Find the Best Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Your Case

When a cyclist is struck by a car or truck on the streets of Colorado Springs, the consequences can be devastating. Bicycle accident cases differ from car accident cases because riders have virtually no protection against several thousand pounds of steel, and the resulting injuries are often far more severe. If you or a family member has been hurt in a bicycle crash, Johnston Law Firm, LLC is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Key Takeaways

• Johnston Law Firm, LLC helps injured cyclists throughout Colorado Springs and across Colorado pursue bicycle accident claims after collisions with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. Attorney Stephen (Steve) M. Johnston is a Pueblo-based trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience representing injured people in El Paso, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties.

• Injured riders can call (719) 309-9484 or message us online for a free bicycle accident case evaluation, with no fee unless compensation is recovered in most personal injury cases.

• Colorado's strict deadlines - often two or three years depending on the type of claim - and the state's modified comparative negligence rule make it critical to contact a Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer quickly after a crash.

• Compensation in a bicycle accident claim can include medical bills, lost wages, bike replacement, pain and suffering, and future medical costs. Steve Johnston personally handles cases and is prepared to take serious matters to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

• Bicycle and pedestrian deaths in Colorado rose to 156 in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for legal protection for injured cyclists across the state.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Colorado Springs? Start Here

If you were hit by a vehicle while riding on Academy Blvd, Powers Blvd, Nevada Ave, Garden of the Gods Road, or along the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, you already know how quickly a routine ride can turn into a life-altering event. Bicycle accidents with cars and trucks often cause serious injuries because cyclists have almost no protection against a 3,000-pound motor vehicle traveling at road speed. Nationally, 966 bicyclists died in traffic crashes in a recent year, and negligent drivers cause many bicycle accidents right here in Colorado.

Johnston Law Firm, LLC’s bicycle accident attorneys represent injured cyclists in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and throughout southern and central Colorado in claims against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Steve Johnston understands what is at stake and works directly with each client to build the strongest possible case.

Call (719) 309-9484 or contact us online right away for a free consultation with a bike accident lawyer about your Colorado Springs bicycle accident case.

This article covers your legal rights after a bicycle crash, relevant Colorado bicycle laws, who may be liable, the types of compensation available, and how Steve Johnston can help with your bicycle accident claim.

Why Hire Johnston Law Firm as Your Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

While the firm is based in Pueblo, Steve Johnston is a Colorado Springs-area personal injury lawyer who regularly handles serious personal injury and automobile accident cases for clients in the Colorado Springs area and nearby counties. Choosing a lawyer requires legal expertise and a strong track record, and Steve brings both.

Key reasons to choose Johnston Law Firm for your bicycle accident case:

• Over two decades of trial and negotiation experience across Colorado and Wyoming courtrooms

• A practice focused on the injured people an injury lawyer serves - not insurance companies

• A proven track record of hundreds of resolved injury and workers' compensation matters

• Local attorneys who understand Colorado Springs municipal traffic codes and the roads where crashes happen most often

Bicycle accident claims fit naturally into Steve's core practice areas: personal injury, automobile accidents, and, when appropriate, workers' compensation if the cyclist was hurt while working as a delivery rider or courier.

Clients work directly with Steve - not a rotating team of associates. The office keeps a lean caseload to provide attentive, personalized service to injured cyclists. Attorneys often charge on a contingency fee basis, and Johnston Law Firm follows that model for most Colorado bicycle accident claims. A contingency fee structure usually requires no upfront payment; you pay no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. Costs and fee arrangements are explained clearly during the initial consultation.

Schedule a free case review by calling (719) 309-9484 today.

Attorney Stephen M. Johnston: Local Trial Experience That Matters in Bicycle Accident Cases

Steve Johnston earned his J.D. from the University of Wyoming in 2002 and has spent over 20 years building courtroom and administrative hearing experience across Colorado and Wyoming. His admissions to practice in Colorado, Wyoming, the U.S. District Courts for both states, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit give him the breadth needed when bicycle accident cases involve complex insurance disputes or multi-party issues.

