Bicycle Accidents in Colorado Springs

Experienced Law Firm for Bicycle Accidents in Colorado Springs

Anyone hurt on a bicycle may have many questions regarding “what to do next” and may not even know where to begin if they or a loved one has been wounded. Don’t hesitate to contact our Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer. At 719-300-1100, you can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Regardless of where you are, our goal is to provide you with the best legal representation possible.

The sooner you contact our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys, the better.

Riding your bike in Colorado Springs, whether in Garden of the Gods, on the Santa Fee Trail, or in downtown, is a great experience. Sharing the road alongside Carss and trucks, no matter how careful you are, maybe nerve-wracking. The consequences of a bicycle accident might be life-threatening. (It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a helmet or other safety gear.)

After a Bicycle Crash, the following are the most common injuries:

• Crushed injuries and amputations;
• injuries to the spinal cord;
• brain trauma; and spinal cord injuries
• Soft-Tissue and Orthopedic Injuries.

Related Blog Articles

• Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
• 12 Things to Do After a Colorado Springs Car Accident
• Get a Big Settlement for Injuries After a Car Wreck
• How Do Colorado Springs Car Accident Settlements Work?
• How Long Does a Settlement for a Car Accident Take?
• How Much Should I Ask for Pain and Suffering from a Car Accident?
• How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer for an Injury Lawsuit

You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Crash, Now What?

Even if you take the above bicycle accident advice to heart, you can never be protected from the carelessness of others. You can increase your chances of recouping damages if you are wounded in a car accident because of the negligence of another motorist by:

If you’re not too hurt, try to get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of the other parties. Note the driver’s name and the vehicle’s license plate. Try to gather images of the scene and contact information from anyone who may have seen what happened.

• It is important to see your doctor. After a car accident, see a doctor right away. This is still true even if you think your injuries will heal on their own. It’s critical to get your injuries assessed so that you can prove your losses to an insurance company or a court of law. The severity of the injuries sustained in a bicycle collision frequently necessitates an emergency room visit.
• Keeping a lawyer on retainer. After an accident, you need experienced legal counsel to fight for your rights. While building your case, a bicycle accident lawyer will handle all correspondence and talk with the insurance company on your behalf. You may also launch a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to make you a reasonable settlement offer.
• A bicycle accident lawyer in Colorado Springs Warrior Law is an ardent biker who has participated in many Colorado Springs charity bike races.

A personal injury lawyer who has represented numerous cyclists throughout his 20-year career can empathize with his fellow riders who have been injured in a cycling accident.

When other people’s negligence results in a cyclist’s injury, Jeremy Earle is called upon to represent them in court.

If you’ve found yourself in this position, you can rest confident that Jeremy Earle and his staff will do all in their power to maximize your compensation for your bicycle accident injury claim.

You should hire a lawyer that has a lot of experience and strength.

After an accident, while biking, you must engage an aggressive lawyer who knows your rights and will fight to defend them.

Jeremy Earle and his team have the knowledge, talents, and devotion to get you the most money possible in the event of a bicycle accident. As an attorney, he takes a personal interest in each case he handles and always be there for his clients when they need him.

Call Warrior Law at 719-300-1100 if you were injured in a bicycle accident. Signing anything before we talk to you could jeopardize your pay.

You owe us nothing unless we win your case, so don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Trends in Colorado over the last few years

Each year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) compiles data on the number of accidents involving pedal cyclists that result in injuries or death. Based on data from the most current year available, the following are some key findings:

• non-incapacitating injuries totaled 1,043
• The 2,426 reported crashes,
• while possible injuries totaled 886.
• Fatalities: 72
• Serious injuries: 258

No injuries are more common than serious or non-serious injuries in a Colorado bike accident. Looking back at Colorado’s bicycle accident statistics over the years, we can see the following trends:

Crash totals were greater, at 2,691, but fatalities were lower, at 57. This was the case a year earlier.

First-year Colorado began collecting bicycle accident statistics and saw a dramatic decrease in the number of crashes. Comparing data from 2010 to 2018:

• 2.001 in 2010 and 2.426 in 2011. (2017)
• Fatalities: 43 and 52
• Non-injury crashes: 75
• Possible injuries: 615 Possible injuries: 886
• Non-incapable injuries: 996

In 2018, there were more than 400 bike accidents compared to 2010. Has the number of persons who commute by bicycle in Colorado increased? Were there more inattentive motorists?

