Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in St. Louis 

Common Causes of Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

Because bikers and pedestrians are so much smaller than anything else on the road, they may be easy to miss or hidden from view by other vehicles. Despite rules urging drivers to share the road and give pedestrians the right-of-way, some motorists don’t follow them or simply forget to look. People on foot or on a bike are not able to move out of the way as quickly as other vehicles, so one small misstep can cause an accident.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are often injured in incidents where:

• A motorist fails to yield the right-of-way
• A driver makes a turn into their path
• A motorist does not give enough room when passing someone in the shoulder/on the side of the road
• A motorist turning into the street intersects their path
• They do not make it across the intersection before the light turns red
• A car stops to yield right-of-way, but blocks another driver’s view of it

When you’re on foot or riding a bike, you can help protect your safety by stopping to look both ways when you reach an intersection. However, because motor vehicles move so much faster than pedestrians or bikers, they often create situations where the accident victim is trapped and cannot escape.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for a Bike or Pedestrian Accident?

Bikers and pedestrians often, sadly, face serious injuries that require intense treatment. While you are recovering, insurers may try to rush you through to a settlement before you discover the full impact of the accident. Many people in this situation have never been in an accident before, so they don’t even know how to negotiate with pushy insurance adjusters. Trying to figure everything out while getting the treatment and rest you need can be difficult. 

When you work with our attorneys, we can take on the hard work of proving your case and negotiating with your insurer. Our team is skilled when it comes to:

• Investigating accidents
• Challenging insurers’ arguments
• Using evidence to prove your case
• Negotiating settlements based on your actual needs
• Litigating cases

Knowing you have an ally fighting for you will help take some of the stress off your shoulders. When you work with Meyerkord Law Group, you can be assured that we will do whatever is needed to pursue your case. If an insurer won’t settle, we can passionately argue your case in court.

Our team has helped accident victims receive hundreds of thousands more than they were originally offered. Each case is different—but before you talk to an insurer, come speak to our team. An attorney will sit down with you to review your case and offer honest and straightforward guidance. You can call at any time of the day or night if you need help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Every state has a deadline, called a statute of limitations, that controls how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. In Missouri and Illinois, those deadlines can vary based on factors like the type of claim and whether a government entity is involved. Because missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash so they can review the dates and advise you on timing.

Do I Have a Case If the Driver Says I Was Partly at Fault?

It is common for drivers and insurers to argue that a cyclist or pedestrian was not paying attention or did not follow all traffic rules. However, you may still have a claim even if you share some responsibility for what happened. Both Missouri and Illinois allow recovery in many situations where fault is divided, and a careful investigation can reveal whether the driver violated important safety rules that contributed to the collision.

Will I Have To Go to Court for My Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident Case?

Many injury claims are resolved through settlement discussions without the need for a trial, especially when liability and damages are clear. However, some cases do end up in court when the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. In those situations, having a legal team that is prepared to present your case in front of a judge or jury in the appropriate St. Louis area court can make a meaningful difference.