Bicycle Accident Attorney in Manhattan, Kansas

Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries and complicated legal battles, especially when traveling the roads in Kansas. According to the CDC, there are 39.5 million personal injury cases requiring medical treatment in the U.S. every year. 

At the Oleen Law Firm in Manhattan, Kansas, our attorneys are there for you when you've been involved in a bicycle accident, so you can focus on healing rather than the legalities of your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Kansas

Bicycle accidents often result from the negligence of motorists who fail to share the road or don’t give cyclists the required space. Common causes include distracted driving, failing to yield, speeding, and unsafe lane changes. 

In some cases, drivers may not see cyclists due to poor visibility or blind spots, leading to dangerous collisions. Other contributing factors include road hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris. 

Cyclists must also travel through dangerous intersections where right-of-way disputes or illegal turns frequently cause accidents. Understanding these common causes can help cyclists stay vigilant, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk.

Kansas Bicycle Laws: What You Need to Know

Kansas has specific laws in place to protect cyclists and promote road safety. Here’s what you should know about these laws: 

• Bicycles are considered vehicles: Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including obeying traffic signals and stop signs.

• Ride on the right: Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazards.

• Three-foot passing rule: Motorists must maintain at least three feet of distance when passing a cyclist on the road.

• Helmet use: While Kansas doesn’t have a statewide helmet law for cyclists, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for safety.

• Night visibility: Cyclists must use a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night to increase visibility.

• Riding on sidewalks: Local ordinances vary, but cyclists may be restricted from riding on sidewalks in certain areas, especially business districts.

Knowing these laws is essential for cyclists to protect their rights in case of an accident, but enforcement isn’t always straightforward.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, primarily because cyclists have little protection compared to occupants of motor vehicles. 

Here are some of the most about commonly sustained injuries in bicycle accidents:

• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are common, even when cyclists wear helmets, due to the lack of protection from vehicle impacts.

• Fractures and broken bones: Cyclists frequently suffer fractures in the arms, legs, collarbones, or ribs when they fall or collide with a vehicle.

• Spinal injuries: Severe impacts can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in temporary or permanent paralysis.

• Road rash: Scrapes, cuts, and abrasions from skidding across pavement are common, especially when cyclists fall from their bikes.

• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest during an accident can cause damage to internal organs, which may require emergency medical treatment.

• Facial injuries: Cyclists are at risk of facial lacerations, dental injuries, and eye trauma in collisions or falls.

The severity of these injuries often leads to extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and high costs. In some cases, cyclists may be left with permanent disabilities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, seeking legal advice can help you receive the compensation needed to cover medical bills and other related expenses.

Why Fault Matters in Bicycle Accident Cases

Determining fault is a critical part of any personal injury case, as Kansas operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that both parties in an accident can share responsibility. For example, if a motorist is found 80% at fault and the cyclist 20% at fault, the cyclist's compensation would be reduced by 20%.

This system makes it vital to accurately assess and prove fault. A personal injury lawyer may help investigate the details of the accident, gather evidence, and confirm that fault is assigned appropriately. 

Without legal representation, you risk being unfairly blamed, which could significantly reduce your compensation.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident

After a bicycle accident, it’s common to deal with insurance companies—whether it’s your own or the motorist’s insurer. 

However, insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover your full expenses. They may also try to shift blame onto the cyclist to minimize the payout.

Having a lawyer on your side may help you handle these negotiations. A lawyer will understand how to deal with insurance companies and may counter them effectively. 

Without adequate legal experience and know-how, you may find it difficult to stand up to the insurance companies.

The Role of a Lawyer in Investigating Bicycle Accidents

Investigating a bicycle accident often involves collecting various forms of evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. 

In some cases, accident reconstruction professionals may be necessary to determine how the accident occurred and who's at fault.

We may manage this investigation on your behalf, helping to make sure that all relevant evidence is gathered and analyzed. We work to make sure that every angle of the accident is covered. This thorough approach is crucial for your personal injury case.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This includes coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any long-term care expenses if your injuries are severe. 

Compensation may also cover pain and suffering, which takes into account the emotional and physical toll the accident has had on your life.

In cases where the accident resulted in a fatality, the family of the cyclist may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of compensation may help cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact on the family. 

How a Lawyer Can Help You Meet Legal Deadlines

By consulting Oleen Law Firm, you may stand a better chance of meeting critical legal deadlines and filing within the statute of limitations. 

In Kansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Failing to file a claim within this two-year period typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation for your injuries.

In rare cases, exceptions may extend or shorten the deadline, such as if the injured party is a minor or if government entities are involved, which may require faster filing.

It's crucial to consult a lawyer soon after the accident to verify that all paperwork is filed on time and that no deadlines are missed.

We’ll help to make sure that all deadlines are met, from filing claims to submitting documentation. We may also guide you through the legal process, helping to make sure that you take the right steps at the right time. This may alleviate much of the stress that comes with working through the aftermath of an accident.