Bicyclists are more likely to get into accidents and get injured today than in the past, perhaps due to a combination of factors. It’s worth noting that national trends reflect Colorado’s, with the number of people killed in bicycle accidents rising from 621 in 2010 to 840 in 2016. From 2010 through 2012, Colorado had the third-highest total, but Colorado ranked 16th in terms of average yearly deaths per million population of all states and the District of Columbia (1.9).

Jeremy Earle is devoted to representing persons who have been wounded in car-bicycle collisions, although he would prefer if these accidents never occurred! As a regular biker, he is well-versed in the strategies cyclists might use to avoid being involved in car-bike accidents in the first place:

• Bicyclists in Colorado are considered vehicle operators and must follow all traffic regulations.
• When at all possible, bikers should dress in neon or brightly colored clothing to maximize their visibility.
• A red flashing light or back reflector should be used by all bicyclists, especially at dawn and twilight.
• When riding a bicycle, do not wear headphones.
• Avoid using your cell phone while cycling.
• As a final piece of advice, making or receiving phone calls while riding your bike is riskier than just pulling over and getting out of the way.

Causes and Effects of Cycling Mishaps

Bicycle accidents are caused by what? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Poor visibility and damp roads are common factors when driving in bad weather.
• For example, a lack of bike lanes might be risky for riders because of potholes and unexpected detours. Cyclists and motorists may have to swerve to avoid animals that dart into the road.
• Speeding: Motorcyclists and drivers should use caution when driving at high speeds. Speeding up is possible to increase the severity of an accident between a bike and an Cars. As a result, you’ll have a shorter period to respond to potential danger.
• Failure to signal: Carss frequently strike bicyclists when making a turn without signaling. Use hand signals and look both ways before making a turn.
• Give drivers plenty of room and steer clear of their blind spots if you want to keep your distance from oncoming traffic.

You can reduce the chance of bicycle accidents and injuries by familiarizing yourself with the region, using correct safety gear, and avoiding nighttime rides.

As you can see, Colorado’s four largest cities — Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and Loveland — are all located in the state’s four most populous counties. There were 16 bicycling deaths in El Paso County, the most of any county in the U.S. Dallas County had the second-highest mortality toll, with 16 people dying in a year.

Look at the sorts of roads where the most bike injuries and deaths occur in each county. Over five years, the following roads saw an increase in bicycle-related injuries:

• Public streets account for 69%
• Highways in the United States and its states: 15%
• Farm to market is 8%.
• Roads in the county = 5%

Interstate highways account for 3% of total road miles.

There are a lot of discrepancies when it comes to the number of bicycle deaths.

• Highways in the United States and its states: 33%
• Streets in the city make up 31% of the total.
• About 19% of food is produced on-farm.
• 90% of travel occurs on interstate routes.
• County roads: 8%.

Fatalities are more common on U.S. and state highways than on city streets. Bicyclists are more likely to suffer severe injuries if the speed limit on a road is increased.

On top of that, the following locations are where Colorado bicycle accidents happen:

• Access from a driveway accounts for 40% of the total
• the percentage of intersections
• The non-intersection percentage is 20%.

A location with a high percentage of intersections is classified as “intersection-related.”

While junction accidents are widespread, you may not anticipate them to occur in driveways, where accidents, injuries, and fatalities are more common. It is not uncommon for Carss to pull out of their driveways without making a thorough check to see if a bike is approaching, which can lead to an accident.

The following statistics indicate the ages of Texans engaged in bicycle accidents during the last five years, revealing that age is an essential factor in your risk of a bicycle crash.

• Ages 14 and under: 25% of the population
• About 24% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 24.
• Those ages 25 to 34 make up 14 percent of the population.
• 35-44-year-olds make up 11% of the population, while 45-54-year-olds make up 13%.
• 55-64 years old: 7%
• Age 65 and older = 3% of the population.

Bicycle crashes are less common as you get older. There may be a lack of bicycle safety awareness among children and young people because they ride their bikes more frequently.

In the dark, half of all bicycle deaths occurred. Light, luminous clothes, and other safety measures are essential if you’re riding at night.

