Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Denver Bicycle Accident Attorney

Residents of Denver use cycling as a daily activity for commuting purposes, as well as for exercise and recreational activities. The city promotes a cycling-friendly lifestyle through its expanding network of B-Cycle stations and newly installed protected bike lanes. The implementation of these transportation improvements has not stopped drivers from sharing the road unsafely with bicyclists, which leads to severe collisions. A Denver bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek damages.

Cheney Galluzzi & Howard assists injured cyclists in obtaining fair compensation for their losses. Our firm provides free legal consultations for bike accident victims without charging fees unless we secure a victory.

The Dangers Cyclists Face on Colorado Roads

Bicycle accidents often result in injuries far more severe than those sustained in car crashes. Because cyclists lack external protection, even minor collisions can cause life-altering physical trauma. Below are some of the common causes of these collisions.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Understanding what leads to most bicycle crashes is key to identifying liability. We investigate the root cause of your crash and pursue claims against drivers, municipalities, or others who may be responsible. In Denver, these types of driver errors and road hazards are among the most common causes:

• Failure to yield, especially at intersections or during left turns
• Passing too closely, violating Colorado’s 3-foot rule
• Opening car doors into cyclists’ paths (dooring accidents)
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Lack of bike lanes, forcing cyclists into active traffic
• Potholes or poor road conditions, especially in older neighborhoods or high-traffic corridors

Colorado’s 3-Foot Passing Rule

Colorado law requires drivers to maintain a minimum distance of three feet from a bicyclist while passing them. The regulation prevents cyclists from being pushed off the road by other vehicles.

A driver breaking this law who causes a collision creates strong proof of negligence. Our legal team builds strong evidence-based claims by applying traffic laws such as this one.

Who May Be Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Several parties might share responsibility for a bicycle accident beyond just the driver. The circumstances of an accident determine which parties might be held accountable.

When dangerous road conditions such as potholes or poor signage cause a crash, the responsible government agency must take action. The commercial entity becomes responsible when either a delivery truck or a rideshare vehicle takes part in an incident. A manufacturer may become responsible when defective bike parts or vehicle equipment are involved in exceptional cases.

State vs. Municipal Claims: What’s the Difference?

Accidents caused by government-maintained road hazards, such as potholes or faulty traffic signals, may qualify as municipal liability cases. Different procedural rules govern these claims because they have shorter filing deadlines and require more stringent notice requirements.

Your personal injury case will be a private liability claim under Colorado law if a careless driver is responsible for your injuries. Our Denver personal injury lawyers understand how to identify and file the right type of case to prevent your claim from being dismissed due to technical errors.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries

If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for both your immediate and long-term losses. This may include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Emergency medical expenses and future medical treatment, and medication
• Lost income and the inability to make as much money in the future
• Experiencing emotional trauma along with a diminished ability to enjoy life
• Property damage to your bike and/or bike gear
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence

Why Choose Cheney Galluzzi & Howard?

Our law firm combines decades of personal injury practice excellence with recognition from Super Lawyers and the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. Clients trust us because of our compassionate approach to care, along with our strong litigation strategies and responsive communication style. Your priority should be recovery while we manage your legal battle.

FAQs

What Are My Rights as a Cyclist in Colorado?

In Colorado, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Bicyclists must use roadways, follow traffic signals, and ride within traffic lanes when bike lanes are not available. Vehicles must give way to bicycles when necessary and maintain a minimum passing distance of three feet. A motorist who breaks these laws and causes an accident gives you the legal right to pursue a personal injury claim.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes. Since Colorado law does not mandate helmet use for adult cyclists, you can still pursue compensation claims even while riding without one. Insurance companies might claim that your head injury was preventable if you experienced such an injury. Our legal team knows how to counter these insurance company tactics and can defend your rights, whether or not you were helmeted during the crash.

What if a Road Hazard Caused My Crash?

Road conditions, such as potholes and unsafe bike lanes, might allow you to hold the responsible city or municipality accountable through a maintenance claim. These specific cases must follow different rules, which require filing within 182 days. We provide services to assess road hazards and collect necessary documentation to assist you in filing a claim to receive compensation for your damages and injury costs.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Bike Accident?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. You may be entitled to recover medical bills, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering damages, and property damage. If the crash involved gross negligence, punitive damages may also apply. An experienced attorney can help calculate your full damages and fight for the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.

Contact a Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Denver is a city built for cyclists, but not every road is safe. If you’ve been injured due to a negligent driver, poor infrastructure, or unsafe road conditions, we’re here to help.

Call Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today for a free consultation with an experienced Denver bicycle accident attorney. You don’t pay unless we win.