Denver is an active city, and many residents enjoy biking to work and for pleasure. But bicyclists may suffer serious injuries when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Bicycles have few safety features. Riders are often thrown from their vehicles in an impact. Because bike accidents can result in serious injuries, it’s important for bicyclists to be aware of the insurance policies that may provide coverage after a crash.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident on your own. The Denver bicycle accident lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm have more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases and standing up for our clients.
We can help you seek the insurance benefits available after a crash. We have a strong record of success and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. To learn more about how we can help you after a bicycle accident, call any of our offices throughout Colorado or visit our contact page to get a free initial consultation.
Does My Car Accident Insurance Cover a Bike Accident in Colorado?
If you are seriously injured in a bicycle accident and you have health insurance, you’ll look first to your health insurance to cover your medical treatment costs. Your health insurance may require you to pay a certain amount out of pocket to meet the deductible. Health insurance typically does not cover other associated costs such as lost wages if you are unable to work for a period of time due to injuries.
Whether you can file a claim against your auto insurance or another driver’s auto insurance depends on the specifics of the bike accident and the policies available. The terms of your car insurance policy may allow you to use your car insurance benefits to cover the costs of a bike collision with a vehicle. Car insurance policies vary depending on the types of coverage you purchased.
Let’s review some of the insurance coverages that may apply to your bike accident:
- Medical payments coverage — Colorado insurance companies are required to offer medical payments coverage, or Med-Pay as part of the auto insurance package. Med-Pay covers reasonable medical expenses after an accident, up to the policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. Medical payments coverage is an optional policy. You may have Med-Pay as part of your auto insurance policy unless you specifically signed a form declining the coverage. You can use medical payments coverage without having to worry about out-of-pocket co-pays or meeting insurance deductibles.
- Other driver’s auto liability insurance—If another driver or another cyclist caused the accident, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, seeking compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
- Uninsured motorist coverage — If you were hit by a car and the driver leaves the scene without giving you their name and insurance information, you may be able to use your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to offset some of the expenses you incur. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for losses caused by hit-and-run drivers. Uninsured motorist insurance is not required in Colorado, but many automobile owners have uninsured motorist coverage.
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance — This type of insurance may cover some of your property damage after an accident such as repair or replacement of your damaged bicycle, though it would not cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
A bicycle accident lawyer at the Wilhite Law Firm can review the details of your bicycle accident and evaluate which insurance policies may provide compensation for your injuries and related losses.
What Are the Costs of a Bicycle Accident?
There are many different expenses that a victim may incur following a bicycle accident. These costs may include:
- Your initial treatment after the accident, such as the ambulance to the hospital, and emergency room treatment, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization, if needed
- Follow-up visits with your doctor
- Physical therapy after the accident
- Prescription medications
- Your lost wages while you’re recovering from your injuries
- Your reduced earning capacity as a result of your injuries
- The physical pain from your injuries
- The emotional anguish from your injuries, such as increased anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Your diminished quality of life, especially if you’ve suffered a long-term or permanent disability
What Are Common Causes of Colorado Bike Accidents?
Bicycles are considered vehicles on the road. Cyclists have the right to ride on the road and are subject to all the rules and protections under Colorado’s traffic regulations. However, many motorists don’t give cyclists the consideration they deserve. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving — If a driver is talking on the phone or inattentive to the road ahead, the driver may overlook a cyclist in their path, or the driver may drift out of their lane and collide with a cyclist traveling next to them.
- Impaired driving — A driver who has been drinking or using drugs has slowed reflexes, impaired judgment, and is more prone to risky behavior. Drunk drivers are much more likely to fail to see a bicyclist and cause an accident.
- Speeding — A driver who is speeding has less time to respond to traffic conditions and steer clear of riders in the road ahead. Speed also increases the force of impact of a collision.
- Following too closely — Bicyclists travel more slowly than cars and can stop much faster. Motorists should follow at a greater distance allowing plenty of space to stop if the cyclist stops.
- Dooring accidents — Drivers and passengers can injure a bicyclist if they open their doors without checking to see if a cyclist is approaching.
Call an Experienced Colorado Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Help
With more than four decades of legal experience and a record of getting our clients the compensation they need, The Wilhite Law Firm has skilled attorneys to assist you after a bicycle accident. We can help you understand the insurance benefits you are entitled to claim and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against the at-fault driver who injured you. We are successful in settling most cases out of court. That allows our injured clients to get the money they need as quickly as possible. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, however, we will be prepared to take your case to court to seek full compensation for your injuries.
It is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to understand your legal options. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.
