Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney

Serving Denver & the Greater Colorado Area for Three Decades

Bicycle accidents are all too common across Colorado, and specifically in the Denver metro area. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident with another cyclist or driver, contact me today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Colorado is home to some of the world’s most picturesque and popular biking routes.

According to a survey conducted by the Downtown Denver Partnership, between 2016 and 2019, the number of bicyclists commuting to and from downtown Denver increased from 6.6 percent of all commuters to 9 percent. As of March 2019, nearly one of ten downtown commuters was traveling by bicycle. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock wants to build 125 miles of bike lanes in the city by the end of 2023. Areas of Boulder and Fort Collins are seeing increased bicycle traffic as well. In some cases, nearly 20 percent of all commuters are riding bicycles in these cities.

Because bicycles are so common on Colorado roadways, bicycle accidents are also common in the state.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Colorado, contact me for a free consultation at (303) 454-8000 or toll-free at (800) ROSEN-911, or by filling out the form on the right.

Colorado Bicycle Accident Facts & Resources

From the Eastern Plains to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has beautiful weather and scenic roads and trails drawing avid bicyclists to the state. But if you are unlucky enough to be involved in a bicycle accident, the time for carefree recreation is over, at least for the moment. You need answers to some crucial questions.

What Should I Do If I'm in an Accident While Riding a Bicycle?
  • Call the police.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Report the accident to your insurance company.
  • Gather information from all the parties involved in the collision, including insurance information and license plate numbers.
  • Locate any witnesses and get contact information from them if possible.
  • Photograph the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
  • Retain any damaged clothing and bike parts.
  • Create a diagram showing the position and direction of all vehicles involved.
  • Say as little as possible at the scene; don’t make a statement to anyone except law enforcement.
What Colorado Traffic Laws Pertain to Bicyclists?
When riding on a sidewalk, bicyclists have the same legal rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. When riding on a street, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles on the road. Bicycle riders must keep to the right, yield to pedestrians, and ride in the same direction as other vehicles.

The Colorado Bicycle Safety Act of 2009 clarifies the law regarding the responsibilities of motorists and cyclists:

  • Motorists must allow at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
  • Bicyclists may ride side by side and then in single file when a vehicle is approaching, riding as far right in the right-hand lane as is safe.
  • Cyclists may ride on the far left or far right of a one-way street, particularly when preparing to turn left, in order to avoid crossing several lanes of traffic to make the turn.
  • Motorists may not threaten, crowd, swerve toward, or throw things at bicyclists.

In May 2018, Colorado legalized the rolling stop — i.e., rolling toward a stop sign without coming to a complete stop — a common practice of bicyclists. The Bicycle Operation Approaching Intersection bill allows Colorado communities to limit rolling-stop speeds and gives bicyclists a way to safely pull out in front of motor vehicles. The purpose of the law is to increase the visibility of bicyclists and enable them to quickly and safely get out of the way of automobiles.

How Is Fault Determined in a Bicycle Accident?
Liability in bicycle accidents is often determined by which vehicle had the right of way. If either the bicyclist or the vehicle driver causes an accident by failing to yield, he is typically considered at fault.

When two vehicles approach an intersection that has no traffic signal, the vehicle arriving first generally has the right of way. If they get there at the same time, the right of way belongs to the one to the right. If the intersection is located where a major street and a minor street cross, the vehicle on the major street has the right of way. Sometimes a traffic signal sensor fails to register the presence of a bicycle. If that happens, the cyclist should move slightly toward the sensor, wait until it is safe to cross against the light, or cross at the crosswalk.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Causing A Bicycle Accident?
Many different parties can be held liable for a bicycle accident:

  • Negligent drivers of automobiles, buses, or trucks.
  • Manufacturers and retailers of defective bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories, and vehicles.
  • The government entity that is responsible for maintaining the road but that failed to do so.
  • Bicycle repair shops or mechanics who performed faulty repairs on the bicycle.
  • The owner of private property that was negligently designed or improperly maintained.

The bicyclist can also be held responsible for the accident if he violated the law or was riding in a negligent or unsafe manner.

What Kinds of Damages Are Recoverable in a Lawsuit Filed Because of a Bicycle Accident?
Injured bicyclists have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Economic damages can be recovered for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Noneconomic damages may also be awarded for pain and suffering and for permanent physical injury.
Are Colorado Bicyclists Subject to Helmet Laws?
No federal laws require bicycle helmets, and no state has passed a comprehensive bicycle helmet law. But 21 states and the District of Columbia have bike helmet laws that apply to cyclists below the age of 18, and over 200 municipalities have local ordinances. Thirteen states, including Colorado, have no local or statewide bicycle helmet laws.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) contends that laws requiring the use of bicycle helmets would reduce the number of serious head injuries, the leading cause of death of cyclists involved in a traffic accident. Although the NTSB urges all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to require bicyclists to wear a helmet while riding, some advocates of bicycling oppose such mandates for fear that they would discourage bicycling.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Injury While Biking?
Many factors affect the risks of bicycling, including the time of day one bikes (nighttime biking being more dangerous than daytime biking), how tired the rider is, the location of the ride, the conduct of other motorists, and whether the bicyclist has recently ingested drugs or alcohol.

To be as safe as possible while bicycling:

  • Never ride against traffic.
  • Ride single file on curved canyon roads that have no bike lanes or shoulders.
  • Use hand signals to signify that you are turning, slowing, or stopping.
  • Use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors when riding at night.
  • Wear clothing that makes you more visible to others on the road.
  • Wear protective gear like helmets, glasses, and gloves.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Colorado, contact the Law Offices of Daniel R. Rosen online or call 303-454-8000 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney today.

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Colorado Personal Injury Resources

Getting injured in a bicycle accident is challenging and stressful enough. Navigating the legal process doesn’t have to be. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Please click on the bicycle accident resources below to learn more, or contact us with any questions or to schedule a free consultation.

Bicycle Accidents: How to Avoid Them

When bicycles and cars collide, cyclists usually get the worst of it. Follow a few essential safety rules to reduce the chances of accident and injury.

Making Colorado Roads Safer for Bicyclists

Bicycling is becoming more popular, and although cycle-related accidents have dropped, deaths have risen. What can we do to prevent such accidents and deaths?

Proving Fault in a Colorado Bicycle Accident

A bicycle is considered a vehicle in Colorado, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers.

Are Bike Lanes Helping or Hurting Cyclists?

Although most cities now have designated bike lanes, safety experts say more is needed to keep bicyclists safe.

Does the Rolling Stop Law Help or Hinder Bicycle Safety in Colorado?

The rolling stop law, which allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, allows Colorado communities to decide whether or not to legalize the practice.

Will My Auto Insurance Cover Me If I’m Hit While Riding a Bicycle?

While bicyclists are not required to carry insurance in the U.S., their vehicle insurance policies may cover them if they’re injured as a pedestrian or cyclist, depending on their coverage and the situation.

Injured in a Colorado bike accident?

Contact me today for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the fastest way to find out if you have a case is to schedule a free consultation with me. At the Law Offices of Daniel R. Rosen, our goal is to get you through your accident and injury claim as quickly and smoothly as we can. I’ve earned over $100 million in settlements for my clients and personally handle every single case that comes across my desk. I can get you the settlement you deserve, and you won’t pay a penny until I come through for you.

Fill out this form to tell me about your accident and schedule a free consultation.

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