Fort Lupton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycling has become a standard mode of transportation, and the number of people cycling instead of driving is increasing in the U.S. In many parts of Colorado, bicycles and motor vehicles operate in proximity with one another regularly. In 2017 alone, there were 783 cyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, and according to the Colorado Department of Transportation, bicycle fatalities statewide spiked last year at 22.
Bicycle and motor vehicle collisions can have devasting results worthy of an injury claim. A professional personal injury attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to recover damages from your injury. Call a Fort Lupton bicycle accident lawyer today. En Español.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Unlike drivers, in an accident, bicyclists have no protection and have an increased likelihood of suffering substantial damages. Cyclists can be thrown from their bicycles or be struck directly by a vehicle, causing severe injuries. The most common causes of driver negligence that results in bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to stay in a lane
- Improper turns
- Failing to signal lane changes
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or yield the right of way
- Following too closely
Bicycle accidents may also be caused by the failure of a government agency, private business, or individual to design and maintain its property adequately. When this occurs, bicyclists may have a legal claim against the responsible party. Road surface hazards like potholes, poor road and parking lot designs, and missing lane markers can also cause serious bicycle accidents.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause several types of injuries. Broken bones, superficial soft tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal trauma are the most common injuries. Cyclists can also sustain severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis injuries.
Colorado Bicycle Laws
In Colorado, cyclists on the roadway have all the rights and are subject to all duties applicable to drivers of any other vehicle. Colo. Code of Regs. § 42-4-1412 outlines the rules of the road for cycles, including rights and responsibilities, to follow all rules and signs as if they were a motor vehicle. Although no law requires cyclists in Colorado to wear a helmet, there are several restrictions, including riding reasonably close the right curb, the use of hand signals, the use of lights between sunset and sunrise, and other requirements.
In Colorado, a bicyclist found to be partially at fault for the accident may be limited in recovering damages. Under Colorado’s modified comparative fault law statute, a plaintiff must be less than 50% responsible for the accident to recover damages. The court will reduce the costs awarded in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim
In a bicycle accident case, it is essential to document the scene in a police report, collecting the at-fault driver’s information, potential witnesses, and hazardous road conditions. When a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist, filing an insurance claim with the party insurance provider may be necessary. In some instances, automobile insurance coverage may provide protection even if the injured person was cycling at the time.
The amount of compensation that a person receives for a personal injury is based on the damages suffered. Damages may include economic and non-economic losses suffered by the victim, including medical expenses, lost income, physical disability, and pain and suffering. An experienced Fort Lupton bicycle accident lawyer has the experience with federal and Colorado laws to examine your case and guide you in the unique circumstances of your situation.
Consult a Fort Lupton Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
A Fort Lupton bicycle accident lawyer understands the toll and devastating effects that bicycle accidents can have on you and your loved ones. If you suffered injuries or death as a result of a bicycle accident, contact an attorney to learn about your legal options.
