Every year, bicycle accidents send victims to hospitals in Denver with serious and sometimes life-changing injuries. It is important to know what to do if you get hit by a car while riding a bike in Denver, as the steps that you take (or fail to take) could impact your injury claim. Protect your eligibility for financial compensation by taking the following actions.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priorities after a bicycle accident. Try not to make any sudden moves after a collision, such as immediately jumping to your feet. Remain where you are and check yourself for signs of an injury, such as pain or swelling. Go to a hospital or call for an ambulance without delay, even if you feel fine; your adrenaline may be masking the signs of an injury. Prompt medical care is important for your physical health and to show an insurance company that you fulfilled your obligations as an injured party.
Get a Police Report
You should always call 911 to report a bicycle accident in Colorado. Crash reporting is a requirement for accidents that result in injuries, deaths or property damage under Colorado law. Even if your bike accident appears minor, notify the police so that you can obtain a police report. The driver’s car insurance company will ask for a copy of this report when you submit a claim. It will contain important information about the crash, such as the driver’s information, the date and location of the crash, and the officer’s opinion as to its cause.
Gather Information
Before you leave the scene of a bicycle accident, try to collect evidence and information. If you are too badly injured to do this on your own, ask for help from a friend, family member or bystander. The police can also help you preserve evidence from the crash scene, such as photographs of the accident and your damaged bicycle, dashcam or surveillance video footage, and witness statements.
Do Not Admit Fault
It may be in your nature to apologize for an accident, even if it is not your fault. Telling the driver you are sorry, however, could be construed as an admittance of guilt. Do not admit fault for the accident or apologize when speaking to the other driver, the police or an insurance company. Even if you think you are partially to blame, other factors could be at play, such as the negligence of a third party. Wait for an investigation to determine fault.
File a Timely Insurance Claim
Once you have sought professional medical care for your injuries and gathered information about your bicycle accident, contact the driver’s automobile insurance company to file a claim. Colorado is a fault state, meaning the person or party who causes an accident is responsible for paying. During the filing process, the insurance company may try to take advantage of you to diminish your payout. Do not give the insurance claims adjuster a recorded statement, discuss your injuries or accept the first settlement offer. Protect yourself by hiring a specialized bicycle accident attorney in Denver to take over your claim for you.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Denver
In 2022, an estimated 15 bicyclists lost their lives in fatal traffic accidents in Colorado, while dozens of others suffered serious injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of a bike accident in Denver, do not hesitate to contact Manning Law for a free consultation with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers. We can help you take all of the correct steps and actions in the aftermath of a crash to protect your rights as much as possible. Our experienced Denver personal injury attorneys will be in your corner to support you during this difficult time.
