
You never expect your ride to take a turn like this. One moment, you’re pedaling through Colorado’s scenic streets, and the next, you’re left with a mangled bike, medical bills, and pressing questions like, I got hit by a car on my bike, can I sue?
Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. has built a reputation for advocating for injured cyclists. Let’s discuss how the law protects you and how we can help make that protection work in your favor.
Your Rights as a Cyclist After an Accident
Cyclists have the same rights as anyone else sharing the road. When a driver’s actions cause your injuries, you have the right to take legal action. In other words, yes, you can sue if you get hit by a car on your bike.
Accidents like these often happen because drivers:
- Use their phones while driving,
- Ignore stop signs or traffic signals,
- Pass cyclists too closely, and
- Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Our attorneys recognize these cases aren’t just about laws—they’re about your life and recovery and ensuring the driver is responsible for their actions.
What You Could Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case
A hit by car on a bike settlement can include a range of damages to help you recover financially and physically. Compensation often includes:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and other belongings.
The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the driver’s degree of negligence. Our job is to make sure you leave nothing on the table.
How Colorado’s Comparative Fault Laws Affect You
A settlement for being hit by a car on your bike takes into account your injuries, losses, and how fault is assigned. Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means your ability to recover damages depends on your share of responsibility for the accident. Those found less than 50% at fault can still receive compensation, though their percentage of responsibility will reduce the amount they receive.
For example, a driver swerves into the bike lane while texting and causes a collision while you are riding without proper lighting at night. An investigation might assign 80% of the fault to the driver and 20% to you. With total damages of $100,000, your compensation would be adjusted to $80,000 to reflect your portion of the responsibility.
At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we focus on presenting a clear and compelling argument to maximize your recovery while countering any claims of shared fault that insurers might raise.
Steps to Take When Your Bike Is Hit by a Car
Knowing what to do after your bike is hit by a car can protect your health and your ability to hold the driver accountable. The steps below can help you start taking control of the situation.
Call the Police and Document What Happened
Reporting the crash ensures there’s an official record of what took place. Officers can collect statements, assess the scene, and create a report supporting your claim. Ask for a copy of this report—it’s important evidence.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, let a doctor confirm it. Some injuries, like head trauma or internal damage, might not show symptoms immediately. Accept care from paramedics at the scene or visit a medical provider as soon as possible.
Collect Information at the Scene
If you’re able, gather details that can help establish what happened. These details include the driver’s contact information, insurance details, and photos or videos of the accident scene. You should also take pictures of your injuries and damaged bike. Additionally, get the names and contact information of witnesses.
Be Careful with Your Words
It’s natural to feel shaken and want to smooth things over, but avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Keep conversations brief and stick to the facts. Leave the full investigation to your legal team.
Why Cyclists Choose Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.
Choosing the right law firm after a serious bicycle accident can shape the outcome of your case. Not every firm understands the specific risks cyclists face or how to address the unique circumstances of these accidents. Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. is different.
Our team has worked extensively with injured cyclists across Colorado, handling cases where drivers failed to share the road, ignored bike lanes, or caused collisions through distractions like texting. We understand the laws that protect cyclists and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Take Back Control—We’ll Handle the Rest
If you’ve been hit by a car on your bike, and need legal advice, don’t settle for less than a team that understands what you’re facing. Proving negligence often requires detailed evidence to counter attempts by insurance companies to minimize settlements or downplay your injuries.
This is why having an experienced Colorado bicycle accident lawyer is critical if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we’ve spent decades making things right for injured cyclists. Contact us today for a free consultation.