Tragic Lee’s Summit Bicycle Accident Highlights Dangers for Cyclist

A recent news report confirmed that a bicyclist in Lee’s Summit was struck by a garbage (dump) truck and is now fighting for his life. Our hearts go out to the victim, their family, and the community during this difficult time. This tragic incident underscores the grave risks cyclists face when sharing roads with large vehicles—and the importance of knowing your rights.

Missouri Bicyclist Legal Rights — What You Need to Know

In Missouri, bicyclists generally enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on the roadway, subject to applicable traffic laws. Some key legal principles include:

• Right to the road / lane usage: Cyclists may use public streets and lanes and in some cases may occupy the full lane when necessary for safety.

• Duty of motorists to yield: Drivers must yield to cyclists in certain situations (e.g. when turning, merging, or crossing).

• Comparative negligence: Missouri follows a comparative fault standard (51% bar). If a bicyclist is found partially at fault (less than 51%), they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault.

• Compensation for damages: Injured cyclists may pursue claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering, property damage, and other losses.

• Statute of limitations: In Missouri, a personal injury claim generally must be filed within five years from the date of the accident (though shorter deadlines may apply in certain circumstances).

Knowing your rights is the first step toward holding negligent parties accountable and securing fair compensation after a crash.

Why Bicycle–Truck Collisions Often Turn Deadly

Large trucks pose unique hazards to cyclists. Some of the most common causes of severe bicycle accidents involving trucks include:

1. Blind spots / side-underride zones
   Trucks have large blind spots (especially on the right side), creating dangerous “no-zones” where a cyclist may be invisible to the driver.

2. Failure to yield or improper turning
   Trucks often turn right or left across bike lanes or cyclist paths. If the driver fails to yield or misjudges the cyclist’s speed, a collision can occur.

3. Wide turns / swing-outs
   Trucks may swing wide through an intersection, encroaching on the path of cyclists who attempt to pass on the right.

4. Merging / lane changes without warning
   Abrupt lane changes or merging maneuvers can collide with cyclists in adjacent lanes.

5. Poor visibility or road conditions
   Low light, weather conditions, or debris can further degrade a driver’s ability to spot a bike in time.

Because of their size and momentum, trucks can produce catastrophic injuries even in low-speed impacts. That’s why it’s critical to examine truck driver logs, maintenance records, and visibility engineering in these cases.

Step-By-Step Guide: What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you or a loved one is ever involved in a bicycle crash, following these steps can protect your health and legal rights:

Why You Need Experienced Legal Help

Claiming compensation in a bicycle-truck collision is complex: trucking companies have teams of legal and insurance experts. They may try to shift blame to the cyclist or dispute severity of injuries. An experienced injury attorney can:

• Investigate trucking logs, driver history, and maintenance records

• Consult accident reconstruction and engineering experts

• Handle negotiations and, if needed, litigate aggressively

• Ensure your full damages (past, future, non-economic) are pursued

If You or Loved One Has Been Injured — Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Missouri—especially one involving a large truck—don’t wait. Time limits may apply, and evidence can disappear. Contact Northland Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.