Denver Bicycle
Accident Lawyers

 

If you’ve been hit by a driver who tried to overtake you, didn’t see you, or didn’t bother to look, you’re probably dealing with far more than physical injuries. Lost wages, long recoveries, and a hard push from the insurance company come next.

The Denver bicycle accident lawyers with Born & McCaffrey Injury Law help injured cyclists pursue the compensation they need to recover and rebuild after serious bicycle accidents. With decades of combined experience and a reputation for tough litigation, we build strong cases that get results. And we do it with the care and attention every client deserves.

Key Takeaways for Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyers

• The Denver area sees dozens of bicycle accidents each year, with a majority resulting in injuries, many of which are serious.
• Most accidents happen in urban intersections and on major roads without designated bike lanes.
• Common causes of bicycle accidents include distracted driving, failure to yield, and speeding.
• Cyclists often suffer severe injuries due to a lack of physical protection.
• Insurance companies rarely offer fair settlements without legal pressure.
• Colorado law gives cyclists specific rights and protections, but its comparative negligence rule can affect your ability to recover damages if you are found partially at fault.
• A trial lawyer can protect your rights and build a case for the compensation you need.
• The attorneys at Born & McCaffrey Injury Law are prepared to fight for injured cyclists across the Denver area.

Why Choose Born & McCaffrey Injury Law for Your Denver Bicycle Accident Case?

After a serious bicycle accident in Denver, you need a law firm that’s built for serious cases. One that knows how to deal with insurance companies that delay, deny, and underpay. At Born & McCaffrey Injury Law, we represent injured cyclists in Denver and throughout the metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, and Littleton. Our focus is litigation, strategy, and results. We don’t rush cases to settle. We build them to win.

We bring the following to every case we handle:

Proven litigation success

Our attorneys are respected trial lawyers with a track record of winning tough personal injury cases in Colorado.

Highly personalized service

When you hire Born & McCaffrey Injury Law, you work directly with the lawyer handling your case. We take the time to know you, learn how the crash has affected your life, and give you clear, honest advice. That personal connection is the foundation for building a strong case and reaching the best possible outcome.

Results-driven reputation

Other lawyers in Colorado turn to us for complex litigation. We prepare every case for trial and fight for the best possible results.

Contingency-based fees

You don’t pay unless we win. That’s how confident we are in our ability to secure the results you deserve.

Local knowledge

With deep ties to Denver, our firm understands the city’s most dangerous bike routes and how local factors affect your case.

Respected by our clients

Our clients frequently share how much they value direct communication with their attorney and the results we’ve achieved for them. Their testimonials reflect not only successful outcomes but also the confidence and reassurance they felt throughout the process.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Denver?

If you’re already receiving medical care for your injuries, you’re doing the right thing. But there are other steps you should take to protect your rights and preserve the strength of your bicycle accident case moving forward.

• Consult a Denver personal injury lawyer: The sooner you involve a Denver bicycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of recovering full compensation. Insurance companies may try to contact you early and get you to say something they can use against you. We’ll handle all communication and protect your interests. We will also preserve important evidence before it’s lost or erased.
• Keep all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan:
  Gaps in care can hurt your claim. Documentation of your injuries and recovery is key to proving damages.
• Start a daily recovery journal: Record your pain levels, emotional state, mobility issues, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. Doing this serves as evidence for your less visible damages, such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life.
• Save physical evidence and damaged gear: Keep your bicycle, helmet, and clothing. These may be useful in proving how the crash occurred.
• Preserve all records and bills: Hold onto receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, transportation, and anything else tied to the accident.
• Avoid social media: Insurance adjusters may monitor your online presence to find ways to reduce your claim.

Denver Bicycle Crash Statistics: The Reality Cyclists Face

Denver is considered one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the U.S. However, as popular as cycling in Denver is, it still comes with risks, especially in areas lacking safe infrastructure.

Over a recent five-year period, there were 709 bicycle crashes recorded in Denver, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Study. According to the study:

• 530 resulted in injuries
• 9 resulted in fatalities
• 170 caused property damage only

Most crashes were concentrated in urban areas and on high-traffic urban corridors.

