Every year, thousands of Colorado cyclists suffer serious injuries in accidents with motor vehicles, and many of these accidents result in devastating consequences that could have been prevented.
When a bicycle collides with a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, bicycle riders bear the brunt of the impact with little to no protection.
The results can be catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and even death.
These bicycle crashes don’t just happen by chance.
They occur because drivers fail to share the road responsibly, ignore traffic laws, or make careless decisions that put vulnerable cyclists at risk.
When you’re riding your bike on Colorado roads, you’re following the law and have every right to be there.
But one moment of another driver’s negligence can change your life forever.
Without proper legal representation, bicycle accident victims often receive inadequate compensation that fails to cover their extensive medical bills, lost wages, and lifelong care needs.
Insurance companies routinely undervalue bicycle accident claims, hoping victims will accept quick settlements that leave them financially devastated.
Common Types of Bike Accidents in Colorado
Dooring Accidents
Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an approaching cyclist.
These accidents happen frequently in urban areas where bikes share the road with parked cars.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1207, it’s illegal to open a car door unless it’s reasonably safe to do so.
Intersection Accidents
Many bicycle accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists.
Drivers making left turns are particularly dangerous to cyclists traveling straight through intersections.
Right-hook accidents happen when drivers turn right without checking for cyclists in bike lanes.
Right-of-Way Violations
Colorado law treats bicycles as vehicles with the same rights as motor vehicles on public roads.
When drivers fail to respect these rights and violate right-of-way rules, serious accidents result.
These violations often occur when drivers don’t see cyclists or misjudge their speed and distance.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers texting, talking on phones, or engaging in other distracting activities frequently cause bicycle accidents.
Cyclists are already harder to see than other vehicles, making distracted driving especially dangerous.
Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a fatal collision with a cyclist.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Some drivers become impatient or aggressive around cyclists, leading to dangerous behaviors like tailgating, close passing, or intentional intimidation.
Colorado requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists, but aggressive drivers often ignore this law.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Consequences
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents, accounting for approximately one-third of all bicycle-related injuries.
Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain trauma.
These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and can result in permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of impact in bicycle accidents can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries require immediate medical attention and often lead to a lifetime of medical care, adaptive equipment, and modified living arrangements.
The financial burden of these injuries can reach millions of dollars over a victim’s lifetime.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Cyclists frequently suffer broken bones when thrown from their bikes or struck by vehicles.
Common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
While some fractures heal completely, others result in permanent disability, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.
Multiple fractures often require several surgeries and extended recovery periods.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from bicycle accidents can cause serious internal injuries including organ damage, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions.
These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.
Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and extended hospitalization.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Road Rash
Even in minor bicycle accidents, cyclists often suffer painful road rash, cuts, and soft tissue damage.
While these injuries may seem less serious, they can lead to permanent scarring, infection, and chronic pain.
Severe road rash may require skin grafts and plastic surgery.
Why Many Bicycle Accident Victims Don't Get the Compensation They Deserve
Insurance companies have one primary goal – to pay as little as possible on claims.
When it comes to bicycle accidents, insurers often employ tactics designed to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely.
They may argue that the cyclist was partially at fault, question the severity of injuries, or pressure victims to accept quick settlements before the full extent of their injuries is known.
Many bicycle accident victims make the mistake of trying to handle their claims without legal representation.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who know how to take advantage of unrepresented victims.
They may seem friendly and helpful while secretly gathering information to use against you later.
Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows insurance companies to reduce compensation by claiming the cyclist contributed to the accident.
Without an experienced bike accident attorney to challenge these arguments, victims often lose significant compensation they rightfully deserve.
The complexity of bike accident injury cases requires thorough investigation, expert testimony, and detailed documentation of all damages.
Most victims lack the resources and knowledge to build a strong case on their own, resulting in settlements that fail to cover their actual losses and expenses.
How Our Colorado Bicycle Accident Lawyer, Who Has Won Over $15 Million For Injured Victims, Can Help You Get the Compensation You Are Entitled to
Comprehensive Case Investigation
Doug Allen conducts thorough investigations of every bicycle accident, gathering crucial evidence including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction analysis.
His 32 years of experience allow him to identify key evidence that other attorneys might miss.
This meticulous approach ensures that all aspects of your case are properly documented and presented.
Proving Driver Negligence
With his background representing insurance companies, Doug understands exactly how to prove driver negligence in bicycle accident cases.
