Denver Bicycle Accident Attorneys

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Following these steps in an accident is crucial. These may include:

• Ensure Safety First: Move to a safe location if potential and check for injuries. Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
• Call Law Enforcement: Reporting the accident to the police is critical. An official accident report can serve as vital evidence when filing a claim.
• Gather Evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, underlying injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation will document your condition and link your injuries to the incident.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies could attempt to minimize your claim. It's best to avoid making statements or accepting settlements without consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process, collect evidence, and advocate for your rights.

What are Some Contributing Factors in Bicycle Accidents?

Driver behavior and actions are the number one contributor to bicycle accidents, according to a report by the Denver Department of Public Works. The overall goal of the report is to improve street safety throughout the city, especially for bicyclists, and it lists the following as the leading factors that contribute to car-bike accidents:

• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
• Careless Driving
• Disregarding a Stop Sign
• Failure to Stop at a Signal

Bicycle Accident Statistics 

According to the report, over 80 percent of crashes that occurred over a five-year period took place at an intersection. The impact of a vehicle, such as an SUV, against a bicyclist with limited protection, can result in numerous, and sometimes serious, injuries for Colorado bicyclists. 

Below are some relevant statistics regarding Colorado bicycle accidents, organized by accident type:

• Broadside with On-Street Bicyclist - 57 percent of 348 crashes resulted in injuries.
• Same Direction Crashes with On-Street Bicyclist - 57 percent of 167 crashes resulted in injuries.
• Left Hook with On-Street Bicyclists - 60 percent of 115 crashes resulted in injuries.

In addition to motorists, streets in poor repair are another contributing factor to bicycle crashes that result in injury. Unsurprisingly, potholes and unmarked construction zones are hazards for bicyclists riding on two thin wheels.

Riding a bicycle on properly maintained Colorado streets is your right as a bicyclist and is protected under Colorado law. Reckless and negligent behavior by other motorists that causes you to sustain an injury is possible grounds for litigation. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash that was no fault of your own, contact the Tenge Law Firm today.

Most Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

The type of vehicle involved in an accident plays an important role in determining the severity of injuries that a bicyclist may sustain. In previous years, SUVs and pickup trucks have resulted in 57 percent of injuries, versus 47 percent caused by passenger vehicles. Unsurprisingly, crashes involving SUVs and pickup trucks often result in more serious injuries due to their more significant height and weight.

Colorado currently does not legally require bicyclists to wear a helmet. However, cyclists who choose to wear helmets reduce their risk of head injury by 50 percent, and face and neck injury by 33 percent.

The very features that make an SUV safe for its driver and passengers can create serious danger for a bicyclist. The sturdy protection of the vehicle is no match for the unprotected body of a bicyclist, and when the two collide, the bicyclist may experience the following injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage
• Severe Injuries to Limbs, including broken bones or amputation
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Facial Injuries

Severe injuries suffered during a bicycle accident can require lifelong medical and personal care. The attorneys of the Tenge Law Firm, LLC believe everyone has the right to share the road as required by Colorado law. When someone’s careless driving results in severe, life-altering injuries to a bicyclist, it’s time to contact an experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Victims of bicycle accidents could be qualified to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost because of the incapacity to work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional despair that was caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Restoration or replacement costs for your damaged bicycle and other personal belongings.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries lead to a long-term or permanent inability to work at full capacity, compensation can be sought for future income loss.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal accidents, surviving family members could seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Our Past Success 

At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys always fight to secure fair compensation for our clients. Our past results demonstrate our dedication to pursuing justice for clients injured in bicycle accidents. While we cannot guarantee a positive or similar result in your circumstances, the following is an example of our past success.

Our attorneys filed suit on behalf of our client for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. The case was settled a few weeks before trial for $520,000. The initial offer from the insurance company to our client prior to pursuing litigation was $75,000.

The insurance company’s offer of $75,000 is an example of how insurance companies will attempt to settle matters quickly and for low dollar amounts. Their primary goal is not your best interest, but rather the company’s bottom line. You deserve better—let our team of highly experienced lawyers deal with insurance companies, so you can focus on your health. Do not speak with insurance company representatives until you have spoken with us. We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action, all at no cost to you.

Contact Our Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Riding a bicycle, whether for recreation or as your work commute, is a great way to exercise, help the environment, and save money. Drivers who are distracted, aggressive, or downright careless can cause significant harm to bicyclists if they are not careful. While sharing the road is required by law, most drivers ignore the rights of cyclists; they may be in a rush and may view navigating cyclists as an unwanted burden.

Recovering from a bicycle accident takes time. Depending on the details, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Any type of bicycle accident is a traumatic event, due to the high risk of injury and possible death to the cyclist. No one should suffer because of the careless and negligent behavior of other drivers.

The Tenge Law Firm, LLC offers free consultations; speak with one of our experienced Denver personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to discuss the validity of your claim. Time easily slips away as you deal with your injuries. By contacting us right away, we’ll be able to determine whether you have a valid claim, and, if you do, we can get to work before the statute of limitations expires. We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover in your matter. The Tenge Law Firm, LLC has offices in Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins. 

To schedule your free consultation with our Denver bicycle accident attorney, call (720) 818-9044, or contact us online today.