Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Expert Representation for Injury Victims

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Denver

Over 130,000 bicyclists are injured each year in bicycle accidents across the United States. Consequently, the cost of bicycle accident injuries and fatalities is more than $23 billion in the U.S. annually. If you were injured in a bicycle crash in Colorado, you may be able to recover compensation.

Many people turn to bicycles as a more environmentally friendly and convenient way to commute. However, cycling can be dangerous, as bikers lack much protection and often share limited road space with careless motor vehicle drivers. 

If you have sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident and aren’t sure what to do next, give our Denver bicycle accident attorneys a call. Alpha Accident Lawyers is a highly-rated bike accident law firm in Denver, Colorado. We can help you file your personal injury claim and connect you with the medical care you need to heal. Our Denver bicycle accident attorneys will fight to help you obtain compensation for your losses. Call our Colorado personal injury law firm to schedule a free case evaluation. 

Colorado Bicycle Accident Laws and Statistics

According to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, cyclist deaths jumped by 33% from 2022 to 2023. Many of these deaths are attributed to distracted driving, a lack of designated bike lanes, and Colorado’s growing population. 

Bicycles are treated like vehicles under Colorado law and generally have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. 

Here are some important bicycle laws that all Colorado bicyclists and drivers should know: 

• Travel in the same direction as traffic:  Bicycle riders must adhere to local traffic laws, including traveling in the correct direction and obeying all traffic signs and signals.
• Maintain three feet of space: Passing infractions are a common cause of crashes, and drivers must maintain at least three feet between the right side of the car and the left side of the bicycle. 
• Yield to pedestrians: Bike riders are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and sidewalks.
• Ride single file: Cyclists should ride single file in most cases, especially when sharing roads with motor vehicles.
• Use hand signals: Cyclists must use hand signals when turning or stopping to communicate their intentions to other road users. 

The Role of a Denver Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you may want to file a personal injury claim right away to get the process started. Still, it’s better to first consult a Denver bicycle accident lawyer. Personal injury cases must follow deadlines to ensure the claimant can pursue compensation. A Denver bicycle accident attorney is well-versed in Colorado law and will help you gather evidence to strengthen your personal injury case.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our team of bicycle accident attorneys is committed to helping victims of bicycle accidents obtain fair compensation for their serious injuries and losses. We understand that bicycle accident victims deal with medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, and other financial costs related to the bicycle accident. 

We will help you file your personal injury claim and facilitate all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Additionally, our Denver bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay legal fees until you win your bicycle accident case. 

Challenges Bicycle Accident Victims Face

If a bicycle accident caused your injuries, the driver’s insurance company is usually responsible for covering financial compensation for your losses. However, insurance companies want to protect their bottom line and have lawyers on retainer to help negotiate claims and minimize what they owe. The insurance company may even try to deny your claim. This can leave you without the full compensation you need to receive medical care and cover your medical bills. In addition, you may have lost income for missed work.

Therefore, consulting with a Denver bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible is crucial to ensure you can pursue all the compensation you are entitled to. Our bike accident attorney takes on the insurance companies so you can focus on your family and recovery. We will help you hold the at-fault driver and their insurer liable for your losses. 

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

If a cyclist is injured due to the negligence of a vehicle driver, he or she may be able to recover financial compensation from the driver’s insurance company. Recovering full and fair compensation is not an easy task – you will need an experienced attorney who has your best interests in mind. 

Bicycle accident compensation consists mainly of two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages. These damages are meant to make the victim “whole” again. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages reflect the victim’s actual monetary losses. They include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage, including bicycle repairs

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses. They include: 

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life  

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, bicycle accident victims may recover punitive damages, which are separate from compensatory damages. They are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or reckless behavior.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

Being involved in a bicycle accident is extremely disorienting and stressful. It is important to stay calm and follow certain steps as long as you are able to do so.

