Some accidents involving a car and a bicycle are relatively straightforward in regard to who is at fault. A driver that doesn’t notice a bicyclist and runs into this person will probably be considered at fault. A bicyclist who is hit while darting across an intersection against the light may have more trouble convincing authorities or insurance companies that the vehicle driver was to blame. Incidents that include an icy surface can also make matters more complicated. A person who has been injured while biking on an icy surface may want to contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Collins to learn whether he or she has a case.
A bicyclist may have been traveling across a business parking lot and skidded on ice. The insurance company for the business will have several questions while determining its liability. One question would be whether the cyclist belonged on this property or technically was trespassing. Business lots are considered private property, but it’s certainly not unheard of for bicyclists and even vehicle drivers to use these areas as shortcuts from one street to another.
Just like the insurance company, a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Collins will want to know whether the owner of the parking lot should have known about the ice and done something about it. Property owners are expected to keep the premises safe for employees, visitors and customers. An unexpected episode of sleet may leave them unable to respond quickly, but when icy conditions have been predicted or have been in effect for hours, the situation should be addressed and resolved.
Accidents that take place between bicyclists and vehicle drivers on slippery roads also will involve questions about liability. A car can slide through an intersection during bad weather. A bicyclist can skid and fall, creating a high risk of being hit by a vehicle. The insurer will want to learn whether the bicycle or the car had been traveling too fast to be safe in the weather conditions, for example.
A person who needs legal assistance after a biking accident may contact a firm such as the Law Offices of Burton & Burton for a complimentary consultation. Click here for details.
