Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyers

According to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, Denver is becoming a bicycling city. Each day, about two million trips are made in the city by bicycle or by walking, and since 2019, the mileage of bikeways has jumped by 26%. In the same time frame, bicycle lanes have quadrupled.

More opportunities for biking means bicyclists have more options than ever before, but more bicycles on the road can also mean a risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, contact the Denver bicycle accident lawyers at Flaxman Law Group by calling 970-999-0530. We’re pleased to offer a free consultation, so you can discuss your situation and any compensation you may be eligible for at no cost and with no obligation.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Denver

While biking can be a fun way to explore Denver, it also comes with its risks. Denver’s busy streets, combined with varying weather conditions and infrastructure challenges, make cyclists vulnerable to accidents. Some of the most frequent causes of bike accidents in Denver include:

• Distracted Drivers. One of the leading causes of bike accidents is distracted driving. Drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice cyclists, especially when they are riding in busy areas or on narrow streets.
• Failure to Yield or Stop. Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way or stop at intersections are another common cause of bicycle accidents. A cyclist may be crossing a street or entering an intersection when a driver ignores traffic signals, leading to a crash.
• Poor Road Conditions. Potholes, loose gravel, wet surfaces, and uneven pavement can cause a cyclist to lose control of their bike and fall, leading to injuries. Inadequate road maintenance or construction zones without proper warnings can also pose risks.
• Improper Lane Changes and Turning. When a driver turns without checking their surroundings or enters a bike lane without noticing a cyclist, it can lead to a dangerous collision.
• Car Dooring. This type of accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the rider to crash into the door or be thrown into traffic because they can’t stop in time. Bike lanes often run parallel to parked cars, making dooring a frequent hazard in Denver.
• Sharing Lanes. Bicycles on the road should be treated like any other vehicle and given their own lane. When bicyclists try to share a lane or when cars try to squeeze a bike, serious accidents can happen.
• Inadequate Bicycle Infrastructure. Denver has made big improvements to its bike infrastructure, but there are still areas where cycling conditions can be dangerous. The lack of dedicated bike lanes, poorly designed bike routes, or mixed-use lanes that do not separate bikes from motor vehicles increases the risk of collisions.
• Risky Riding. In some cases, accidents occur due to a cyclist’s own risky behavior. Riding without proper safety gear, such as helmets, or engaging in unsafe practices like speeding, running red lights, riding distracted, or cycling without lights at night, can all lead to accidents.

While cyclists are responsible for following traffic laws, many accidents are caused by factors outside their control. In addition, many bicyclists are unfairly blamed for causing accidents that weren’t their fault.

If you have been involved in a bike accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. To find out more, consult with Denver bicycle accidents. An attorney can explain whether you qualify for compensation and can help you if you’re being blamed for the crash.

You can always contact the Denver offices of Flaxman Law Group at 970-999-0530, for example, to set up a free, no obligation consultation with a lawyer who can explain your rights and how much your potential claim could be worth.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in Denver

Due to the lack of protective barriers between cyclists and other vehicles (or the pavement), bike accidents often cause significant harm. Some of the most common types of bicycle accident injuries seen in Denver include the following:

• Head Injuries. Head trauma is one of the most serious and common injuries in bicycle accidents. Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A TBI can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and even mobility issues.
• Broken Bones. Fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones, are frequent injuries in bicycle accidents. Cyclists often use their arms to protect themselves when falling, which can result in fractures.
• Abrasions. Road rash is a common injury when a cyclist is thrown to the ground and slides across the pavement. This can cause deep abrasions and cuts, especially on the elbows, knees, and face. While road rash is generally less severe than fractures or head injuries, it is painful. It can still require medical treatment and lead to scarring.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries a cyclist can sustain, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are typically caused by high-impact collisions or falls, particularly if the cyclist is thrown from their bike.
• Internal Injuries. Bicycle accidents can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the spleen, liver, or lungs.
• Knee and Hip Injuries. Knee injuries, including ligament tears and fractures, are common in bike accidents, particularly for riders who experience falls or impact from the vehicle. Hip injuries, including fractures and dislocations, are also common because of the force of a fall or collision.
• Facial Injuries. Injuries to the face can result from impact with the ground, a vehicle, or debris. These injuries may include broken bones, lacerations, or even damage to the eyes or teeth. Facial injuries often require reconstructive surgery and can leave lasting scars.
• Soft Tissue Injuries. Muscle strains, ligament sprains, whiplash, and tendon injuries are also common in bike accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain, limited mobility, and a lengthy recovery period.

While injuries from bike accidents can range in severity, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you think you’re fine. Many serious injuries, including life-threatening head injuries and internal injuries, may only present symptoms hours after the crash. Getting prompt medical attention can save your life and improve your chances of healing fully.