At Dan Caplis Law, our personal injury attorneys in Denver recognize just how dangerous another motorist’s negligence can be to bicyclists on Denver’s roads. Riding a bicycle is an excellent mode of transportation associated with a decreased all-mortality rate, overall increases in emotional well-being, and a reduction in the average person’s carbon emissions according to a UCLA study released in May 2022. Per the UCLA study, the average person can reduce his or her carbon emissions due to transportation by 67% by choosing to ride a bike rather than drive an automobile once per day.
Despite the health and environmental benefits of cycling, cyclists face increased risks of suffering serious injuries and even death when riding their bikes on congested, urban roads with trucks, buses, and automobiles.
If you or a loved one were involved in a collision with a motor vehicle while cycling, it is likely that you have suffered serious injuries. Please, call (303) 770-5551 or fill out a contact form today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Why Choose Our Denver Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Dan Caplis Law to Represent You
Cases involving injured cyclists are different from the typical passenger vehicle collision case for a number of reasons. Often, the cyclist suffers severe injuries or is tragically killed. When severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury are involved, the costs to those who suffer them are extremely high. Victims may have significant medical expenses, require long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation, or be left with permanent disability and unable to work or have their ability to earn income greatly reduced.
Additionally, the processes and evidence needed to build a strong case on behalf of an injured cyclist are different as well. A successful insurance claim or lawsuit must compensate a victim for the full extent of their injuries and provide as much financial compensation as possible to help them move forward.
When the stakes are this high, you need an attorney who understands all of these challenges and has a demonstrable track record of success in similar cases. At Dan Caplis Law, we have been helping seriously injured clients in Colorado for over 35 years. During that time, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys understand how to handle bike accident cases and are ready, willing, and able to fight for the best possible result on your behalf.
What Compensation is Available to People Injured in Bicycle Accidents in Denver?
Damages is the legal term for the compensation that is awarded to people injured as a result of another person’s negligence. Outside of punitive damages, damages are intended to make the injured person whole and restore him to the position he would have occupied absent the negligent behavior of the person who injured him. Colorado law reflects this and allows parties injured by negligent acts to recover damages for:
- Lost income, specifically the income they lost between the negligent act and the resolution of their case, the income they will lose in the future, and can even be compensated for their diminished capacity to earn an income.
- People injured by the tortious conduct of another can recover damages for pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, which will be a damage award for the injured person’s inability to partake in activities they enjoyed prior to their injury.
- Medical expenses, which will include the reasonable value of their past, present, and future medical expenses to the extent that the injured person’s attorneys can prove they were reasonably and necessarily incurred as a result of the injury.
In some instances, a bicycle accident can even result in the untimely death of an individual. If this is the case, our Denver wrongful death attorneys are here for you every step of the way.
Bicycle Safety: Common Causes of Bike Crashes in Denver, Colorado
A large portion of bicycle accidents and the injuries they cause are preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 85% of bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas, and 46% of bicycle fatalities are caused by collisions with light trucks such as SUVs, pickups, and vans.
The NHTSA has laid out the following precautions that can be taken to prevent bicycle accident injuries:
- Always Wear a Helmet: The primary thing cyclists should do is put on a proper helmet prior to all of their rides. That helmet should fit properly for the best protection. Fit can be tricky, as sizes vary between manufacturers.
- Find the Right Bike: Make sure to ride a bike that is neither too big nor too small so you can properly control the bike.
- Check your brakes: Many bicycle accidents are caused by brake failure. In the instance that you are injured due to a faulty bicycle part, speak to a Denver defective product attorney today.
- Wear Bright Clothing & Reflective Gear: Protective gear does not only come in the form of padding and helmets—a large part of bicycle safety is visibility. You are safe if you are seen.
- Assume Drivers Do Not See You: Look ahead for hazards or situations that may cause you to fall such as potholes, grates, or train tracks.
- Avoid Congested Streets: Where possible, avoid congested streets with fast-moving traffic. The best option is a bike lane or bike path, but this may not be feasible.
- Drive Defensively: Make sure to obey all street signs, signals, and road markings like you would if you were driving a car. If you were involved in a car accident, contact our Denver car accident lawyers today.
- Drive Predicably: Ride the bike where motorists expect to see the bike to maximize the chance that they see you.
Ultimately, the biggest causes of bicycle accidents are improper equipment, improper maintenance of the bicycle, and the lack of visibility. All of these causes can be remedied to prevent injuries.
Bicycle Laws in Denver, Colorado
Cyclists have all of the rights and duties that the driver of a car has under Colorado law. Cyclists are bound to follow several other more specific rules: also prohibited from attaching their bicycles to any automobile, nor are they allowed to carry multiple people on a one-person bike.
- Cyclists are prohibited from attaching their bicycles to automobiles.
- Cyclists must not carry more than one person on a bike built for a single person.
- Cyclists must utilize the right-hand lane of the road and allow other vehicles to overtake them while riding. If available, the cyclist must ride on a paved shoulder of the road.
- People who ride bicycles on Colorado roads must ride single-file.
- Cyclists must always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
Talk to a Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been seriously injured in a Denver bicycle accident, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. At Dan Caplis Law, our attorneys can help. Call (303) 770-5551 today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will listen to your story and fully explain your legal options to you. If you decide to hire our firm, we will begin building a case on your behalf immediately and fight for just compensation.