His extensive work in personal injury and automobile accidents, combined with deep experience in workers' compensation and Social Security disability, provides critical insight into medical evidence, long-term disability, and the calculation of future damages after a severe bicycle crash. Steve is an experienced attorney who understands how to value what an injury will cost a family not just today, but years down the road.

Based in Pueblo and serving clients across the Front Range and rural counties, Steve maintains strong local ties through community involvement, including leadership of the Pueblo Rangers Soccer Club and volunteer work with regional legal-aid clinics. He is prepared to negotiate, mediate, or take a bicycle accident case to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado

Bicycle accidents in and around Colorado Springs can occur on congested downtown streets, high-speed suburban corridors, or rural highways connecting El Paso County to Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties. Drivers often fail to see cyclists or ignore their right of way, and many bicycle crashes happen in the same traffic conditions that also lead to car accidents, especially at major intersections where traffic volume is heaviest.

Common crash patterns include:

• Left-turn collisions where a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist

• "Right hook" collisions at intersections where a driver overtakes a cyclist and turns right

• Rear-end impacts in a bike lane or on road shoulders

• Dooring incidents near downtown or Old Colorado City where a parked vehicle's door opens into a cyclist's path

• Distracted driving crashes on I-25 frontage roads, Highway 24, and State Highway 50 between Colorado Springs and Pueblo, where traffic speeds magnify injury risk

Additional scenarios involve unsafe passing with less than three feet of clearance, failure to yield at crosswalks or multi-use path crossings, and crashes caused by uneven pavement, debris, or dangerous road defects.

Both off-duty crashes and on-the-job bicycle accidents - such as delivery or courier work - can give rise to personal injury claims. Some may also involve workers' compensation and a separate third-party claim against the at fault driver.

Typical Injuries in Colorado Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment at facilities serving the Colorado Springs area and Pueblo, such as UCHealth Memorial, Penrose-St. Francis, or Parkview Medical Center. Those medical records become central evidence in any bicycle accident claim.

Common injuries include:

• Broken bones in the wrists, collarbone, ribs, and legs

• Road rash and deep lacerations

• Torn ligaments and dislocations

• Shoulder injuries from impact with pavement or a vehicle

More severe injuries frequent in bicycle accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries - even with a helmet

• Spinal cord and back injuries, herniated discs

• Facial fractures and dental injuries

• Internal organ damage

Long-term consequences can include chronic pain, limited mobility, post-traumatic stress, and an inability to return to previous work or recreational activities. These lifelong complications often require ongoing medical care, which drives up future medical costs substantially.

Prompt medical evaluation after any bicycle crash is essential, even when injuries seem minor. Some conditions - concussions, internal bleeding, soft-tissue tears - may not produce obvious symptoms for hours or days. Documenting injuries is crucial for both health outcomes and for building a strong legal and insurance claim.

What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Colorado Springs

The steps you take in the first hours after a bike accident can significantly affect the outcome of your bicycle accident claim. Colorado requires prompt evidence gathering after accidents, and evidence preservation is crucial. Here is what to do:

• Prioritize safety. Move out of traffic if you can do so without worsening an injury. Call 911 immediately to report the bicycle accident so local law enforcement can respond and prepare an official police report. Always wait for police to document the accident.

• Seek medical attention. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if symptoms appear mild. Emergency rooms and urgent care facilities can rule out brain, neck, or internal injuries and create contemporaneous documentation that supports your claim.

• Gather contact information. Obtain the driver's name, phone number, license plate, and insurance details. Gather contact information from witnesses and the other driver at the scene.

• Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signals, weather and road conditions, and damage to your bicycle and gear. Take photos of the accident scene and injuries while the evidence is fresh.

• Avoid giving statements. Do not provide recorded statements or sign documents for any insurance company before speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your own words to reduce or deny your claim.

• Consult a lawyer. Consult a lawyer to assess your legal options promptly. An attorney can help gather crucial evidence promptly, before it disappears.

Reach out to Johnston Law Firm now by calling (719) 309-9484 or using our online contact form.

