Bike Accident Lawsuits
Many people in Colorado Springs love to get out in nature on their bicycles. With over 100 miles of street trails, there are lots of opportunities for cyclists. This does however mean sharing the roads with motorists who are not always as attentive as they should be. Cyclists can be quite vulnerable to accidents involving motor vehicles, and these can result in very serious injuries.
If you are a cyclist who has been hit by a car in Colorado, we invite you to reach out to our team. At the Law Offices of Rodemer Kane we want to do all we can to help you through this difficult time, and we have the knowledge and experience with personal injury claims to get you the compensation you need to help cover the costs of your medical treatment. Contact our Colorado Springs law office online or call 719-635-7886 to book a free case consultation.
Official Colorado Bicycle Laws
The state of Colorado has a number of bicycling laws that are used to make sure cyclists are kept safe while riding. These rules are related to human operated bicycles. Electric bicycles, motorcycles, and low-speed vehicles like scooters will have different regulations. These rules include but are not limited to the following:
- You must only have the number of people on the bicycle designed for it to carry.
- You must not attach your bicycle to any motor vehicle upon a roadway while riding.
- You must ride your bicycle in the right-hand lane and drive as close to the right-hand side as is practical. Exceptions to this rule are:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway
- When necessary to avoid obstacles
- You must operate your bicycle single file, with the following exceptions:
- Riding two abreast will not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic
- When riding on a bike paths or parts of roadway
- You must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
- If you intend to turn left, you shall approach the turn as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
- You shall signal with your hand your intention to turn or stop in accordance with the Colorado bicycle laws
- If riding a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, you must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give them an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. These accidents can be caused for a number of reasons, some of them at the cyclist error, while others are drivers or others around the cyclist that lead to accidents. It’s important to be aware of potential dangers while riding your bicycle to help reduce the risk of an accident and improve the possibility of a safe ride. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Motor Vehicle Collisions – Collisions with cars and trucks out on the road are one of the leading causes of serious bicycle accidents. Cyclists can be hard to spot by drivers, especially if they are distracted while driving. A driver that looks down to change a radio station, is using a mobile phone, or even eating or drinking while driving has a reduced reaction time and can fail to notice a cyclist on the road, or can even veer into a dedicated bike lane. These types of collisions can occur in various scenarios, including intersections, driveways, and bike lanes and encompass accidents like a vehicle turning right across the path of a cyclist, turning left into the path of an oncoming vehicle, or a driver can even rear-end a bicycle.
Poor Road Conditions – Municipalities are responsible to keep roads well-maintained and safe for all travelers, including cyclists. Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poorly maintained roads can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
Failure to Yield – It’s important to understand who has the right of way in a situation. Both cyclists and drivers sometimes fail to yield the right of way, which can result in collisions. This often happens at intersections, crosswalks, and during lane changes.
Speeding – Excessive speed by either cyclists or drivers reduces reaction time and can increase the risk of a collision as well as the severity of the injuries sustained in an accident. It’s important to maintain proper speeds while driving or riding a bike for the safety of everyone on the road.
Dooring – A common cause for bicycle accidents, especially in urban centers, is the act of a driver or passenger opening a car door into the path of a cyclist without checking that the way is clear, causing a collision. This is referred to as dooring, and can cause serious injuries when a cyclist slams into an open car door.
Lack of Visibility – It can be hard to see cyclists in optimal conditions, let alone when visibility is an issue. Bicycle accidents are more common at dusk or dark when lighting is low and the risk of an accident is increased when cyclists are wearing dark non-reflective clothing which can be hard to see at night. Weather can also impact visibility if there is fog, rain, snow, or even glare from the sun.
Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times for both cyclists and drivers, significantly increasing the risk of accidents on the road.
Average Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts in Colorado Springs
Bicycle accident settlement amounts in Colorado can vary widely based on the specifics of each case. When you look online the range for a bicycle accident settlement is anywhere from $3000 to $640,000. That is a massive difference between the two figures. It can be difficult to determine an average for bicycle accident settlements in Colorado because of the different factors that will play a part in deciding an amount. The severity of injuries, the impact on a person’s ability to work, the insurance plans involved, and the level of responsibility both parties play in the accident will all need to be examined. It is always best to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney near you about your specific case to get a better understanding of what sort of settlement figure you might expect.
Contact A Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Settlement Lawyer Near You
Cyclists hit by cars in Colorado are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Understanding Colorado’s bicycle laws, the common causes for bike accidents, and the factors that will influence settlement amounts are all crucial when trying to determine fair compensation for your bicycle accident case. If you are a cyclist who has been hit by a car in Colorado, we invite you to reach out to our team.
At the Law Offices of Rodemer Kane we want to do all we can to help you through this difficult time, and we have the knowledge and experience with personal injury claims to get you the compensation you need to help cover the costs of your medical treatment. Contact our Colorado Springs law office online or call 719-635-7886 to book a free case consultation.