10 Things to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Colorado? (2024)

Bicycles are environmentally friendly, fun to ride, and a healthy choice for local transportation. However, you face the risk of serious injury every time you take your bike on the road near motor vehicle drivers. Therefore, when a bicycle accident happens, it is crucial to know what to do and what not to do to preserve your ability to recover your losses.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, keep the following 10 things in mind to have the best chance of recovering as fully as possible from the incident:

1. Contact the police and wait for them to arrive. Call 911 to report the accident and wait for first responders. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police allow you to do so.
2. Refrain from negotiating with the other driver. If someone else caused the accident, they might try to settle the matter with you on the spot or offer some kind of compensation. Politely decline and wait for first responders. Once you receive medical care, you can consult an attorney to determine your best recovery options.
3. Obtain the other driver’s contact information and insurance details. This is crucial as you have the right to start a claim against their insurance, but you must do so quickly. You will also need to provide your attorney with the other driver’s information to proceed with any further legal recourse.
4. Secure witness details. If anyone sees your bicycle accident happen, take their name and contact information. If you have a phone with video recording, it’s a good idea to ask their permission to record a statement immediately after the crash while their memory is freshest.
5. Document as much as possible from the scene of the accident. If you are able to do so, use your phone to record the scene of the accident, pictures of your injuries, and pictures that show the positions of the vehicles on the road.
6. Obtain a police report. Once the police arrive, they will interview everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. They will record their findings in a police report, and you will need to secure a copy of this report to proceed with your recovery efforts.
7. Seek medical care, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. Adrenaline from the accident can dull pain sensations, and you might be injured worse than you realize. Seek medical care immediately after the accident and obtain copies of your medical report from your doctor.
8. Preserve as much evidence as possible. Pictures from the scene of the crash and of your injuries are invaluable. You should also keep your clothing and your bicycle, and do not have it repaired just yet. You may need to show the damage done to prove exactly how your accident happened.
9. Don’t negotiate with insurance companies. You can file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, but it is possible for an insurance company to contact you. Politely decline to discuss a settlement until you can speak with your bicycle accident attorney.
10. Secure legal counsel you can trust. Having the right attorney’s assistance can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of the recovery efforts you pursue after your accident. In addition, your attorney can help with your insurance claim and a subsequent personal injury claim if necessary.

Ideally, keeping these 10 tips in mind will help you recover as fully as possible from your bicycle accident. The faster you secure legal representation, the faster you can begin working toward the recovery you legally deserve.

FAQs About Things to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Colorado

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Bicycle Accident?

State law allows you to hold the at-fault driver accountable for all the financial losses they inflicted, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. You also have the right to pain and suffering compensation. Recovery from your bicycle accident is likely to require an auto insurance claim and then a personal injury suit. Your bicycle accident attorney can help you calculate the total potential value of your claim and maximize your case award.

What Happens if I Share Fault for the Accident?

Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state, so as long as you are less than 50% at fault for your bicycle accident, you can still seek recompense from the defendant. However, whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you will be deducted from your case award. If, for example, the judge finds you 30% at fault, you lose 30% of the compensation obtained from the defendant. Having experienced legal counsel on your side is the best way to minimize any comparative fault you may hold for your bike accident.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an Insurance Settlement?

If the other party’s fault is clear and you have legal counsel assisting you, it should only take a few weeks to receive your settlement check from their insurance company. However, most insurance carriers look for reasons to deny claims or justify the lowest possible settlement offers. Your bicycle accident attorney can resolve any such disputes for you and help you recover as fully as possible.

Will the Other Driver Go to Jail?

It’s possible for the defendant responsible for your accident to face jail time if they caused the accident through illegal misconduct. Excessive speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence are all common examples of actions that can lead to criminal prosecution as well as liability for civil damages. Your bike accident lawyer can advise you as to how the defendant’s illegal misbehavior could influence your recovery.

A bicycle accident can be a life-changing incident, and it is essential to know what to do after such an incident to have the best chance of recovering as fully as the law allows. If you know another party is responsible for causing your recent bicycle accident, the right bike accident attorney can help you hold them accountable in the most efficient manner possible. Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today to schedule a consultation with a bicycle accident attorney and learn how our firm can empower your recovery efforts.