Silverthorne Attorneys | Practice Areas

Bicycle Accidents

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Bicycle Accidents

Cycling Shouldn’t Be Dangerous—But Too Often, It Is

Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly way to travel, but for too many people, a bike ride ends in disaster because of someone else’s negligence. Cyclists are vulnerable—without the protection of a car’s frame, even low-speed crashes can cause devastating injuries. Drivers who fail to look for bikes, distracted motorists, poorly maintained roads, and other hazards put cyclists at real risk every day.

At InjuredNow, we know the unique challenges injured cyclists face. After a crash, you may be dealing with serious pain, lost work, uncertainty, and an insurance process that’s stacked against you. Our team is here to be your advocate: we listen, we explain your legal options, and we act decisively to make sure you’re treated fairly from day one.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere—on city streets, rural roads, or suburban neighborhoods. Most often, they’re the result of a motorist’s failure to share the road responsibly. Common causes include:

  • Driver Inattention or Distraction: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted often don’t see cyclists until it’s too late.
  • Failure to Yield: Cars turning right or left without checking for bikes can cause serious intersection crashes.
  • Dooring: A driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, causing a sudden and violent collision.
  • Unsafe Passing: Vehicles passing too closely (“buzzing” cyclists) can cause riders to swerve, fall, or be struck.
  • Speeding: High speeds increase both the risk and severity of crashes.
  • Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, poor lighting, or missing signage can all contribute to serious accidents.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s ability to react to cyclists on the road.

When we take your case, we work quickly to gather evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reports, to prove exactly how your crash happened and who is responsible.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists are exposed and unprotected—so injuries are often severe, even at low speeds. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (with or without a helmet)
  • Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or nerve damage
  • Broken bones—arms, wrists, collarbones, legs, ribs, and more
  • Severe lacerations (“road rash”) and contusions
  • Internal injuries or organ damage
  • Dental and facial injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
  • Psychological trauma, including PTSD

Recovery from a bicycle crash can mean long hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and months away from work and family. The physical, emotional, and financial toll is real—and you shouldn’t have to bear it alone.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

The steps you take after a bicycle accident can make a big difference for your health and your claim:

  1. Get Medical Care Right Away: Some injuries may not be obvious at first. Always get checked by a medical professional—even for “minor” crashes.
  2. Call the Police: An official report helps document the facts of your case.
  3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, your bike, the vehicles involved, and the scene.
  4. Exchange Information: Get the driver’s name, contact, insurance info, and details of any witnesses.
  5. Don’t Fix Your Bike Yet: Keep your bike, helmet, and damaged gear in their post-accident condition—they’re evidence.
  6. Don’t Make Statements to Insurers: Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything until you talk to a lawyer.
  7. Contact InjuredNow: The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.

Dealing With Insurance After a Bike Accident

Insurance companies may seem sympathetic, but their job is to minimize payouts. Common tactics include:

  • Blaming you for the accident—even if you did nothing wrong
  • Claiming your injuries were pre-existing or “not that serious”
  • Offering a quick, lowball settlement
  • Delaying payment or communication to wear you down
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Our team at InjuredNow takes over all communications with insurers, fights for a fair valuation of your injuries and losses, and ensures that you aren’t pressured into an unfair settlement.

Types of Compensation Available to Cyclists

You may be entitled to significant compensation after a bicycle accident, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up visits, medication, rehabilitation, and long-term care
  • Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery, plus loss of future earning capacity if you can’t return to work
  • Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
  • Property Damage: Cost of repairing or replacing your bike, helmet, gear, phone, and other property
  • Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If your injuries result in life-changing consequences
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the loss of hobbies, exercise, independence, or activities you once loved
  • Wrongful Death: If a loved one is lost in a cycling accident, we help families seek justice and fair compensation

We look at every aspect of your losses to demand the full amount you deserve—not just what the insurance company wants to pay.

Why InjuredNow Is Different

  • We Listen: We know you’re going through one of the hardest times in your life. You’ll always have someone to answer your questions and explain what comes next.
  • We Act Quickly: Early investigation is crucial—evidence can disappear fast. We move quickly to secure your case.
  • We Stand Up for Cyclists: We know the law, the biases cyclists face, and how to counter them.
  • We Don’t Back Down: If the insurance company won’t be fair, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You can still seek compensation. Your claim may be affected, but we’ll fight to maximize your recovery regardless.

What if I was partially at fault?
Many states allow you to recover damages even if you share some blame. We’ll explain how the law applies to your case.

Can I still recover compensation if the driver left the scene (hit and run)?
Yes. There are options through your own insurance and other avenues. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Contact InjuredNow – Real Advocacy for Injured Cyclists

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a bicycle accident alone. InjuredNow is here to help you understand your rights, answer your questions honestly, and take aggressive action on your behalf. We believe you deserve a real advocate—one who keeps you informed, involved, and in control every step of the way.

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