While a bicycle accident can occur for many different reasons, there are a few types of accident that are the most common:

• Bicycle/ Vehicle collision accidents
• “Dooring” accidents
• Unsafe driving near cyclist causing accident
• Hazardous road conditions accident
• Defective bicycle equipment accident

• According to a study conducted by StreetLight, Colorado ranks 8th for highest bicyclist fatalities per capita.
• Over 130,000 cyclists are injured in crashes that occur on roads every year.
• Male bicyclists have death rates six times higher and injury rates five times higher than their female counterparts. 
• 78% of cycling fatalities in 2019 were in urban areas.

Approximately one-third of crashes that result in a cyclist’s death involve alcohol consumption by the driver of the vehicle and/or cyclist.

As you can imagine, a bicyclist colliding with a motor vehicle can lead to extremely serious injuries. The high speeds combined with the size difference of the two vehicles often has some pretty grisly outcomes. 

Road rules require drivers to leave a wide berth between their vehicles and bicycles when passing cyclists, and should do so at safe speeds. If the motorist is not abiding by these rules, you could be eligible for damage recovery.

“Dooring” occurs when someone opens a car door in front of a traveling bicyclist, leading them to either collide with the open car door or swerve out of the way into another hazard. Typically, this happens from a parked car on the side of the road.

Occupants of vehicles should be sure to check their surroundings before opening their door; failure to do so could result in being at-fault for a dooring incident.

Drivers can still be at-fault for cycling accidents that don’t result in a collision. Driving too close to or too fast near a cyclist can still cause issues. 

Getting too close to the cyclist may cause them to swerve for fear of collision, which then causes them to be injured by another hazard. Additionally, driving too fast or close to the cyclist may cause the cyclist to be hit by a draft caused by the vehicle.

Poor road conditions are often to blame for cycling accidents. Obstructions in the bicycle lane, poorly maintained roads, and improperly de-iced road conditions can all lead to serious injuries for cyclists.

In some cases, it may be the bicycle manufacturer who is to blame for a bike crash. Improperly installed brakes, loose wheels, and other defects can cause serious injury. If you were injured as the result of a defective bicycle, you may be able to recover damages from the manufacturer, retailer, or repair shop.

The steps you will take after a bicycle accident are very similar to that of any other traffic incident. 

1. Document everything- You never know what could be pertinent to your case. Get contact information for any witnesses, take pictures, and get the insurance information of any other parties. 
2. Seek medical treatment- Let paramedics aid your injuries, and go to the hospital or emergency room if needed. Be sure to document all medical expenses related to this incident. 
3. Contact Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Lawyers- As in any personal injury situation, it is always essential to have a trusted bike accident lawyer to help you through every step of the process to make sure that you are getting the settlement you deserve.

In an accident involving a bicycle and a car, the fault is still determined based on the specific details of the case. Cyclists have the same responsibility to obey the rules of the road that motorists do. 

If the cyclist runs a red light or fails to yield to a driver with the right of way, they could still be at least partially at-fault. However, drivers must also exercise care and remain aware of their surroundings, and failing to do so can be considered negligent.

For more information about bicycle laws in Colorado, see our Bicycle Laws FAQ.