With so many people going green, it's not unusual to see people riding their bikes to work or school. Others like to ride their bicycles for leisure. The last thing they should have to worry about is getting hit by a car or SUV. Sadly, according to the National Safety Council, more than a thousand cyclists are killed every year.
Thankfully, the number of bicycle accident fatalities in Colorado are on the decline. There were only a handful of deaths in 2019. That number is down since 2009. However, you can ask any Denver bicycle accident lawyer and they'll tell you these accidents can be brutal.. It would be one thing if the insurance companies just paid every claim that comes in the door. But it doesn't work that way.
People who are involved in bike accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries. This is because there is absolutely nothing to stand between the rider and the other vehicle. There's only so much a plastic helmet can do to protect you.
If you are hurt in this type of accident, the first thing you need to do is call the police. They'll come out and do a thorough investigation of the scene. The next thing you need to do is go to the emergency room. You need to have a doctor check you out. Finally, you should call an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Denver, Colorado.. They can review your case and give you an idea of what your claim may be worth.
It's easy to think that all bicycle accidents are caused by the other party. After all, the driver of a car or SUV would have a better chance at preventing this type of crash. Your Denver car accident attorney is familiar with the most common causes of bicycle accidents. Some of these include the following:
Regardless of the cause, your Denver personal injury lawyer is going to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
It sounds crazy, but there's always the chance that the judge could find you partially at fault. In some states, this could prohibit you from collecting damages. Thankfully, Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule.. This rule allows you to recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault. If you are determined to be partially at fault, your judgment will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Imagine that you're involved in a bicycle crash in Colorado. You suffer spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. You sue for $500,000. The court finds that you were 20% responsible for the crash. Your damages will be reduced by about $100,000. So, instead of getting $500,000, you'll only get $400,000.
It's important to keep in mind that you can be found at fault even in a bike collision. This could be the case in any of the following situations:
In your personal injury lawsuit, your attorney may have to submit evidence proving that you didn't cause the collision.
Bicycle accident victims are often entitled to damages for all types of accidents. Whether it's a motor vehicle crash or a bike accident, it all depends on who was liable for your injuries. Your bicycle accident attorney will demand compensation for damages such as the following:
The main reason you hire a law firm is so that you can get financial compensation. If you didn't cause the traffic accident, you should not suffer the financial burden. You may need surgery or physical therapy. The defendant should have to pay for this. However, that doesn't mean you need to take the risk of going to trial.
Experienced bike accident lawyers in Denver, Colorado let their clients know how the legal process works.. It may make more sense to settle than go through a lengthy and expensive trial. With a settlement, you get a lump sum. You also don't have to wait years for your money.
The last thing you expect when you leave the house in the morning is to get into a bicycle crash. You just want to get on with your day. The next thing you know, you're lying in the street and your bicycle is destroyed. That's when it's time to call an experienced personal injury attorney in Colorado. Let them schedule your free, initial consultation. Sit down with somebody who knows the law. They can review your case and give you an idea of what it's worth. They can also answer any questions you may have.
Remember, the defendant is going to have a lawyer working for them. The insurance company is legally required to defend them. You'll want to have someone by your side too. Just call today and set up a date and time that works for you. Your attorney will work hard to get you as much money as possible. The consultation costs you nothing upfront and you don't pay unless your case is resolved.