While bicycle accidents can occur due to defects on the bicycle itself such as malfunctioning brakes or faulty tires, a common cause of these incidents involve drivers and other motorists who fail to safely share the road with bicyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two percent of all traffic fatalities in 2011 involved bicycle accidents. Sixty-nine percent of those killed were males, and nine percent were children under the age of 14.
Drivers may be more likely to cause a bicycle accident if they:
- Fail to adhere to traffic laws and regulations
- Fail to see bicyclists in their blind spots
- Fail to check for bicyclists when making a turn
- Speed to travel around a bicyclist
- Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fail to notice an oncoming bicyclist when opening a car door
While motorists have the legal responsibility to share the road with all other drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists, many do not. A bicyclist may be more likely to be injured or killed as the result of negligence or recklessness since there is nothing to protect the bicyclist from a car. Those who have been injured should consider working with a Colorado bicycle accident lawyer to file a lawsuit against those responsible in an attempt to recover damages for their injury or losses.
Additionally, it is important to understand that there may be more than one party responsible for the accident such as the other driver, the manufacturer of the bicycle, the manufacturer of the car’s parts, the retailer of the bicycle, and the mechanic responsible for inspecting or maintaining the vehicle.
Do You Need to Speak to a Colorado Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
If you have been harmed in a bicycle accident that you believe was caused by the negligence of another, you may have legal recourse. Attorney Group for Colorado provides free consultations to bicyclists who have been injured and believe they have a claim. We can help answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated Colorado bicycle accident lawyer who can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. You could be eligible to recover damages for out-of-pocket medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Call today.
