Seeking Compensation After a Bike Accident

 Posted on February 20, 2019 in Uncategorized

In 2017, a 52-year-old man was struck by two cars as he rode his bicycle through an intersection in Sloan Lake. The cyclist was initially struck by a driver who failed to notice the bicyclist as they turned left in the intersection. The first collision knocked the rider off his bicycle, and a second vehicle ran over the victim as he laid on the ground, dragging him a number of feet on the road. The man suffered severe spinal injuries and now has paralysis in his arms and legs. 

Just over a year later, the man was awarded $52 million in one of the largest civil victories in Colorado’s history. For bicyclists throughout the state, the jury’s decision was an encouraging step toward helping those injured in bicycle accidents due to driver negligence. Still, insurance companies try to fight against providing injured bicyclists the full compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one are injured in a bicycle accident, seek skilled legal assistance immediately. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries 

Due to the limited physical protection bicycles provide, injuries in cycling accidents can be severe and even fatal. Here in Colorado, 16 bicyclists died in 2016. Tragically, the number of fatalities seems to be on the rise. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed throughout the state in 2016 marked a 15-year high. So what is the main cause of these collisions?

Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that only 13 percent of all cyclist fatalities can be attributed to rider error. On the other hand, 29 percent of all nationwide bicycle deaths are caused by car drivers. Through extensive research, the NHTSA found that 818 American bicyclists were fatally injured in traffic collisions in 2015. An estimated 45,000 bicyclists suffered injuries that required some form of medical attention.

Avoiding a bicycle collision caused by the negligence of a car driver can be nearly impossible, but there are a few safety precautions you can take to increase your safety. Wearing a helmet at all times is the most important step a bicyclist can take to ensure any injuries suffered will not result in severe brain trauma or death. Wearing bright clothing and reflective gear can help drivers notice you, especially if you are cycling at night. Following all traffic laws and using bike lanes when available also helps.

Contact a Fort Collins Bike Accident Lawyer 

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our team is prepared to help you and your family in the event of a serious bicycle accident. These crashes can come with serious health problems such as traumatic brain injury. If you or a loved one are struck by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, you should not have to suffer financially for the negligence of a driver. To schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney you can trust, contact our team today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/factsheet_crash.cfm

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

https://303cycling.com/colorado-cycling-deaths/

https://www.denverpost.com/2019/02/15/denver-bicyclist-gary-suydam-lawsuit-labor-finders/