Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting the rights of injured cyclists across Denver and Colorado — helping riders recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more after a crash.
Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting the rights of injured cyclists across Denver and Colorado, and helping riders recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more after a crash.
- No fee unless we win
- Local Denver team
- Fast help with insurance and medical bills
Contents
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Denver
Denver continues to expand its bike network, which brings more riders onto city streets and trails. From downtown commuters to weekend trips on the Cherry Creek and South Platte corridors, cycling is growing. With more bikes on the road, collisions with cars and unsafe conditions still cause serious injuries each year.
Crashes often involve failure to yield at intersections, distracted driving in heavy traffic, or sudden “dooring” on narrow corridors. Weather and visibility matter too. Icy mornings, slick spring rain, and bright sun glare at dusk can all raise risks. If a crash happens, the steps you take and the records you keep can affect your health and your claim.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle crashes in Denver are often preventable. The most frequent causes fall into a few patterns.
Driver Negligence
- Failure to yield at intersections: Left turns across bike lanes, rolling stops, or ignoring right-of-way.
- “Dooring” incidents: Parked drivers opening doors into the bike lane without checking mirrors.
- Right-hook and close pass: Turning right across a cyclist’s path or passing without three feet of clearance.
- Distracted driving: Texting, navigation, and in-car screens pull attention off the road.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe merges, and abrupt lane changes.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs reduce reaction time and judgment.
Road and Infrastructure Hazards
- Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement: Sudden wheel catch can throw a rider from the bike.
- Faded or inconsistent lane markings: Drivers drift into cycling space at merges or turns.
- Poor lighting and sightlines: Construction zones and parked vehicles hide cyclists from view.
- Defective signals or missing signage: High-conflict intersections become more dangerous.
Heavy and Commercial Vehicles
- Wide right turns and blind spots: Delivery trucks and buses can obscure riders next to the vehicle.
- Insufficient passing space: Wind wash or lane squeeze forces cyclists off line.
If your crash involved a commercial vehicle on I-25 or I-70, see our
Denver truck accident lawyer page.
Tip: Photograph lane markings, debris, signage, construction, and vehicle positions. Save helmet and bike damage. These details help establish fault.
Cyclists’ Rights Under Colorado Law
In Colorado, bicyclists are legal road users with the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Cyclists may use most public roads and must be given safe passing distance. Many communities, including Denver, also invest in protected facilities to reduce conflicts.
- Equal status on the road: Drivers must respect cyclists’ right to travel in the lane where lawful and safe.
- Safe passing: Colorado requires a safe passing distance. Many drivers use three feet as the rule of thumb.
- Bike lanes and shoulders: Riders may use bike lanes when available, but can leave them to avoid hazards or prepare for turns.
- Helmet use: Helmets are encouraged for safety. Lack of a helmet does not automatically bar a claim.
For general state guidance, see Colorado’s bicycle safety resources at the
Colorado Department of Transportation.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows modified comparative negligence. You may recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. A court or adjuster can reduce damages by your percentage of fault. If you are unsure how fault might be assigned, speak with a local attorney.
If your injuries extend beyond cycling into broader claims, our
Colorado personal injury lawyers can help.
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"Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again."
“Unbelievable work!”
"I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!"
“I got justice and awesome compensation.”
"I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation."
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle crash can trigger medical bills, missed work, bike replacement, and long-term recovery. A claim seeks to make you whole for losses caused by negligence.
Economic Losses
- Medical costs: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and future treatment.
- Lost income: Missed work and reduced earning capacity if injuries limit your job duties.
- Property damage: Bicycle repair or replacement, accessories, and safety gear.
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and reduced quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, sleep disruption, or PTSD following a crash.
- Loss of enjoyment: Inability to return to riding or daily activities you value.
Wrongful Death
Families may pursue claims when a cyclist is killed by negligence. For guidance on fatal crash cases, see our
Denver wrongful death lawyer page.
For background on traffic safety trends, review statewide data from the
Colorado Department of Transportation.
Not sure what your case may be worth? Speak with a Denver bicycle accident lawyer who can review medical records, bills, and liability evidence and then explain options for settlement or trial.
Why Hire a Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Early investigation: Preserve bike and vehicle data, scene photos, and witness statements.
- Insurance strategy: Manage claim deadlines, medical payments coverage (MedPay), and liability adjusters.
- Liability proof: Use traffic camera footage, expert analysis, and medical documentation to support fault and damages.
- Negotiation and litigation: Push for fair settlements or file suit when insurers delay or deny valid claims.
- Local knowledge: Denver roads, intersections, and traffic patterns influence how cases are evaluated.
Related resource: Denver car accident lawyer
for multi-vehicle crashes that involve both cyclists and motorists.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Denver
- Get to safety and call 911. Request medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor.
- Exchange information. Names, contact, driver’s license, plates, and insurance.
- Document the scene. Photos of vehicles, lane markings, debris, lighting, and weather.
- Identify witnesses. Save names and phone numbers. Ask about nearby cameras.
- Seek medical care. Follow through on treatment and keep records and receipts.
- Notify insurers. Report the crash. Avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
- Speak with an attorney. Get a case review to protect your claim and deadlines.
For broader steps after any collision, see our
Denver car accident guide.
Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer after a bike accident in Denver?
A lawyer helps gather evidence, manage insurers, and calculate damages. If you have injuries, disputed fault, or a hit-and-run, legal help can protect your claim and deadlines.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?
Helmet use is encouraged but not required for most adults in Colorado. You may still recover damages if the driver was negligent. An adjuster might argue about injury severity, which your attorney can address with medical proof.
What if a driver fled the scene?
Call 911, document everything, and check for cameras and witnesses. Uninsured motorist coverage or other policies may apply. An attorney can help open the right claims and pursue the at-fault driver if identified.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Colorado?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim and parties involved. Some cases have limits as short as two years. Speak with an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
What damages can I claim after a bicycle crash?
Medical bills, lost income, bike repair or replacement, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Serious cases may include future care and reduced earning capacity.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
Value depends on liability strength, medical treatment, lasting effects, and insurance limits. A case review can estimate a fair range after the facts are documented.
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