Injuries sustained by bicyclists in Colorado

 

Colorado Department of Transportation’s FTP site

Colorado’s Rules for Bicyclists

• Colorado does not have state-level bicycle helmet laws for adults, although the city of Colorado Springs does.
• Children under 18 are required to wear bicycle helmets at all times, regardless of whether they are riders or passengers. — Helmets must fit appropriately and be approved by federal organizations such as Snell or the Colorado Department of Transportation. — (CDOT).
• When riding on private land, minors are not required to wear helmets.

Pocket bikes (sometimes known as little motorcycles) are also gaining in popularity. Pocket bikes are still popular recreational vehicles in Colorado Springs, even though riding on public roads or sidewalks is unlawful.

Listed here are some of the most important rules for bicyclists in Colorado. We can all do our part to make the roadways safe for cyclists by remembering and adhering to these regulations. Colorado Springs and the rest of the state need to reduce the number of auto-bicycle incidents resulting in injuries.

To the extent that the provisions of this chapter do not modify an existing right or duty, the rights and obligations applicable to a driver operating a vehicle also apply to an individual who is cycling; however, certain rights and obligations applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by their nature be applied to an individual who is cycling.

(b) No parent or guardian may knowingly allow their child or ward to break the terms of this subheading.

Bicyclists can only ride on or atop the bicycle’s fixed and conventional seats.

(b) A bicycle may not be used to carry more people than it was intended to.

An operator of a bicycle cannot use the bicycle to carry an object that stops them from operating the bicycle with more than one hand on the handlebars.

It is illegal to tie a person or an object to a streetcar or vehicle on a roadway while operating a bicycle, coaster, sled, or toy vehicle.

Roadway Operation

In all cases, except those covered by Subsection (b), cyclists must ride as close to the right curb or edge of the road as possible when traveling at a slower speed than other traffic unless:

(1) they are passing another vehicle traveling in a similar direction;

(2) they are preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;

(3) there is a condition on or of the roadway, including a fix.

(b) A bicyclist on a one-way road with two or more indicated traffic lanes might ride as close to the left curb or edge of the road as is reasonably possible.

1. c) Bicyclists using a public route may travel two abreast. People who ride two abreast on a laned roadway must ride in the same lane as the other vehicles. The regular and reasonable traffic flow on the road cannot be impeded by people riding two abreast. Unless they’re on a section of road specifically designated for bicycles, it is illegal to ride more than two abreast.

Cyclists must have brakes capable of making their wheels skid on dry, level, and clean pavement to operate their bicycles.

If a person rides a bicycle at night, they must be equipped with: (1) a lamp that emits a white light visible from at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle; and (2) on the back of the bicycle: (1) a light that emits a white light visible from at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle.

Either a red reflector or a lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet behind the bicycle that the department approves and (ii) visible when placed directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances between 50 and 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle.

“Bicycle” implies a non-motorized vehicle propelled by human power

To stage a competitive bicycle race on a public road, and organizing organization must first obtain permission from the relevant local law enforcement agency.

To ensure the safety of cyclists participating in a competitive event or training for one, local law enforcement and the organizing group may agree on laws that allow them to ride two abreast.

The Most Commonly Asked Questions

Do you have issues or questions about the outcome of your bicycle accident claim? The following are some frequently asked questions about bicycle accidents. However, keep in mind that each instance is unique. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can provide you with a specialized approach and evaluation in your best interest.

Please contact an attorney if you have any questions concerning your accident that have not been adequately addressed on this website. You can begin building your case right away with the help you deserve.

Question 1: Am I still eligible for compensation if I was not wearing a helmet at my accident?

A bicycle helmet prevents as much as 60% of major bicycle accident head injuries. However, this does not obligate you to wear a helmet to collect damages for your injuries. Because of the negligence and misbehavior of others, you are entitled to monetary compensation regardless of whether you opted to use safety gear. Refrain from accepting responsibility. Fight back and collect the compensation you’re due.

Question 2: In the event of a bicycle accident in Colorado Springs, how much money can I expect to recover?

If you’ve been injured in a serious Colorado Springs bicycle accident due to another party’s carelessness, you deserve all the assistance you can receive to recover as quickly as possible. Several crucial aspects go into determining how much money you might expect to earn as compensation.

Your insurer’s policy restrictions may limit your reimbursementns if they were the ones responsible for your accident. Each state has its own set of acceptable policy restrictions. A minimum of $30,000 in liability insurance is required for drivers on Colorado roads! If your injuries cost more than the policy’s limit, you may not be able to receive additional compensation.

