Why you might need a lawyer after a bicycle accident
A bicycle accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and injuries that take months to heal. If another person caused the accident—a driver who didn't see you, a property owner who left debris in the bike lane, or a city that failed to maintain the road—you may have a claim for damages. A lawyer helps you understand whether you have a case, what it might be worth, and how to pursue it without doing the work alone while you're recovering.
Many people think they need to handle this themselves or that lawyers are too expensive. In Denver, most bicycle accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of what you win (usually 25 to 40 percent) and charge nothing upfront. You pay only if you recover money.
Key Takeaways
- Denver bicycle accident lawyers typically work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win or settle your case.
- You have a limited time to file a claim—Colorado's statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident for personal injury cases.
- A lawyer can handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence like police reports and medical records, and negotiate on your behalf.
- The value of your case depends on your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and whether the other party was clearly at fault.
How to find a bicycle accident lawyer in Denver
Start by searching for lawyers who specifically handle bicycle accidents or personal injury cases in Denver. The Colorado Bar Association website (coloradobar.org) has a lawyer referral service where you can filter by practice area and location. You can also ask your primary care doctor or local bicycle advocacy groups—organizations like the Denver Bicycle Lobby or local cycling clubs often have recommendations.
Once you have a few names, call each office and ask whether they handle bicycle accident cases and whether they work on contingency. Most will offer a free initial consultation where you can explain what happened and ask questions. This is your chance to see whether you feel comfortable working with them and whether they seem to understand your situation.
What information to gather before you meet a lawyer
Bring as much documentation as you can find. This includes the police report (filed at the Denver Police Department), photos of the accident scene and your bicycle, medical records and bills from your treatment, proof of lost wages if you missed work, and the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. If you have messages or emails with the other party or their insurance company, bring those too.
If you don't have a police report yet, you can request one from the Denver Police Department's Records Bureau. You'll need the date, time, and location of the accident. There is usually a small fee, though some departments waive it for accident victims.
What happens after you hire a lawyer
Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company, describing the accident, your injuries, and the costs you've incurred. The insurance company will investigate and either accept responsibility, deny the claim, or make an offer to settle. Most cases settle at this stage without going to court.
If the insurance company won't offer a fair amount, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in Denver District Court. This doesn't mean you'll go to trial—many lawsuits settle once the other side knows you're serious. But if settlement talks fail, your case will go before a judge or jury, and they will decide how much you're owed.
Understanding Colorado's bicycle accident laws
Colorado law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. If a driver hit you and violated this law, that's strong evidence they were at fault. Colorado also has a "comparative negligence" rule, which means even if you were partly at fault (for example, you weren't wearing a helmet or you ran a red light), you can still recover damages—but the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Denver also has specific rules about bike lanes and sidewalks. If a city employee or contractor created a hazard—like leaving gravel in a bike lane or failing to repair a pothole—the city may be liable. These cases are more complex because you have to follow special notice rules and shorter important date to sue a government entity.
What your case might be worth
The value depends on your specific injuries and losses. Courts consider medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability or disfigurement. A broken collarbone with a few weeks of recovery might be worth less than a spinal injury that causes chronic pain. A case where the driver clearly violated the law is worth more than one where fault is disputed.
Your lawyer can give you a rough estimate after reviewing your medical records and the accident details. Don't expect a precise number—every case is different, and insurance companies often disagree about value. That's why negotiation and, sometimes, trial are necessary.
Questions to ask a lawyer before you decide
Ask how many bicycle accident cases they've handled, what the outcomes were, and whether they've taken cases to trial or mostly settle. Ask what percentage they charge on contingency and whether there are other costs (like filing fees or informed witness fees) that come out of your recovery. Ask how often they'll update you and who you'll communicate with—the lawyer themselves or a paralegal. Ask whether they think you have a strong case and why.
A good lawyer will be honest if your case is weak and will explain what evidence would make it stronger. They should also be clear about timelines—how long they think it will take to resolve and what happens at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a bicycle accident in Denver?
Colorado's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the at-fault party is a government entity like the City of Denver, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days. Your lawyer will make sure these important date are met.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Colorado allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50 percent responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're awarded $10,000 but found 20 percent at fault, you receive $8,000.
Do I have to go to court?
Most bicycle accident cases settle without trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company, and if both sides agree on an amount, the case closes. You only go to court if settlement talks fail and your lawyer decides to file a lawsuit.
What if the driver doesn't have insurance?
You may still have a claim against the driver personally, though collecting can be difficult. You can also check whether your own auto or homeowner's insurance has uninsured motorist coverage, which sometimes covers bicycle accidents. Your lawyer can advise you on your options.
Will hiring a lawyer cost me money upfront?
No. Contingency means your lawyer is paid only if you win or settle. They cover their own costs upfront and recoup them from your settlement or judgment. Make sure you understand what percentage they charge and whether costs like filing fees are deducted before or after their percentage.