Denver Bicycle Accident Attorneys

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

The steps you take after an accident can play an important role in protecting your health and your legal rights. These may include:

• Ensure Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor.
• Call Law Enforcement: Reporting the accident to the police is vital. An official accident report can serve as important evidence when filing a claim.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, underlying injuries may not be immediately obvious. A medical evaluation will document your condition and connect your injuries to the incident.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Avoid making statements or accepting settlements without consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney: An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, collect evidence, and advocate for your rights.

What Are Some Contributing Factors in Bicycle Accidents?

Driver actions are the leading contributors to bicycle accidents, according to a report by the Denver Department of Public Works. The overall goal of the report is to improve street safety throughout the city, especially for bicyclists. It lists these as the leading factors that cause car-bike accidents:

• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
• Careless Driving
• Disregarding a Stop Sign
• Failure to Stop at a Signal

Denver’s diverse weather patterns, including heavy snow and afternoon thunderstorms, often contribute to sudden loss of visibility or slippery road conditions. These environmental hazards can increase the likelihood of vehicle-bicycle collisions and complicate liability questions. In addition, ongoing construction and fluctuating traffic volumes during local events present further risk of driver distraction and traffic violations near bike routes. Understanding how local traffic laws intersect with actual road conditions is key to holding the responsible party accountable after an accident in the Denver metro area.

Colorado Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the report, more than 80 percent of crashes that occurred over a five-year period took place at an intersection. The impact of a vehicle, such as an SUV, against a bicyclist with limited protection, can cause numerous—and sometimes serious—injuries for Colorado bicyclists.

Below are some relevant statistics regarding Colorado bicycle accidents, organized by accident type:

• Broadside with on-street bicyclist - 57 percent of 348 crashes resulted in injuries.
• Same direction crashes with on-street bicyclist - 57 percent of 167 crashes resulted in injuries.
• Left hook with on-street bicyclists - 60 percent of 115 crashes resulted in injuries.

In addition to motorist actions, poorly maintained streets are another factor in causing bicycle crashes. Potholes and unmarked construction zones present hazards for bicyclists riding on two thin wheels.

Most Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

The type of vehicle involved in an accident significantly affects the severity of injuries that a bicyclist may experience. In previous years, SUVs and pickup trucks have resulted in 57 percent of injuries, compared to 47 percent caused by passenger vehicles. Crashes involving SUVs and pickup trucks often lead to more serious injuries due to their greater size and weight.

Colorado does not legally require bicyclists to wear a helmet. However, cyclists who choose to wear helmets reduce their risk of head injury by 50 percent and face and neck injury by 33 percent.

The features that protect drivers and passengers in cars can create severe danger for bicyclists. The strong frame of the vehicle is no match for the unprotected body of a cyclist, and when a collision occurs, the bicyclist may suffer the following injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Severe injuries to limbs, including broken bones or amputation
• Neck and back injuries
• Facial injuries
• Soft tissue injuries like contusions, sprains, and cuts

Catastrophic injuries suffered in a bicycle accident may require lifelong medical and personal care. The attorneys of Tenge Law Firm LLC believe everyone should have the right to share the road as required by Colorado law.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Victims of bicycle accidents may recover various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost while unable to work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Restoration or replacement costs for your damaged bicycle and other personal belongings.
• Loss of earning capacity: Compensation if the injuries result in long-term or permanent inability to work at full capacity, including future income loss.
• Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Colorado law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Calculating total damages typically requires in-depth documentation and expert reports, which help demonstrate the true impact of the injuries over time. Factors like future medical needs, the necessity for ongoing therapy, and reduced earning capacity are considered when preparing claims. In the Denver area, the value of property damage can vary widely based on the type and condition of the bicycle, which often includes costly road or mountain bikes unique to Colorado’s outdoor culture.

Denver’s Bicycle Safety Initiatives and Community Resources

Denver invests in multiple safety initiatives to protect local bicyclists and reduce the frequency of collisions. The city participates in the Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. As part of this effort, Denver adds more protected bike lanes, improves intersection visibility, and upgrades traffic signals at key crossings used by cyclists. Local agencies offer community education programs to promote safe riding habits and increase public awareness about sharing the road.

Community groups such as Bicycle Colorado, Denver Bike Streets, and the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure provide a range of resources, from free maps of bike-friendly routes to advocacy for legislative reforms. Denver’s law enforcement regularly collaborates with these organizations to monitor high-incident corridors and prioritize enforcement of traffic laws that impact cyclist safety. By tapping into local resources and community networks, accident victims can access additional support, stay updated on safety improvements, and become advocates for safer city streets.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Denver Today

Recovering from a bicycle accident often takes time. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Any type of bicycle accident is a traumatic event because of the increased risk of injury and possible fatality to the cyclist. No one should suffer because of another’s careless or negligent behavior.

Tenge Law Firm LLC offers free consultations; speak with one of our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to discuss the potential of your claim. Time may slip away as you manage your injuries. By contacting us promptly, we can determine whether you have a valid claim and begin working before the statute of limitations expires. We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. Tenge Law Firm LLC has offices in Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins. 

Get focused, results-driven representation from a trusted Denver bicycle accident lawyer who fights for full compensation. Contact Tenge Law Firm LLC or call (720) 818-9044 to schedule a free consult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Colorado?

Colorado generally allows three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file an injury claim, though some exceptions may alter this deadline. Acting quickly helps protect your right to seek compensation and preserves vital evidence for your case.

Do I Need to Report a Bicycle Accident to the Police in Denver?

Yes, you should report any bicycle accident involving injury or significant property damage. A police report provides an official record, which supports your insurance claim or legal filing and clarifies the facts of the incident for all parties involved.

Can I Seek Compensation If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet During the Accident?

Yes. In Colorado, failure to wear a helmet generally does not prevent you from seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. The at-fault party can sometimes argue that helmet use would have lessened the injuries, but state law does not require helmet use for adult cyclists.