1. Check for Injuries: First, assess your physical condition. If you're injured, try to stay still and wait for medical assistance. 
2. Call 911: Even if your injuries seem minor, contact the police or an ambulance. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims or legal action. 
3. Gather Information: Obtain the driver's contact, vehicle, and insurance information. Collect witness contact details as well.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, your injuries, the bike, and any damages or hazards that contributed to the crash.
5. Do Not Negotiate: Avoid negotiating or accepting blame at the scene. Stay calm and wait for the authorities to arrive. 
6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it's important to get checked by a healthcare professional for any hidden injuries.
7. Consult a Lawyer: If the accident involved a motor vehicle, speak with a Colorado bike accident lawyer to understand your legal options.

Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident

In order to determine fault and liability in a bike crash, certain elements need to be proven. These elements include:

1. Duty of care: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care. The duty of care is a legal obligation that requires individuals to exercise reasonable care while performing any acts that could potentially harm others.
2. Breach of duty: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached the duty of care.
3. Causation: It must be proven that the breach caused the bicycle crash.
4. Damages: Damages must have resulted from the breach of the duty of care. 

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows injured bicycle accident victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for an accident. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is found 30% responsible, their recovery will be reduced by 30%. Under Colorado's "50% bar" rule, a plaintiff cannot recover damages if they are 50% or more at fault for the accident. 

Often, bicycle accidents result in serious injuries and damages. If a negligent driver hits you, it's essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer will determine the value of your case, collect evidence and build a strong case, help you establish driver negligence, and prove your damages. 

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents tend to be severe due to the size discrepancy between motor vehicles and bicycle riders. Bicycles don't offer any protection comparable to motor vehicles. Common injuries suffered in bike accidents include the following:

• Head trauma - this can include injuries such as skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and intracranial hemorrhages.
• Lacerations and road rash
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Soft tissue damage
• Facial fractures
• Dental fractures
• Rib fractures
• Wrongful death

Bicycle accident injuries can lead to temporary or permanent disability, depending on the severity. Therefore, it is important to get medical treatment for your injuries, follow your treatment plan, and contact a Denver bicycle accident lawyer as quickly as possible. 

Why Choose Our Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

When you call the bike accident attorneys at Alpha Accident Lawyers, you are getting a team of compassionate professionals committed to making the claims process as easy as possible. 

Here are reasons to choose our Denver bicycle accident lawyer for your case:

1. Free Consultation

During your free consultation, we will examine the details of your Colorado bicycle accident and the expenses that accrued following the accident. Then, we can determine if you have a case. If you can't make it to our Denver office, we can come to you for the case evaluation.

2. Find Out How Much Your Case Is Worth

We’ll take a look at all of your out-of-pocket expenses. We will also consider all long-term future costs that bike accident victims may not be aware of, like future physical therapy and pain management. This can include medical costs, financial compensation for lost future income, and more.

3. Receive Treatment for Your Injuries

Regardless if you sustained minor injuries, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a bicycle accident. We’ll help you connect with top healthcare professionals in Denver. When you get a doctor's evaluation of your injuries, it's important to collect and provide the medical records to your lawyer.

4. Focus on Your Recovery

We have years of experience dealing with bicycle accident cases and difficult insurance adjusters. When you have a qualified legal team on your side, know that you are in good hands. This lets you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal matters.

5. Get the Compensation You Deserve

Our bicycle accident lawyers will work endlessly to make sure you get the most compensation possible. We understand that injured victims suffer severe injuries, financial strain, pain, and suffering. Our goal is to resolve cases as quickly as possible with minimal interruption to your life. However, we won't settle for less than you deserve. We will fight for your rights and take your case to court if necessary.

Contact a Denver Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Bicycle crashes can result in severe and life-threatening injuries. If you have suffered severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you need experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Denver by your side to ensure that you receive maximum compensation. When you call Alpha Accident Lawyers, you know that is what you will be receiving. Our nationwide team of personal injury attorneys has the knowledge and resources to provide you with high-quality legal representation.

Our personal injury lawyers in Denver are ready to help you get justice following your bicycle accident. Contact us today to get started and get the personalized legal care you deserve. Give us a call to schedule a risk-free, no-obligation consultation today.

Alpha Accident Lawyers — Denver, CO
Address: 1630 Welton St., Suite 917, Denver, CO 80202 
Phone: (720) 799-9986