Lakewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Mintz Law Firm, we have decades of experience assisting injured bicyclists in Colorado, ensuring they receive the support and attention they deserve. Our focus is always on your well-being, advocating for fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. We are dedicated to fighting for justice and treating each client as a person, not just another case.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents

The 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. 

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.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado

The CDC estimates that 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
• Distracted driving or driving under the influence
• Speeding
• Driving or parking in bike lanes
• Following or passing too close to the cyclist
• Backing out without checking for bicycles
• Cyclist riding on the wrong side of the road
• Running a stop light or a stop sign
• Failing to use turn signals

If a driver does not meet their duty of care while operating their vehicle and is found liable for your bicycle accident, you're entitled to compensation according to Colorado insurance laws. Working with an experienced Lakewood personal injury attorney can ensure your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves and that you get the best possible outcome.

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 must exercise reasonable care while driving. If you have been injured due to the negligence of the driver, you can file for a personal injury claim. If the driver at fault is uninsured, your uninsured coverage can come in handy. You can also escalate the matter to court to sue the uninsured driver for any damages you have experienced. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

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
• Cuts and bleeding

Some injuries will heal, 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 an injury in a Lakewood bicycle accident, you may be able to recover some of the financial and emotional losses you have suffered. Our attorneys can also help you to file a wrongful death claim if a family member 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 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

No matter the precautions you take, accidents can still happen. If you're injured by a negligent driver, a Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer may help you get paid for the damages you have sustained.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

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:

1. Contacting the police: File a report with the Lakewood Police Department to document the accident. Your personal injury lawyer can help you get a copy of the report for your case.
2. Gathering information: Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses and the contact information of the other parties involved.
3. Documenting the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your bike, the other vehicle(s), injuries, and road conditions. These details can help support your case later.
4. Seeking 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. 
5. Preserving 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.
6. Filing 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 personal injury lawyer before discussing your accident with any insurance adjusters or agreeing to any settlement offers. 
7. Keeping Records: Maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and any communication with insurance companies.
8. Consulting with a lawyer: A Lakewood bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the claims process.

Taking all of the necessary steps after a bicycle accident can often be overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in walking you through the process and helping handle any evidence or investigations that come up. 

Understanding Colorado Bicycle Laws

In Colorado, bicycle laws are designed to protect cyclists and promote road safety. Here are some key laws to understand:

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

By understanding Colorado bicycle laws, cyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in an accident and ensure they are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and others on the road. If you have any questions about the laws surrounding bicycle use in Colorado, contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling bicycle accidents. 

Damages You Can Claim in a Bicycle Accident in Lakewood

In most cases, the liable party’s 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 you have incurred.

Some of the damages you can file for include:

• Lost wages and earning potential
• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium or companionship 

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. Our Lakewood bike accident lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, ensuring that victims of bicycle accidents in Colorado receive the compensation they deserve.

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.