Bike Accident Attorney in Aurora
While cycling is a popular form of transportation and recreation in Aurora, Colorado, it can also be dangerous. Poorly maintained roads and motorists who aren’t paying attention are major hazards to bicyclists, and the injuries resulting from accidents can be catastrophic.
If you are a cyclist who suffered an injury someone else caused, you need an Aurora bicycle accident attorney who will fight for your right to compensation. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today to speak with a member of our legal team about your case and learn more about your options for pursuing the money you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Aurora?
Bicycle accidents in Aurora occur for a variety of reasons, often involving driver negligence.
Some of the most common causes of crashes with bicycles include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road can collide with cyclists, causing major injuries.
- Failure to yield – Motorists may fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists when turning at intersections, leading to accidents.
- Parked car doors – Drivers and passengers may open their car doors without checking for oncoming bicyclists, causing them to collide with the door.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the distance they need to stop, also raising the likelihood of an accident with a cyclist.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and a lack of proper traffic signage can create dangerous conditions for cyclists.
What Are the Bicycle Laws in Aurora, CO?
Understanding Colorado’s bicycle laws is essential for your personal injury claim.
Your bicycle accident attorney may use these laws to help prove someone else was negligent and caused your injuries:
- Right to the road – Cyclists have the same rights to the road as motor vehicle drivers and must follow the same laws.
- Sidewalk riding – Bicyclists are generally allowed to use sidewalks and paths but must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Right side of the road – When riding slower than normal traffic on the road, cyclists should stay in the right-hand lane unless they’re turning left, overtaking a slower vehicle, or avoiding a hazard.
- Hand signals – Cyclists should use their hands to signal turns.
- Helmet use – Colorado doesn’t have specific helmet use laws. However, riders are encouraged to wear helmets because they help protect against serious head injury.
Who Can Be Held At Fault for a Bicycle Accident?
Determining liability for a bicycle accident is a critical part of pursuing compensation.
Some of the most common parties at fault for injuries from a bike crash are:
- Motorists – If a driver was negligent by speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted, they could be at fault for the resulting accident.
- Other cyclists or pedestrians – If another cyclist or pedestrian acted negligently and caused the collision, they may also be held responsible.
- Government entities – Government entities responsible for maintaining roads may be at fault if poor road maintenance, a lack of proper signage, or other hazardous conditions contributed to the accident. There are additional hurdles to clear when suing a government entity, so you’ll want an attorney’s help.
- Manufacturers – If a defect in your bicycle or safety equipment, such as faulty brakes or a defective helmet, contributed to your crash or injuries, the manufacturer could be liable.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive for an Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?
Through a bicycle accident claim, you can seek compensation for various losses. Contact our Aurora bicycle accident lawyer today.
Some of the types of compensation you can pursue for bicycle accident injuries are:
- Medical expenses – This compensation is for your past and future surgeries, hospital stays, medical treatments, medical devices, prescription drugs, and physical therapy. Make sure to keep track of all your medical bills so your attorney can calculate the full extent of your expenses.
- Lost wages – The liable party may have to cover the wages you lost while out of work during your recovery. You can also seek compensation for your loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working long-term or indefinitely.
- Pain and suffering – You may be owed money for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience due to your bicycle accident injuries. If you develop chronic pain or psychological conditions like anxiety, this compensation may be higher.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
The deadline for filing a lawsuit after a bike crash will depend on the circumstances of your case. If a vehicle caused the collision, you will have three years from the date of the crash to file your lawsuit. You only have two years to file in other cases, such as when another cyclist or poor road conditions are the cause. Failure to file within on time will likely result in the courts barring you from recovering compensation, so working with an experienced Aurora bicycle accident injury lawyer is essential.
Why Choose The Wilhite Law Firm for Your Aurora Bike Accident Case?
Since 1977, The Wilhite Law Firm’s dozens of lawyers and almost 100 staff members have been representing injury victims in Colorado and Texas. Over the years, our firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients through settlements and verdicts, including in bicycle accident cases, by providing top-notch representation and caring yet aggressive advocacy.
See what our clients are saying:
“I am very satisfied with the end result of my car accident case. They genuinely cared about my case.” – Lalon VM
Contact an Aurora Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured while riding your bike in Colorado, contact the experienced Aurora bicycle accident lawyers of The Wilhite Law Firm for a free consultation. During your initial meeting, our lawyers will review your case, explain your legal options for seeking compensation, and answer any questions you have.