Another factor that will influence the amount of money you receive in damages is the severity of your injury. This can be difficult to determine if you don’t have a medical professional’s opinion. It could be days or weeks before you experience any significant pain. Because of this, getting evaluated as soon as possible is critical.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to receive compensation for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering. Additionally, you can sue for special damages based on your actual, quantifiable economic harm (such as property like your bicycle, shifts you missed at work, or your itemized hospital bills.) Your claim’s potential value can be estimated based on the totality of these damages.

Question 3: In a bicycle accident, what are my legal options in terms of compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you’re entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages (or the lack thereof), and pain and suffering.

• Expenses related to health care: In the aftermath of an accident, you may face a mountain of medical debt. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may require immediate medical attention, long-term hospitalization, or both. You may need the assistance of a lawyer if you’re unsure of what medical expenses are covered by your insurance or how to account for any future medical concerns arising from your accident.
• Injuries following an accident can leave you unable to earn money when you need it most. No matter how you feel, you’ll still need to take time off for doctor visits, therapy sessions, and other appointments. Accidents might take a lot of your time, so don’t waste it by slacking off and watching. Compensation for lost wages and earning potential might be obtained via an attorney.
• No monetary value can be assigned to the emotional pain you’ve experienced. Insurance companies will do everything they can to deny or minimize your losses, but bicycle injury attorneys know how to determine this value and fight for you.

Keeping track of the paperwork and figuring out the costs on your own can be a complex jumble, but help is available. An expert attorney can help you make a personal injury claim that includes all the essential damages. Now is the time to make contact. Make sure you don’t come up empty-handed or with more questions than answers by giving up or giving in.

Question 4: After a bicycle accident, how much does it cost to employ an experienced personal injury attorney?

You may think that hiring a personal injury lawyer is prohibitively expensive. When faced with mounting bills, many people shy away from or completely disregard the thought of taking a loan out to cover them.

True, people should be asking themselves, “Can I afford not to engage an attorney?” in reality.

An attorney can help you get more money from your case in several ways. It’s even better than many attorneys give free consultations and accept personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means you won’t have to pay for the services of an attorney. Instead, a portion of your settlement or award will be used to pay for their services.

Question 5:Do car drivers always have to be held responsible for injuries caused by a bicycle accident?

A variety of circumstances can cause a bicycle accident. Your accident and any injuries it causes are almost always the faults of the other driver. By working with an expert personal injury attorney, it’s possible to identify all of the parties responsible for the accident.

When the accident occurred, for example, was the driver on the clock?

• If the company that employed the driver failed to keep a vehicle in good working order, or if the company required the driver to drive for longer than allowed by law, the firm could be partially responsible for your injuries.
• Suppose a corporation requires its drivers to work in hazardous situations, such as when they are ill, tired, or intoxicated and cannot drive. In that case, it is violating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Alternatively, was the accident caused by malfunctioning the vehicle’s mechanical system? Losing control of one’s Cars is possible in the event of a tire rupture or brake issue. In particular instances, automakers may be held responsible for accidents caused by defective parts. Because of a mechanic’s incompetence, he or she may be held responsible for the accident.

You shouldn’t dismiss any of these options. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should not have to pay out of pocket. After your accident, meet with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss guilt as soon as possible.

Question 6: Do I need an attorney to file a personal injury claim following a bicycle accident??

Self-injury lawsuits are legal, but that doesn’t mean you should. Attorneys specializing in personal injury law can expedite your legal claims and negotiations and pay attention to the smallest details. This means more money in your bank account in a shorter period. The time immediately following an accident is already stressful enough; do not make matters worse by trying to handle everything on your own.

Question 7: Is it a good idea to accept the insurance company’s settlement offer after an accident?

The insurance company will frequently send you a settlement offer as soon as possible following a bicycle accident. If you’re excited about the number they’ve given you now, be careful not to settle. Without legal representation, you have no idea how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Your claim is usually worth much more than the original offer made by your insurer. Pain and suffering are a part of our lives, aren’t they? Future medical costs and persistent discomfort are also factors to consider. Consider the anguish inflicted on the members of your household.

Before accepting any offer, speak with a lawyer. Decide what you’re worth and live up to it. Yes, that’s correct.

