Springfield, MO Pedestrian and 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.
The partners at Bishop & Hayes 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 exclusive area of law.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact our office to book a free consultation.
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 result 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.
Common injuries in pedestrian and bicycle accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Bone fractures
- Facial and hand lacerations
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- 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 overwhelming 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.
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.
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 injury as a result of roadway crashes. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to climb.
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
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$500,000 Semi-Truck Failure to Secure Load
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$400,000 Uninsured Motorist Red Light Accident
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$350,000 Semi-Truck Head-On Collision
The Keys to our success
Insurance Coverage Matters Affecting Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrians are the most likely victim to sustain severe injuries in a traffic crash. They are also the most likely to have trouble with insurance coverage issues.
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?
At Bishop & Hayes, we 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. When you are hurt, you need experience you can trust.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving a Hit-and-Run Driver
A hit-and-run driver is treated as uninsured for purposes of damages recovery. Even if the driver is caught, he or she may have no insurance or assets. In most cases, we turn to your insurance policy for compensation. If the driver fled the scene, your uninsured motorist coverage kicks in.
While negotiating with the insurance company, our lawyers also deal with the hospital and doctors who treated you after the accident. We can often reduce medical bills so the compensation you recover from the insurance company or in a civil lawsuit does not all go toward medical bills, and you are not saddled with debt because of the accident.
Hear from our clients
WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
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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.
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“Professional, caring, answered every question, staff very understanding, and they made it easier going thru an accident.”- Campbell C.
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“My husband, family and I are very grateful for the compassion and the help in navigating all the parts.”- Renee T.
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“They made it so easy! Super friendly staff and beautiful office!”- Allie E.
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“They guided me through a confusing time and went above and beyond to help me.”- Bailey D.
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“Their service, communication and professionalism, that's what makes them great!”- Vlad L.
Recover Compensation After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
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 can help you recover compensation from the negligent driver who injured you or a loved one.
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.
You pay no fees unless we win. Contact our office at (417) 785-3410 to speak with a partner at the firm.