While the openness of bicycling can feel freeing, it can also place bicyclists at extreme risk if a motorist does not drive carefully around them. The personal injury lawyers in Highlands Ranch at Dulin McQuinn Young champions the rights of personal injury victims, including bicycle accident victims. An experienced Highlands Ranch bicycle accident attorney from our firm can investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is legally responsible. Contact us today for a free case review.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Highlands Ranch
Bicycle accidents often occur because motorists act negligently around bicyclists. They may get impatient, disregard their rights, or simply not notice them. Common causes of bicycle accidents in the Highlands Ranch area include:
- Driving too close to bicyclists in violation of the three-foot rule
- Failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Speeding
- Failing to check before exiting a vehicle, causing a “dooring” accident
Even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover compensation under Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule. Under this system, codified at C.R.S. § 13-21-111, you can pursue compensation as long as you are not 50% or more at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault, so it’s crucial that you work with a lawyer who can effectively argue that the other party was at fault.
Evidence to Help Prove Fault in a Bike Accident
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can identify, preserve, and present compelling evidence that establishes fault, such as:
- An accident report that provides details about the collision and notes any traffic citations given to the defendant
- Medical records that link your injuries to the crash
- Damage to the vehicle and your bicycle
- Helmet videos, dashcam videos, or traffic cameras
- Witness statements
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
Bicycle accidents often result in far more serious, life-altering damage than standard car accidents in Highlands Ranch, which is why having an experienced legal team on your side is critical for recovering full compensation.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and complex bone fractures. Accident victims can pursue compensation for the full extent of their losses, which might include payment for:
- Emergency medical treatment expenses, ambulance charges, surgery, hospitalization, and diagnostic tests
- Ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical disabilities and permanent impairments
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Our personal injury attorneys can investigate the details specific to your case and estimate the potential value of your claim. If a bicycle accident tragically claimed the life of a loved one, our compassionate Highlands Ranch wrongful death lawyers are here to help you fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.
Time Limits for Colorado Bicycle Accident Claims
Under CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101, you have just three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit based on a bike accident. If you miss this deadline, you can be permanently barred from bringing your claim.
Contact Our Highlands Ranch Bicycle Attorneys for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, a Highlands Ranch bicycle accident lawyer from Dulin McQuinn Young can help. Call us today for a free consultation.