Denver Bicycle Accident Attorneys

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Taking these steps after an accident is crucial. They may include:

• Ensure Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor.
• Call Law Enforcement: Reporting the accident to the police is vital. An official accident report can serve as important evidence when filing a claim.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos 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 obvious. A medical evaluation will document your condition and connect your injuries to the incident.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Avoid making statements or accepting settlements without consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you 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 may recover 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 while unable to work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Restoration or replacement costs for your damaged bicycle and other personal belongings.
• Loss of earning capacity: Compensation if the injuries result in long-term or permanent inability to work at full capacity, including future income loss.
• Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Colorado?

Colorado generally allows three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file an injury claim, though some exceptions may alter this deadline. Acting quickly helps protect your right to seek compensation and preserves vital evidence for your case.

Do I Need to Report a Bicycle Accident to the Police in Denver?

Yes, you should report any bicycle accident involving injury or significant property damage. A police report provides an official record, which supports your insurance claim or legal filing and clarifies the facts of the incident for all parties involved.

Can I Seek Compensation If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet During the Accident?

Yes. In Colorado, failure to wear a helmet generally does not prevent you from seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. The at-fault party can sometimes argue that helmet use would have lessened the injuries, but state law does not require helmet use for adult cyclists.

Contact Our Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Riding a bicycle, whether for recreation or as your daily commute, is a rewarding way to exercise, support the environment, and save money. Drivers who are distracted, aggressive, or careless can cause significant harm to bicyclists. While sharing the road is required by law, many drivers disregard cyclists’ rights; they may be in a rush and see cyclists as an inconvenience.

Recovering from a bicycle accident often takes time. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Any type of bicycle accident is a traumatic event because of the increased risk of injury and possible fatality to the cyclist. No one should suffer because of another’s careless or negligent behavior.

The Tenge Law Firm, LLC offers free consultations; speak with one of our Denver personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to discuss the potential of your claim. Time may slip away as you manage your injuries. By contacting us promptly, we can determine whether you have a valid claim and begin working before the statute of limitations expires. We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. 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.