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Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 27 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
Who is liable: Decided by right of way, not by vehicle type.
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

What should I do after a bicycle accident in Colorado Springs?

Call police even if the driver is apologetic and offers to sort it out privately — that offer evaporates once an insurer is involved, and without a report you are left proving the crash itself.

Do not repair or dispose of the bicycle: frame and wheel damage shows the direction and force of impact. Get treated the same day, photograph the road, the sightlines and any bike lane markings, and keep the helmet and clothing.

Who is at fault when a cyclist is hit by a car in Colorado?

Decided by right of way, not by vehicle type.

A cyclist on a Colorado roadway has the rights and duties of a driver, so the analysis is the ordinary one: who had the right of way, who failed to yield, who was where they were entitled to be. The recurring defence is that the rider was not visible or not where a bicycle should be, aimed at shifting fault percentage under C.R.S. 13-21-111 — which is why the physical evidence about lane position and lighting does more work here than any argument.

Bicycle accident videos from The Bussey Law Firm

Hit by a Car While Riding Your Bike? What to Do First in Colorado

If you were hit by a car while riding your bicycle in Colorado, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away so that critical evidence, including witness statements, scene photos, and vehicle data, can be preserved before it is lost.

Published July 20, 2026 · 2:55 · Watch on YouTube

Bicycle Accident vs Car Accident: What Makes a Bike Case Different?

A bicycle accident claim differs from a car accident claim in three specific ways: the injuries are usually far more severe because a cyclist has no vehicle structure and no airbags, there are often far fewer witnesses to establish what happened, and the cyclist's own auto insurance usually does not apply, which means the recovery has to come from the driver who caused the collision.

Published August 12, 2026 · 2:48 · Watch on YouTube

How We Found Insurance Coverage Nobody Else Did

When a cyclist is killed by a negligent driver who carries almost no insurance, a grieving family can still recover meaningful compensation by uncovering additional coverage, including underinsured motorist and resident relative policies that the family may not know exists.

Published May 30, 2026 · 3:50 · Watch on YouTube

Are You in Need of a Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Bicycle accident victims are often left with serious injuries and mounting expenses. Despite clear rules about sharing the road, drivers frequently act negligently—failing to yield, texting behind the wheel, or speeding near bike lanes.

As a cyclist, you're highly vulnerable in these situations. Even with a helmet, you may suffer:

While drivers typically walk away from crashes unharmed, bicyclists often face weeks or months of recovery. Medical bills, physical therapy, and time off work only add to the strain.

You may need a bicycle accident lawyer if:

The driver fled the scene.
You were hit by a vehicle and sustained injuries.
The driver's insurance is offering a low settlement or denying your claim altogether.
You're unsure how to cover your expenses.
You want help navigating insurance claims, medical records, and legal paperwork.

Why Choose Us Over Other Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Attorneys?

30+ years of legal experience representing injured victims and families.
Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements.
Recognized as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Colorado Springs by Expertise.com.
Listed by Super Lawyers for over 14 years—an honor earned by less than 5% of attorneys statewide.
Martindale-Hubbell Gold Client Champion Award—based on outstanding client service and communication.
Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA)—a prestigious trial lawyer honorary society.
Featured in Colorado Springs Magazine as a Top Attorney.
Free consultations and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Compensation for Colorado Springs Biking Injuries

Being a good bicyclist, you had always taken the proper cautionary measures to prevent an accident because you knew just how devastating it could be. Yet, in spite of your best efforts at safety, you were involved in a crash, not because of a mistake you made but because of another party's negligence. Now, you're experiencing difficulty with basic tasks due to your injuries; the medical bills are piling up, and you're struggling to put your life back together.

You should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else's error. You should not have to pay out of your own pocket to cover medical treatment for injuries that someone else caused. You deserve compensation from the at-fault party for everything you have suffered. You deserve justice. Let the passionate Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., help you get it.

Who pays when the driver fled or had too little insurance?

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which Colorado insurers must include unless you rejected it in writing. It is added on top of the at-fault driver’s limits, and it can pay when a hit-and-run driver cannot be found.

