Evans Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents are often a common result of driver negligence. Sometimes, drivers may fail to provide cyclists with an adequate amount of space when traveling on a road or failing to watch for passing cyclists when opening a car door. No matter the reason, bike accident victims should try to recoup compensation for injuries sustained with the help of a professional injury attorney. An Evans bicycle accident lawyer may be able to review the details of your case and help you build a convincing injury claim.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
According to the 2017 report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 783 cyclists were killed in 2017 alone. These incidents of bicycle-related fatalities comprised 2.1 percent of the total traffic fatalities reported that year.
Even minor accidents can lead to grave injuries. Common injuries in bicycle accidents include:
- Injuries to the head and neck
- Jaw and teeth injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Fractured or broken bones
- Damage to the nerves
- Serious abrasions that cause permanent scarring
While an injured cyclist’s health insurance could extend to cover injuries sustained in a collision, car insurance also covers collisions between vehicles and bicycles. If a motorist’s reckless or negligent driving causes a collision which results in injuries to the bicyclist, an established Evans bicycle accident lawyer could help the injured person file a claim for their losses with the defendant’s insurer.
Bicycle Laws in Evans
Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412 affords the same privileges and responsibilities to bicyclists as to all other motorists on the road. Vehicle operators are expected to yield right of way to cyclists, but this is not always what happens. Cyclists are to also remain on the right side of the road as much a possible when in the street and to utilize bicycle lines when accessible.
Bicyclists should also have white headlights at the front of their bike if they ride in the sunset to sunrise hours. In addition, cyclists are permitted to ride side by side in pairs, but only if it is safe to do so and they signal to other motorists before making turns.
Bicyclists are not obliged to wear a helmet in the state of Colorado. However, both adults and children may lower the likelihood of sustaining grave and costly injuries such as traumatic brain injuries by wearing a helmet whenever they ride.
Negligence in Bicycle Accidents
A bicycle accident lawyer in Evans could help the injured party prove the four primary negligence components required to establish a claim:
- Duty
- Breach
- Damage
- Causation
The plaintiff should first prove that the at-fault driver had a duty of care owed to them and that they breached that duty of care. After establishing the duty of care and breach, the plaintiff must then show that they sustained an evidential loss as a result. The final element is to prove to the court that these losses stemmed from the at-fault driver’s negligence, rather than another source.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado adheres to the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that the injured cyclist could be at part to blame for the loss and still receive compensation for their injuries. This also means that whatever amount of damages the court awards to the plaintiff, they would be reduced by the injured party’s percentage of the blame.
What an Evans Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Do
When a person suffers injuries related to a bicycle injury, they may feel especially overwhelmed, not only by the pain and suffering caused by the injuries, but also by the expensive medical payments for treatment. Luckily, victims may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries with the help of an Evans bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney with experience dealing with personal injury matter may be able to help you gather evidence, interview any witnesses, and act as an advocate on your behalf during any settlement or trial proceedings. To find out more, be sure to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
