Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Centennial, CO
Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to exercise, help the environment, and improve health. At the same time, it can be one of the most dangerous activities you can do in Centennial, Colorado. Bicyclists can suffer severe, life-threatening injuries when involved in accidents with motor vehicles. Even if you wear a helmet, there is no other protection when hit by a car, truck, van, or SUV.
A Centennial bicycle accident lawyer from Varner Faddis Elite Legal will fight for your right to compensation when injured in an accident. You should remain focused on your medical treatment and physical recovery and leave the legal process to us. Once you have our team on your side, you can trust someone is fighting for full compensation and standing up for your rights.
Discuss a possible case with our bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible – we are here to listen and help.
Why Hire Varner Faddis Elite Legal?
With more than three decades of combined legal experience, the Varner Faddis Elite Legal team knows what it takes to help clients injured in bicycle accidents. We understand the severity of bicycle accident injuries and the toll they take on you and your family. We strive to provide our clients with open communication, so you do not have to worry about the case’s progress.
We handle many claims involving vehicle accidents, and we recovered $800,000 for one victim, $1,250,000 for another, and $730,000 for yet another vehicle accident victim, for example. We obtained $750,000 for a family for the wrongful death of a loved one in an accident. These are only some examples of how hard we work for our clients, and we can advise you on what you might expect to receive in your bicycle accident case.
The Dangers of Bicycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most bicycle accident deaths occur between 6 pm and 9 pm, no matter the season. On top of that, 79 percent of bicycle accident deaths occurred in urban areas in 2020. In 2020, males were seven times more likely to die in a bicycle accident than females.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1,000 people in the United States die from bicycle accident injuries annually, and more than 130,000 are injured. Bicycle accidents and deaths caused by those accidents cost more than $23 billion per year in the United States. This number includes lost time at work, medical care, estimates for the cost of quality of life, and lives lost.
Common Causes of Centennial Bicycle Accidents
As one might imagine, the leading cause of bicycle accidents is a motor vehicle hitting them.
There are many different ways a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle can occur, including:
- A car made a left turn in front of a bicycle traveling in the correct direction.
- A truck slammed into the rear of a bicycle.
- A car door flung open, striking a bicyclist.
- A vehicle changed lanes aggressively or without signaling.
- The bicyclist was not given enough space by the vehicle.
- The driver ran a red light or stop sign.
Dangerous Centennial, Colorado, Intersections
The most dangerous intersections in the Centennial, Colorado, area for bicyclists include:
- The Peoria Street and Peakview Avenue Roundabout
- East Smoky Hill Road and South Tower Road
- East Lake Avenue and South Buckley Road
- South Parker Road and East Arapahoe Road
- South Cherokee Trail and South Chambers Way
This is not an exhaustive list of the most dangerous intersections in Centennial, Colorado, for bicyclists. Every intersection is dangerous, especially when you cannot predict what drivers will do when they approach the intersection. Defensively riding your bike can help save your life and prevent you from being injured in a bicycle accident.
How to Protect Yourself in an Intersection
As a bicyclist, you need to take extra precautions when entering intersections. You cannot assume that drivers will abide by the traffic signals, yield signs, or stop signs. You also cannot assume that drivers will see you as you enter or exit the intersection.
When riding a bicycle at an intersection:
- Slow down when approaching an intersection, even if you have a green light
- Look both ways before entering the intersection multiple times.
- Come to a complete stop if the light is red and wait for it to turn green.
- Do not enter an intersection the moment a light turns green (wait a couple of seconds and check for oncoming traffic)
- Be sure to use proper hand signals when turning in an intersection.
- Position the bicycle properly in the lane if you wish to make a left turn
Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
The most common injuries you can suffer in a Centennial bicycle accident include:
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
The minute you are involved in a bicycle accident, you need to call 911. Let the EMTs evaluate you for any injuries and make sure you go to the hospital for additional care. By calling 911, you ensure that the police respond to investigate and file a report. The police report and your medical records will improve your chances of being successful in a bicycle accident claim.
How a Centennial Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Suffering an injury in any type of accident, including a bicycle accident, should lead you to call a personal injury attorney. A Centennial bicycle accident lawyer has your best interests in mind through every step of the claim process. An attorney will work with you, your doctors, and expert witnesses to build a case on your behalf.
