Bicycle accidents in Lakewood are becoming a greater concern as more people turn to cycling for commuting, exercise, or recreation. While biking can be a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around, it also comes with risks, especially when sharing the road with cars.
Accidents involving bicycles and vehicles often leave cyclists with severe injuries because they lack the protection that cars provide. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to have legal support to protect your rights and get the compensation you need to recover.
At Levine Law, we are dedicated to helping bicycle accident victims in Lakewood. Our team understands how devastating these accidents can be and how they impact your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Our Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer is here to fight for you and ensure those responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but careless or distracted drivers often cause them. Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Lakewood:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing a cyclist, leading to collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield to cyclists with the right of way.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Drivers who speed or engage in reckless behavior are more likely to cause accidents, especially when sharing the road with vulnerable cyclists.
- Dooring Accidents: A common but preventable accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, causing the rider to crash.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces can make riding difficult and dangerous for cyclists.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or poor visibility due to weather can lead to accidents when drivers or cyclists can’t see clearly.
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, our Lakewood bike accident attorney can investigate the details and build a case to hold the responsible party accountable.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury in an accident because they don’t have the same protection as those in cars. Even with helmets and other safety gear, the impact of a crash can cause serious harm. Common injuries in bicycle accidents include:
- Head Trauma: Even with a helmet, a cyclist can suffer from concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis, requiring long-term care.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Road Rash: Sliding across the pavement can cause severe skin abrasions, leading to painful recovery and scarring.
- Internal Injuries: The impact from a collision can cause damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Fatal Accidents: In the most tragic cases, bicycle accidents can lead to wrongful death, leaving families to deal with overwhelming grief.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, seeking medical attention is crucial. Even if the injuries seem minor initially, some issues may develop later. Once you’ve received medical care, contact a bicycle injury lawyer in Lakewood to help you understand your legal rights and options.
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Legal Rights of Bicycle Accident Victims in Colorado
In Colorado, cyclists have the right to ride on the road, and motorists must treat them with the same care and respect as other vehicles. Colorado bicycle laws provide important protections for cyclists, ensuring they can ride safely. Drivers are responsible for giving cyclists enough space, yielding the right of way at intersections, and being cautious when passing.
When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held liable for the injuries and damages they’ve caused. Proving negligence involves showing that the driver failed to act reasonably, whether by speeding, texting, or violating traffic laws. Our Lakewood cycling accident lawyer is here to help you build a strong case, gathering evidence to show that the driver was at fault.
As a bicycle accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
How Our Lakewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Levine Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a bicycle accident. That’s why we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders. Here’s how our Lakewood bike crash attorney can help you:
Investigating the Accident
We will gather all the evidence from the scene, including photos, police reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
Working with Medical Experts
Our team collaborates with medical professionals to fully understand the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ll need, which is important for determining the right amount of compensation.
Handling Communication with Insurance Companies
We know that dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially when they try to offer a low settlement. We’ll handle all the negotiations to ensure you receive a fair amount.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
Whether through negotiations or in court, we aim to get you the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
Proving Fault in Bicycle Accidents
Proving who is at fault in a bicycle accident can be challenging, but it’s a critical part of your case. To hold the responsible party accountable, we must show that they were negligent. Here are the key steps involved in proving negligence:
- Duty of Care: We need to show that the driver is responsible for following traffic laws and driving safely.
- Breach of Duty: We’ll demonstrate that the driver failed to meet this responsibility, whether by speeding, being distracted, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Causation: We must directly connect the driver’s actions to the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, we’ll show that you suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.
Our Lakewood bicycle injury attorney will work tirelessly to gather all the necessary evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports, to prove fault and build a solid case.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
- Medical Bills: You can get money to cover your medical bills for immediate and long-term care. This ensures you can get the medical treatment you need for your injuries.
- Rehabilitation Costs: You can seek compensation if your injuries require long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: You can also seek compensation for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Long-Term Care: If your injuries are severe, you may need ongoing care, which can be compensated.
The compensation you can receive will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the driver’s negligence, and the long-term impact of the accident on your life.
Challenges in Bicycle Accident Claims
Bicycle accident claims can be challenging, especially when proving fault and dealing with insurance companies. Some insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim by arguing that you were partially at fault for the accident or offering a low settlement.
That’s where we come in. At Levine Law, we know how to handle these challenges and fight back against biased insurance adjusters. Our cycling accident lawyer in Lakewood will stand up for you and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Cases
Accidents can be confusing and stressful, so we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process.
Who is liable for a bicycle accident?
Liability in a bicycle accident depends on the circumstances. In some cases, the driver, a municipality (if road conditions are a factor), or even the cyclist could be liable.
Do I need to report the bicycle accident to the police?
Yes, it’s essential to report the accident to the police. A police report is a critical piece of evidence in your case.
What evidence should I collect after a bicycle accident?
After an accident, gather photos of the scene, witness information, the police report, medical records, and any other documentation that can support your case.
How long do I have to file a claim after a bicycle accident?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years, but it’s important to act quickly.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a bicycle accident?
Be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters. To protect your rights, it’s best to have a lawyer handle communication with the insurance company.
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Contact Our Lakewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Levine Law today for a free consultation with our Lakewood bicycle accident lawyer. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
