Denver Bicycle Accident Attorney

At Mintz Law Firm, our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges that bicycle accident cases present and the serious injuries that cyclists often sustain in collisions with motor vehicles. With over 35 years of experience representing injured people throughout Colorado and $20M+ recovered annually for clients since 2016, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable for bicycle accidents. Our team recognizes that cyclists have the same rights to use Colorado roadways as motor vehicle operators and work diligently to protect those rights when accidents occur.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Understanding how bicycle accidents typically occur helps identify when driver negligence may have contributed to your injuries and forms the foundation for building a strong legal case.

Driver Inattention and Distracted Driving

Many bicycle accidents result from drivers who fail to see cyclists due to distracted driving, cell phone use, or simply not paying adequate attention to their surroundings. Drivers may fail to check blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or merging, resulting in collisions with cyclists who had the right of way.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Intersections present particular dangers for cyclists when drivers fail to yield the right of way during turns or when proceeding through traffic signals. Left-turn accidents are especially common when drivers misjudge the speed and distance of approaching cyclists.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring occurs when occupants of parked vehicles open car doors into the path of approaching cyclists. These accidents often happen in urban areas with street parking and can cause serious injuries when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or forced into traffic lanes.

Following Too Closely and Unsafe Passing

Drivers who follow cyclists too closely or attempt to pass without leaving adequate space create dangerous situations that can result in side-swipe accidents or collisions when cyclists need to avoid road hazards.

Colorado Bicycle Laws and Cyclist Rights

Colorado law establishes specific rights and responsibilities for both cyclists and motor vehicle operators that are designed to promote safe sharing of roadways. Understanding these laws helps establish liability when accidents occur.

Cyclists have the right to use most public roadways in Colorado and are generally required to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle operators. This includes obeying traffic signals, riding in the same direction as traffic, and using appropriate signals when turning or changing lanes.

Motor vehicle operators must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists and may only pass when it is safe to do so. Drivers are also prohibited from harassing or intimidating cyclists and must exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions.

Local municipalities may establish additional bicycle regulations, such as requiring helmet use or designating specific bike lanes and paths. These local ordinances can impact liability determinations in bicycle accident cases.

The state's vulnerable road user statute provides enhanced penalties for drivers who injure cyclists through careless or reckless driving, recognizing the increased risk that cyclists face when sharing roadways with much larger and heavier motor vehicles.

Types of Injuries Common in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection that cyclists have compared to motor vehicle occupants. Understanding the types of injuries helps establish the full extent of damages in your case.

Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries represent some of the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents, even when cyclists wear helmets. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the need for extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.

Fractures and broken bones commonly occur when cyclists are thrown from their bikes or struck by vehicles. Road rash and soft tissue injuries can be extensive and may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery, particularly when cyclists slide across pavement at high speeds.

Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis or reduced mobility, fundamentally altering a cyclist's quality of life and ability to work. These catastrophic injuries often require lifetime medical care and significant modifications to homes and vehicles.

Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent after bicycle accidents but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The force of impact with vehicles or pavement can cause damage to organs that requires emergency medical intervention.

Building a Strong Bicycle Accident Case

Successful bicycle accident cases require thorough investigation and careful documentation of all factors that contributed to the collision and your resulting injuries.

Accident scene evidence must be preserved quickly, as traffic patterns resume and physical evidence may be disturbed or removed. This includes photographs of vehicle damage, bicycle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and the positions of vehicles and bicycles after the accident.

Witness statements provide crucial independent verification of how the accident occurred and can help establish fault when drivers dispute their responsibility for the collision. Witnesses may include other motorists, pedestrians, or nearby residents who observed the accident.

Police reports document the investigating officer's initial findings and may include citations issued to drivers for traffic violations that contributed to the accident. However, these reports represent only preliminary findings and may not capture all relevant factors.

Medical documentation establishes the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, including emergency treatment records, diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations, and ongoing rehabilitation needs that demonstrate the full scope of your damages.

Protecting Colorado Cyclists Through Legal Accountability

Mintz Law Firm has successfully represented bicycle accident victims throughout Colorado's urban areas and mountain communities, securing compensation that helps injured cyclists rebuild their lives after serious accidents. Our attorneys understand both the passion that Colorado cyclists have for their sport and the serious legal issues that arise when negligent drivers cause accidents. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. 

Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys today at (303) 462-2999 or through our contact form to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident injuries.