BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 30 percent of all bicycle accidents occur when a motor vehicle hits a bicycle. This  type of personal injury accident is often a result of negligent driving, which can take many forms, including speeding, illegal turns, and failure to stop or yield.

If a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol or is distracted, there is a higher probability of being involved in an accident with a cyclist or another driver. If you’ve been the victim of a bicycle accident where the driver was negligent, broke a traffic law, or was impaired or distracted, it’s important to contact a trusted bicycle accident attorney immediately.

You are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles when riding a bicycle. As a bicyclist, you must observe and obey all traffic signals and signs and always ride in the same direction as traffic. Additionally, bicyclists must yield before crossing traffic for a left-hand turn, just like you would in a vehicle. You must also use hand signals to indicate your intention to merge or turn.

However, on April 13, 2022, Governor Polis signed the Colorado Safety Stop Act into law. This new law provides a new and safe way for bicyclists to proceed through intersections across Colorado.

Essentially, the Colorado Safety Stop law means that, as long as an intersection is clear of any oncoming traffic, bicyclists (age 15 or older) can now treat a stop sign as a yield sign and not come to a complete stop before passing through the intersection. Additionally, bicyclists can also now treat a stop light as a stop sign—as long as the intersection is clear.

No. Currently, the state of Colorado has no laws requiring cyclists to wear helmets. However, it’s highly recommended to wear a helmet at all times wherever you’re riding as this significantly reduces your risk of head or brain injuries.

Stats from: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

If you’re involved in a car accident, you know to quickly call an experienced Denver car accident attorney. But with a bicycle accident, the process may work a little differently.

Following a bike crash, you should also tend to your injuries and receive medical attention before trying to do anything else. However, ensuring an accurate police report is also a critical piece of the process following an accident. Even if you have no visible injuries following an accident, you should contact a police officer to make a report.

If you can, you should collect some basic evidence from the scene to provide the officer upon their arrival. For example, you should collect their information if the driver doesn’t want to stay at the scene. You should also try to take some pictures of the scene and talk to any eyewitnesses of the accident.

If you do find yourself in a bicycle accident, there are specific steps you can follow to ensure the responsible party is held accountable. Depending on the severity of your injury, call 911, and seek medical attention if needed. If you aren’t injured, exchange insurance information with all other parties involved in the accident.

Additionally, try to retain as much evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. Photograph any injuries or damaged property (including your bicycle) and receive information from any witnesses. Don’t feel pressured to speak with other parties beyond exchanging information—that is what we’re here for. After you feel safe, contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately.