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THE ROLE OF INSURANCE IN BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Being involved in a Denver bicycle accident, especially a hit and run accident, can leave you wondering where a potential settlement will be paid from. Even if the other driver does not have insurance, or does not have high enough coverage to pay for all of your damages, you will usually be able to recover money from your own insurance policy if you have UM/UIM insurance.

If the driver of the car that hit you can be found and has valid insurance, then their policy will pay you a settlement. The problem that arises if the driver does not carry a high enough coverage limit to pay for all of your damages. If you have your own car and carry what is called uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, then your own policy will contribute to paying you a settlement up to the amount of coverage you selected.

Insurance Company Tactics to Devalue Your Claim

Insurance companies exist to make a profit. Their sole goal when handling any type of injury claim is to pay out as little money as possible. If they paid settlements that were fair to every innocent victim, they would lose money. Insurance companies will never act in your best interest. They do not care about how the accident has affected your life. Since their interests are directly opposed to yours, you need to be aware of the tactics they will use to devalue your claim. They will look for every opportunity they can to do exactly that! Most importantly, you deserve to be compensated for all of your injuries, not just some of them. The bicycle accident attorneys at DeserveJustice will fight for every penny and make the insurance company pay!

Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Bicycle Accidents In Colorado

There are numerous different ways that a bicycle accident in Denver can happen. While some are caused by the negligence of the cyclist, most are caused by negligent drivers who are not paying attention. An understanding of the most common ways that Denver bicycle accidents happen can help you anticipate when a dangerous situation may arise so that you can be prepared to do your best to avoid it.

The most common types of accidents are:

Intersection Turning Accidents

Right Turn Accidents

Rear-End Accidents

Door Opening Accidents

Failing to Yield Accidents

If you believe a defect, such as a broken part contributed to your accident, please click here.

Common Cycling Accident Injuries

Injuries from a Denver cycling accident are often catastrophic, and it is easy to see why. In the blue corner, we have a 5,000 pound SUV driven by a mom taking her kids to soccer practice. In the red corner, we have a 170 pound, 45-year-old gentleman, out enjoying a Saturday morning ride. It really is no match. Head injuries are one of the most common injuries that a cyclist can suffer in a bicycle accident, and they are one of the most serious injuries to have to live with.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

There are close to 50 bicycle deaths per year in Denver. Nationwide, there are over 50,000 accidents involving cars and bicycles that result in injury every year. Drivers under the influence of alcohol account for nearly 23% of bicycle collisions. In terms of gender, 85% of those killed are men and between the ages of 45 and 54 years of age. Children are a huge risk as well, accounting for 66% of all deaths. The number of accidents involving bicycle and car collisions is probably drastically under-reported. Studies suggest that as little as 10% of all bicycle accidents are reported to the police.

Prevent Bicycle Theft

With the number of bicycle thefts each year in Colorado, especially Denver and Fountain, you would be perfectly justified in being a little paranoid about whether your bike is going to be stolen.

There are a number of steps you can take to avoid bike theft, as well as recovering the bike if you or the police find it at some point. Read the guide below to learn what you should do.

Cycling Safety Tips

Accidents do not play favorites. You can be a seasoned veteran or the annoying kid down the street. Negligent drivers are a threat to the safety and well-being of everyone. With that being said, there are a number of things you can do to better protect yourself while out on the road.

Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet will reduce your risk of a serious injury by up to 85%.

Always focus on what is ahead of you, not down at the ground. Keeping alert to what is ahead of you can allow you time to avoid an accident.

Do not carry passengers. There is no safe way to operate a bicycle with the additional weight of a passenger.

Ride single file. Riding two abreast puts the outside rider in danger of getting hit by a car.

Always ride on the right side of the road, and never against traffic. Not only can you get a ticket for it, but you are also putting yourself in danger.

Plan your trip ahead of time. Consider scouting out safe roads before heading out. Have a contingency plan in place if you hit construction or traffic.

Avoid busy roads and rush hour traffic.

If you riding at night, stock up on safety lights and reflective clothing.

Always ensure your bike is roadworthy and operating properly.