Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in St. Louis

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the St. Louis Police Department is 314-231-1212.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a St. Louis police report at https://pd-stlouismo.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(bev1gaw5efoogahzosvlpoze))/SupportHome.aspx.

• Where do most bicycle accidents happen in St. Louis?

  According to reports, about 44% of all bike crashes in St. Louis occurred on the following streets:

  • Broadway Blvd
  • Kingshighway Blvd
  • Grand Ave
  • Forest Park Ave
  • Vandeventer Ave
  • Newstead Ave
  • Manchester Ave
  • Tower Grove Ave
  • Euclid Ave

  When traversing these areas, be sure to exercise extra caution to avoid accidents.

• Are you required to wear a helmet while riding your bicycle in St. Louis?

  It depends on your age. According to state laws, it is unlawful to operate your bicycle without a helmet if you’re under 17. Regardless of how old you are, though, it is always a good idea to wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) when riding your bicycle.

• Will you still be able to recover compensation if you’re being blamed for your bicycle accident in St. Louis?

  As long as you are not totally responsible for your bicycle crash, you may be eligible to pursue damages since St. Louis follows Missouri’s pure comparative negligence rule. Under this system, you can still recover compensation even if you’re up to 99% responsible for your accident. However, your financial award or settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

• Can you seek punitive damages in your St. Louis bicycle accident claim?

  Yes, but only on rare occasions. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not available to all bicycle accident victims in St. Louis. They will only be awarded to you if the defendant in your case is proven to have exhibited grossly negligent behavior with little to no regard for others’ safety. Ultimately, punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for their actions and deter others from engaging in the same conduct.

• How long do you have to take legal action after getting hurt in a St. Louis bicycle accident?

  You typically have a maximum of two years from the date of your bicycle accident in St. Louis to pursue a legal claim. The deadline is even shorter if you are holding the state or local municipality responsible for your injuries. It would be best to seek the advice of an experienced bicycle attorney immediately after your accident. Once the deadline passes and you failed to bring your claim, you may be barred from recovering any damages.