Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were struck by a car while cycling, you’re likely facing painful injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. Our Colorado Springs, CO bicycle accident lawyer is here to help you recover what you’ve lost. At Ganderton Law, LLC, we represent injured cyclists with compassion, attention to detail, and a focus on getting real results. Whether your accident happened on a city street, in a bike lane, or at an intersection, we’ll represent your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today to get started.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Colorado Springs, CO

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable travelers on Colorado’s roads. Even with helmets and safety gear, a collision with a car, truck, or SUV can result in catastrophic injuries. fractures, head trauma, spinal damage, or internal injuries that take months or years to recover from. Our Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer helps victims and their families secure fair compensation after these devastating crashes.

Bicycle accidents often occur because drivers fail to yield, open car doors into bike lanes, or simply don’t see cyclists. In other cases, road hazards like potholes or unsafe construction zones may contribute to the crash. Our bicycle accident attorneys start by investigating every aspect of the incident: reviewing police reports, analyzing traffic camera footage, gathering witness statements, and working with professionals to reconstruct the scene. This evidence helps us identify liable parties and build a case that stands up to insurance company scrutiny.

Cyclists have the same rights as any other road user under Colorado law. Yet insurers often try to minimize payouts or blame the rider. Cyclist injury lawyers push back with facts, documenting your injuries, medical treatments, and how the accident has impacted your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy daily life. Compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage for your bicycle and equipment.

At Ganderton Law, we believe in clear communication and straightforward representation. We’ll explain every step of the process, from claim filing to negotiation or litigation, so you always know where your case stands. You focus on recovery; our bike wreck lawyers handle the rest.

Cycling through Colorado’s picturesque landscapes can be a breathtaking experience, yet it comes with its share of risks. Accidents happen, and when they do, the impact on a cyclist’s life can be substantial. At Ganderton Law LLC, we understand the unique complexities involved in bicycle accident cases. With Denver streets becoming increasingly bike-friendly, the number of cyclists and subsequently, bicycle accidents, has risen. Our firm is dedicated to representing cyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of others.

Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Why Experience Matters

Experience is crucial in bicycle accident cases. We have a track record of handling these cases in Denver and understand the nuances of how accidents occur and how they are best resolved. Our expertise allows us to navigate complex situations effectively.

Understanding Colorado Bicycle Laws

A deep understanding of the specific laws governing bicycles in Colorado guides our legal strategy. Here are the key Colorado laws we analyze in our cases:

• Safety Equipment: Requirements for helmets, lights, and other gear
• Rules of the Road: Rights and responsibilities of cyclists in Denver and beyond
• Insurance Laws: Understanding how local insurance laws affect your case

By focusing on these areas of expertise, we ensure that our clients are represented by a firm that is not only confident in legal practice but also deeply knowledgeable about the unique aspects of bicycle accidents in Colorado.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Colorado

Motorist Negligence

Most accidents between bicycles and vehicles can be attributed to driver errors or oversight. Common examples of motorist negligence include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, using a phone, eating, or any activity taking the driver’s attention away from the road.
• Failure to Yield: Ignoring right-of-way at intersections or turning without noticing an oncoming cyclist.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, leading to reduced reaction time and poor judgment.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces the driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a cyclist.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Accidents can also occur due to problems with the road itself. Potential hazardous road conditions include:

• Potholes: Unrepaired or hard to see depressions in the road that can unseat a cyclist.
• Lack of Bike Lanes: Roads without dedicated bicycle paths force cyclists to share lanes with larger, faster-moving vehicles.
• Debris and Obstacles: Objects in the bike’s path, such as rocks or branches, can cause a cyclist to swerve unpredictably.

Equipment Failure

Lastly, we examine the role of the bicycle’s condition in accidents. Equipment failure might involve:

• Brake Malfunction: Brakes that do not engage properly can prevent a cyclist from stopping in time.
• Tire Blowouts: Poorly maintained or defective tires can burst, leading to loss of control.
• Chain Problems: Chains that break or slip can cause sudden stops or accidents.

Taking proactive steps to address these issues is essential for enhancing cyclist safety on Colorado’s roads.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Immediate Steps Post-Accident

• Remain Calm and Check for Injuries: Your first priority is to stay calm and assess any injuries. It’s important not to move if you’re severely hurt.
• Move to Safety: If you can, move away from traffic to avoid further danger.
• Call 911: Ensure to call the police even if the accident seems minor. This creates an official accident report, which is invaluable.

