Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Lakewood, Colorado

aftermath of a bicycle accident can sometimes be devastating. You might experience serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and emotional pain and suffering as a result of your bicycle accident. If you need a bicycle accident lawyer, understanding your legal options is crucial. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 20 cyclists lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2023, a 33% increase from 2022. Understanding the causes and consequences of bicycle accidents is crucial in preventing them and seeking compensation for victims. At Mintz Law Firm, our Lakewood bicycle accident attorneys have experience handling bicycle crash claims and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What Are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood?

Bicycle accidents in Lakewood often result from driver negligence and dangerous road conditions. The CDC estimates nearly one thousand bicyclists die every year, and over 130,000 are injured in road accidents. In cities such as Lakewood, most accidents occur during rush hours and in heavy traffic. In most cases, motor vehicles are responsible for bicycle accidents. The most common causes of these accidents include the following:

• Lack of visibility at an intersection
• Opening a car door without looking to see if it is safe to do so (dooring accidents)
• Distracted driving or driving under the influence
• Driving or parking in bike lanes
• Following or passing too close to the cyclist
• Backing out without checking for bicycles
• A cyclist is riding on the wrong side of the road
• Running a stop light or a stop sign
• Failing to use turn signals

Who Is Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado?

In Colorado, the at-fault party is responsible for damages after a bicycle accident. Colorado's 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 must exercise reasonable care while driving. If you have been injured due to the negligence of the driver, you can file a personal injury claim with the help of a Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer. If the driver at fault is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage can come in handy. You can also escalate the matter to court to sue the uninsured driver for any damages you have experienced. Our bicycle crash attorneys can help you navigate both insurance claims and litigation to recover compensation.

What Injuries Can Result from a Bicycle Accident?

Because of the exposed nature of bicycle riding, cyclists are at an increased risk of injury during an accident. When riding, a significant percentage of your body is unprotected, and you don't have the same safety features offered in cars or trucks, like seatbelts, airbags, and enclosed protective spaces. Therefore, even a low-speed collision can leave you with serious or life-threatening injuries. Some of these injuries include:

• Fractures in the ribs or skull
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Injuries to the mouth, teeth, eyes, or back
• Road rash and lacerations
• Cuts and bleeding

Precautions to Take While Riding a Bicycle in Lakewood

To protect yourself from sustaining serious injuries in a bicycle accident, it's essential you take precautions before you embark on your cycling journey. Some of the safety measures you may want to consider include the following:

• Always wear a safety helmet and reflective material
• Utilize hand signals when turning or changing lanes
• Ride with the flow of the traffic
• Avoid lane-splitting
• Add a bell to your bike to alert pedestrians of your presence
• Add headlights and taillights to your bicycle for additional night visibility

What Steps Should You Take After a Bicycle Accident in Lakewood?

If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Lakewood, it is essential you take a few key steps to protect yourself physically and legally. These steps generally include:

Contact the Police

File a report with the Lakewood Police Department to document the accident. Your Lakewood bicycle accident attorney can help you get a copy of the report for your case.

Gather Information

Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses and the contact information of the other parties involved.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, the other vehicle(s), injuries, and road conditions. These details can help support your bicycle accident claim later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is crucial you seek medical attention to prevent any further complications. Your medical records can also be valuable evidence in your personal injury case.

Preserve Evidence

Keep your damaged bicycle and other personal items in the same condition as they were after the accident. These items may serve as evidence in your claim.

File an Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Be cautious when providing details to avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries. Speak to your Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer before discussing your accident with any insurance adjusters or agreeing to any settlement offers.

Keep Records

Maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and any communication with insurance companies.

Consult with a Bicycle Crash Attorney

A Lakewood bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the claims process to maximize your compensation.

Understanding Colorado Bicycle Laws

In Colorado, bicycle laws are designed to protect cyclists and promote road safety. Understanding these laws can help strengthen your bicycle accident claim. Here are some key laws to understand:

• Helmet laws: Colorado does not require bicyclists to wear helmets, regardless of age, unless they are operating an electric bike.
• Right-of-way laws: Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and motor vehicles must yield to bicyclists when appropriate.
• Traffic laws: Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including obeying traffic signals and signs.
• Bike lanes: Bicyclists must use designated bike lanes when available.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Lakewood Bicycle Accident?

In most cases, the liable party's insurance company should be able to cover your losses. If their policy limit isn't enough, you can file a lawsuit to get the driver to personally pay you the extra costs you have incurred. A Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer can help you identify all eligible damages and build a strong compensation claim. Some of the damages you can file for include:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Property damage to your bicycle
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium or companionship

Consult a Lakewood Bicycle Accident Attorney at Mintz Law Firm Today

Hiring a bicycle crash 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 compensation for their losses and damages. Our Lakewood attorneys have practiced law in Colorado for many years and have experience in retrieving compensation for bicycle accidents. Whether you've been injured in a car accident or suffered from a catastrophic injury, we're here to help. 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. We take pride in building strong attorney-client relationships and providing dedicated legal representation throughout the claims process. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.