Lakewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Navigating the post-accident processes of filling your insurance claims with the at-fault driver's insurance or dealing with a lawsuit can be complicated. This is especially true considering that insurance companies always seek to limit their payouts. Seeking experienced legal representation can come in handy. You can count on our compassionate Lakewood bicycle accident attorneys at Mintz Law Firm to help you with your personal injury claim.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado

Thousands of bicycle accidents occur nationally each year, with CDC estimating this number to be about 467,000 in its recent 2015 report. In cities such as Lakewood, most accidents occur during rush hours and in heavy traffic. Of course, motor vehicles are responsible for 9 in 10 bicycle accidents. The most common causes of these accidents are:

• Driver unable to see bicyclists in an intersection
• Driver opening a door without confirming from the side mirror the presence of an approaching bicycle
• Distracted driving or driving under the influence
• Speeding above the allowed limit and carelessness, especially in city areas where biking is popular
• Driving or parking in bike lanes
• Following or passing too close to the cyclist
• Backing out without checking for bicycles
• Cyclist driving on the wrong side of the road
• Running a stop light or a stop sign
• Failing to use turn signals

No matter the cause of the bicycle accident, if the driver is at fault, you're entitled to compensation according to Colorado insurance laws. Working with an experienced Lakewood personal injury attorney can ensure you get good results.

Who Is Responsible for Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado?

In Colorado, the at-fault party is responsible for damages after an accident. This modified comparative negligence law means that if you sustain an injury or damage during an accident and the other party is more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can collect damages from their insurance coverage.

All drivers in Colorado have a duty to exercise reasonable care during driving. If you have been injured due to the negligence of the driver, you can file for a damage claim. If the driver at fault is uninsured, your uninsured coverage can come in handy. You can also escalate the matter to court to personally hold responsible the at-fault uninsured or underinsured driver.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Lakewood, CO

Bicycle injuries are severe compared to motor vehicle accidents. When riding, a significant percentage of your body is exposed, and you don't have the protection offered in cars or trucks with seatbelts, airbags, and metallic enclosed space. Therefore, even a low-speed collision can leave you with serious or life-threatening injuries, including:

• Fractures in the rib or skull
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Injuries in the mouth, teeth, eyes, or back
• Cuts and bleeding

Some injuries can be recoverable, while others can lead to permanent disability. In addition, bicycle accidents have a higher mortality rate compared to other vehicle accidents. If you have sustained any injury in a Lakewood bicycle accident, you may be able to recoup some of the financial and emotional losses by filing for compensation. Our attorneys can also help you to file a wrongful death claim if a loved one has lost their life due to a bicycle accident involving a negligent driver.

Precautions to Take While Riding a Bicycle in Lakewood

To protect yourself from sustaining serious injuries in case of an accident, it's important to take precautions before you embark on cycling. Some of the safety measures you may want to adhere to while biking are:

• Always wear a safety helmet and reflective material
• Utilize hand to signal other drivers or cyclists when turning
• Never ride against the traffic—ride with the flow of the traffic
• Avoid lane-splitting
• Add a bell to your bike to alert pedestrians ahead
• Add headlights and taillights to the bicycle for additional night visibility

No matter the precautions, you can never prevent an accident entirely. If you're injured, a Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer may help you get paid for damages.

Damages You Can Claim in a Bicycle Accident in Lakewood

Mostly, if the other driver is at fault, their insurance company should be able to cover your losses. If their limit isn't enough, you can file a lawsuit to get the driver to personally pay you the extra costs. And in the event of an accident that doesn't involve another party, like bad road conditions, you can file litigation against the government organization responsible for maintaining or repairing the road.

Some of the damages you can file for include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some other cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the driver is found to have acted maliciously or in gross negligence of traffic rules when driving.

Consult a Lakewood Bicycle Accident Attorney at Mintz Law Firm Today

Hiring an attorney to represent you in a bicycle accident insurance claim or lawsuit may give you better results than when you go alone. At Mintz Law Firm, we have helped hundreds of bicycle accident victims get paid for losses and damages. Our experienced lawyers have practiced law in Colorado for many years and have extensive experience in retrieving compensation for bicycle accidents. 

While insurance companies lack compassion and have their own interests at heart ahead of yours, our Lakewood personal injury lawyers will put your interest at the forefront and handle your case with the compassion and seriousness it deserves. Call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.