• Exchange Information: Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved.
• Witness Details: If there are witnesses, get their contact information as it might be crucial later on.

Collecting Evidence

• Photograph Everything: Using a smartphone or camera, take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Document the Accident: Note down the time, location, and any other details that could be relevant, such as traffic signals or weather conditions.

• Bicycle Condition: Record the condition of the bicycle post-accident, noting any damage that occurred during the incident.
• Driver’s Information: Jot down the license plate number and vehicle description of any other vehicle involved.

Seeking Medical Attention

• Immediate Assessment: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries are not immediately apparent and can have delayed symptoms.
• Follow Up: Follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended. This provides a record of any injuries related to the accident and can be important for any legal action.

• Medical Records: Keep all medical records and receipts as they are essential for any claims you may pursue.
• Professional Advice: Consulting a Denver bicycle accident lawyer can provide you guidance on ensuring your rights are protected and that you take the correct legal steps.

Remember, the steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident can be crucial in protecting your health and legal rights.

Navigating the Legal Process

When dealing with bicycle accidents in Colorado, it’s essential to understand the legal procedures and timelines involved. Our aim is to guide you competently through these steps to pursue a fair outcome.

Filing an Insurance Claim

The first step to take after a bicycle accident is to file an insurance claim. You should notify the relevant insurance company promptly. Documentation is crucial so ensure all medical reports, police reports, and evidence of damages are well organized. To strengthen your claim, we compile:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Details of the involved parties and vehicles
• Records of any medical treatment received

Lawsuit Considerations

Should negotiations with insurance providers fail to yield satisfactory results, filing a lawsuit may be the next course of action. We evaluate the strength of your case by considering:

• Liability determination
• The extent of your injuries
• Impact on quality of life
• Economic losses and potential compensation

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages, albeit reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations in Colorado

Colorado law imposes a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit post-accident, known as the statute of limitations. For personal injury claims, this period is two years from the date of the accident, and for property damage, it is three years. Missing this deadline can result in the loss of your right to seek legal compensation. It is therefore critical to begin the legal process promptly. So contact us at Ganderton Law LLC as soon as possible if you need a Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer or a Colorado personal injury lawyer.

Ganderton Law LLC wants to protect all bicycle accident victims after they’ve been struck by a careless driver and left to wonder how they’ll pay for recovery. Colorado Springs victims should get the best care available and never worry about how medical bills will get paid or how lost time at work will be replaced.

We come to the rescue and fight to make sure injured victims quickly receive the support they need to heal and quickly get back to the rides they love. We hold drivers and auto insurance companies fully responsible. Contact our offices to secure a free, no-obligation consultation with a real bicycle accident lawyer. Find out how to find the fastest route to getting your life back to normal.

How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a Colorado Springs Bike Accident?

If you come out of a collision with only some minor scrapes or bruises, you may not need the help of a lawyer. Unfortunately, the outcome of a vehicle vs. bicycle accident is rarely minor. Cyclists can be carried away with more serious injuries, like a broken ankle, a neck or back injury, or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

These injuries bring longer recoveries and stacks of medical bills. They trigger car insurance adjusters to work overtime to avoid responsibility. They’ll try to pin the accident on you. If they can’t make the blame stick, they’ll attempt to cast doubt on how severe your injuries are. These are unfair tactics meant to rob you of support at such a vulnerable time.

A skilled lawyer is a shield against this shady treatment. Your Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer immediately investigates what happened and the record of the driver. With evidence in hand, your lawyer can often secure much more in support for you. It’s often well beyond what you could earn by filing an injury claim yourself.

Bicycle Accident Dangers in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs incorporates the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city. The sun and fresh air make it a paradise for cyclists. Unfortunately, local drivers don’t seem to ever slow down to enjoy the amazing backdrop.

Drivers can act recklessly and go too fast to safely brake when they see a rider.

Drivers can also just be ignorant of the laws that permit riders to take a lane when necessary. They can try to pass a rider in a dangerous spot or force a cyclist off the road completely.