He knows the common causes of these accidents and how to gather evidence showing the driver violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care.
This insider knowledge gives his clients a significant advantage in settlement negotiations and litigation.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Doug Allen fights to recover full compensation for all of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
He works with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and economic experts to calculate your lifetime financial losses.
His track record of securing over $15 million for clients demonstrates his ability to achieve maximum results.
Handling Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies use various tactics to minimize bicycle accident settlements, but Doug knows how to counter these strategies effectively.
He protects you from giving recorded statements that could harm your case and prevents insurance adjusters from taking advantage of your vulnerable situation.
His experience negotiating with major insurance companies ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
Medical Care Coordination
Allen Accident Law helps ensure you receive proper medical care even if you can’t pay upfront.
He works with healthcare providers who understand personal injury cases and can provide treatment on a lien basis.
This ensures your injuries are properly treated while preserving your financial resources.
Trial Preparation and Litigation
While 99% of Doug’s cases settle without going to court, he’s always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Insurance companies know he’s not afraid to litigate, which often leads to better settlement offers.
His trial experience and reputation in the legal community give him significant leverage in negotiations.
Damages Available in Colorado Bicycle Accident Cases
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
Doug works with medical and economic experts to calculate the full extent of your financial losses, including future care needs and lost earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.
These damages can be substantial in bicycle accident cases, especially when victims suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, Colorado law allows for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
These damages are rarely awarded but can significantly increase compensation in appropriate cases.
Testimonials
Trusted Accident Injury Attorney in Colorado
See How Doug Allen Has Delivered Life-Changing Results for Clients in Colorado.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A lot of experience and knowledge.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug Allen is a highly dedicated attorney who personally manages each case with attention to detail and integrity—never passing the buck or relying on paralegals. We've had the privilege of helping his clients get the treatment they need, and it's clear he always puts their well-being first.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Doug helped greatly in my motorcycle crashTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Allen helped me when a car turned left in front of my motorcycle. I broke my femur and Doug settled my case for $300,000. That was the at-fault drivers insurance policy limits. I can’t be more happy with Mr. Allen’s hard work and incredible recovery in my case. And I never had to go to CourtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Douglas did a wonderful job on my truck accident case. He’s the best!!! Get him if you canTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Douglas Allen helped me out in my car accident case while I was in Colorado. A lady on her cell phone slammed into the back of my car and I suffered various injuries. Mr. Allen was on top of everything from the very beginning. He got me a great settlement and I was very happy. I highly recommend him if you are in a car accident.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was riding my motorcycle and a car crashed into me and caused serious injuries. Doug got me a very high settlement for my motorcycle crash. Much more than I expected. He also came to my house a few times to see how I was doing. I do not know many personal injury attorneys that would go above and beyond like Doug.
We Can Help Bicycle Accident Victims In All Of Colorado, Including:
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Aurora
- Fort Collins
- Lakewood
- Thornton
- Arvada
- Westminster
- Greeley
- Pueblo
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Injury Claims In Colorado
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured.
Call 911 to report the accident and request a police response.
If possible, gather contact information from witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
However, it’s important to contact an attorney immediately because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories can fade over time.
While Colorado doesn’t require adult cyclists to wear helmets, insurance companies may try to use this against you to reduce your compensation.
However, not wearing a bicycle helmet doesn’t automatically make you at fault for the accident.
Yes, under Colorado’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible.
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
The value of your case depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Drivers are required to respect bicycle lanes and yield to cyclists using them properly.
If a driver caused an accident by entering a bike lane illegally or failing to yield to a cyclist in a bike lane, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or more if litigation is necessary.
Speak to Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today - Your Recovery Depends on It
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Colorado, every day you wait to seek legal representation could cost you thousands of dollars in compensation.
Insurance companies are already working to minimize your claim, and evidence is disappearing.
Don’t let the at-fault motor vehicle driver’s insurance company take advantage of your vulnerable situation.
Doug Allen has spent over three decades fighting for accident victims and knows exactly what it takes to win bike crash cases.
His experience representing insurance companies gives him unique insight into their tactics, allowing him to stay one step ahead throughout your case.
With over 10,000 cases settled and more than $15 million recovered for clients, he has the proven track record you need on your side.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Call Doug Allen now at (970) 232-0774 to schedule your free consultation.