According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 857 bicyclists were killed in collisions with vehicles in 2018. Cyclists are more likely to be seriously injured or killed on the road than motor vehicle occupants. It is unclear how many people are injured because hospital officials suggest that as few as 10 percent of bicycle accidents are reported.
Cycling accidents come in all forms. A driver distracted by a cell phone can run into a cyclist, knocking them over or running them off the road completely. A poorly maintained bike path can lead to an accident, causing serious injury. A badly designed bicycle – or even a defective one – can cause disastrous injuries to the cyclist, especially at high speeds. These personal injuries can be costly, both emotionally and financially.
The most common causes of bicycle accidents are:
Motor vehicle collision
Fall from bike
Encounter with damaged cycling surface
Distracted rider/operator error
Crash/collision
Regardless of the cause, most bicycle accidents are caused by negligence, whether it is on the part of a vehicle driver, another cyclist, or the operator themselves. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call Burg Simpson at (720) 500-5995 or fill out a FREE case evaluation form today.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident
- Get help: Call the police or have someone else call for assistance if you can’t.
- Exchange information: Get contact info from everyone involved and any witnesses, if possible. Make sure that includes names, addresses (both physical and email), phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Take photos: Take pictures of your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and the surrounding area, such as the roadway, road signs, and any possible hazards. It is also a good idea to get photos of any injuries you have sustained.
- Do not admit to anything: Even if you think you may have been at fault, keep it to yourself because other contributing factors could be involved, and any statement you make could hurt you in court.
- Do not discuss it with anyone: Wait to speak about the circumstances of the accident with the police, and then a lawyer.
- Seek assistance from a bicycle accident lawyer: Navigating insurance claims is highly complex. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you through the process.
What Are the Next Steps?
- Get medical attention: If you have not already received treatment, it is critical you see your doctor, go to an urgent care center, or visit an emergency room right away. Even if you feel fine, it is important you have a medical professional evaluate you.
- Get it in writing: As soon as you can, write down everything you can recall about the incident, while it is still fresh in your mind. Whether you are waiting to be seen in an urgent care waiting room or recuperating at home, it’s also a good time to review the information you gathered at the scene.
- Call your insurance carrier: File a report with your auto or homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. An attorney can help you with the details.
- Do not sign anything: Whether it is your insurance agent or the other party’s insurance representative, do not sign any documents anyone presents to you without consulting your bicycle accident attorney first.
Contact Burg Simpson for Help After Your Bicycle Accident
The personal injury attorneys at Burg Simpson have decades in dealing with bicycle accident cases, including one that resulted in a multi-million dollar judgment. Our litigators have fought for the rights for injured bicycle riders of all ages.
Burg Simpson has the resources to fight back against large insurance companies that try not to admit fault or pay a claim. Most importantly, working with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers can give you a fighting chance when it comes to investigating accidents, preparing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, or even litigating in court against the responsible parties. Call us at (720) 500-5995 or fill out our FREE case evaluation form to get started with your claim now.
