account for 16% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the country. An additional 65,000 pedestrians and 48,000 suffer injuries as a result of roadway crashes. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to climb. Efforts by organizations and local governments to implement safer road designs and increase public awareness campaigns are crucial in addressing these trends.
Understanding Missouri's Pedestrian and Bicycle Laws
In Missouri, laws regarding pedestrian and bicyclist safety are designed to protect individuals sharing roadways with vehicles. Cyclists are generally expected to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable and must use appropriate hand signals when turning. Pedestrians should always use sidewalks where available.
Failure to comply with these legal standards can impact liability and compensation. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we provide guidance through these legal intricacies to ensure you are fully aware of your rights and obligations. Understanding these laws enhances not only safety but also your standing in seeking rightful compensation if injured.
Missouri law also addresses how drivers must behave around vulnerable road users, including yielding to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and giving adequate space when passing bicyclists. When a collision occurs on busy corridors, like the Kansas Expressway or near school zones in Springfield, investigators and insurers will often examine whether each person followed these rules. Working with a bicycle accident attorney can help you understand how these statutes apply to your situation and how any disputed details might affect the outcome of your claim.
Insurance Coverage Matters Affecting Injured Pedestrians in Springfield
Pedestrians are the most likely victims to sustain severe injuries in a traffic crash. They are also the most likely to have trouble with insurance coverage issues. Determining the insurance implications can be complex, but understanding your rights helps ensure that you receive appropriate compensation.
Pedestrians injured in traffic accidents often ask:
- Which insurance policies apply?
- What happens if the driver fled?
- Who will pay for my injuries?
- How do I get medical treatment?
- What compensation are you entitled to under each policy?
- What if I can’t afford the treatment I need?
Many injured pedestrians are surprised to learn that their own auto insurance, or the coverage of a family member they live with, may provide benefits even if they were walking at the time of the crash. Policies such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and health insurance can layer together to address hospital bills from facilities in and around Springfield. Our pedestrian accident lawyer can review all available policies, explain what each one may cover, and help you avoid common mistakes that lead to denied claims.
At Bishop & Hayes P.C., our team can help determine the answers and get you the help you need. Our experienced pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers will give your case the attention it deserves. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining high settlements and trial verdicts.
OUR VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
MORE THAN $100,000,000 RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
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$1.5 Million Auto Accident Rollover
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$1.1 Million Motorcycle Accident
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$1 Million Semi-Truck Accident
The Keys to our success
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Exclusive Focus on Auto Accident Recovery Law
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Over $100,000,000 Total Recovered for Our Clients
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50 Years of Combined Experience in Car Crash Recovery
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Same-Day Returned Phone Calls and Emails from Our Clients
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Partners Who Handle Your Claim from Consultation to Recovery
Traffic-Related Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries
Pedestrians and bicyclists do not stand a chance when hit by a motor vehicle. In virtually every case, serious injuries occur. One in seven pedestrian traffic accidents results in death. The reasons for the high fatality rate are obvious: a midsize sedan weighs an average of two tons, and an SUV may be as heavy as three tons. Cyclists and pedestrians need robust representation to navigate these challenges effectively.
Common injuries in Springfield pedestrian and bicycle accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Bone fractures
- Back injuries
- Facial and hand lacerations
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ injuries
- Wrongful death
Even a vehicle traveling at relatively low speeds through a residential neighborhood or downtown will hit a pedestrian with enormous force, likely resulting in serious injury. A vehicle traveling at over 30 mph that collides with a pedestrian or cyclist overwhelmingly results in catastrophic injury or death. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at an extreme disadvantage since they have little or no protection to absorb or deflect the crash. Our goal is to help ensure that every victim has access to the medical care and legal support necessary for recovery.
How Our Firm Handles Bicycle And Pedestrian Claims in Springfield
After a bicycle or pedestrian accident, having a clear understanding of the legal process can make a significant difference as your case moves forward:
- Initial Case Review: When you come to us after a crash, we start by listening carefully to what happened and how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
- Information Gathering: Key information is collected, including the location of the collision, emergency response records, and where treatment was received in the Springfield area to identify urgent legal and medical needs.
- Case Strategy Development: A plan is created to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and handle communication with insurance companies so you are not facing these challenges alone.
- Comprehensive Investigation: The process includes reviewing police reports, communicating with witnesses, and working with medical providers to understand the full extent of your injuries.
- Claim Preparation and Negotiation: Your claim is prepared and presented to the appropriate insurer, with a focus on securing compensation for both current and future losses, such as ongoing therapy or time away from work.
- Litigation Options: If fair compensation is not offered, a pedestrian accident lawyer can discuss filing a lawsuit in Greene County or another appropriate Missouri court and explain what that process involves.
Working with our Springfield pedestrian and bicyclist accident attorneys can help ensure that each step is handled with care and attention to detail. With a clear understanding of the process, you can make informed decisions about settlement offers and whether pursuing litigation is in your best interest.
Local Springfield Bicycling and Walking Safety Tips
Springfield offers numerous trails and roads open to bicycles and pedestrians, but safety should always be a priority.
