No FEE
Unless We Win

Call now for a Free consultation
Available 24/7, Same day return calls

Photo

What's Your Case Worth?

Probably a lot more than the Insurance Company is offering. Find Out for FREE, Contact Us Today.

News & ResourcesPrint Page
image description

Bicyclists: Protect Your Rights After a Motor Vehicle Crash

If you have been hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, there are actions you should take after the accident to protect your rights.

In too many instances, car and truck drivers are not held responsible for the damage they do when they hit a bicyclist. Often this is because bicyclists are treated with suspicion at accident scenes, the supposition seeming to be that the bicyclist “came out of nowhere” or was somehow otherwise responsible for the accident.

If you are hit while riding your bike, you can consult with a Colorado Springs accident law firm to help you determine what compensation you are due and the best way to recover for your injuries and other damages. The following will provide general information on why bicycle accidents occur and what you should do if you are hit by a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle.

Typical Causes of Car vs. Bike Accidents

While there are many causes of traffic accidents involving bicycles, some of the most common reasons motorists hit bicyclists are:  

  • The driver was distracted and failed to notice the bicyclist.
  • The motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • The driver was speeding.
  • The motorist ran a red light.
  • The driver ran a stop sign.
  • The driver made illegal U-turns.
  • The motor vehicle crossed over into the bike lane.
  • The driver failed to give the bicyclist adequate space when passing.

Preserving Evidence

It is not uncommon when there is a motorist vs. bicyclist accident for the motor vehicle driver to be given the benefit of the doubt by the legal system, while the bicyclist is somehow blamed. Bicyclists are often treated with suspicion by police. This is why it is particularly important that as a bicyclist victim, you gather all the evidence and information at the scene that you can.

  • Get the names and contact information of all witnesses to the accident. Your Colorado Springs accident law firm will be able to use these statements in advocating for your rights to compensation as a result of driver liability and negligence.
  • If law enforcement is not already called to the scene, report the incident to local authorities. Law enforcement should then begin an investigation and collect important insurance information as well as make sure that all parties provide insurance coverage. The police department’s traffic accident report will be useful in recovering damages for your injuries and losses.
  • Even if you are not provided medial attention at the scene or taken to the hospital, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after you are hit, even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Often, injuries and pain are temporarily masked by the adrenaline rush that follows accidents, and you should see a physician anyway both to ensure you are properly treated and also so there is a record should legal action be required to recover damages.
  • Get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer to begin working on your case immediately. Time is never on your side in these matters. Witness memories fade and there is a limited time to file an action for damages. Let your bicycle accident attorney take care of your legal issues so you can focus on healing.

Contact the Colorado Springs accident law firm Levine Law for a free case evaluation, either by phone at 719-471-3000 or visit us online.

February 28th, 2019 | Posted by paperstreet, on Motor Vehicle Accidents

Categories

RSS Feed - Get our Latest News

What's your case worth?

Available 24/7, Same day return calls

Do Not Fill Out This Field:
CONTACT US

Hear What Our Clients Have To Say

I'm very happy with the results that Andrew Phillips and the entire team at Levine Law achieved in my case. Levine Law was able to provide me with consistent and timely answers to any questions I had. My "minor" pedestrian accident escalated into big problems and expense. I'm so glad I called Levine Law when I started to deal with insurance companies. Levine Law protected my interest and I recieved the full measure of compensation I expected and deserved. What I appreciated most was their honesty and simple explanations to complex questions and concerns. I highly recommend Levine Law.

Post Your Review