Hit-and-run and insurance rules for injured cyclists. Source: C.R.S. 42-4-1601, C.R.S. 10-4-609 (Colorado Revised Statutes, 2024 official publication).
Situation	Colorado rule	C.R.S.
The driver drove off	A driver involved in a crash that injures anyone must stop and remain at the scene; leaving is a misdemeanor for injury, a class 4 felony for serious bodily injury and a class 3 felony for a death	42-4-1601(1)-(2)
Whose insurance pays if the driver cannot be found	Your own uninsured motorist coverage. An at-fault driver who cannot be located for service after a reasonable attempt is treated as uninsured for that purpose when the statute’s other conditions are met	10-4-609(1)(a), (6)
Does UM/UIM shrink by what the driver’s insurer pays?	No. It is in addition to the driver’s liability coverage and covers the difference up to your own UM/UIM limit	10-4-609(1)(c)

The firm’s published bicycle result shows why that matters: $375,000 in a wrongful death claim for a cyclist killed by a driver who carried $25,000 minimum limits, recovered from that policy plus the client’s own underinsured motorist limit (case results). For a claim against a city or county, see the public-entity rules on our pedestrian accident page.

Do I Need Legal Assistance?

Of course, you can always try handling your own injury claim. However, you should first ask yourself the following questions: Do I have the time and energy to devote to such a complex affair? Do I have the legal expertise needed to handle disputes by the opposing insurance company, among other difficult matters? Do I know how to conduct an investigation, yield evidence, and build an effective legal argument that supports my claim?

Attorney Timothy Bussey and his associates have had many years of experience representing clients in various personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. Please count on us to handle your injury claim in your stead so you can focus on what's most important to you: your recovery.

Bicycle Accident Case Results

$375,000 - Wrongful Death Bike Accident
$100,000 - Bike Accident

View more case results.

How Can You Win My Colorado Springs Bike Accident Claim Case?

Whether your bicycle collision occurred due to a negligent motorist, bad road conditions, or defective bicycle parts, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your crash.

Our aim is to extract evidence that supports your claim against the liable party and prove the full extent of your damages. This includes medical and police reports, witness and expert testimony, photos and videos, and other important documents.

What are a cyclist’s rights on a Colorado road?

A cyclist has the same rights and duties as any driver. A car passing a cyclist must leave at least three feet, and no one may open a car door into traffic unless it is safe, so a passing or dooring crash usually starts with a statute the driver broke.

Colorado rules of the road for cyclists. Source: C.R.S. 42-4-1412, 42-4-1412.5, 42-4-1003, 42-4-1207 (Colorado Revised Statutes, 2024 official publication).
Situation	Colorado rule	C.R.S.
A cyclist on the road	Has all the rights and duties of the driver of any other vehicle, apart from the special bicycle rules	42-4-1412(1)
Where a slower cyclist rides	In the right-hand lane, as far right as the cyclist judges safe; another lane is allowed to turn left, pass, or avoid hazards, and a cyclist is not required to ride through edge-of-road hazards	42-4-1412(5)(a)-(b)
A car passing a cyclist	Must leave at least three feet between the right side of the vehicle, mirrors included, and the cyclist	42-4-1003(1)(b)
Dooring	No one may open a vehicle door on the traffic side unless it is reasonably safe and does not interfere with moving traffic	42-4-1207
A stop sign	A rider 15 or older (or younger with an adult) may slow to 10 mph or less, yield, and proceed without stopping if a stop is not needed for safety; local ordinances can adjust this	42-4-1412.5(2)(a)

What If My Case Goes to Trial?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our Colorado Springs bicycle accident attorneys are comprised of professionals who are not only skilled negotiators but also aggressive trial lawyers. We are ready and willing to fight for you in the courtroom to secure an optimal verdict. By employing a customized legal strategy that meets your goals and addresses every aspect of your case, we will sway the court in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a bike accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay because injuries often appear hours or days later. Then, report the accident to the police, gather the driver's information, take photos if you can, and contact an attorney.

