Bike Accidents in Grand Junction

Bike accidents in Grand Junction aren’t uncommon

 

With our beautiful climate and bikeable town, cyclists and automobiles often share the roadway. The Law Office of Rick Wagner accepts cases involving bike accidents in Grand Junction.  If you’ve been injured as a cyclist in an accident with a car or truck, call our office today.

Bike Accidents in Grand Junction

Because a person’s body is coming in direct contact with a vehicle, broken bones, internal injuries, muscle and ligament damage, and even spinal cord injuries are all common in bicycle accidents in Grand Junction. Brain injuries are especially prevalent. Especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. These sorts of catastrophic injuries are well known to Rick and his office. Rick has taken the time to learn about these injuries and the treatments involved in healing them. He understands the pain you’re in.

According to Coloradobikelaw.com, a cyclist is considered a “vulnerable road user,”

Definition. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “vulnerable road user” means:

    1. A person lawfully using any of the following on a public right-of-way, crosswalk, or shoulder of the roadway:
    2. A bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, tricycle, or another pedal-powered vehicle;

Colorado now has stiffer penalties, including the loss of driving privileges, for careless drivers who cause serious injury to cyclists on our roadways. Many of these injuries in bike accidents occur near stop signs, as a cyclist coasts through, or if a driver is distracted and doesn’t see the cyclist.

If you’re a cyclist, consider these Cycling Safety Tips:

 

Bicyclists have all the rights and duties given to the drivers of any other vehicle and can be penalized for breaking traffic laws.

  • First, ride on the right, never ride against traffic.
  • Stay in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
  • Bike on paved shoulders and bike lanes when present and free of hazards.
  • Ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if riding two abreast would impede the flow of traffic.
  • Also, on curving canyon roads without bike lanes or shoulders, play it safe and ride single file.
  • Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals.
  • Use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping.
  • A headlight, side reflectors, and rear taillight or reflector are mandatory when riding at night. Though not legally required, flashing LED front and rear lights when riding during the day can be an effective way to increase your visibility to other road users.
  • Make eye contact with drivers.
  • Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right of way.
  • We recommend wearing a helmet, gloves, and glasses as passive safety equipment. The law in Colorado does not require the use of a helmet, but it has been shown to prevent or mitigate head injuries.
  • Finally, expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to be safe.