Bicycle accidents in Fort Collins can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills that continue mounting for months or years, lost wages from being unable to work during recovery, and life-altering injuries that change everything about how you live your daily life.
While you’re struggling with physical pain and emotional trauma, insurance companies are already working against you, using teams of adjusters and lawyers whose primary job is to minimize what they pay you, regardless of how badly you’ve been hurt or how much your life has been disrupted.
When motor vehicles strike bicyclists, the consequences are often catastrophic because cyclists have virtually no protection against thousands of pounds of metal traveling at high speeds.
What might be a minor fender-bender between two cars can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple broken bones when a bicycle is involved, leaving victims facing surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and enjoy life.
Many accident victims don’t realize that Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule means insurance companies will desperately try to blame you for any portion of the accident they can, which directly reduces your compensation dollar for dollar.
Without an experienced Fort Collins bicycle accident attorney who understands these tactics, victims often find themselves accepting settlements that barely cover their immediate medical expenses, let alone their future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or the pain and suffering they’ll endure for years to come.
The financial devastation doesn’t stop with medical bills – many victims lose their jobs due to extended recovery times, face foreclosure or bankruptcy from mounting expenses, and watch their families struggle financially while they fight just to recover basic functions.
The difference between handling your bicycle accident claim alone versus having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can mean the difference between financial ruin and getting the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars you need to rebuild your life and secure proper medical care for your recovery.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Collisions
The most serious bike accidents occur when motor vehicles fail to yield right of way to cyclists or drivers fail to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing.
These accidents frequently happen at intersections where car drivers don’t see cyclists or when motorists are distracted while driving.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring incidents occur when parked car occupants open their doors into bike lanes without checking for approaching cyclists.
These sudden obstacles can cause severe injuries when injured bicyclists are thrown from their bikes or swerve into traffic to avoid the door.
Bike Lane Accidents
Even in designated bike lanes, accidents occur when motor vehicle drivers encroach into cycling areas or fail to check bike lanes before turning.
Poor road conditions, debris in bike lanes, and inadequate safety equipment can also contribute to these crashes.
Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents and Their Consequences
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of bicycle crashes, even when cyclists wear helmets.
Traumatic brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and require extensive future medical treatment that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When cyclists are thrown from their bikes during collisions with motor vehicles, spinal cord injuries can occur that result in partial or complete paralysis.
These catastrophic injuries often require lifetime medical care, home modifications, and assistive devices that create enormous financial burdens for victims and their families.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries
The impact from bicycle accidents frequently causes multiple fractures, particularly to arms, legs, and ribs as cyclists instinctively try to break their fall.
Soft tissue injuries including muscle tears, ligament damage, and road rash may seem minor initially but can require extensive physical therapy and cause chronic pain.
Why Bicycle Accident Victims Don't Get the Compensation They Deserve
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize bicycle accident claims by arguing that cyclists were partially at fault or that their injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
They may pressure injured cyclists to accept quick settlements before the full extent of medical expenses and lost wages becomes apparent.
Lack of Understanding About Colorado Law
Many accident victims don’t understand their rights under Colorado bicycle accidents law or how the modified comparative negligence rule affects their potential compensation.
Without experienced bicycle accident lawyers advocating for them, victims often accept settlements that don’t cover their future medical treatment needs or account for their pain and suffering.
Delayed Medical Attention
Some injured bicyclists don’t seek immediate medical attention after bike accidents, which insurance companies later use to argue that injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
This delay in medical care can significantly impact both the victim’s recovery and their ability to recover full and fair compensation.
How Our Fort Collins 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
Our experienced bicycle accident attorney at Allen Accident Law conducts thorough investigations of bike accident cases to establish liability and document all aspects of your damages.
We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build the strongest possible personal injury claim on your behalf.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
With over 32 years of experience, including representing insurance companies, Doug Allen understands their tactics and negotiates aggressively to secure maximum compensation for bicycle accident victims.
Our law firm handles all communications with insurance adjusters so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for fair compensation.
Medical Care Coordination
We help injured cyclists access necessary medical treatment even when they can’t pay upfront, ensuring you receive proper care for both immediate and long-term injuries.
Our connections with medical providers throughout Northern Colorado help expedite treatment and document injuries to support your bicycle accident claim.
Handling Uninsured Motorist Claims
When negligent motorists lack adequate insurance coverage, we pursue uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy to ensure you receive compensation.
These complex claims require experienced accident attorneys who understand how to maximize recovery from multiple insurance sources.
Personal Injury Case Management
From filing your personal injury claim through final settlement or trial, our experienced attorney handles every aspect of your bicycle accident case.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Wrongful Death Representation
In tragic cases where bicycle accidents result in fatalities, we provide compassionate legal representation to families seeking justice and financial security.
Our wrongful death experience helps families navigate this difficult time while pursuing compensation for their devastating losses.
We Serve All Accident Victims In Fort Collins
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.
FAQs About Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Claims
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries like brain injury or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. Call the police to file an accident report, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and get contact information from witnesses before contacting an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years from the date of the accident, but it’s important to contact a Fort Collins bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Bicycle accident victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage to their bicycle and safety equipment. In cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death, compensation may also include loss of earning capacity and other long-term damages.
Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why having an experienced attorney to minimize fault attribution is crucial.
Insurance companies may appear helpful initially but often have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your settlement. An experienced bicycle accident attorney levels the playing field and ensures you receive full and fair compensation rather than accepting the insurance company’s first offer.
Uninsured motorist coverage through your own auto insurance policy may provide compensation when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Our personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complex claims and identify all potential sources of compensation for your injuries.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your bicycle accident case. This arrangement allows all accident victims to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Important evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene and bicycle damage, and any available video surveillance. Our experienced accident attorney knows how to gather and preserve crucial evidence to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Yes, not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from filing a bicycle accident claim, though it may affect the amount of compensation for head injuries. Colorado doesn’t require adult cyclists to wear helmets, and many factors beyond helmet use contribute to the severity of bicycle accident injuries.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of injuries, complexity of the case, and willingness of insurance companies to offer fair compensation. While many personal injury cases settle within months, complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer to resolve fully.
Bicycle accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to motor vehicle occupants. The legal issues can also be more complex, involving bike lane regulations, right-of-way laws, and specialized knowledge about cycling safety that experienced bicycle accident lawyers possess.
Insurance companies typically make low initial offers hoping accident victims will accept quick settlements before understanding the full extent of their damages. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can evaluate whether an offer is fair and negotiate for additional compensation that accounts for all your medical bills and future needs.
Contact Us Today for Your Free Consultation And Get the Compensation You Deserve!
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time when you should be focusing on your recovery.
Time is critical in bicycle accident cases as evidence can disappear and witness memories fade, making it essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Doug Allen’s 32 years of experience and over $15 million in personal injury settlements means you get the dedicated representation needed to secure maximum compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.
Call (970) 232-0774 now for your free initial consultation and take the first step toward getting the full and fair compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident case.