• 99.95% of crashes happened on roads without bike lanes
• 97% occurred on roads with four or more lanes
• 78.7% took place at intersections
• Half occurred on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or higher

Behind each statistic is a person whose life was impacted by a bicycle crash. If a negligent driver struck and injured you, then you already know the reality these numbers represent. What matters now is making sure you work with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Denver who will fight for the compensation you need.

Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Most bicycle accident cases are based on negligence. If another person or driver failed to act responsibly and caused your injury, you may have a valid claim.

To successfully resolve a personal injury case in Colorado, your attorney must establish four key elements:

• Duty of care: The driver or other party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
• Breach of duty: They failed to meet that obligation through reckless or careless actions.
• Causation: That failure directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses or lost wages.

Our job is to handle all of this for you. You don’t need to prove anything yourself. We’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case to get you compensation.

Injuries That Happen in Denver Bike Accidents

When a cyclist is hit by a car or truck, the consequences are usually severe. There’s no steel frame, no airbags, no protection from the full force of impact. Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users, and unfortunately, that often leads to catastrophic injuries.

Some of the most common injuries we see in Denver bike crash cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, head trauma can occur and have lifelong effects on memory, cognition, and mood.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the back or neck can lead to long-term disability or even paralysis.
• Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are especially vulnerable in a fall or collision.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are common in high-speed crashes.
• Road rash and lacerations: When skin contacts the pavement, deep abrasions and infections can follow.
• Emotional trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression often follow serious accidents and should never be overlooked.

Medical professionals will help you recover physically. We’ll focus on securing the resources you’ll need for every stage of that recovery.

Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Denver?

The city of Denver is making efforts to become more bike-friendly, but serious dangers remain, especially in high-traffic corridors and intersections with poor infrastructure.

According to crash data, nearly 80% of all bike accidents in Denver occur at intersections, with certain areas consistently ranking as high-risk for cyclists:

• Colfax Avenue and Broadway: A major hub where high traffic volume, multiple lanes, and fast-moving vehicles make conditions especially dangerous.
• Speer Boulevard and Lincoln Street: Frequent left turns and limited visibility contribute to the collision rate.
• Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue: Known for aggressive drivers and lack of protected bike lanes.
• Colorado Boulevard and Colfax Avenue: Heavy traffic and wide intersections pose serious risks.
• Quebec Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard: High-speed zones near residential neighborhoods.
• Santa Fe Drive and 6th Avenue: A problematic mix of freeway traffic and local roads.
• Union Boulevard in Lakewood and Wadsworth Boulevard in Arvada: Suburban corridors with high crash rates involving cyclists.

Most of these crashes occur during daylight hours on roads without any bike-specific infrastructure, especially those with four or more lanes and speed limits of 40 mph or more.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Denver?

Bicycle accidents often stem from driver behavior, infrastructure issues, or a combination of both. While every case is different, several recurring patterns stand out.

• Failure to yield at intersections: Many drivers don’t look for cyclists when turning or crossing intersections, especially at multi-lane roads.
• Distracted driving: Cell phone use, in-car technology, and multitasking reduce drivers’ attention—often at the expense of vulnerable cyclists.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and make it more likely that crashes will cause severe injury or death.
• Dooring: Cyclists riding near parked cars face the constant danger of a car door opening in their path.
• Right-turn conflicts: When a driver turns right across a bike lane without checking for cyclists, serious side-impact collisions occur.
• Drunk or impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are far less likely to see or respect the rights of cyclists.
• Lack of bike lanes: The overwhelming majority of crashes happen where no bike lanes are present, forcing cyclists to share lanes with fast-moving traffic.

When drivers fail to act responsibly, it’s the cyclist who pays the biggest price. Our team works to hold those drivers and their insurers accountable to you.

What Compensation Is Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle crash, the law gives you the right to pursue compensation for your losses. This can include both economic damages (tangible financial losses) and non-economic damages (the human impact of the injury).

