Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycles and their riders are sometimes difficult for drivers to see on the road or in traffic, and often end up involved in accidents which can have devastating consequences. Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  • Inattention of driver and/or bicyclist
  • Biking at unsafe speeds
  • Merging with traffic/making lane changes
  • Biking too close to cars (or cars driving too close to bicycle)
  • Driver’s intentional or unintentional failure to yield the right of way at an intersection
  • Riding a bike in a confined space (sidewalks, parking lot lanes, and driveways)
  • Colliding with an animal (such as an unleashed dog)
  • Road hazards
  • Construction zones
  • Inclement weather

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

When a crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle results in injuries, the usual assumption is that it is the cyclist was probably to blame. However, statistics show that the motor vehicle drivers are more often responsible for the accident. At Whalen Injury Lawyers, we know that any time the carelessness or recklessness of a driver results in injuries to a bicyclist, it is grounds for the injured party to pursue a claim for compensation. Your rights include:

  • Compensation for all your medical bills related to the accident
  • Ongoing medical treatment
  • Compensation for lost wages or earnings
  • Any assistive equipment necessary for activities of daily living
  • Compensation for mental, emotional, and physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional support such as therapy or counseling
  • Compensation for lost future earnings
  • Rehabilitative therapy

When you are on a bicycle, there are several things you can do to help increase your safety and decrease the odds of being involved in an accident. When riding your bike:

  1. always wear an appropriate helmet and other protective gear
  2. be aware of your surroundings at all times
  3. obey all applicable traffic laws
  4. allow adequate room for safety between you and any motor vehicles
  5. don’t assume drivers and/or passengers in motor vehicles can see you
  6. avoid making any sudden moves such as lane changes or turns
  7. be on the lookout for sudden changes in the flow of traffic
  8. always check your mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn
  9. be mindful of any parked cars you approach with people in the driver’s seat
  10. use the bike lane whenever possible
  11. avoid aggressive behavior
  12. be aware of construction zones and other road hazards
  13. avoid riding during inclement weather
  14. never use a cell phone or other electronic devices while riding a bicycle

Although you may be an aware, cautious rider, you may still be the victim of an unforeseen bicycle accident. If this happens and you suffer injury, contact Whalen Injury Lawyers for assistance. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely approach you soon after the accident and attempt to settle your claim or convince you that you don’t have a legitimate claim at all. That’s when you need a qualified, experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side. Our firm exclusively represents clients against large insurance companies and big corporations in personal injury matters.

At Whalen Injury Lawyers, we have successfully represented many accident victims over the years, winning millions in personal injury case settlements. We are proud to be one of America’s Top 100 Attorneys, 5280 Top Attorneys in Colorado, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. At Whalen Injury Lawyers, our Denver and Colorado Springs injury lawyers aren’t afraid to fight large insurance companies to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on getting the treatment you need to heal from your injuries and move on with your life.

Our goal is to establish a direct, meaningful, trusted and reliable relationship and secure a settlement for you that is fair and equitable. We will work closely with you to make certain that you are adequately compensated for any loss you suffer as a result of a personal injury. For a compassionate, experienced, personal injury attorney with a proven track record of success, give us a call. Whalen Injury Lawyers will fight for your best interests both in and out of the courtroom.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. You can reach us in Denver at (720) 307-2666 to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO. Our offices are located in the Denver Tech Center at 7955 East Arapahoe Court, Suite 2375, Centennial, CO 80112, and in Colorado Springs in the Alamo Corporate Center conveniently located at 102 S. Tejon Street, Suite 1100, (719) 644-7000. We look forward to working with you.

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