Whether you are riding your bike to commute, exercise, or enjoy the weather, cycling is a part of our community. In fact, Colorado ranks as one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the country, and we have a strong bike infrastructure here. Despite this, accidents still happen. If you have been injured in a bike crash, a bicycle accident attorney at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., can help you understand your rights and the common causes of bicycle accidents in Northglenn.
When Drivers Do Not Yield to Cyclists
Right-of-way rules apply to bicycles just like they apply to motor vehicles because state law designates the same rights and responsibilities to cyclists as it does to cars, which means cyclists have the right-of-way in certain situations. Several additional factors create dangers to cyclists when they are not given the right of way, including:
- Construction zones
- Car doors opening suddenly
- Lack of designated bike lanes
- Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement
- High-traffic intersections with poor visibility
When drivers do not properly share the road by yielding to cyclists when necessary, they often cause severe collisions and injuries. It is important to know some of the common causes of bike accidents so that you can avoid them while cycling around Northglenn, or to properly file an injury claim if you have already been in one.
Distracted and Impaired Drivers Put Everyone at Risk
When a driver takes their eyes off the road to check their phone or to use a location-finding device, they can miss a cyclist on the road and cause a serious crash. Colorado now has a hands-free driving law, but that does not stop everyone from using their smartphones while driving.
Drunk and drugged driving is another major problem that causes bike crashes in Northglenn. When someone gets into a car to drive when they are impaired, their reaction time slows down significantly, and they might not notice cyclists until it is too late. Evening hours between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. are the riskiest time to ride. Even with lights and reflective gear, some drivers are just not paying attention.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding is the primary cause of traffic deaths in Northglenn and across the state, and it makes bicycle accidents much worse. When someone is driving too fast, they have less time to react and need more distance to stop. The faster they are driving when they hit you, the more severe your injuries will be. Some drivers are just aggressive toward cyclists. They tailgate, pass too close, or act like you do not belong on the road. You have just as much right to be on the road as any car does.
Not Giving Cyclists Enough Space
Colorado Statutes § 42-4-1412 requires drivers to give you at least three feet of clearance when they pass. Many drivers either do not know this law or simply ignore it. SUVs and pickup trucks are especially dangerous with their high front ends that can hit you at chest level. These bigger vehicles also take longer to stop and cause more serious injuries. A Northglenn bicycle accident attorney can explain how traffic violations strengthen your case.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
If you have been hit on your bike, your priority is your health and safety, as well as not apologizing or admitting fault for anything. Your initial steps should include:
- Getting safely out of the way of traffic and calling 911
- Getting medical help even if your injuries seem minor
- Documenting everything, if you can, while at the scene, including videos and photos
- Collecting key information, including the driver’s name, insurance details, license plate, and witness contact details
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim. Missing these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation. While three years might seem long, it will benefit you to call a lawyer right away and discuss the cause of your Northglenn bike crash.
Contact an Attorney to Discuss the Common Causes of Northglenn Bicycle Accidents
If you have been hurt in a bike crash, do not face the legal process alone. Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., has spent decades helping injured citizens in this state. We can give you an honest assessment and fight for the compensation you are entitled to. While you heal, we handle the legal work. As trusted lawyers, we understand the common causes of bicycle accidents in Northglenn and help to prove driver negligence. Call our office or contact us online today to get the process started.
