Injury Attorney Serving Longmont, Broomfield & Surrounding Areas in Colorado
Boulder boasts more than 300 miles of dedicated bikeways, which may be part of the reason 10.5% of the city’s population reports biking to work regularly. That’s nearly 20-times the national average. However, as impressive as this statistic is, it also means more bicycle and car collisions, many of which result in serious injury for the cyclist.
If you have been injured while riding your bike in Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins, or the surrounding areas of Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal attorney like Christopher Jeffress (who is a cyclist himself) can help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Jeffress Law online or call 303-993-8685 to schedule a free and informative consultation.
Boulder Bicycle Culture
Bicycling is one of the hallmarks of the Boulder lifestyle. You see bicycles of all types across the city, including in the following areas:
- Boulder Creek Path
- Highway 36 north from Boulder to Lyons
- Flagstaff Road
- Intersection of Baseline and Broadway near campus
From Lycra-clad road cyclists to students to tourists on rented B-cycles, riders of all sorts fill the streets of our city. Motorists, truck drivers, RTD bus operators, and pedestrians mostly share the road with cyclists courteously; however, accidents do sometimes occur, despite our status as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in America.
Common Cycling Accident Injuries
Boulder is a bike-friendly community. Seven out of every ten Boulderites own a bicycle, and a good number use theirs at least once a week. In between, other forms of alternative transportation, including walking, are the preferred method of travel for many in our city.
Similar to pedestrian accidents, bicycle-car accidents typically result in serious or even fatal injuries. This can include:
- Injury to the head and neck
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Disfigurement
According to the Boulder Cycling Club, 75% of all deaths and permanent disabilities incurred during bicycle accidents result from brain injury. Helmet use is not required for bicycling in Colorado, but failure to wear one can impact your ability to collect fair compensation when injured in a bicycle accident. Regardless of helmet use, if a motorist’s actions injured you, Boulder pedestrian accident attorney Chris Jeffress is prepared to take your case as far as necessary to help you secure every penny you are due.
The City of Boulder reports that most bicycle-car accidents occur at intersections, and an alarming 60% result from motorists failing to look for cyclists. Over 20% of these accidents occur when a right-turning driver fails to properly check for cyclists in approaching bike lanes or on paths and sidewalks. In a city with such a large cycling population, this is entirely unacceptable.
Potential Compensation in a Cycling Claim
In a claim against the party who is responsible for the crash, we will seek maximum compensation for all the ways the injury has affected your life. Compensation is commonly sought for:
- Loss of income from being unable to work
- Medical bills, both present and future
- Pain and suffering related to the accident and injury
- Physical rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Consult with an attorney at Jeffress Law to determine whether pursuing compensation is an option.
What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident
Taking appropriate actions after a bicycle accident can protect your health and legal interests. Consider the following steps:
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Even if you feel relatively okay, some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Record details from the scene. If you are able, take photos of the accident location, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any injuries you sustained.
- Collect information from others involved. Obtain the driver’s contact and insurance details, and ask for the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Report the accident. Request that law enforcement respond and create a police report documenting what happened.
- Speak with a bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer can assess your situation, describe your options, and help you file a claim if appropriate. Prompt action can also help preserve evidence related to the crash.
Your Rights as a Cyclist
On your bicycle, you have certain rights and privileges afforded to you:
- You have the same rights as a motorist
- Riding two abreast is allowed in bike lanes as long as the flow of traffic is not impeded
- A motorist overtaking you must allow at least 3 feet between the side of the car and you
- You have the same rights as a pedestrian if you are riding or walking your bike through a crosswalk
Bicycle Laws in Colorado
Understanding these laws can help prevent bicycle accidents and ensure you're prepared if a collision occurs:
- Cyclists must follow the same laws on the road as motor vehicles, like stopping at red lights and yielding the right of way when required.
- Helmets are not legally mandated for adults, but are strongly recommended for safety.
- Cyclists are allowed to ride on roads and should use bike lanes where available, but they may also take the lane if it's unsafe to ride on the side of the road.
- You can use the left turn lane when: You are turning left at an intersection or into a driveway; you are overtaking a slow vehicle; or you are avoiding a hazard or dangerous road condition.
