Question 1

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions?

Accepted Answer

When on the road, both bicyclists and motorists are expected to follow traffic laws and move responsibly and safely to their destination. This means yielding the right of way, stopping when legally required, and staying under the speed limit. Unfortunately, some people take this responsibility less seriously than others. Frankly, due to the safety that a car allows, motorists are often the party that most frequently break the rules of the road. Common ways that motorists cause bike collisions include:

Motorists overtaking a cyclist while traveling in the same direction as the cyclist
Motorists turning into the path of a cyclist
Motorists pulling onto the road from a driveway or parking lot into path of cyclist
Motorists opening a car door in front of a cyclist ("dooring")
Motorists misjudging the passing distance between their vehicle and cyclist
Motorists failing to obey traffic laws or yield the right-of-way to a cyclist

In most of these bicycle-vehicle collisions, a major factor was that the motorist failed to notice the bicyclist. Bikes are smaller and, most importantly, quieter than cars. That means that a simple glance over the shoulder isn’t going to cut it when it comes to avoiding cyclists. Not noticing a bike is not a fair excuse, because the driver has a duty of care towards those on the road with them, bike riders included.

Distracted drivers are a serious issue in this day and age, since distractions keep a driver from noticing a bicyclist. It is important for cyclists to always remain alert and aware of their surroundings, because distracted drivers cannot be trusted. However, their negligence clearly makes them responsible for your crash in the eyes of the law, and we intend to make sure you get the money you deserve to recover.

Question 2

Why Are Bike Accidents So Dangerous?

Accepted Answer

When you are in a car, whether it be big or small, you are fairly comfortable knowing that there are several safety features designed to make sure you walk away from an accident as injury-free as possible. You have seat belts, airbags, a crumple zone, and four, secure metal walls, all to keep you safe. A bike, however, has none of that. When you are riding your bike, the only protection you have is the gear you choose to wear. That normally means all you have is a helmet.

A helmet, though, can only protect you from so much. If a car slams into you at a high speed, there is little you can do to prevent yourself from developing severe injuries. With so little protection, your body will take the brunt of the impact of the car, likely throwing you onto the pavement where you will sustain further injury.

Question 3

What Are Common Bike Accident Injuries?

Accepted Answer

As staunch advocates for auto accident victims of all kinds, we at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. have seen just how devastating bike accidents can be. Many of our clients have come to us in a state of extreme injury, struggling to afford their costly medical bills. That is why we are so passionate about helping cyclists that have found themselves victims of severe accidents. In our experience, some of the most common bike collision injuries include:

Of course, just as we have worked with many bike collision victims, we have also worked with families who lost a loved one due to a collision with a motorist to file a wrongful death claim. No matter what your situation is, we understand that you are likely feeling completely hopeless. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our team of attorneys is willing and able to guide you through this terrifying chapter of your life.

Denver Bicycle Collision Lawyers

We Handle Complex Claims for Injured Cyclists in Colorado

What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions?

Why Are Bike Accidents So Dangerous?

What Are Common Bike Accident Injuries?

What We Can Do for You

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