Bicycle Accident Attorneys Serving the Denver Metro Area & All Of Colorado
Accidents kill more than two cyclists every day in the United States – that is a 6 percent increase over the last decade and a 12 percent jump since 2006. And that is just the bike accidents that are reported: the reality is probably far worse. Hospital officials suggest that as few as 10 percent of cycling accident injuries are reported to the authorities. If you have been injured in a bike accident due to someone else’s fault, one of Burg Simpson’s bicycle accident lawyers in Denver has the knowledge needed to help you win your case, so you do not have to do it alone. Even though bicycles comprise only about 1 percent of all trips in the United States, cyclists are more likely to be seriously injured or killed on the road than motor vehicle occupants. Our personal injury lawyers in Denver are here to help!
Cycling accidents come in all forms. A driver busy with his cell phone can run into a cyclist, knocking him over or running him off the road altogether. A poorly maintained bike path can lead to an accident, causing serious injury. A poorly designed bicycle – or even a defective one – can cause disastrous damage to a cyclist, especially at high speeds. These personal injuries can be costly, both emotionally and financially. That is why you can trust a bicycle accident attorney to fight for your rights.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average age of cyclists killed by motor vehicles has trended upward over the last 30 years, rising to 45. Nearly 90 percent of victims are men, and 71 percent of accidents occur in urban areas. The most dangerous states for cyclists are California, Florida, and Texas. The safest, Rhode Island and Vermont, had no cycling fatalities in the most recent reported year.
The most common causes of bicycling accidents that result in the need for a bicycle accident personal injury lawyer are:
- Motor vehicle collision
- Fall from bike
- Encounter with damaged cycling surface
- Distracted rider/operator error
- Crash/collision
Either way, most bicycle accidents are caused by negligence, whether it is on the part of someone driving a car, another cyclist or the operator themselves. If you are riding on a public bike path that is not properly maintained for cycling, your biking injury could also be the result of the property owner’s negligence. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to speak to our Denver personal injury lawyers now who have the experience in bicycle accidents needed to fight against those who cause bike accidents. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form now to talk to us about your case.
COLORADO CYCLING LAWS
Cycling laws vary wildly by state. In Colorado, most of the rules of the road for bicycle riders are pretty straightforward, while affording cyclists the same right to the roadway as motor vehicles. Cyclists are restricted to carrying only as many riders as the bike will allow. Cyclists are also forbidden from being attached “to any motor vehicle upon a roadway.” A lawyer knows all of these laws well.
As far as general operations, cyclists are instructed by Colorado law to travel in the right-hand lane as long as there is adequate room to do so, unless they are starting a left-hand turn at an intersection, overtaking a slower vehicle, or avoiding roadway hazards. Additionally, multiple riders are not allowed to ride more than two abreast on roadways unless there is a dedicated area set aside for bicycles. Finally, cyclists are required to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious harm, such as head or spinal cord injuries. Any injury can be financially devastating, so it is important for bike accident victims to speak with the personal injury lawyers in Denver at Burg Simpson as quickly as possible.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT
- Get help. Call the police or fire department. Or have someone else call for assistance if you can’t.
- Exchange information. Get contact info from everyone involved and any witnesses, if possible. Make sure that includes names, addresses (both physical and electronic), phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Take photos. Put that smartphone to good use by taking photographs of your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and the surrounding area, such as the roadway, road signs, and any possible hazards. It is also a good idea to get photos of any injuries you have sustained.
- Do not admit to anything. Even if you think you might be at fault, keep it to yourself because other contributing factors of which you may not be aware of could be involved and any statement you make could hurt you in court.
- Do not discuss it with anyone. Wait to speak about the circumstances of the accident with the police, and then a bicycle accident lawyer.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
- Get medical attention. If you have not already received treatment, it is critical you visit your doctor, an urgent care center, or an emergency room right away. Even if you feel fine, it is important you have a medical professional evaluate you.
- Get it in writing. As soon as you can, write down everything you can recall about the incident, while it is fresh in your mind. Whether you are waiting to be seen in an urgent care waiting room or recuperating at home, it is also a good time to review the information you gathered from the parties at the scene.
- Call your insurance carrier. File a report with your auto or homeowner’s insurance company, as soon as possible. But leave it to an attorney to help you with the details.
- Do not sign anything. Whether it is your insurance agent or the other party’s insurance representative, do not sign any documents anyone presents to you. In short, do not sign anything for anyone without speaking to your bicycle accident attorney first.
The Denver bicycle accident lawyers at Burg Simpson have decades of experience in dealing with bicycle accident cases, including one that resulted in a multi-million-dollar judgment. Our litigators have fought for the rights for injured bicycle riders of all ages and experience levels, whether the victims are children, adults, recreational riders, or even athletes in training.
Burg Simpson is a Denver based law firm with the resources to fight back against the giant insurance companies who try not to admit fault or pay a claim. Most importantly, working with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers can give you a fighting chance when it comes to investigating accidents, preparing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, and even litigating in court against the responsible parties. If you need help, call 720-500-5995 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form now before it is too late!