- You are supposed to provide an "audible signal" when overtaking a pedestrian.
- You cannot ride on the sidewalk where it is prohibited to do so.
Safety Tips for Riding Your Bike around Boulder
A few safety measures help prevent accidents on your bike:
- Be visible. Wear bright-colored clothing, preferably with reflective features. When riding at dawn, dusk, or at night, affix a light to the front and rear of your bicycle
- Stay to the left of your bike path. By staying in the bike lane but to the left of center, you may better discourage motorists from straying into your lane. Avoid sidewalks whenever possible.
- Abide by basic riding rules. Don't ride while you are distracted. Keep your eyes, hands, and mind on the ride. Ride in the direction of traffic, not against it. Signal your turns and lane changes ahead of time. Ride predictably and try to avoid surprising motorists.
Cyclists inform themselves about the risks on the road and then do what they can to mitigate them. You can't eliminate the chances of a collision or crash, but you can take steps to prevent them.
Why Choose Jeffress Law, PC, for Your Bicycle Accident Case in Boulder, CO?
At Jeffress Law, PC, you'll receive personalized, results-driven representation from a firm with decades of experience. Attorney Christopher W. Jeffress has over 35 years of legal experience, including serving as a federal prosecutor and successfully recovering millions in damages for personal injury clients. Known for his meticulous case preparation and deep understanding of the law, he has built a proven track record of reaching favorable outcomes through negotiation or trial. Based in Boulder, our firm understands the local community, cycling culture, and the unique challenges cyclists face, enabling us to advocate effectively on your behalf.
We prioritize clear communication and compassionate support, ensuring clients feel heard and informed during the legal process. At Jeffress Law, you pay no fees unless we recover compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle your case. Our commitment to justice drives us to hold negligent parties accountable so you get the compensation you deserve. With Jeffress Law, you're not just hiring a lawyer—you're gaining a trusted partner who will fight tirelessly for your rights.
FAQs Related to Bicycle Accidents
Yes, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.
Colorado's statute of limitations for bicycle accidents and other personal injury cases is generally 3 years from the date of the accident.
While not required, having an experienced attorney can help you get maximum compensation and navigate the legal complexities of your case.
If the driver cannot be identified, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage, if available.
The timeline depends on the case's complexity, the extent of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or a trial is necessary. Cases can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Several types of evidence may help demonstrate what happened and who was responsible for a bicycle accident:
- Photographs of the crash scene, bicycle and vehicle damage, and visible injuries can be helpful.
- Police reports and medical records often provide important documentation of the incident and your injuries.
- Witness statements may also support your account of events.
- Traffic camera footage, surveillance video, or accident reconstruction analysis can further clarify how the crash occurred and strengthen a claim.
Yes, you may be able to pursue a claim if a hazardous road condition contributed to your bicycle accident. Problems such as large potholes, uneven pavement, debris, poorly designed bike lanes, or missing warning signs can create serious risks for cyclists.
Depending on the circumstances, a city, county, or other entity responsible for maintaining the roadway may be liable. These cases often involve strict deadlines, so documenting the hazard and seeking legal guidance promptly can be important.
Distracted driving often causes bicycle accidents. Drivers who are texting, using a phone, adjusting navigation systems, or focusing on something other than the road may fail to notice cyclists nearby.
Witness statements, phone records, police reports, and traffic camera footage may help demonstrate that a driver was not paying attention at the time of the collision.
When a commercial vehicle or delivery driver is involved in a bicycle accident, the case may involve more than just the driver. In some situations, the company that employs the driver may also share responsibility if the crash occurred while the driver was carrying out job-related tasks.
These claims may involve commercial insurance policies and additional evidence such as driving logs, training records, or company policies. Because multiple parties could be involved, investigating these accidents often requires careful legal review.
Call for a Free Case Assessment
Want to find out if you have a Boulder bicycle accident claim to pursue compensation for your injuries? Please contact Jeffress Law at 303-993-8685 for a free case evaluation. We fight proudly on behalf of people from across Colorado, including Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins.