These are just a few of the most dangerous moves by drivers that can send cyclists to UC Memorial Hospital:

• Left turns in front of approaching cyclists
• Drivers turning right veering over onto cyclists in bike lanes or pulling out in front of a rider approaching from the right
• Drivers passing cyclists when they don’t have room
• Drivers behaving recklessly by speeding or driving aggressively, making it harder to avoid vulnerable riders
• Distracted drivers who aren’t paying attention to the rider they may be approaching
• Dooring accidents, when parked motorists swing their doors open in the path of an approaching rider

Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Statistics

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) latest figures show that Colorado Springs has seen at least 11 fatal bicycle accidents over the most recent 5-year period (2020-2024).

A collision with a car or SUV and the road surface can easily cause life-threatening harm. Cyclists can also be unable to ride or work for months after enduring a bone fracture in the arms or legs, or a frightening head injury.

Riders will need immediate support so they can pay their medical bills and support their families while they miss out on several weeks of paychecks. Unfortunately, car insurance adjusters can drag their feet on writing settlement checks and even try to pin an accident on the injured victim.

A skilled Ganderton Law LLC attorney can turn the tables on these underhanded tactics and force insurers to provide what’s fair. We also handle the frustrating claims process from start to finish so victims can focus on healing and getting back to their bike trips.

What Types of Bike Lanes Can Be Found in Colorado Springs?

Bike lanes and paths offer cyclists a way to get around or get some exercise without having to brave car and truck traffic. The city posted about some of the different bike lanes available in Colorado Springs.

These are some of the most common types of bike paths found in Colorado and Colorado Springs:

Conventional Bike Lane

A conventional or standard bike lane is the regular lane you may notice around the city. They are usually marked off with just two white lines. They may also be painted with green dashes and boxes as lanes approach intersections. This is to alert drivers who might have to veer over a bike lane to turn right to be aware of any cyclists nearby. These lanes lack any physical barrier to traffic. They offer a safer path for riders than simply riding in the traffic lanes with vehicles, but careless drivers can easily veer across a small painted line to cause a dangerous path for cyclists.

Pictured: A standard bike lane along Fontanero Street

Buffered Bike Lane

A buffered bike lane is a lot like a standard bike lane. It’s marked off with white lines, but there’s usually additional space added. Generally, it’s an extra white line indicating an additional buffer to traffic.

Pictured: Buffered Bike Lane Along Cascade Avenue near Uintah Street

Protected Bike Lane

A protected or separated bike lane is set apart from traffic by some sort of physical barrier. It may be separated by plastic bollards (sticks) like you’ll see on Pikes Peak Highway near the Can Am Highway intersection. Protected lanes can also be set apart from the rush of traffic by cement islands or even rows of parked cars.

Bike Route/Boulevard

A bike route is a designated path through the city on streets that typically see less traffic and may have slower speed limits. There’s no real path for cyclists. They are expected to ride in the lane with normal traffic. These are regular streets except that they usually feature additional reminders to drivers that they must share the road. You’ll see green bike route street signs and lane markings that show a bicycle symbol, an arrow, and “Bike Blvd” spelled out. Some of these lanes are part of the city’s Wayfinder program.

Pictured: Bike Boulevard along Corona Street Near Fontanero Street

Bike Trails and Greenways

Greenways and trails go for most of their length without coming close to motor vehicle traffic. The bike paths at Monument Valley Park are one example of these safe paths. Cyclists should show caution when they share greenways with pedestrians.

Pictured: Pikes Peak Greenway Trail in Colorado Springs

 Bicycle Traffic Laws in Colorado

There are many state and local traffic laws meant to keep cyclists out of accidents and to hold motorists responsible when they cause impacts.

What may be the most important law is the one that gives riders full rights to use most streets. Bikes are classified as vehicles in our state. It means that cyclists are allowed to claim a lane when necessary. It also means that riders must obey most of the applicable traffic laws.

The specific laws are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.):

Colorado Cyclists’ Right to the Road 42-4-1412.  “(1) Operation of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles. Operation of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles. (1) Every person riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this article, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application…”

Colorado allows riding on sidewalks but requires cyclists to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks. However, some cities prohibit riding on sidewalks in some areas, like business districts. Colorado Springs asks cyclists to stay off sidewalks where signs have been posted.

RIDING ON SIDEWALKS Colorado Springs Code of Ordinances 10.19.107:

“A.   When authorized signs are erected giving notice, no person shall operate a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, electric scooter, EPAMD, skateboard, roller skates, or similar device upon a sidewalk.”

