Bicyclist injured in crash on wet Olathe trail sues, says city didn’t maintain path
A bicyclist is suing the City of Olathe for $75,000 after crashing on a city trail, according to documents filed in Johnson County District Court earlier this month.
According to court documents, Joyce Coker-Dreier was riding her bike along Meadow Lane Trail in September 2021.
While riding, Coker-Dreier said she encountered a stretch of wet payment. Even after slowing down, she said her bike fell immediately because “the City allowed algae, mud, and/or other substances to accumulate” on the concrete, making it “extremely slick,” the documents allege.
Emergency medical services were called to the scene and transported her in an ambulance to an emergency room. The crash caused Coker-Dreier to seek medical treatment for her ankle, leg, hip, pelvis and head, though she was wearing a helmet.
After her release from the emergency room, Coker-Dreier sought additional medical treatment, and, according to court documents, continues to seek medical treatment for “permanent and progressive” injuries.
Coker-Dreier said she still experiences pain and immobility as a result of the accident.
The sum of the requested amount covers past and future medical expenses, some of which are not yet known, the documents say. The extent of current medical treatments isn’t specified in the documents.
Coker-Dreier, represented by attorneys Patrick Bottaro and Jackson Wagner, is claiming the city is liable because it failed to keep the area clear of mud and algae for riders, despite its responsibility to maintain safe trails. The documents also allege that Olathe either had knowledge of the trail’s condition, or it should have known, and the accident would not have happened had it not been for the city’s failure to maintain Meadow Lane Trail.
The trail is one of nearly 40 trails the city maintains. Meadow Lane Trail is 2.3 mile long asphalt trail and snakes past Prairie Trail Middle School, Meadow Lane Elementary School, and College Boulevard Activity Center.
The court documents filed on behalf of Coker-Dreier state that by the city’s acts and omissions, it caused her injuries because the trail was reasonably unsafe due to its slickness.
Coker-Dreier is suing Olathe on four counts of liability and negligence-related claims. She is asking for a trial by jury.
The City of Olathe said it could not comment on ongoing litigation. Coker-Dreier and her representation could not be reached for comment.