Question 8: When can I expect to obtain compensation for my injuries after a bicycle accident?

Anxiety is a natural byproduct of any court proceeding. We all know how tedious it is to be kept waiting. To get back on your feet as quickly as possible, you need a devoted attorney, but how long it takes to collect compensation for a bicycle accident depends on various factors.

• The insurance company that will be handling your claim. Some insurance firms are more aggressive and persistent in their negotiations.
• How much money you’re requesting. An accident claim can take longer to process if you have significant injuries and request a large amount of compensation.
• Your openness to compromise. You can accept a settlement offer made by the insurance company or other accountable party at any time during the negotiation process. Accepting this offer will terminate all negotiations and allow you to collect compensation for your injuries, so be aware of that. Handling a bicycle accident claim can take longer if you want to keep negotiating to get the best possible settlement.

In many circumstances, working with our bicycle injury lawyers can help you devise a strategy that speeds up the entire process.

Question 9: After a bicycle accident in Colorado, how long do I have to pursue compensation?

If you wait too long after your accident to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, you may be unable to do so. You should always pursue your claim as soon as feasible, even if an attorney can discover numerous exceptions to that rule.

After a bicycle accident, immediately call an attorney to speed up this process. A lawyer can help you with two crucial things if you contact them early on:

• Gather proof. Photographs and video recordings taken at the time of the accident remain the most accurate while still fresh. As soon as you have a legal staff on your side, finding and collecting evidence is much easier. Vital evidence may be lost forever if you hesitate.
• Give you sound guidance that can help you avoid accidentally limiting your claim in the future. Even seemingly innocuous statements you make about your recovery or your activities can significantly impact personal injury claims: what you post on social media and how you communicate with the insurance company. Insurance firms will look for flaws to discredit your tale and your experiences. You must begin working with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not sabotage your claim.

Question 10: The following are some suggestions for self-preservation following a bicycle accident.

In a bicycle accident, your medical treatment should take precedence over all else. It doesn’t matter what kind of injuries you think you have, even if they’re only road rash, scrapes, and bruises, you should always go to the ER or an urgent care center.

Soft tissue damage, for example, can be detected by doctors even while the patient is unaware of it. If you’ve been injured, they can offer you important evidence, such as when and how it happened.

Remember to:

• Pay attention to your words. After a car accident, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but you must resist making quick assertions like “I’m alright,” or “I’m not injured.” Before providing any statements to an insurance adjuster, seek legal advice.
• If at all possible, gather evidence on the scene. Taking pictures of the accident scene and the vehicle that caused the accident is recommended if you can. Take a picture of the driver’s license and insurance information so you can view it later. Contact information for witnesses may also be helpful.
• Make sure you have a copy of the police report. To challenge any inaccuracies in the police report, such as allegations that you caused or contributed to your bicycle accident, you should receive a copy of the report as soon as possible after the incident has occurred.
• Get in touch with a lawyer right away. Having a bicycle injury lawyer on your side can be a lifesaver in terms of getting the money you deserve and helping you with the legal aspects of filing your claim. Their team can take care of all the paperwork and coordinate with other offices to ensure you receive the best medical care possible. Let justice take care of itself if you’ve got enough on your plate.
• All medical records and expenses should be kept in order. Following a bicycle accident, you will need to know how much the accident cost you, including your medical bills, to file a personal injury claim. Keep note of all your medical expenditures, including the cost of therapy, the cost of adaptive equipment like crutches, ramps, or wheelchairs, and the cost of modifying your home or vehicle to make it more accessible.

Do you still have questions concerning the bicycle accident you sustained? To ensure your rights are protected at every level of the claims process, speak with one of our skilled bicycle accident attorneys as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Legal Options with a Colorado Bike Accident Lawyer

It’s awful, but help is available if you get into a bike accident in Colorado Springs. Contact us immediately to learn more about your rights and alternatives after a bicycle accident in Colorado Springs. Our bicycle accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience in personal injury settlements.

Injured victims can rely on Warrior Law and Injury Accident Lawyers to fight for their legal rights for over two decades.

If you were injured in a bicycle or any other traffic accident, please call our office immediately to set up a free consultation. So long as we win your injury case, you will not owe us a penny in legal fees. We’re here for you every week, 24 hours a day. To learn more about your legal options, give us a call at 719-300-1100 or send us an email.