Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Attorney

At ELKUS & SISSON, P.C., our team of seasoned professionals brings a wealth of experience to navigating complex legal challenges with precision and dedication.

In the blink of an eye, a relaxing bike ride can become one of the worst days of your life. A negligent driver veers off course or opens their door into the bike lane and sends you flying off your bike. You have rights as a bicyclist, and it’s important to protect those after you’re injured.

Finding the right Fort Collins bike accident lawyer for your claim can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call Colorado Accident Attorneys at 303-567-7981 right now.

What You Need to Know About Bicycle Accidents in Fort Collins, CO

Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence in the city of Fort Collins. The local government reports that crash numbers have changed several times since 2009, with a slight overall downward trend. Crashes peaked in 2012 and have dropped since then. While bike accidents only account for 3.25% of all crashes, they make up 20% of serious injury crashes and 9% of fatal collisions. Bicyclists are significantly under-represented in this area, which is just one reason it’s so important for both cyclists and drivers to prioritize bicyclists’ safety. Those aged 20 to 34 are at greatest risk of a bicycle accident, and 70% of all collisions involve a male cyclist.

While many bicyclists brave the streets of Fort Collins year-round, you’ll definitely see more bicyclists out and about in the spring and summer months. As a result, accidents begin increasing around May and peak in September before dropping rapidly.

A few types of negligence make up the majority of bike accidents in Fort Collins. Typically, bike accidents occur when a bicyclist riding against traffic or on a sidewalk is hit by a vehicle turning right. An approaching turn crash occurs when a bicyclist going straight is struck by a vehicle turning left, generally because the driver misjudges the bicyclist’s speed or distance. Finally, overtaking turns also lead to many bike accidents in Fort Collins. These occur when a bicyclist and driver are heading in the same direction. The car tries to pass the driver in order to turn right, but the bicyclist goes straight. As the car turns, it hits the bicyclist.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bike accidents result in many types of injuries, some of which are minor and heal on their own, and some of which require immediate medical attention. Some of the injuries you may experience after a bike accident include:

Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and swelling of the brain
Broken bones, particularly on the lower extremities
Spinal cord injuries that may affect your mobility and ability to care for yourself
Road rash, especially if you are thrown from your bike during the accident
Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and muscle tears

Getting examined by a doctor at a local medical facility should be at the top of your to-do list after a collision. Prompt treatment is essential for your injuries.

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Your Legal Rights as a Victim

Colorado is a very bike-friendly state, which means you enjoy substantial rights as a bicyclist. You are entitled to use the road, just as drivers are. You are also entitled to safe passing space; when a car passes you, they must give you at least three feet. Additionally, living in a bike-friendly state means access to bike trails, wide bike lanes, and multi-use trails.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly in this context, you have a right to compensation when a negligent driver strikes you and causes an accident. However, know that this can often be an uphill battle—insurance companies don’t want to pay out fair compensation unless they are essentially forced to do so.

Why You Should Choose Our Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been hurt in a cycling accident, hiring a Fort Collins bicycle accident attorney at Colorado Accident Attorneys should be one of your top priorities. You have rights in this process, but you’re also on a timeline. Trying to navigate this on your own could cause you to lose valuable evidence or even miss important deadlines. The insurance company will be fighting you the whole way, trying to weaken your claim or deny you compensation completely. We are ready for those tactics and we know how to avoid them and protect your case. As we work toward a fair settlement or court award on your behalf, you will be able to focus on healing.

Contact Our Team to Explore Your Legal Options

Time is of the essence when you are hurt in a Fort Collins bike accident. The longer you wait to seek compensation, the harder it may be for your attorney to prove your case. That’s why we recommend reaching out to us at your earliest convenience after a collision. To set up your free consultation, call Colorado Accident Attorneys at 303-567-7981 or fill out our online contact form.