Bike Accidents

Expert Legal Counsel for Bicycle Crash Victims

Bowman Law helps get justice for victims of bicycle accidents.

Our experienced attorneys will help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Between careless drivers, joyriding scooters and hazardous road conditions under construction, Colorado cyclists often face unique dangers on the road.

If you have been involved in a serious bike accident, the last thing you need to worry about during your recovery is wrestling with a complicated legal claims process. Our experienced team of bicycle accident attorneys will handle this process for you, ensuring you can focus on healing.

Whether you were injured as a result of an improperly maintained street or a careless driver, the experienced team at Bowman Law will answer your questions about bicycle accident law and advocate for your rights.

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Why Choose Bowman Law

Working with Bowman Law makes an overwhelming experience feel manageable so you can focus on getting well.

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Compassionate

We understand that bicycle accidents can be very traumatic. Our responsive and caring team of bicycle accident attorneys will carefully review your case, taking care to address each of your concerns.

Experienced

We are Denver’s top bicycle law experts. As experienced personal injury attorneys based in Denver, a mecca for cyclists, our team will work diligently to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Selective

Bowman Law is selective about the clients we work with. When we take on your case, we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.

Results Driven

Our experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through each step of the claims process. Let us handle the legwork, ensuring that you receive you the best compensation possible.

Causes of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Traffic crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians fall into three categories: motorist behavior, non-motorist behavior, and infrastructure. Below are some of the most common causes of bike crashes in Colorado.

Traffic Law Violations

Visibility

Roadway Conditions

Alcohol Use

Traffic Law Violations

Distracted or reckless drivers are the leading cause of bike crashes.

In the event of a bike accident involving a motor vehicle, drivers can be held liable for the following:

Failure to yield the right of way (According to NHTSA, this is the highest factor in fatal bike crashes)
Failure to obey traffic control device (such as running a red light)
Unsafe passing of a bicyclist
Unsafe right turn near bicyclist
Speeding

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Visibility

Bright and reflective clothing helps prevent accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the second highest factor in bike crashes is bicyclists not being visible. The CDC provides the following guidance for improving visibility through reflective clothing and lighting:

During the day, fluorescent clothing can make bicyclists visible from further away.
At night, reflective clothing and materials on the bicycle can make bicyclists more visible.
Front white lights, rear red lights, or other lighting on the bicycle or bicyclist is a critical safety measure in low light conditions.

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Roadway Conditions

Unsafe roads lead to accidents

Unsafe roadway conditions may include inadequate separation between motorists and non-motorists, and hazardous areas under construction.

If you were injured as a result of a roadway that was not in good repair, contact an experienced attorney to learn about your rights and options.

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Alcohol Use

Drinking and Riding is a leading cause of accidents

The NHTSA reports that alcohol involvement, either for the motor vehicle driver or the bicyclist, was reported in 34 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in a fatality.

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Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries and death. Our attorneys take your injuries seriously and are focused on helping injured cyclists understand how to investigate, prepare, and litigate bicycle accident cases. We are intimately familiar with the tactics insurance companies will use to deny and devalue bicycle accident claims as well as how Denver Bike laws affect your case. Common bike crash injuries that we see in our practice include:

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Broken Bones And Fractures

Broken bones and fractures commonly include facial and dental fractures, as well as hip, rib, femur, neck and collarbone injuries. A rider can be seriously injured by hitting the handlebar, being thrown from the bike, or from side impact from a motor vehicle that fails to yield right of way.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include the body’s muscles, tendons or ligaments. When a cyclist uses their hands to break a fall, this can cause wrist sprains. Tendon and ligament injuries may require a surgical procedure.

Disfigurement And Scars

A bike crash can result in facial disfigurement, broken teeth, and scars that can have a long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Shoulder Dislocations

Falling forward in a bike crash can result in a posterior shoulder dislocation. Other common shoulder injuries include AC joint injuries, anterior shoulder dislocations, and rotator cuff tears. In addition to being highly painful, these injuries may require a brace and rehabilitation.

Nerve Or Spinal Damage

In some cases, a collision with a motor vehicle or object may lead to nerve and spinal damage, or even paralysis. If you have suffered serious trauma as a result of a bike accident, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced attorney, who can help you recover damages to support your long-term treatment and recovery.

Damage To Internal Organs

A bike crash can cause serious damage to internal organs, such as a ruptured spleen or Pancreatic trauma.

Head Injuries

According to the National Safety Council, one-third of non-fatal bike injuries involve head injuries, which may include skull fracture, cranial hemorrhage, concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Long-Term Injuries

It’s important to be aware that not all head injuries are immediately apparent after an accident, but they can cause serious long-term injuries. If you experience headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, problems with speech, or blurred vision following a head injury, seek immediate medical assistance.

What Damages Can be Recovered in Bicycle Accidents?

When an avid cyclist is injured in a bike crash, often the victim’s first thought is the expense of replacing the bike. While bikes can be pricey, it’s important to understand that the expenses associated with medical treatment and long-term recovery can be far greater.

While there is no limit for economic damages in the state of Colorado, non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering are capped at $250,000 or $500,000 (if there is clear and convincing evidence that justifies awarding the higher amount). These caps increase at regular intervals to keep pace with inflation.

If you have been injured in a bike accident, you may be entitled to collect damages for a range of monetary and non-monetary damages including:

Medical Bills

Mobility Devices

Physical Therapy Bills

Bike & Property Damage

Pain And Suffering

Mental Health Damages

Bicycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after a bike accident?

Seek medical assistance.
Notify the police. Get the case number from the officer and file a “Traffic Crash Report” or form DR3447.
Try to obtain a picture of the driver’s auto insurance and driver’s license. If not possible, be sure to capture the driver’s license plate number.
Collect contact information (names, phone numbers) from any witnesses.
Obtain evidence from the scene, including photos or videos.
Preserve items from the crash, such as your bike, helmet and other gear, even if they are damaged or blood stained. They can be used as evidence to support your case.
Contact an experienced attorney prior to filing an insurance claim.

How long after a bike accident can you make a claim?

In Colorado, personal injury claims can be filed within three years. However, for claims against the state, this timeline is shortened to 180 days.

Can I use Car insurance if I was in a bike accident?

Yes. Both the other driver and your own personal automobile insurance coverages can be used in a bike accident.

How are insurance claims handled?

At Bowman Law, we will take the time to thoroughly research the details of your case, collect evidence, value damages you are owed, file the claim, negotiate with your insurance company, and speak on your behalf in court.

Note that Colorado is an “at-fault state” in handling accident claims. This means that the insurance companies assess who was at fault for the accident and impose the liability for payment on this person and his or her insurance company.

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The Definitive Guide To

Colorado Injury Claims

If you were injured by a negligent party, you may have questions about our rights. In an effort to circumvent the confusing and convoluted information scattered online, the Colorado personal injury law firm of Bowman Law LLC, has compiled important information in this resource guide. The Colorado Personal Injury Law Resource Guide is based on our law firm’s core values and should help you understand the Colorado legal system.

View our Colorado Personal Injury Law Resource Guide