- Cyclists are advised to wear helmets, use visible clothing, and obey local traffic laws.
- Pedestrians should remain alert, use crosswalks, and avoid distractions like smartphones while crossing streets.
Understanding and following these safety guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
The city continually improves its infrastructure to accommodate and protect non-vehicular traffic, enhancing paths and walkways. Community engagement initiatives, hosted by local safety organizations, also aim to educate the public on the importance of attentiveness and sharing roadways responsibly. By participating in these programs, Springfield residents can contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
Knowing how to report dangerous conditions, such as malfunctioning traffic signals or obstructed sightlines at crosswalks, can help city officials target improvements in areas where pedestrians and cyclists are frequently hurt. If you have already been injured, discussing the circumstances with a bicycle accident lawyer in Springfield can clarify whether a negligent driver, a property owner, or another party may share responsibility.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving a Hit-and-Run Driver
After a hit-and-run accident, understanding your financial and legal options is essential to protecting your recovery and avoiding unexpected expenses:
- Uninsured Driver Classification: A hit-and-run driver is treated as uninsured for purposes of damage recovery, even if the driver is later identified but lacks insurance or sufficient assets.
- Insurance Coverage Options: In most cases, compensation is pursued through your own insurance policy. If the driver fled the scene, uninsured motorist coverage typically applies.
- Protecting Your Financial Recovery: Understanding these coverage options is critical to ensure you are not left without compensation after such a traumatic event.
- Insurance Negotiation Process: While negotiating with the insurance company, legal representation also handles communications to pursue a fair settlement.
- Medical Bill Management: Coordination with hospitals and treating doctors allows for potential reduction of medical bills, helping prevent your recovery from being consumed by healthcare costs.
- Reducing Financial Burdens: A proactive approach includes working directly with medical providers to minimize debt and align expenses with the outcome of your claim.
With the right strategy in place, it is possible to pursue compensation while also managing medical expenses, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than financial stress.
Hear from our clients
WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
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“They are really good people very friendly and helpful!”- Jimmy C.
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“Mr. Bishop was always available to answer my questions and he took care of everything”- Cathy B.
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“Great professional team!”- Terry W.
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“Tim and his staff are wonderful to work with!”- John B.
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“I give this Firm 5 stars on all levels!”- Gene M.
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“If you need an attorney that is going to look out for your needs give them a call first.”- Jen F.
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“Two times now we have needed them.”- Kasandra S.
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“There aren't enough words to say how much I appreciate my first meeting with Tim Hayes!!”- Jeanette B.
Recover Compensation After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Springfield
You have a right to walk, run, skate, and bicycle on the roads of Missouri, and you should be able to cross the street safely. Motorists present the largest hazards to cyclists and pedestrians. Bishop & Hayes P.C. can help you recover compensation from the negligent driver who injured you or a loved one. Addressing liability and damages effectively includes assisting clients through the often-daunting legal landscape.
If you were a bicyclist or pedestrian struck by a motorist, contact us today to learn more about filing a claim. Your first consultation is free, and we handle your claim on a contingency basis. This promise of no upfront costs underscores our dedication to aiding those impacted by roadway incidents.
You pay no fees unless we win. Contact our office at (417) 785-3410 to speak with our Springfield pedestrian and bicyclist accident attorney.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
Immediately after an accident, ensure that you and others involved are safe from further harm. If possible, move to the side of the road. Call emergency services for medical help and to report the accident. Document the scene with photos and gather witness contacts if possible. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial, even if injuries seem minor initially.
If your crash happened in Springfield, you should also consider where your follow-up care will occur, such as local facilities like CoxHealth or Mercy Hospital, and keep all records and bills organized from the beginning. When you are able, notify your insurance company, but avoid providing detailed recorded statements until you have spoken with counsel. Early guidance from a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that might weaken your claim or reduce the compensation available to you.
How Can I Support My Claim for a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?
Supporting your claim involves collecting comprehensive evidence. Gather details such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Photographs of injuries and the accident scene can be invaluable. Consulting with a legal professional at Bishop & Hayes P.C. ensures these elements are effectively used to bolster your claim for compensation.
We also encourage you to keep a detailed journal describing your pain levels, limitations, and how the incident has affected your work and daily life, as this can document non-economic damages. In cases arising from collisions on roadways like Glenstone Avenue, Sunshine Street, or near downtown Springfield, nearby businesses may have surveillance footage that needs to be requested quickly before it is lost.
Do Bicyclists Have the Same Rights as Motorists on the Road?
Yes, bicyclists generally share the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on Missouri roads. This includes obeying traffic laws and signaling turns. Both cyclists and drivers are required to respect each other's space and safety, which is vital in minimizing the risk of accidents. Being aware of this equality helps reinforce safer road-sharing practices.
When a driver fails to yield, dangerously speeds, or opens a door into a bicyclist's path, that driver can be held accountable just as if they had injured another motorist. Likewise, cyclists who follow the rules of the road are often in a stronger position when a claim is evaluated by an insurance adjuster or, if necessary, a jury in Greene County Circuit Court.
