Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Commerce City Helping Injured Cyclists Take Legal Action
Thanks in no small part to our state’s beautiful natural backdrop, cycling is popular all over Colorado. According to the Lemonade Insurance Bike Safety Score, Nearby Denver was recently ranked in the Top 10 safest cities for bicyclists. However, bicycle riders are constantly at threat of dangerous, potentially fatal accidents on Colorado roads.
Unlike the driver and passenger of a motor vehicle, who usually have some form of protection in a car accident, a bicyclist has relatively little. Bikers might wear protective gear and helmets, but if they’re struck by a car hard enough, they may suffer serious injuries regardless. Some biking accidents involve the bike rider being flung through the air into oncoming traffic, often resulting in far worse injuries.
If a motorist hits you as a cyclist or a pedestrian, you can seek compensation from the negligent driver and other parties at fault. Do not accept the initial settlement offered by the insurance company. First, speak with experienced bike accident lawyers to discuss the potential financial recovery if you file a lawsuit against the liable parties.
Samantha Flanagan and her legal team would be proud to represent your bicycle accident claim. As your lawyer, she will pursue financial compensation to help pay for your medical care, lost wages, property damage, and any pain and suffering incurred. Schedule a free case evaluation by contacting the Flanagan law firm today.
What Causes Bike Crashes?
With few exceptions, a motorist is usually responsible for a bike crash. Typically, a cycling accident is caused by reckless driving or driver negligence, such as not respecting protected bike lanes. Regardless of the cause, the effect is often catastrophic, with injuries often landing the cyclist in the emergency room.
Common causes of bike accidents include:
- A car door was opened suddenly without looking for oncoming traffic.
- A poorly maintained or defective bicycle causes its rider to crash.
- Cars hopping the curb onto the sidewalk, where a pedestrian is walking their bike.
- Cars swerve into a protected bicycling lane.
- Collision with a car that did not signal it was turning into a biker’s path.
- Dangerous road conditions, including potholes or debris left in the street.
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs.
- Motorists fail to share the road with bikes, leading to collisions or running the bikers off the road.
- Poor weather conditions, which may impact stopping time.
- Vehicles dangerously overpassing a bicyclist, sometimes clipping them or causing them to swerve off the road.
What is a Commonly Seen Bicycle Accident Injury?
The severity of a bicycle injury can be reduced by many factors, including the quality of protective equipment the rider wore during the accident.
Common injuries seen in a bicycle crash include:
- Broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Facial injuries and disfigurement.
- Organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
After a bike accident, it’s imperative that the victim immediately seek medical treatment.
Bicycle fatalities are also sadly fairly common on America’s roads. Though the at-fault party’s car insurance policy may provide some relief, it may not cover the extent of all medical expenses or burial costs. Your attorney may file a bicycle accident lawsuit for assistance seeking compensation beyond the driver’s insurer.
What Type of Settlement Can an Accident Victim Hope to Recover with a Lawsuit?
Your lawyer will review your bicycle accident case and determine what sort of settlement you may be able to demand. If you have a strong case, you may be able to recover compensation in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages may include the following:
- Lost wages.
- Past medical bills and the cost of future treatment or medication.
- Property damage.
- Reduced earning capacity.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of companionship.
- Lost quality of life.
- Pain and suffering.
In cases of egregious conduct on the part of the negligent driver, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages.
Schedule a Free Case Consultation with an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Bike riding should be an enjoyable experience that enriches the spirit and strengthens the body. It should not be a life-or-death scenario where we must hope or pray that the victims receive the medical attention they require. But sadly, these accidents are too common.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by driver negligence, you should not be responsible for the medical costs of your recovery. Hire Flanagan Law to represent your case. Together, you can seek justice and financial compensation.
Call our Commerce City law office at 720-928-9178.
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