Who is liable for my bicycle accident?

In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is liable. Other potentially responsible parties may include local governments (for unsafe roads), property owners, or manufacturers (for defective bike parts).

How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?

You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it's best to begin the process as early as possible to preserve evidence and witness statements.

What if the driver fled the scene or didn't have insurance?

You may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can help you explore all avenues for compensation.

What damages can I recover after a bicycle accident in Colorado?

You may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation
Lost income
Future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Scarring or disfigurement
Property damage

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Most bicycle accident cases in Colorado Springs settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

What makes your firm different from other personal injury firms?

We don't treat clients like file numbers. Our legal team handles each case with professionalism, care, and personalized strategy. With a strong trial record, we're not afraid to push back against insurance companies.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't owe us anything unless we win your case.

Contact Our Colorado Springs Bike Accident Attorneys Today

Don't wait too long to consult with The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., and get started on your claim, or else, you will forfeit the right to pursue compensation altogether. Not only that—but the more time passes, the weaker your claim gets.

To give yourself the best chance at recovery, contact our office at (719) 475-2555 as soon as possible.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions for Bike Accident Victims in Colorado Springs, CO

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand that individuals injured in bike accidents often have questions and concerns about their legal rights and options. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers that may help you if you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Colorado Springs:

What should I do immediately after a bike accident?

After a bike accident, the first step is to prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. If possible, document the scene, collect contact information from witnesses, and avoid discussing the accident with the other party’s insurance company without legal representation.

Should I consult with an attorney after a bike accident?

Yes, it is advisable to consult with an attorney, especially if you’ve suffered injuries. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance on your legal rights, help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a bike accident in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado, when a motor vehicle hit the cyclist the claim generally must be filed within three years from the date of the accident (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); most other personal injury claims, including a crash with no motor vehicle, have two years (C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a)). However, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your specific timeline and gather evidence while it’s still fresh.

What types of compensation can I seek for my bike accident injuries?

You may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical costs. The specific types of compensation will depend on the details of your case.

What if I am partially at fault for the bike accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. Consulting with an attorney can help assess your case.

How much will it cost to hire an attorney for my bike accident case?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, so you can seek legal representation without financial worry.

What if the driver who caused the bike accident is uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide compensation. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the maximum available benefits.

Can I settle my bike accident case without going to court?

Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking the case to court may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best course of action.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Colorado?

Three years, because a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle is a tort arising out of the use of a motor vehicle under C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n). If no motor vehicle was involved — a defective path surface, a dog running out, a collision with another cyclist — the general two-year deadline in C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a) applies instead, and if the surface is owned by a public entity a written notice is due within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1). Which deadline governs is worth confirming early rather than assuming.

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident?

If you were injured, yes. A cyclist has no crumple zone, so the injuries are disproportionate to the closing speed, and the claim runs into two things at once: an insurer arguing you were hard to see, and the fact that your own health cover and any uninsured-motorist coverage under C.R.S. 10-4-609 may all have to be coordinated. Both are decided in the first weeks.

What does a bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A bicycle case review is free, and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so the cost of asking is zero and the risk of being billed for a case that goes nowhere is zero. Call (719) 475-2555 to have it looked at.

What are a driver's duties around cyclists in Colorado?

A driver must pass at a safe distance and may cross the centre line to do it when it is safe. Most Colorado Springs bicycle collisions are right-of-way failures at intersections and driveways rather than rear-end impacts.

Where is a bicycle accident claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most bicycle claims settle without a court appearance; if one does not, the lawsuit is filed there and must be filed before the deadline runs.

Why does the bicycle itself matter as evidence?

Because the damage pattern shows the direction and force of impact and often contradicts the driver's account. Do not repair or dispose of it, and keep the helmet even if it looks undamaged.

What if I was partly at fault?

You can still recover if you were less than 50% at fault. Colorado applies modified comparative fault (C.R.S. 13-21-111): your damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50%.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.