Q: I was hit by a car on my bike. What legal action can I take?

If you’ve been hit by a car on your bike and you sustained injuries, Colorado law affords you the legal right to file a bicycle accident claim for compensation against any party whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

In 2011, an estimated 48,000 bicyclists were injured in car-bicycle accidents, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis. Aurora has had its fair share of bicycle accidents, too. Just last March, a man was struck by a car while riding his bike on East Quincy Avenue along Quincy Reservoir, and suffered fatal injuries.

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are not uncommon in Colorado, but there are personal injury laws in place that allow victims to pursue reimbursement.

Filing a Claim with an Aurora Personal Injury Firm

For those who’ve suffered injuries, or for family members who have lost their loved one because of a bicycle accident, you have a form of legal recourse to hold the responsible party legally liable for your damages: a personal injury or a wrongful death claim.

First, you’ll want to speak with an Aurora personal injury attorney and go over the details of your case. Your lawyer will advise you on the best way to proceed, and help you start collecting evidence to demonstrate the other party’s fault in the accident, as well as the extent of your injuries.

Types of Damages You Can Collect

Car-bicycle accidents can cause devastating injuries. Head trauma is not uncommon, as well as broken bones, internal injuries, and scarring. Not only are there physical injuries to contend with, but there are financial implications as well.

Any losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident can be included on your bicycle injury claim, such as:

• disability;
• surgery;
• treatments;
• doctors’ bills;
• future treatments;
• pain and suffering;
• loss of promotion;
• your trip to the emergency room;
• loss of income because of missed time at work;
• loss of ability to engage in normal daily activities;
• rehabilitation and occupational therapy; and
• gas mileage to medical-related appointments.

What to Do in the Meantime

After being hit by a car on your bike, your primary objective should be recovering. Tend to your medical needs, and do your best to abide by your doctors’ orders.

It’s also a good idea to begin keeping an accident file. In the file, keep all pertinent documents and notes if you intend on filing a personal injury claim. If your claim is refuted or isn’t settled out of court, your accident file will be very instrumental in helping your case move along.

Some of the information you’ll want to keep in your file includes:

• medical bills;
• witness names and contact information;
• photographs or video of the scene;
• the police report;
• doctors’ prognosis;
• an injury journal (documenting the progression of your injuries); and
• income information.

Speaking to an Aurora Personal Injury Lawyer

To learn more about your legal options and how to best go about pursing compensation, consult a lawyer. Contact D.J. Banovitz for a free consultation. We can go over the basics of your situation and determine how we can help you pursue the financial restitution you need. For your no-obligation consult, call 303-300-5060 today.