Economic damages may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs for transportation, therapy, or medical equipment
• Property damage (e.g., your bike and gear)

Non-economic damages may include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of independence or mobility

In fatal accident cases:

If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These cases can provide compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional impact of losing a family member.

We’ll work with medical experts, economists, and others to make sure every part of your loss is accounted for.

Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not on your side, and that’s not just a saying. Their goal is to minimize what they pay out. They may try to downplay your injuries, delay your claim, or offer a lowball settlement, hoping you’ll accept it so they can close your case for good.

Let us take that burden off you.

At Born & McCaffrey Injury Law, we manage all communication with the at-fault party’s insurer. Our attorneys are trial-ready and prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company won’t make a fair offer.

Being known as strong litigators often leads to better, faster settlements. And if the insurance company refuses to make you a fair deal, we’re fully prepared to take them to court. We’ve built our firm around litigation strength and fearless advocacy.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Denver Bicycle Accident Case?

After a crash, you may be wondering whether hiring a lawyer is worth it. Here’s how we make a difference:

• Protect your rights from day one: We immediately take over communication and preserve evidence.
• Investigate thoroughly: We obtain and review accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. In some cases, we work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other experts to support your claim.
• Value your claim accurately: We assess short- and long-term costs of your injuries, not just your immediate medical bills.
• Handle the legal legwork: You won’t need to deal with paperwork, court filings, or insurance adjusters.
• Negotiate aggressively: We push for maximum settlements and never encourage you to settle for less than what’s fair.
• Take your case to trial, if needed: We build every case as if it will go to court. This comprehensive preparation often persuades insurers to offer a fair settlement and ensures we are ready to litigate if they refuse.

Our mission is to deliver outstanding results with compassion, preparation, and grit so you can focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Bicycle Accident Claims

What is the deadline for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Colorado?

In most cases, Colorado’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim involving a motor vehicle. However, exceptions may apply depending on the facts of your case. It’s always best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found to be 50% or more responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages.

How much does it cost to hire a Denver bicycle accident lawyer?

At Born & McCaffrey Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. While helmet use may factor into certain arguments about the extent of your injuries, not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from filing a claim. Colorado law does not require adults to wear helmets, and liability still depends on the actions of the at-fault driver.

What if the driver fled the scene?

If you were involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, you may still have options through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other insurance avenues. Our Denver bicycle accident attorneys will identify and explore all possible sources of compensation.

What are the most important bicycle laws in Colorado?

Colorado law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning you have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

Key laws include:

• The Colorado Safety Stop: Cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs, proceeding only when it is safe to do so. You can find this law in Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412.
• Safe Passing: Motorists must leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
• Lane Position: You may ride as far to the right as you judge to be safe. You can also ride two abreast with another cyclist, as long as you do not impede the normal flow of traffic.

Do I have to report a bicycle accident to the police?

Yes, if the accident involves any injury or apparent property damage to the vehicle. Colorado law requires you to report such accidents immediately to the police. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which is crucial evidence for an insurance claim or lawsuit.

What happens if the driver who hit me has no insurance?

If an uninsured driver hits you, you may be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy. The Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your policy can apply even if you were on your bicycle and not in your car at the time of the accident.

Our attorneys can review your policy to determine if this coverage is available to you.

Contact the Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Born & McCaffrey Injury Law Today

When a car strikes a cyclist, the injuries can change a life forever. You deserve justice and a legal team that won’t settle for less.

At Born & McCaffrey Injury Law, we treat your case with urgency, precision, and care. We’ve earned our reputation as trial lawyers who stand up for people when the stakes are high. Let us do the same for you.

Call (303) 800-6996 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

There’s no obligation—just real answers and real help from attorneys who care.

ATTORNEY MICHAEL BORN

Michael has represented well over a thousand injury victims in his career. He has litigated 500 court cases. He has tried cases in counties all over Colorado. He has briefed and argued appeals in the appellate courts. This experience ultimately led to him leaving the big firm life to form Born & McCaffrey in order to provide a more client centered and personal representation than a large law firm is able to provide. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]