Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Independence

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Independence, Missouri?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Independence Police Department is 816-325-7300.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Independence, Missouri?

  You can get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case by submitting a written request form to the Independence Custodian of Records in the City Clerk's Office.

• What rights do bicyclists have on Independence roads?

  Bicyclists in and around the Independence area have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the road, namely that they should follow local and state road safety laws. Generally, bicyclists also have the right-of-way at most roadways and intersections and must use paths made specifically to accommodate bicycles instead of roadways when available.

• Can your compensation claim for a bicycle accident be diminished in Independence?

  In Independence, compensation for bicycle accident compensation claims can be diminished by your comparative negligence. State laws provide that if courts find you partially responsible for the accident you are seeking compensation for, they may reduce your compensation by a percentage amount equal to your fault, as found by the court.

• What additional damages can you recover from bicycle accident cases in Independence besides economic and non-economic damages?

  In some cases, an Independence court may deem the actions of the liable parties extremely negligent and may declare punitive damages on top of economic and non-economic damages. An example of behavior courts may find require punitive damages is drunk driving. Generally, punitive damages can never exceed five times the net judgment awarded to the victim.

• What are common aggressive tactics insurance companies use to mitigate your bicycle accident claim in Independence?

  In Independence, insurance companies may use aggressive tactics such as asking you to sign claim release forms, requesting access to unrelated medical records, and contacting you to make a recorded statement regarding the accident and your health. These tactics are mainly used to gather evidence that your claim is worth less than the initial estimate or to coerce you into accepting lower settlements.

• In Independence, what kinds of insurance can cover your expenses related to a bicycle accident?

  Mainly, health insurance policies you have can cover the medical expenses related to your bicycle accident, such as emergency care and rehabilitation costs. Any automobile or underinsured motorist insurance you have may also apply, depending on the stipulations of your policy and if it has personal injury protection coverage that applies to your situation.