Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

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Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents share the fact that both types of accident victims have virtually no protection against oncoming cars. Unlike car accidents where the structure of a vehicle absorbs some of the impact and to some degree can protect the driver and passengers, it is typical for pedestrian and bicycle accident victims to suffer severe injuries or even die.
 
Ignoring designated bike paths, exceeding speed limits, texting while driving, and not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks are forms of driver negligence.   The liability auto insurance covers bicyclists and pedestrians in car accidents.   

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are prevalent in Colorado. As you would imagine, there is often a lot of foot traffic on the streets and sidewalks. Pedestrians are at the highest risk for accidents when walking in urban areas. In fact, the greatest percentage of pedestrian fatalities occur in cities, and, at night.

What Are Some Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
There can be a variety of factors that result in a pedestrian accident where the driver is at fault. Some common causes include:
 
  • Distracted driving. Texting or talking on cellphones takes the driver’s attention off the road. They may not see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision.
  • Drunk driving. Intoxication greatly reduces reaction times and awareness.
  • Reckless driving. When drivers are in a hurry, they can make rash decisions and drive recklessly.
  • Road construction. Road construction often hampers visibility and puts pedestrians at greater risk for accidents.
  • Right-of-way violations. Drivers making a left turn or right turn should yield to the pedestrian. Failing to adhere to right-of-way laws can result in hitting a pedestrian.

Bicycle Accidents

What Are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

A bicyclist is the most vulnerable person on the road, as they are not protected in the event of a collision with a car or other obstacle. Even special protective equipment does not always save a bicyclist from injury or damage.

Some common causes include:
 
  • Dangerous overtaking. The driver of a car does not maintain an appropriate distance and prevents the bicyclist from making a maneuver. Most often, the right side of the car or the mirrors are hit.
  • Dangerous turning and refusing to yield the road. Many times there is a designated ride zone for the bicyclist, and the car driver violates the bicyclist’s priority right by not allowing him or her to maneuver to turn at intersections.
  • Ignoring designated lanes. Bicyclists have designated areas in which they have the right to travel.
  • Opening car doors. A very high rate of bicycle accidents happen when a car driver stops but is not sure if a bicyclist is moving behind him or her. The open door can then hit the moving bicycle.
  • Drunk driving. Many times, a drunk driver is the primary cause of a bicycle accident due to decreased awareness and reaction time.
  • Ignoring a stop sign or stoplight. Drivers of cars ignoring stop signs or stoplights, resulting in collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Handle Your Accident?

Pedestrians and cyclists often sustain serious injuries in accidents with a motor vehicle. After all, there is nothing to protect them against the impact when being struck by a car. In addition, severe injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, and the costs can mount up quickly.

Having an attorney at your side can help you level the playing field. Legal guidance can also help with making important decisions. Proving the other party was at fault and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. In cases that involve significant damages, insurance companies have their own legal teams to protect their interests. They often argue that the victim’s claim is worth less than its value. Or, they may even try to have the claim dismissed.

Put a Strong Advocate on Your Side
Our attorneys at Daniels & Scriven, P.C. have decades of experience handling pedestrian and bicycle accident cases. In a free consultation, we will carefully evaluate the specifics of your accident.  In addition, we will brief you on the process in detail, and map out the best course of action to get you the compensation you deserve.  We can often obtain a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company without having to actually file a lawsuit.  Our firm is experienced in taking cases to trial, and we are prepared to take your case as far as needed to obtain a win.
 

Contact  Us Today!

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