Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Denver, CO
Denver offers magnificent views, so many residents choose cycling as their primary transportation. Motorists are legally required to travel alongside bicycles and ensure they do not harm them. Sadly, many Denver motorists choose to endanger cyclists and others by failing to follow the rules of the road.
Cyclists do everything they can to stay safe on the road, but that does not prevent careless drivers from causing severe injury or even death. A bicycle is no match for a car or truck, even if you have the proper safety equipment and lights and use your signals. Cyclists’ injuries are even worse when you factor in speed and other negligent actions.
You must move quickly to hire a Denver bicycle accident lawyer. Bicycle accident victims in Denver only have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action before they lose their rights forever. If your loved one dies in a bicycle accident, you will only have two years to file a Denver wrongful death claim.
Never wait to get the team at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, on your case.
Why you need a Denver bicycle accident lawyer
You need an innovative law firm that knows traffic laws and how to get you the payment you deserve for your injuries and damages. Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC has experience getting out clients’ significant settlements after they have been in an accident. One of our highest personal injury cases resulted in a $950,000 award. Our firm uses state-of-the-art technology to find the best solution for your claim and manage your case. Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC will work on a contingency basis, so you do not incur any upfront costs.
We will also:
- File all legal paperwork on time
- Find every avenue of compensation available for your claim
- Determine how much your bicycle accident case is worth
- Handle all communications from creditors, insurance companies, etc
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf
- File a lawsuit, go through discovery, and prepare for mediation or trial.
Table of Contents
- Bicycle accidents by the numbers
- Injuries bicycle victims suffer
- Causes of bicycle accidents
- Types of bicycle accidents
- Signs it’s time to call a lawyer
- Consult Varner Faddis Elite Legal LLC
Bicycle accidents by the numbers
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) compiled data on bicycle accidents, and during the last reporting year, there were 878 bicycle accidents.
Among those accidents, there were:
- 341 minor injuries
- 44 serious injuries
- And 14 fatalities
The numbers are alarming, especially considering the numbers are only going up. There is also data on the top six causes of bicycle accidents.
Injuries by the numbers in a bicycle accident are:
- Hit by a car (29 percent)
- The roadway is in disrepair (13 percent)
- Crash (seven percent)
Cyclists are in danger across the country through no fault of their own. On a national level, there are reports of 840 bicycle deaths for the latest reporting year. There were 16 bicycle deaths in Colorado in the same period. Nationally, two million doctor visits result from bicycle accidents and 23,000 hospital admissions.
Common injuries suffered in bicycle accidents 
Every year, hundreds of bicyclists die from bicycle accidents, and thousands suffer severe injuries. Bicycle accident deaths account for two percent of all traffic fatalities. The number is on the rise with no slowing down.
Many accidents occur after dark and during the summer when school is not in session, so more children and adults are looking to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Most bicycle accidents occur in urban areas and places of high traffic, but they can happen virtually anywhere you can find a bicycle and another vehicle.
Common bicycle accident injuries in Denver include:
- Severed limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
Aside from these injuries, many tragically lose their lives to fatal bicycle accidents.
Causes of bicycle accidents
Bicycle riders in Denver have the right to use the road like motor vehicles. Motorists must share the road safely and prevent accidents. While many mistakenly believe that bicycles are safer than cars, this is not the case when a driver acts recklessly or negligently, putting others in danger.
Frequent driver errors leading to Denver bicycle accidents are:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Traffic congestion leading to carelessness
- General reckless driving
- Speeding
- Opening door injuries
- Distractions
- Failure to see bicyclists
- Drinking
- Turning
Everyone on the road must stay cautious of others and ensure everyone is safe. There are times when an accident is out of everyone’s control. A broken light or cracked pavement can cause an accident that is neither the fault of the driver nor the cyclist. Most often, negligence and inattention factor in bicycle accidents, no matter the cause. Our bike accident attorneys are adept at employing their knowledge of personal injury law to your benefit and can help you hold those responsible accountable after a bicycle accident caused by negligent or reckless driving.
Types of bicycle accidents
Many types of bike accidents can give rise to a personal injury claim when negligence is involved. Under Colorado law, motor vehicle drivers have the responsibility to maintain at least three feet of distance from cyclists, respect bike lanes, and be courteous to all road users. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer understands how these laws pertain to your case and can help you understand your rights following a bike accident.
- Left turns: Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable at intersections, especially when drivers make left turns. The driver is unaware of the cyclist or misjudges how fast the cyclist is approaching the intersection, which can cause a collision.
- Stop signs: A driver stops at a stop sign, and instead of waiting for others to cross, they proceed into the crosswalk or intersection. An unsuspecting bicyclist is already making their way into the intersection. These accidents often happen when the diver misjudges the distance and speed the bicycles are going and their proximity.
- Sideswipe: Aggressive drivers are hazardous because they do not care about others on the road. Cyclists are in danger when a driver attempts to pass them and instead clips the front of the bicycle, sending the cyclist into a tailspin.
- Rear-end: Drivers must share the road with other vehicles; as such, they need to move with the traffic flow. When a driver is speeding, they can quickly come up behind a cyclist and collide. The cyclist will go flying off the bike and end up in traffic, where they can be at risk of further injury from another motor vehicle driver.
