When you’re riding your bicycle on the roads in Colorado, you have the right to expect drivers to obey the rules of the road and exercise reasonable caution to keep you safe from harm. Unfortunately, not all drivers live up to their obligations. Many make dangerous decisions that lead to accidents, serious injuries, or even fatalities.
Bike accidents are often more serious than car accidents, as the bicycle doesn’t provide protection from the force or impact of the crash. You could suffer catastrophic injuries or even lose your life.
When a crash happens, and a driver is to blame, Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can help. Our experienced Evans bicycle accident lawyers will work with you to gather evidence, identify defendants, negotiate a settlement, or pursue your case in court. Through it all, we’ll fight hard for you while providing the compassionate representation you deserve.
To find out more about how we can help you, give us a call or contact our Evans personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
Determining Liability in Your Evans Bicycle Accident
In Colorado, comparative fault rules apply. As explained by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111, you can recover compensation from a defendant as long as the defendant was more responsible than you for causing the crash. If they bear greater than 50% of the fault, you can collect partial compensation based on their percentage of blame.
This means you can take legal action after a bicycle accident against any person or company you believe is more than 50% to blame for the accident. This could include:
- Unsafe drivers who speed, drive recklessly, fail to follow traffic signs, or don’t obey the rules of the road
- Employers of drivers who behave unsafely at work, as vicarious liability rules can result in companies being held accountable for staff negligence
- Drivers who open their doors in the path of bicycle riders
- Manufacturers of defective bicycles when bike malfunctions lead to an accident
- Those who design defective or unsafe roads that cause collisions
Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC will work closely with you to identify all defendants who may be responsible for your losses so you can maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve.
How our Evans Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help
At Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC, our legal team helps with all the steps involved in navigating the justice system, including:
- Gathering evidence to prove who was to blame: We’ll subpoena police reports, driver cell phone records, hours on duty logs for truckers, and black box data in truck crash accidents. We’ll also gather evidence from the crash scene and connect you with experts who can testify about how your bike accident happened.
- Negotiating with insurers: When insurance companies fight to pay as little as possible, we’ll be prepared with solid evidence of what your case is worth. We have strong negotiating skills, and insurers know we don’t back down, so you’re more likely to get a fair settlement offer that allows you to avoid the stress of court proceedings.
- Litigating your case: Not every injury lawyer has litigation experience, but our team is at home in a courtroom, ready to present compelling evidence to help you make a strong case and maximize your chances of getting the largest damage award possible.
Contact Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC Today for a Free Consultation
Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC Â cares about bike crash victims, and we’re committed to offering the compassionate representation you deserve.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about what an Evans bicycle accident lawyer can do for you.