Colorado plays host to a large number of biker-friendly cities, and Colorado Springs is continually growing in that area. The Springs has a large network of cyclist-friendly trails and bike lanes throughout the city that make transportation convenient and reliable for the residents. However, biking on busy roads can be dangerous and lead to serious injuries. If you have been injured in a bike accident in Colorado Springs, do not hesitate to reach out to the Shakeshaft Law Firm and our team of bike accident attorneys.
Determining the at-fault party after a bicycle accident is an important step to ensuring victims receive fair compensation for their damages. The process of determining liability after an accident depends greatly on the specifics of the accident and whether or not the cyclist or driver were obeying traffic laws. While biking laws differ from driving laws, cyclists are required to follow a lot of the same traffic laws that drivers do.
After an accident, it is advisable to contact the police so that they can assess the situation and provide a credible and objective third-party account of the incident. A police officer will be able to document the accident and is oftentimes able to determine fault themselves based on the evidence at the scene.
Eyewitness testimonies are also invaluable in these situations. Having a first-hand account of what actually happened can significantly help determine the liability in the accident. Photos and videos of the accident and any potential injuries can also be incredibly useful in bike accident cases. If available, surveillance footage, dash cams, or intersection cameras can also provide a clear depiction of the accident.
Colorado abides by a comparative negligence rule that bases compensation on the percentage at which both parties were at fault. Cyclists may be unable to recover damages or seek compensation if they are 50% or more at fault.
Drivers are required to be vigilant of cyclists at all times, and the city has laws in place designed to help protect bikers on our busy roads. However, bikers also have a specific set of laws that they must follow when biking with traffic.
There is a lot of overlap when it comes to biking and driving laws in the city of Colorado Springs. Drivers are required to share the road with cyclists, though bikers should stay in bike lanes if available. Cyclists are also permitted to ride on sidewalks in some areas of the city. Both cyclists and motorists are required by law to obey all traffic laws and signals, which include stop lights, stop signs, and yield signs. Both cyclists and drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
*To make a left turn on a bicycle, simply extend your left arm straight out. To make a right turn, extend your left arm straight up, or extend your right arm straight out.
While cyclists may not have physical turn signals on their bikes, they are still responsible for clearly and visibly indicating turns or stops, just as vehicles are. Both drivers and bikers are also responsible for having working front and rear lights when biking at night. Colorado Springs has plenty of laws in place for both cyclists and drivers that ensure both are able to share the road equally and safely.
However, there are also quite a few differences in biking and driving laws in the city as well.
When passing another biker or pedestrian, cyclists are required to give an audible warning. Motorists are required by law to give bikers at least 3 feet of space when passing.
Bikers are not legally required to wear helmets while biking in Colorado Springs, although it is strongly encouraged. Motorists in Colorado Springs are required to wear a seatbelt at all times while operating a vehicle.
Understanding the common reasons for bike accidents may be able to help cyclists avoid them in the future.
Cars and other motor vehicles making left or right hand turns at intersections are often leading causes of bicycle accidents. When a driver is not paying attention to bikers on the road and makes a turn in front of one, it often results in a collision. Alternatively, bikers are also responsible for making sure they are not riding in a motorist’s blind spot and proceed with caution when approaching intersections.
Bike accidents also often occur when a car is trying to pass. If the vehicle does not give the cyclist enough space, they may end up side-swiping them or running them off the road. This is why it is mandatory for motorists to give cyclists 3 feet of space when passing.
Rear-end collisions are also a common sight in bike accident cases. Motorists who are not paying attention when approaching a stop can end up crashing into a cyclist from the back. It is important for cyclists to have a rear reflector light to make sure incoming vehicles are able to see them at night.
Poor road conditions can also be a factor when it comes to bicycle accidents. When traveling at high speeds, oftentimes a pothole or even a rock is all it takes to send a cyclist off course. Debris on the road can also be a detriment to cyclists. It is important to stay vigilant when biking and to wear a helmet in case of a fall.
Cyclists are also liable to crash into other cyclists from time to time. This is more common on trails than it is on busy streets due to the number of blind corners and the high speeds at which cyclists often travel.
It is important to practice safe biking practices when traveling on trails and busy streets. Cyclists are far more exposed than drivers are when biking, which leads to more severe injuries in the case of an accident. Riding at a safe speed and wearing a helmet at all times is strongly recommended. Riding your bicycle safely could save your life and the lives of others.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado saw a 33% increase in cyclist deaths last year, with an increase in pedestrian fatalities that happen mostly at night. There are some important laws that cyclists should be familiar with when biking in the Colorado Springs area.
Cyclists in Colorado Springs should have a white light on the front of their bike, and a red rear reflector light on the back when biking in the dark. ‘
All bikers are also required to follow speed limits, traffic lights, and traffic signs accordingly.
Cyclists are required to stay in the far right line when riding in traffic unless a bike lane is provided.
It is also illegal for cyclists to wear headphones while biking.
If you are the victim of a bicycle accident in the Colorado Springs area, reach out to Shakeshaft Law Firm Today. We are available to answer all of your questions and provide the best legal assistance possible. Bike accidents can be overwhelming and scary, and can even lead to serious injuries. Shakeshaft Law Firm is committed to making sure you receive fair compensation while you recover. Schedule your free consultation today.
Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe injuries, compensation for long-term care and rehabilitation may also be pursued. A bicycle accident lawyer can help evaluate your case and determine the appropriate compensation for your situation.
Yes, under Colorado’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the bicycle accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. A bicycle accident attorney can help evaluate your case and determine potential compensation.
After a bicycle accident, avoid admitting fault, signing any documents from insurance companies without legal advice, and posting about the accident on social media. These actions can jeopardize your claim. Instead, focus on gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and strengthen your case. For detailed guidance, reach out to Shakeshaft Law Firm.