Helping Victims of Serious Bicycle Accidents in Fort Collins, Colorado

Bicycle accidents caused by negligent motor vehicle drivers often take lives. Those bicyclists who survive a collision with another vehicle typically suffer serious permanent—and all too often fatal—injuries. When a motor vehicle strikes a bicycle, even at a slow rate of speed, the bicyclist is protected only by a helmet from deadly impacts with other vehicles and the pavement. The consequences commonly include paralysis, bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and death.

No matter how careful a bicyclist is, accidents occur when drivers fail to pay attention and either do not see or fail to yield to a bicyclist, even though the cyclist had the right of way. When that happens, the injured bicyclist has the legal right to recover monetary damages from the negligent motor vehicle driver at fault for the accident.

If you suffered injuries in a vehicular accident while cycling, the experienced bicycle accident lawyers at the Tenge Law Firm can help. Our successes include recovering a $520,000 settlement for a Colorado cyclist who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries in a collision caused by a negligent driver, and we can help you, too. Our knowledgeable team of personal injury lawyers can protect your rights and assist you in recovering just compensation from the negligent driver to the full extent of the law.

Bicycle Operator Duties

Bicyclists on the roadway must comply with the same traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles. For example, bicyclists must operate their bicycles in the same direction as the traffic, stop at stop signs and red lights, and stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.

Bicyclists must also ride in designated bike lanes if one is available, wear helmets, use hand signals when slowing down and turning, and refrain from riding on highways and sidewalks.

The Duty of Care Owed to Bicyclists

Motor vehicle drivers owe a duty of care to bicyclists and other motor vehicle drivers on Fort Collins roadways. Because bicycles are much smaller and lighter than cars and trucks, a collision involving a car or truck is likely to knock the bicyclist to the ground, causing serious injuries.

Motor vehicle drivers owe a duty care to operate their vehicles in a reasonably careful, prudent, and safe manner at all times. This includes constantly watching out for pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles, including bicycles. When motor vehicle drivers violate this “reasonableness” standard of care and cause a bicycle accident, they can legally be held accountable for any injuries and damages that result.

Motor vehicle drivers may breach the “reasonableness” standard of care in many ways, including:

• Speeding or violating a traffic law or rule of the road.
• Encroaching on a designated bike lane.
• Distracted driving or simply not paying attention to others on the road.
• Texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

If a bicyclist can prove that a motor vehicle driver deviated from the applicable standard of care, then he or she has met part of the legal burden of proof in a negligence action. In addition, the injured bicyclist must show injuries and damages sustained as a result of the accident. Upon proving damages, the injured bicyclist may be able to recover reimbursement costs for lost wages and medical bills (including medical bills anticipated in the future), compensation for physical pain and suffering, rehabilitative costs, and compensation for loss of enjoyment of life due to any permanent injuries sustained in the accident.

A skilled accident attorney may use expert testimony to prove your injuries and the full extent of your losses in a bicycle accident case. For example, an expert can show that the injured bicyclist did not suffer from a particular condition or ailment before the bicycle accident, but experienced consistent and painful injury symptoms afterward. An expert can also help establish that an accident would not have occurred but for the negligent acts of the driver. An experienced accident attorney also knows when to bring in investigators to determine if a driver was texting or talking on the phone, or was drinking alcohol or otherwise impaired prior to the accident, in order to establish liability.

If you have suffered injuries because of a negligent driver, do not delay. The law sets strict time limits on the amount of time you have to bring a claim. Contact the Fort Collins bicycle accident lawyers at the Tenge Law Firm to assist you with recovering compensation from the driver who hit you for all your losses.

Comparative Negligence Laws in Colorado

In Colorado, an injured bicyclist’s damages may be reduced if he or she caused or contributed to the accident. An injured bicyclist may contribute to an accident by riding outside of a designated bicycle lane (if one is available on that particular roadway) or by riding in an off-limits area, such as on a high-speed motorway, highway, or freeway.

Colorado law follows the doctrine of modified comparative fault, otherwise known as modified comparative negligence. Under this Colorado law, an injured bicyclist can recover damages in an accident case provided he or she is less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If the injured bicyclist is more than 50 percent at fault, he or she may not recover damages.

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Fort Collins, Colorado bicycle accident lawyer, please call us today at 970-212-4777 or contact us online.