Boulder Bicycle Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often occur due to the negligence or recklessness of drivers or poor road conditions. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted Drivers: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted behind the wheel are a leading cause of bicycle accidents.

• Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks can cause dangerous crashes.

• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and failure to share the road with cyclists put riders at risk.

• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who ignore traffic signals can cause accidents with cyclists who are following the rules of the road.

• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or poorly marked bike lanes can lead to accidents when cyclists are forced to swerve or lose control.

• Opening Car Doors: “Dooring” accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a passing cyclist.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in bicycle accidents, especially when cyclists are not wearing helmets.

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Collisions with vehicles can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious crashes can lead to permanent paralysis or nerve damage.

• Road Rash: Scrapes and abrasions caused by sliding along the pavement can cause deep skin wounds and infections.

• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, bleeding, or bruising can occur in severe accidents.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions are common in bicycle accidents.

Even seemingly minor injuries can have a long-term impact on your quality of life, so it is important to seek medical attention and legal counsel immediately following an accident.

Colorado Bicycle Accident Laws and Liability

Boulder follows Colorado’s laws that protect cyclists on the road. Understanding who is liable for your injuries is essential to pursuing a claim. Potential liable parties in a bicycle accident can include:

• Drivers: Drivers who are negligent or reckless can be held liable for causing bicycle accidents.

• Government Entities: If poor road conditions or defective infrastructure contributed to the accident, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable.

• Property Owners: Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises may be responsible for accidents that occur due to unsafe conditions on their property (such as in parking lots).

• Cyclist’s Insurance: In some cases, cyclists may have their own insurance coverage to file a claim against for medical expenses or lost wages, especially in the case of hit-and-run accidents.

Recovering Damages After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: All medical costs, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.

• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or limits your earning potential, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.

• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury can be compensated.

• Loss of Quality of Life: If your injury has impacted your ability to enjoy everyday activities or hobbies, you may receive compensation.

• Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver was grossly negligent or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

Let Our Experienced Boulder Bicycle Accident Attorneys Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Boulder, Colorado, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced attorneys at Ronquillo Law Firm are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need to pursue fair compensation.

We will help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights to recover the maximum compensation. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing.

Contact Ronquillo Law Firm today at (970) 400-7007 for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.