Many people have turned to bicycles as a means to cut back on their carbon footprint, save money on gasoline, and even get in shape. However, as useful as these vehicles are for getting around, they do not offer the same amount of protection as a car or truck. Additionally, many motorists do not treat bicyclists with the respect and attention they deserve.
The fact is, cyclist-on-motorist accidents and deaths are on the rise, and they’ve been going up steadily since 2002.
You should not be endangered on the road because of your choice of vehicle. If you have been injured by a driver while riding your bike, learn more about your legal options and contact the experienced Northglenn bicycle accident lawyers of Hull & Zimmerman today.
Dangers of Bicycle Accidents
Although some cities and towns are taking steps to make their roads safer for bicycle traffic, the addition of bike lanes and safety laws does not change the fact that accidents between cars and bikes are often devastating to the cyclist. Consider the following accidents that cyclists may experience as a result of driver negligence:
- Clipping- even a slight clip can cause a lot of damage
- Crosswalk accidents
- Failure to slow down or speeding collisions
- Failure to follow right-of-way in Colorado, the driver must always yield to the cyclist when on the same side of the road
- Direct collisions
- Failure to use turn signals- if a cyclist is unaware of the driver’s turn, they can’t act accordingly
- Driving on the shoulder of the road
Many times, a lack of understanding or care regarding a bike’s place on the road can be to blame for accidents between motorists and cyclists. In particular, right-of-way problems can cause drivers to believe their vehicle always takes precedence over bicycles.
Additionally, many areas have laws concerning the space required between bikes and cars. Still, drivers may not be aware of them, or the laws may not be adequately enforced by authorities. Working with a bike accident attorney in Northglenn helps ensure you are aware of your rights.
How to Avoid a Bike and Motor Vehicle Collision
There’s no foolproof way to avoid these dangerous accidents; however, being proactive will help. Here are things you can do and look out for to avoid hitting a cyclist:
- Pay attention to your surroundings at all times
- Use your mirrors often, especially in highly populated areas of cyclists and pedestrians
- Don’t use your mobile devices
- Stop entirely at stop signs and don’t run yellow and red lights
- Respect bike lanes even when no cyclists are present (they can come up fast and go unnoticed until it’s too late)
- Don’t succumb to road rage or aggressive driving tactics
- Keep your distance from cyclists and other vehicles, so there are no surprises you can’t handle
- Don’t drive under the influence of medication, illicit drugs, or alcohol
- Don’t drive while tired or emotionally upset
- Follow driving rules and etiquette
Cyclists
Cyclists have the most to lose when in a collision with a motorist, so stay vigilant at all times. Here are some tips:
- Don’t drive distracted
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Use the appropriate signaling methods
- Keep your distance from other vehicles when possible
- Wear easily noticeable clothing
- Be respectful of motorists
- Don’t make assumptions (you may be in the bike lane and know you have the right-of-way, that doesn’t mean the car behind you will take notice)
If you still find yourself in a bicycle accident in Northglenn despite your best efforts, let a trusted attorney help you determine your next steps.
What to do if You’re in a Bicycle-on-Motor Vehicle Accident
Always keep your safety and the safety of others first when involved in any kind of collision. It’s important to get as much information and detail as you can on-scene in case you need it later. Doing this provides a more complete and accurate relay of events.
Immediately after an accident involving a cyclist and a motor vehicle:
- Pull your vehicles out of harm’s way if possible
- Call the police and report the incident
- Take any pictures or videos of the damages if possible
- If witnesses have stopped, get their contact information for future use if necessary
- If emergency responders are sent to the scene, let them take a look at you
- Visit with the necessary medical advisors after the incident, as you can have a delayed reaction to your pain or injury
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney in Northglenn
Insurance
You can call your insurance provider after the accident, but we recommend waiting until you’ve spoken to an attorney to complete this task. Know that the insurance agency is looking out for their own best financial interest, not yours.
No matter who’s determined to be at fault, the insurance providers will only offer a minimal amount of compensation. Let us walk through this part of the process for a better outcome.
Bicycle Accident Compensation
If you’ve been involved in a bike-on-motor vehicle accident, the damage can be extensive. Colorado law allows you to fight for three types of compensation, and we’ll work hard to get the fair amount you’re due.
Economic Damages
These damages are easily provable and provide specific financial details regarding your expenses and hardships due to the accident. They consist of:
- Emergency medical responder fees
- Surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Rehabilitation or therapy
- Medication and prescriptions or other medical needs (crutches, medical devices, specific diet, etc.)
- Health care in the hospital or at home
- Loss of property or damaged property
- Loss of income- current income and future income
- Legal expenses
- And more
Non-Economic Damages
This kind of compensation is harder to prove and usually requires a legal expert’s skill set and expertise. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional or mental trauma
- Disfigurement
- And more
Punitive Damages
When a driver is accused of being intentional, excessively harmful, or of gross negligence, they may need to do more than just pay the victim. The motorist may need to be punished more severely for their behavior. This may be due to:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Knowingly driving a car deemed unsafe
It’s important to note that the cyclist often also plays a role in the accident. The extent of your compensation will depend on determining how at-fault each party is.
Call a Northglenn bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about your options for recovering compensation after a crash.
