Denver Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling is a good way to save money on gas and get a good workout. While relatively safe, there is some element of risk. Drivers aren’t always as attentive to bicyclists as they are to other vehicles on the road, causing bicycle accidents. Many bicyclists defy traffic rules that other motorists have to follow. This makes many drivers, and some police officers, biased toward bicyclists when a bicycle accident occurs. If you were injured in a bicycle accident involving another vehicle in Colorado, you should consider retaining a Colorado personal injury attorney who will ensure your rights are protected and you are treated fairly.
Potential Dangers in Boulder, Colorado
Sharing the road with much bigger and durable vehicles driven by motorists who may or may be attentive requires that a bicyclist stay alert and aware while in traffic. However, even the most conscientious rider can be injured by another vehicle. Some examples include:
- A car turns into the path of an oncoming bicycle because the driver assumes there is no oncoming traffic since he sees no oncoming car. Drivers are automatically on the lookout for other vehicles, but not always for bicycles.
- A driver or passenger opens a car door in the path of an oncoming bicycle.
- A car veers or sideswipes too close to a bicyclist, making him fall as he tries to avoid the car, or making the cyclist collide into a parked car.
- A bicyclist gets hit by a side mirror.
- A car following too closely to a bicyclist
- Drivers failing to give enough leeway to child bicyclists, whose bike riding can be unpredictable. Drivers should be watchful for a child’s unpredictable riding.
Colorado Bike Laws
Bicyclists have all of the same rights and duties to be bound by the same traffic rules as drivers of any other vehicle. A rider cannot ride more people on his bike than it designed to carry (i.e., two people cannot ride on a bicycle designed for one person). A bicyclist cannot attach his bike to another vehicle on the road. Bicyclists must ride in the right-hand lane. If he is being overtaken by another vehicle, he must ride as close to the right-hand side as possible. Bicyclists must ride single file, except when riding two abreast will not interfere with traffic, or when riding on a designated bike path. Riders riding two abreast shall ride in a single lane. A bicyclist must have one hand on the handlebars at all times and must signal when making a turn. Bicyclist must also give the right of way to pedestrians when riding on a sidewalk, pathway or crosswalk. A Colorado personal injury attorney can explain the bike laws in greater detail.
A Denver, Colorado Personal Injury Attorney Who Can Help
The Colorado personal injury attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., bring 40 years of experience in law and complex negotiation to every client case they handle. Getting you the fair compensation you deserve will be a priority, as well as holding responsible parties liable for the actions that caused your injury. Contact their office for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
