Tom Dickerson
Tom Dickerson is a trial attorney and co-founder of Dickerson Oxton, where he focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury litigation. Since launching the firm with Chelsea Oxton Dickerson in 2010, Tom has helped recover millions of dollars for injured clients through aggressive advocacy and courtroom experience. Known for his client-first approach, he is dedicated to standing up for individuals and families against insurance companies and large corporations.
While a bicycle can be an invaluable tool for many of us, unfortunately, the risk of danger and injury is much higher for cyclists than for other road users. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reports that in 2024, bicycle fatalities surged by 125% year-on-year, with Kansas City, St. Louis, and Southwest accounting for 70% of the incidents. Wearing a helmet is likely the single most important thing any cyclist can do to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), brain contusions, or other common injuries associated with bicycle accidents. In total, 18 cyclists – all male – died on Missouri roads in 2024, 10 of whom were not wearing helmets. Those who have suffered injuries as a result of a bicycle accident may need to consider seeing how a Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer at Dickerson Oxton (816) 542-6599 could help them explore potential legal options.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents usually have a handful of recurring root causes, and researchers have studied this extensively. Most bicycle accidents happen in urban areas, where there are more cyclists and motorists sharing the road. Kansas City has identified a “High Injury Network” of areas in the city where the most fatal, serious, and minor injury crashes are occurring, including those involving vehicle users and vulnerable road users (VRUs). The bicycle accident statistics show that VRUs, like pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility users, are being injured more than anyone. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number one cause of fatal bicycle accidents is motorists overtaking bicycles, primarily due to insufficient passing distances.
Many states have explicit laws on how much space a motorist should use when passing a cyclist, usually using three feet as a generally accepted safe distance. The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, however, states that motorists should “leave a safe distance when passing the bicycle, and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.” Missouri law, like many others, states that bicyclists should ride on the far right-hand side of the lane to make it easier for vehicles to pass. However, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), many cyclists feel that such laws make them vulnerable to being “doored” by a parked car or other roadside obstacles and debris.
Common Injuries Related to Bicycle Accidents
While many different types of Kansas City bicycle accident injuries can occur, the following are the most commonly seen.
- Head Injuries (Including TBIs) – Head injuries are the most frequent cause of death and severe disability in bicycle crashes. The CDC reports that bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) led to almost 600,000 emergency department visits from 2009 – 2018.
- Upper Extremity Injuries – Upper extremity injuries like fractures and dislocations of the arm, wrist, shoulder, and collarbone are very common.
- Facial Injuries – Facial injuries like dental injuries, jaw fractures, and facial lacerations occur frequently, particularly when helmets without face protection are used.
Immediately after a bicycle accident injury, Kansas City police should be called to the scene for an official report. The report is critical as it documents the driver’s information, location, and who may have been at fault. Photos of the scene, the car, the bike, and injuries could also prove to be critical in the event of pursuing legal action.
Reasons for Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most common reasons for bicycle accidents include:
- Motorist Fails to Yield – The single biggest contributor to serious crashes is a driver not yielding the right-of-way, especially at intersections. This includes drivers turning left across a cyclist’s path or pulling out from a side street or driveway without noticing the bike.
- Distracted Driving – Phone use, infotainment screens, and other distractions mean drivers often overlook cyclists until it’s too late. This is a growing factor in urban crash data.
- Cyclist Riding Against Traffic – Cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road dramatically increase crash risk, as drivers are not scanning for bikes coming from that direction.
Ultimately, wearing a helmet and other basic safety precautions may not prevent serious injuries if a cyclist collides with a motor vehicle. However, bicycle accident statistics show the key to surviving a road accident is to attempt to mitigate all risky behaviors and wear as much protection as possible.
Potential Legal Options After a Kansas City Bicycle Accident
Missouri is a fault state, meaning the driver’s auto insurance could be forced to pay if they were clearly negligent. If you have your own auto insurance, it is possible to use medical payments coverage (MedPay) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver had no insurance or insufficient limits. Missouri has a comparative fault rule, meaning that if the driver was 100% at fault, the victim could seek full damages. However, if the driver was only partly at fault (e.g., no lights at night), the compensation could be reduced by their percentage of fault.
If the driver was reckless, drunk, or fled the scene, prosecutors could bring criminal charges. That would not directly pay the victim, but a criminal conviction can strengthen a civil claim.
Other things to consider after a bicycle accident include:
- Medical costs (hospital, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (bike, helmet, gear)
All these factors, including the impact on Missouri bicycle laws, can be discussed with your Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer at Dickerson Oxton.
Learn How a Kansas City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Today
If you were involved in a bicycle accident in Kansas City, the level of potential compensation you are entitled to depends on the driver’s minimum insurance liability. Missouri law requires a minimum bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Missouri also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with similar limits for bodily injury (typically $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident) so that victims are protected if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims.
If you suffered injuries related to a bicycle accident, consider speaking with our legal team at Dickerson Oxton (816) 542-6599 to learn how a Kansas City bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure you receive justice for your injuries under the law.