Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer
We've Recovered Millions for Our Clients
Riding a bike benefits your health and the environment, but it also leaves you exposed to serious risks. No matter how cautious you are while riding in Colorado Springs, negligent drivers can cause crashes that leave cyclists injured.
Over the past several years, Colorado Springs has seen a notable increase in bicycle traffic as more residents choose cycling for daily commutes and recreation. Popular bike routes like Legacy Loop, Cottonwood Creek Trail, and Midland Trail attract cyclists of all ages, but these local routes also intersect with busy roadways and heavy vehicle traffic, creating unique hazards. Our attorneys understand these routes and how local conditions—like sudden weather changes or poorly marked crossings—raise risks for riders.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a preventable accident, whether caused by a reckless driver or unsafe road conditions, Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. can help. For more than 40 years, our firm has supported injury victims in seeking justice, relief, and dignity. We stand ready to assess your legal options and, when appropriate, pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
If you would like to speak with a Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer about your case, call us now at (719) 625-3310.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take immediately after a bicycle accident depend on the situation and the severity of your injuries. Protect your rights and your ability to file a personal injury claim by acting promptly.
Collisions in Colorado Springs often involve intersections where city planning may not provide clear right-of-way for bicyclists or motorists. If your accident occurred at a complex crossing or roundabout, identifying all contributing factors—like missing signage or malfunctioning traffic signals—can benefit your case. Documenting the exact intersection, weather, and conditions not only helps your claim but also highlights issues unique to the city's road design.
Here are steps to take after an accident:
- Contact the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Avoid making statements to the driver involved in the accident.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses present.
- Take photos of all vehicle, bike, and property damage, as well as any injuries.
- See a doctor and request a copy of your medical report.
If you are severely injured and taken to the emergency room, focus first on your health and well-being. After you have received necessary care, consult a proven legal representative to review your options.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries because cyclists lack protective barriers. Common injuries include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to long-term health consequences and affect your emotional well-being and financial security because of medical bills and lost income.
Bicyclists in Colorado Springs sometimes encounter unique hazards such as loose gravel, potholes from winter weather, or debris left after a storm, increasing the risk of falls and collision injuries. The region’s elevation can also intensify physical stress after a crash, making prompt medical evaluation even more important. Reduced visibility near parks or along busy corridors like Academy Boulevard and North Nevada Avenue can contribute to multi-vehicle incidents or severe side impacts, resulting in a wide range of injuries.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we recognize how these injuries impact every aspect of your life. We help victims pursue both physical and financial recovery. Our team takes a comprehensive approach—addressing immediate medical needs while planning for long-term recovery—so that you have the necessary support throughout your claim process.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Colorado Springs
Bicycle accidents in Colorado Springs happen due to a mix of driver behavior and challenging road environments. Drivers who fail to yield at intersections, open doors in the path of oncoming cyclists, or drive distracted pose frequent threats to bikers. Poor weather conditions—like sudden rain or snowfall—can hide potholes and debris, increasing crash risks near areas such as Palmer Park Boulevard or downtown corridors. Quiet residential streets sometimes see speeding vehicles, while major roadways often feature limited bike lane visibility and inadequate signage.
Many crashes also involve right turns at red lights or vehicles turning without checking mirrors for cyclists using the shoulder. Construction on city streets can force riders into traffic unexpectedly. Colorado Springs, with its mix of older neighborhoods and newer developments, often lacks consistent bike lane coverage, creating unpredictable situations. Understanding these patterns helps injured cyclists and their attorneys identify liable parties and build stronger claims based on the realities of local riding conditions.
How Colorado Bicycle Laws Affect Your Rights
Under Colorado law, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. State statutes require motorists to give at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle on city streets and county roads. Cyclists can ride two abreast in a lane, except when it obstructs the normal flow of traffic. In Colorado Springs, new bike lane projects and traffic signals aim to improve safety, but some routes still lack proper markings or protective barriers.
Both police officers and insurance companies look at whether every party followed traffic rules—like yielding at stop signs, using hand signals, and stopping at red lights—when determining fault. These laws directly affect your ability to recover damages after a crash. If you have questions about how local ordinances, city projects, or state law could impact your case, contacting an attorney familiar with El Paso County and Colorado Springs regulations makes a difference in protecting your interests.
What Types of Damages Can Bicycle Accident Victims Seek?
When you are hurt in a bicycle accident, damages can include more than just your immediate medical bills. Many victims can recover costs related to ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future surgeries. If you miss work due to your injuries, you may also claim lost wages and lost future earning capacity. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress—especially when serious injuries interfere with your daily routines, family responsibilities, or ability to participate in outdoor activities popular across Colorado Springs.
Additionally, property damage to your bike and personal gear can be included in a claim. Courts in El Paso County evaluate the evidence of all losses—both tangible and intangible—when determining compensation. Consulting with knowledgeable legal counsel can help you capture the full impact of your injuries and ensure that your financial recovery reflects your long-term needs. Discussing your case with a local attorney also means you receive guidance tailored to the cost of medical access and resources available in Colorado Springs.
Contact an El Paso County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Our firm understands Colorado Springs and the particular challenges local cyclists face, including unpredictable weather and a variety of road conditions. This local knowledge strengthens the legal strategies we develop for your unique circumstances.
We stay current on local bicycle-related ordinances, changes to the Colorado Springs bike master plan, and updates to municipal infrastructure. The city’s efforts to expand protected bike lanes and improve signage can offer new avenues to support your claim. Knowledge of local law enforcement response protocols and accident reporting practices also allows us to guide you through each phase of the legal process with accuracy and transparency.
Ready to set up a free case evaluation with a highly experienced lawyer? Contact our firm by calling (719) 625-3310 now—we're ready to hear your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring When Meeting a Lawyer About a Bicycle Accident?
When you meet with a bicycle accident attorney, bring photos from the crash scene, your police report, medical records, and any correspondence from insurance companies. This information helps the lawyer assess your situation and advise you on next steps during your consultation.
How Does Insurance Typically Cover Bicycle Accident Injuries?
In Colorado, your health insurance may cover initial medical bills. If the driver at fault has car insurance, their liability coverage can help pay for injuries and damages. Since insurance policies vary, an attorney can explain which policies might apply to your case.
Can I Recover Damages If an Unsafe Road Caused My Crash?
If an unsafe road, such as a pothole or poorly maintained bike lane, contributed to the crash, you may have a claim against a local government entity or contractor. These cases often have strict notice requirements and deadlines, so swift action is important in pursuing your claim.
Providing Unparalleled Customer Service
Our past clients say it best! Hear what they have to say about working with our firm.
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“After suffering a fracture of my spinal cord resulting from being hit by a careless car driver while I was riding my bicycle, a defense litigator recommended Gary Craw. I am glad I followed the recommendation. I would have been overwhelmed without Gary's h”- J. Beavers
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You are a kind, caring and respectful lawyer. You put your clients first and make suggestions for their best interest.- Joyce
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“This firm fights for every compensation you deserve.”- DonnaJean
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“You are a superstar!”- Felix
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“I do not doubt that without Gary Craw's assistance I would still be embroiled in legal turmoil. I recommend him without reservation.”- Dienna
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“Derry Adams and her assistant Lizzy kept me informed about developments on my case from beginning to end.”- Teri
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“We appreciate their efforts, time and hard work.”- Jessie
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Thank you for your great service and getting an interpreter. Much appreciated!- Michele