- Right turns: Anytime a driver makes a turn, those in the intersection are in danger. Drivers must take extra care when they turn right when pedestrians and cyclists cross. The driver can strike a cyclist head-on, or the bicyclist will run into them because they do not have enough space or time to stop.
The list is not exhaustive, and there are many other ways that you can be in a bicycle accident. While you must stay alert around other drivers, you should not suffer financially when a driver is negligent in their actions and causes a collision. After a Denver bike accident, a skilled lawyer can help determine liability and explore all avenues for full and fair compensation.
Compensation from a bicycle accident claim
Liability will determine whether you are eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses in a bicycle accident. The negligent party in the accident will pay for your damages. Bicycle accidents are complicated because injuries will last for years, and cyclists may never be the same again. You will require substantial payment to recover medically and financially after a bicycle accident.
You can obtain compensation for:
- Property damage
- Lost wages and income
- Hospital and emergency care
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Long-term rehabilitation and home care
- Prescription medication
- Psychological medical treatment
- End-of-life care in the case of fatal injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
Often, the insurance company will work to lower a claim by shifting the blame and even suggesting that you were the cause of the accident. You will need a firm that knows these underhanded tactics and can counter them with facts and evidence. You can get economic, non-economic, and punitive damages depending on the details of your accident.
Bicycle laws in Colorado
Colorado has implemented several laws specifically addressing bicyclists’ rights on the road. Cyclists have many of the same duties and rights as Denver drivers, with several exceptions. Cyclists will ride with traffic flow in the right-hand lane if there is no sidewalk or bicycle lane.
When a car wants to overtake a bicycle, it must do so on the left-hand side and leave at least three feet between the car and the bike three feet from the right side of the vehicle. While bicycles must ensure they have lights and safety equipment and do not participate in reckless behavior, that doesn’t exempt drivers from respecting and sharing the road.
Stop sign laws are very different in Denver than in other places. Cyclists do not need to stop at stop signs. The cyclist must slow down, and if they need to stop for safety, they are required to do so. Once they slow down or yield, they can proceed into the intersection or make a turn. The law does not apply to traffic lights and is exclusive to Denver. Other local governments and municipalities have specific rules requiring cyclists to come to complete stops.
Will insurance cover bicycle accidents?
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will need to pay your bicycle injury claim in Denver. Sadly, insurance companies will work hard to lower and deny claims even when there are clear signs of catastrophic injuries. In other cases, the at-fault driver may not have enough coverage to pay all of your damages. In those cases, you may only recover damages within the policy limits.
One of the worst situations to be in is when a driver does not have any insurance coverage. Many bicyclists believe they do not have options and will have to deal with the consequences independently.
When the Denver driver is underinsured or uninsured, you can recover compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit. You can also use your health and car insurance policies to cover your expenses. Still, it is best to work with your Denver bicycle accident lawyer to find the best option for you.
Who is liable for bike share accidents?
Denver has various bike-share programs that allow residents to use a bike for some time. Rideshare bicycle accidents have complex liability issues. These rideshare companies will try to place the blame on riders instead of taking responsibility. Due to the complexity of these cases, it is vital to have a Denver bicycle accident attorney look at your options. There will be parties that you can hold responsible, such as another driver.
Remember that drivers are dangerous
While laws are in place to help prevent bicycle accidents, drivers do not always follow them. As a cyclist, you should try and stay safe. Remember, you are not at fault for an accident and should never admit to any responsibility. Always obey traffic laws and do not place yourself in danger. Use hand signals to let other motorists know you intend to turn so they can get out of your way. Always stay visible and communicate with drivers. Following these tips will ensure the insurance company does not shift the blame onto you.
Signs it’s time to call a lawyer.
You should always consult with a Denver personal injury lawyer to determine your rights and secure the financial compensation you deserve.
There are some vital signs that it is time to call a lawyer.
- Permanent injuries: A permanent injury or disability will result in extensive medical treatment, and the insurance policy will exhaust its limits quickly, leaving you with few options. You can obtain further compensation through a legal claim.
- Fault disputes: Insurance companies and drivers will try to shift the blame and say you were at fault for the catastrophe. When there is a dispute regarding responsibility, you will need a Denver personal injury lawyer who knows how to determine fault correctly and ensure you do not miss out on essential payment for your injury.
- Multiple parties: Some accidents are very complex and have multiple parties. When that is the case, all of these parties will try to deny their role in the case. When you have multiple parties in your claim, your ability to obtain compensation also increases.
- The insurance company denies your claim: The insurance company can and will deny claims outright, even when the damage is apparent. The insurance provider wants to minimize how much money they need to pay out, which is unfair to injury victims.
Consult the Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC
Denver Bicycle Accident Attorneys, Eric Faddis
In any of these instances, you need a creative and innovative law firm to review your accident case and ensure you get the representation you deserve. You need a Denver bicycle accident lawyer from Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC.
If you found yourself in a Denver bicycle accident, contact Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC at 720-710-9073 for legal representation today.
Centennial Office
6025 South Quebec St.
Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 720-710-9073
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