Our bicycle accident lawyers can:
- Collect evidence from the accident scene
- Speak to insurance adjusters
- Obtain the police report
- Review your medical records
- Acquire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Write and send demand letters to the at-fault party
- Negotiate a settlement with the other party
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial
Aside from all of these tasks, a lawyer will be there to help you navigate the legal waters after suffering an injury. Your focus can be on recovering from your bicycle accident injuries and not responding to phone calls from insurance adjusters and defense lawyers. Let the experienced Centennial bicycle accident lawyers from Varner Faddis Elite Legal fight for your right to compensation.
What Compensation Can I Claim in a Bicycle Accident Case?
If you ever find yourself injured from a bicycle accident, you need to speak to a Centennial bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Bicycle accident victims can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of future earning potential
- Loss of consortium
What if My Loved One Died in a Bicycle Accident?
If the bicycle accident tragically killed your loved one, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. A wrongful death lawsuit helps you pay for your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses, the loss of your loved one’s income, loss of companionship, and much more.
Centennial Bicycle Accident FAQs
How Long Will it Take to Resolve My Case?
Every bicycle accident case is different. The length of time it takes to resolve the case will depend on various factors, including the evidence you have, witness testimony, and pushback from the at-fault party. If the defendant is willing to settle, the case can end rather quickly. If the case has to go to court, expect it to take more than time to resolve.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Another difficult question to answer with a finite number because of how different every bicycle accident case is in terms of negligence and severity of injuries. If the defendant was intentional in their actions, the judge might award you punitive damages to punish them. Punitive damages can significantly increase the value of a bicycle accident claim.
Do You Charge Fees up Front?
When we take on clients who have suffered injuries in bicycle accidents, we work on contingency. This means that we only get paid when you win your case. We agree on a percentage of the award you win before working together. We will collect any other fees that arise during the working relationship from the settlement/jury award.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Colorado?
In Colorado, you have just three years from the date of the accident that left you injured to file a claim. If you file the claim one day after the deadline, you run the risk of the court dismissing your case without ever having the chance to obtain compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer ensures that your case does not miss the statute of limitations.
What Steps Should I Take if Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
The following are things to keep in mind should you be in a bicycle accident in the future. By taking these steps, you are protecting your rights and increasing your chances of securing compensation for your injuries.
Call 911 Immediately
By calling 911, you ensure that EMTs and police respond to the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Let the EMTs who respond to the scene evaluate you for various injuries. If they want you to go to the hospital, take their advice and allow them to transport you. Accept all treatment provided at the hospital and follow all discharge instructions.
File a Police Report
A police officer should respond to the crash scene, which means they will file a police report. There should always be a police report when a motor vehicle hits a bicyclist. If the officer refuses to take down information, encourage them to do so or request to speak to a supervisor. You cannot leave the scene before they initiate a report.
Document the Scene of the Crash
Take pictures of the damage to your bicycle, the vehicle, your injuries, road debris, and anything else that can be used as evidence in your favor when filing a claim.
Gather Contact Information of Everyone Involved
Be sure to acquire the contact information of the driver who caused the accident. This includes their name, phone number, address, and proof of insurance. You will need to provide this information to your bicycle accident attorney so they can begin a claim on your behalf.
Ask Witnesses for a Statement
Ask anyone who witnessed the accident to speak to the responding police officer about what they saw. You should also obtain their contact information so you can forward it to your lawyer, and they can depose them.
Acquire Your Medical Records
Once the medical staff has released you from the hospital, you should acquire copies of your medical records. These documents will help your lawyer understand the severity of your injuries, and you might need them for expert witnesses during depositions or when testifying in court at trial.
Stay Off of Social Media
Do not post anything on social media about your accident. This includes announcing you were injured, posting pictures of your injuries, or trying to contact the at-fault driver via their social media accounts. The defense attorney can use anything you post to downplay your case.
Call a Centennial Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Did you suffer an injury riding a bicycle in Centennial, Colorado? You need strong legal representation to recover compensation. A Centennial personal injury lawyer from Varner Faddis Elite Legal can investigate the crash and build a case on your behalf. The injuries you suffer in a bicycle accident can be devastating. You might be unable to return to work, earn a living, or ever walk again.
Let a Centennial bicycle accident attorney at Varner Faddis Elite Legal fight for your right to compensation. Call our office at 720-710-9073 or complete our contact form for your initial consultation today.
Office
6025 South Quebec St.
Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 720-710-9073
