Bicycle Accidents
Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney
In 2008, 52,000 bicyclists and other cyclists were injured and 716 were killed in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. Negligent motor vehicle drivers are often to blame for tragic bicycle accidents, but it may be difficult to prove fault in a bicycle accident, leaving bicycle accident victims unable to receive compensation for expensive medical treatment and other financial losses. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a bike accident with an automobile, truck, or other vehicle, you need an experienced Colorado bicycle accident attorney who will protect your rights and help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Colorado Bicycle Accidents
Automobile and truck drivers are often at fault for bicycle accidents. Many Colorado drivers are unaware that bicyclists are entitled to the same rights on the road as motor vehicle drivers or fail to drive safely near bicyclists. For example, Colorado state law requires motor vehicle drivers to allow three feet between the right side of their car or truck and the bicycle when passing a bicyclist, yet many drivers do not allow sufficient distance for safe passing. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Colorado include:
- Driver inattention
- Failure to yield right of way to bicyclist
- Overtaking a cyclist without allowing proper distance between vehicles
- Sudden or unexpected turns made by automobile drivers in front of bicyclists
Colorado Bicycle Accident Injuries
Other than helmets, bicyclists have no physical protection to shield them from injury when hit by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, so injuries are often severe. Some of the more common bicycle accident injuries are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury and other Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Road Rash
- Severed Limbs and other Limb Injuries
These bicycle injuries can leave victims out of work temporarily or permanently. This loss of income combined with medical expenses may cause an unmanageable financial hardship to the victim and the victim’s family. This is why it is important to contact a skilled Colorado bicycle accident lawyer who will aggressively pursue compensation for your injuries.
Colorado Bicycle Accidents and Insurance Companies
Insurance companies do not have the interests of bicyclists in mind when reviewing bicycle accident claims; therefore, it is imperative to consult a Colorado bicycle attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. Winning a favorable insurance settlement depends upon a timely investigation of the accident scene, including accident witness statements. Before you agree to any settlement from the other party’s insurance company, you should talk to a lawyer to ensure you are receiving a fair settlement offer.
At the Fowler Law Firm, we are sympathetic to the rights of Colorado bicyclists and we understand how tragic bicycle accident injuries can be. Call us at (970) 232-3322 or email timmsfowler@lawfather.net today to find out how we can use our legal experience to help you recover maximum damages for your bicycle accident injuries and related losses.
