Have You Been Injured in a Denver Bicycle Accident? If So, We Can Help.
In Denver, biking is a popular way to commute and exercise.
Between 2016 and 2019, the number of people commuting to and from jobs in downtown Denver, Colorado rose 36%, according to a survey from the Downtown Denver Partnership.
The city is working on expanding biking-friendly infrastructure, but often, bikers and motorists share the road.
This can be incredibly dangerous (and even deadly) for bicyclists.
Since 2019, the annual average has been 202 bicycle-related crashes in Denver, per the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Over half of bicycle crashes in Denver result in at least one injury.
And, in 2018, over 850 bicyclists died in car accidents nationwide.
Whether your bicycle accident injuries are devastating or comparatively easy to dismiss, you shouldn’t accept any personal injuries as par for the course.
If you or an injured cyclist face any medical bills, undue changes to your plans, or required maintenance for your bicycle, you shouldn’t have to cover those costs.
This is where you need a Denver personal injury lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Denver, call (303) 465-8733
How Much is a Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Association) found that one year of bicycle crash accidents nationwide resulted in:
- Over $1B in hospital charges
- Over $400M in motor vehicle crashes
- Over $500M in non-motor vehicle crashes
Your own accident may cost anywhere from a few thousand (if no one sustains injuries or significant damages) to several hundred thousand – or even more, if your accident resulted in any wrongful deaths.
You could be responsible for those charges if you don’t speak with an experienced Denver bicycle accident attorney. (Your insurance company will do as much as possible to avoid paying!)
With the experienced cycling accident lawyers at Jordan Law on your side, you can work towards fair compensation for your injuries and any other economic or non-economic damages associated with your claim.
If you’re looking for legal help following a bike accident, you’ve come to the right place – our team has achieved over $500M in settlements and court verdicts.
What Laws Should Colorado Cyclists Be Familiar With?
There are specific rules of the road geared to protect Colorado and Denver bicyclists.
All Colorado cyclists should be aware of these laws – and, if you’re getting ready to file a personal injury claim for a bicycling accident, you should definitely keep this list handy. These laws may be pertinent to your case.
Colorado bicycling laws regarding bicycle safety include:
- Safe Passing Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§42-4-1002; 42-4-1003; 42-4-1004, laws that require motorists to give bicyclists a three-foot margin when passing them.
- Vulnerable Road User Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§18-9-116; 42-4-1008.5; 42-4-1402; 42-4-1402.5, laws that define cyclists (among other travelers) as “vulnerable” and classifies imprudent driving events that result in bodily injury to a cyclist as potential misdemeanor offenses.
- Distracted Driving Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§42-4-239; 42-4-1411, laws that aim to reduce phone use or earphone use while driving.
- Where to Ride Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §42-4-1412(5), laws that specify where bicyclists should ride whenever possible (with exceptions for overtaking vehicles or avoiding hazards)
- Sidewalk Riding Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§42-4-710; 42-4-1412(10), laws that prohibit driving vehicles other than bicycles, electric bikes, or other human-powered vehicles on sidewalks
- Mandatory Use of Separated Facilities Laws, or, in Colorado’s case, the lack of these laws: CO bicyclists can use normal traffic lanes
- Bicycling Under the Influence Laws, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§42-4-1301; 42-1-102, laws that clarify the fact that DUI laws apply to bicyclists, too
- Authorization for Local Regulation of Bicycles, Colo. Rev. Stat. §42-4-111, laws that empower local Colorado authorities to regulate bicycle operation and even require licensing, if consistent with CO state law, within their jurisdiction
These laws do change from time to time. Recently, a new Colorado law was established, under which Denver bicyclists “…can treat stoplights as stop signs, and stop signs as yield signs, when they have the right-of-way.”
While it’s always a good idea for bicyclists to follow the rules of the road and wear proper protective gear, you should never assume that you were in the wrong just because you were the one riding a bike.
The bicycle accident specialists at Jordan Law will know all relevant bike laws and how they apply to your situation. Call our team today to learn more about how we can help you work towards fair compensation with your accident claim.
Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (303) 465-8733
Our Colorado Locations
Downtown Denver
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