Broomfield is a cyclist-friendly city, offering numerous convenient bike paths such as the Broomfield Trail and the US 36 Bikeway. However, despite this Colorado city’s bike-friendliness, many bicycle riders still get injured or killed in preventable accidents here.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Broomfield, you need a dedicated advocate who understands your rights and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call on Goldman & Haydel Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers. With over 25 years of combined experience, we have obtained maximum compensation for our injured clients and earned top ratings in this legal field.
We are ready to listen to you and provide high-quality legal service. Consult for free. Call Goldman & Haydel at (720) 571-0606 today.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
After a bike crash, there are steps you can take to protect your wellbeing as well as your potential compensation claim:
- Call 911 to report the incident and request medical assistance.
- Take photos of the scene, the damaged bicycles, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses and the at-fault party.
- Consult a trusted personal injury lawyer before you give statements to insurers.
Seeking medical attention is crucial, even if you feel fine initially. High adrenaline levels can mask symptoms of serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Get checked by a doctor and don’t miss any follow-up appointments. Also remember to save your medical records, prescriptions, and receipts, as these can help build your case.
Why You Need a Broomfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents often involve complex legal issues that require specialized knowledge. Unlike car accidents, cyclists are more vulnerable on the road due to minimal protection, leading to higher rates of serious injuries. A local attorney understands Colorado’s traffic laws, including rules about bike paths and right-of-way violations, ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve.
Colorado’s Bicycle Crash Numbers
Though Colorado is overall one of the bike-friendliest states in the US, with infrastructure and laws set up to improve safety, many negligent parties still cause harm to cyclists. In recent years, statistics have shown a rise in cyclist deaths in Colorado. Figures from the Colorado Department of Transportation show that in 2023, there were 20 bicyclist fatalities in the state, which was an uptick from 15 deaths in 2022.
These numbers do not include the many injured cyclists who may have survived their crash but have been saddled with painful health conditions and costly medical needs. For injured individuals and bereaved families, it’s crucial to explore legal options for compensation as afforded by law.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Broomfield
While cyclists must obey traffic laws and remain alert in both busy areas and rural roads, a primary cause of bicycle accidents in Broomfield is negligent drivers. Collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles frequently occur due to:
- Distracted driving – When car drivers fail to pay attention to the road, they may not react in time to avoid bicycles and other road users.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Reckless driving – Careless or aggressive driving behaviors are especially dangerous to cyclists who are not protected by metal crumple zones.
- Failure to yield – Many drivers unfortunately disregard cyclists’ right of way.
- Unsafe passing – This can include failing to obey passing rules and not leaving enough space when overtaking a cyclist.
- Tailgating – When a vehicle follows too closely behind a bicycle, it leaves inadequate space to prevent hitting the bike’s rear.
- Left-turn collisions – Drivers often make left turns without checking for cyclists.
- Dooring accidents – A parked driver opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
Cycling accidents also sometimes occur due to hazardous road conditions or a defective bicycle part. In any of these cases, the responsible party is liable for the victim’s losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact a Broomfield pedestrian accident lawyer today to seek the justice you deserve.
Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists often suffer severe injuries due to their exposure on the road. Some of the most frequently reported injuries from bicycle accidents are:
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Injuries to internal organs
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Injuries to the face.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim Following a Bicycle Crash?
When a bicycle crash leads to financial losses as well as pain and emotional distress, the victim may file a bicycle accident claim to get compensation, legally called “damages.” A successful claim can secure reimbursement for various damages including:
- Repayment for incurred medical expenses
- Anticipated future medical costs related to the injury
- Compensation for lost wages
- Repayment for reduced capacity to earn income
- Reimbursement for property damage such as bike repair or replacement
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Other non-economic damages applicable to the case, such as scarring, significant limb loss, psychological trauma, or a diminished quality of life.
Beyond these, the claimant (known as the “plaintiff”) may be entitled to additional awards. For example, in a few cases, the judge may impose punitive damages on the defendant, which is an amount they must pay to punish extreme misconduct.
A seasoned Broomfield bicycle accident attorney can provide guidance on how various factors might impact the overall value of a bicycle accident claim.
Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Before you can secure compensation for your losses following a bicycle accident, you need to demonstrate the precise cause of the incident and identify the party responsible. Liability depends on proving negligence by the at-fault party, whether it’s a driver failing to yield or a municipality neglecting road maintenance.
At Goldman & Haydel, our Broomfield bicycle accident attorney can assist you in gathering evidence to definitively prove liability, such as:
- Testimony from witnesses
- Physical evidence collected at the crash scene
- Data from the vehicle’s computer system
- Footage from traffic cameras.
Some clients ask us, “What if I was partly at fault for my bicycle accident?” According to Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule, if you share some blame for the accident, you may still claim compensation as long as your responsibility is less than 50%. Your final compensation will be reduced by a percentage equal to your degree of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Before admitting any fault, it’s important that you consult with our Colorado bike injury attorney at Goldman & Haydel. We can help determine if you are partially at fault for your recent bicycle accident and, if so, explain how that might affect your overall compensation. We’re also ready to protect you from defendants and insurance companies who may try to take advantage and minimize what you’re entitled to.
The Claims Process for Bicycle Accidents
The claims process involves:
- Filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s policy
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters for fair compensation
- Pursuing litigation if settlement negotiations fail.
Your attorney will gather evidence like police reports and medical records while handling all legal filings on your behalf.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts by disputing liability or downplaying injuries. Avoid speaking directly with adjusters without consulting an attorney first. Any statements you give could be used against you later.
Why Choose a Local Law Firm in Broomfield?
Local attorneys have firsthand knowledge of Broomfield’s courts and legal landscape, giving them an advantage when negotiating settlements or presenting cases in court. Firms like Goldman & Haydel Injury Lawyers offer personalized service tailored specifically for Colorado residents.
Contact Goldman & Haydel, Broomfield Bicycle Accident Attorneys Advocating for You After Your Bike Crash
If you’ve suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Broomfield, now is the time to take action. At Goldman & Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have the legal experience, local familiarity, and deep commitment needed for a successful claim. We’re eager to take care of the process for you – from gathering evidence to handling insurance negotiations — so you can recover your health while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (720) 571-0606 for a free consultation, and let our dedicated team fight for your maximum compensation.