Drivers approaching cyclists must only pass if there’s at least three feet of room to do so. If they don’t have this room, motorists should slow down or stop and not try to pass until room opens up.

Passing With Three Feet of Safety 42-4-1003

“(1) (b) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall allow the bicyclist at least a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver’s vehicle, including all mirrors or other projections, and the left side of the bicyclist at all times.”

Helmet Law Colorado doesn’t require helmets for riders of any age.

How Much Is a Bike Accident Settlement in Colorado Springs?

The exact level of support you’ll receive will be hard to estimate until an experienced attorney hears about your accident and can investigate what happened. Your lawyer will be looking at the totals on your medical bills. Your lawyer will also work with your doctors to determine if your injuries may affect you in the years ahead.

Your lawyer will total your lost time at work and the time you may miss in the future. The pain you must suffer with and the emotional trauma you’ve had to cope with should also factor into how much you see on a settlement check.

It’s critical that every hardship you’ve endured is included when your lawyer files your claim. These factors and more will all determine how much in compensation you receive:

• Money to pay all your current medical bills and those to come
• Money for physical therapy and rehab for as long as needed
• Support for the physical pain you are left with
• Support for the emotional trauma left over from the collision
• Support for the loss of enjoyment of life if you can’t return to your bike for weeks or months, or forever
• Money to cover you and your family if you lose paychecks while you can’t return to work
• Money for transportation costs while you have doctor appointments and may be without a vehicle
• Money to repair or replace your bicycle
• Support for a permanent physical disability, including money for home care, medical equipment, and training for a potential new job
• Wrongful death support for families if a loved one is lost in a bicycle collision

Bicycle Safety Initiatives in Colorado Springs

The City of Colorado Springs continues to work to complete major bicycle and traffic safety plans put in place in previous years, further improving pedestrian accident laws and safety measures in Colorado Springs.

The city continues to spend federal money it received from the “Safe Streets and Roads for All” program. The 2023 grant plan brought $280,000 to Colorado Springs, along with a $70,000 city match. It’s meant to be spent on improvements to local roads and bicycle infrastructure. The goal is to reduce deaths and serious injuries in traffic accidents.

In 2025, very specific improvements were approved to help cyclists travel across the city as an effort to make Colorado Springs a “Gold Bicycle Friendly Community.” In 2025, KOAA-TV reported on how the city was already a silver community, as named by the League of American Bicyclists. 15 miles of new bike lanes added last year, and 2025 trail crossing projects in places like the Rock Island Trail and Sand Creek Trail are supposed to help the city reach the gold standard.

The projects mentioned are underway in conjunction with the Colorado Springs Bike Master Plan, begun in 2018.

Why Experience Matters In Bicycle Accident Cases

Experience gives you leverage when the stakes are high. Bicycle accident cases require a deep understanding of traffic law, injury valuation, and the tactics insurers use to limit claims. Our firm’s track record speaks to the difference experience makes. Our legal team has:

• Over 20 years of combined experience representing injured cyclists and accident victims throughout Colorado.
• Founding attorney Dave Ganderton is known for his compassion, honesty, and dedicated client advocacy.
• Consistent praise for accessibility, clear communication, and genuine care for each client.

“Dave Ganderton is the best possible choice you could make. He truly cares about what you’ve been through, listens intently, and fight hard. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us and our extended family. I hate that 3 of us have had to call you but I’m grateful you’ve been there for all of us.” – Haley P.

At Ganderton Law, LLC, we believe every cyclist deserves respect, justice, and fair compensation after an accident. Our team is ready to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence. Don’t let insurance companies decide your future, contact us today to speak with a trusted attorney who will stand up for you every step of the way.

Contact a Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The victims of a careless driver’s mistake should never have to struggle to pay for their medical care over a collision they didn’t cause. It goes against what our law firm is all about. We stand by bicycle accident victims until they are back on their feet and back on that bike seat again.

If you contact Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm, you’ll speak to a real Colorado Springs personal injury attorney, or an experienced Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney depending on your case. We offer a free, no-obligation case consultation to all victims and their families. It’s a chance to go over your options and determine how to get every damage you’ve suffered compensated.

We want to hear about what happened to you. If we can help you earn more for your recovery, we’ll tell you that. If you’d be better off filing a claim yourself, we are happy to point you in the right direction and warn you about some of the pitfalls of dealing with car insurance companies.