Three women were cycling along the North Foothills Highway near Boulder when an SUV from the opposite lane swerved into their lane, hitting all three of them.
The SUV was going around a car in front of it that was slowing to make a right-hand turn. The SUV swerved all the way into the opposite lane’s shoulder where the women were riding one behind another. The first two women were hospitalized with serious injuries, but the third rider was thrown into a ditch and suffered only minor injuries; she was able to call 911.
Unfortunately, this Colorado bike accident was only one of tens of thousands of injury-causing accidents between bicycles and motor vehicles that occur every year. Statistics kept by the Centers for Disease Control provide clear documentation of this. In 2009, over 50,000 people were injured in such crashes, and 630 lost their lives. Accidents between bicycles and motor vehicles cost the country an estimated $4 billion every year.
Though the victims of the Boulder accident were women, men are more likely to be victims of cycling accidents, accounting for almost 90 percent of victims. Almost two-thirds of accident victims are between the ages of 25 and 64.
The discrepancy between light, exposed bicycles and heavy, steel-framed motor vehicles is a significant factor in the severity of these types of accidents. Cyclists have little to protect them in a collision with a motor vehicle, putting them at much greater risk than car or truck occupants.
Fortunately, there are legal actions the Boulder accident victims and all motor vehicle and bike accident victims can take to pursue appropriate compensation for their injuries. Accident victims may have a claim against the driver’s liability insurance coverage. If the driver is uninsured, victims can still seek damages through the court system in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a bike accident, it is very important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer will be able to help you understand what insurance awards you may be eligible for, as well as the process for pursuing other forms of compensation.
Call 303-974-4496 or toll free 888-980-5511.