Many people use biking as a healthy way to destress, get exercise, and commute. Longmont is a great place for cyclists to enjoy and share their hobby. The state has invested resources, including legislation, to provide a safe and cyclist-aware community state-wide.
Unfortunately, bicycle crashes still occur, and when they do, the outcome is often severe for cyclists. A cyclist’s body is almost completely exposed to the elements, with only minimal safety equipment available to protect them from harm.
If you were injured in a bike crash that was caused by another party, a skilled attorney could help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to a Longmont bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about your options.
Under state law, bicycles have a vehicle classification and the same protections as other motorists. Additionally, the law has set out many provisions to protect cyclists and reduce potential bicycle-related traffic collisions. Bicyclists are required to stop at all stop signs and red lights, just like standard vehicles.
Furthermore, a bicycle must have a white headlight that can be seen from 500 feet away and a rear red reflector that can be seen from 600 feet away at night. When turning or coming to a stop, bicyclists must signal for at least the last 100 feet unless their hand is required to maintain control of the bicycle. When passing bikes, motor vehicle drivers must maintain a distance of at least three feet.
Despite the many laws in place to protect bikers, accidents still occur. When a cyclist is operating their bike safely and is struck by a motorist, it is wise to obtain legal representation as soon as possible to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Due to the slight frame, slim tires, and low mass compared to a standard car, cyclists are often prone to be flung with or off their bicycle in a direct collision. The impact can be devastating for cyclists and results in various injuries. The extremities are most likely to sustain an injury in a bicycle accident.
While catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury do occur, these are less common than other injuries. Some typical bike wreck injuries include:
Many of these will leave cyclists with pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. Bicycle accident injuries often require medical treatment and physical therapy, which can be costly. Pursuing an injury claim with the help of a seasoned Longmont bike wreck attorney could help offset these costs.
Cyclists who suffer injuries in an accident with a negligent motorist can obtain damages just like any other driver. Damages refer to the financial compensation awarded by a court in an injury claim. A damages award is intended to restore an injured party to their state before their injuries.
In Longmont a bike accident attorney can help an injured party seek compensation for their medical bills, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation cost, and loss of present and future income. Additionally, damages for less quantifiable injuries to cyclists are also recoverable. These damages include injuries such as mental and emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, quality of life, and loss of companionship. A dedicated attorney could help an injured cyclist calculate the extent of their losses and pursue a damages award that is representative of the nature of the accident.
Bicycle wrecks can leave you with medical bills, long-term rehabilitative costs, property damage, and more. The last thing you need on your plate is a legal headache.
A Longmont bicycle accident lawyer could take this stress off of you, handling the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on healing. A skilled attorney could assess your situation, determine the at-fault parties, and seek compensation on your behalf. Call today to learn more about what our dedicated team could do for you.