Colorado Bicycle Laws and How They Affect Your Accident Claim

Colorado law gives cyclists the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles, and these traffic and roadway rules help protect bicyclists in Colorado, which directly impacts who is at fault in a bicycle accident case. Understanding these rules is important because bicycle accident claims require proving driver negligence caused your injuries.

Key Colorado bicycle rules relevant to claims:

• Riding position. Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right side of the roadway, in the same direction as traffic, except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards. Cyclists must follow traffic signals and ride with traffic in Colorado.

• Three-foot passing law. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1002, drivers must allow at least three feet of space when overtaking a bicycle. Violations of this rule often support liability in a bicycle crash claim.

• Visibility requirements. Night riders must use a white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector. Non-compliance can affect comparative negligence arguments, but it does not automatically destroy a claim.

• Bike lane protections. Cyclists may have specific protections concerning bike lanes. Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes when turning, and failure to do so is a common cause of collisions.

• Traffic signals. Cyclists must follow traffic signals and signs under Colorado law, just as any motor vehicle operator would.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence standard for bicycle accident claims. An injured cyclist can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault, but recovery is reduced by the cyclist's percentage of fault. Cyclists can recover damages even if partially at fault in Colorado, making careful investigation essential.

Attorneys help navigate state rules regarding fault in accidents. If you are unsure how a traffic citation or alleged rule violation affects your bicycle accident claim, speak directly with an attorney at Johnston Law Firm.

Who May Be Liable in a Colorado Bicycle Crash?

Determining liability in bicycle accident cases is often more complex than it first appears. Multiple parties may share responsibility:

• Negligent drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, speed, or pass too closely

• Commercial drivers operating company vehicles, including delivery trucks and rideshare vehicles

• Government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions such as large potholes, missing signage, or poorly designed intersections (these claims have special notice and timing requirements under Colorado law)

• Property owners who create hazardous conditions adjacent to roadways

• Product manufacturers whose defective bicycle frames, brakes, or components contributed to the crash

In on-the-job bicycle accidents - such as those involving delivery cyclists - a workers' compensation claim may run in parallel with a third-party personal injury claim against the at fault driver or other negligent party.

Steve Johnston investigates all potential sources of liability to maximize available insurance coverage in a bicycle accident claim. A good lawyer investigates issues unique to bicycle accidents that a general practitioner might overlook.

What Compensation Can You Seek After a Bicycle Accident in Colorado?

No attorney can promise a specific compensation amount, but Colorado law allows injured cyclists to pursue a range of damages tailored to their situation.

Economic damages:

Category	Examples
Medical expenses	Emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, future medical costs for ongoing care
Lost wages	Income lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity
Property damage	Bicycle repair or replacement, helmet, gear

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress after the accident

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Disfigurement or scarring

• Inconvenience and disruption to daily activities

Pain and suffering claims cover emotional distress after accidents and are often a significant portion of recovery for injured cyclists.

Punitive (exemplary) damages are possible in rare cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, such as drunk driving or road rage directed at cyclists.

Wrongful death damages apply when a cyclist is killed. Surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Under current Colorado law, non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim are capped at $2,125,000 for claims accruing on or after January 1, 2025, unless the death resulted from a felonious killing.

Evaluating a bicycle accident case requires a detailed review of injuries, medical prognosis, and insurance coverage. Bicycle accident victims can claim medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, and compensation for future care needs. Schedule a free consultation to discuss the full scope of possible compensation in your case.

Deadlines for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Colorado

Strict filing deadlines apply to Colorado bicycle accident cases, and missing them can permanently bar recovery.

• Three-year deadline for motor vehicle crashes. Colorado has a three-year statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims involving a motor vehicle, running from the date of the crash. Colorado law gives three years to file a bicycle accident claim in most vehicle-involved collisions.

• Two-year deadline for some claims. Non-motor-vehicle bicycle accident claims (such as crashes involving only bicycles or pedestrians) may be subject to a two-year deadline. It is safer to speak with a lawyer promptly rather than guessing which deadline applies.

• Government entity claims. Claims against government entities for dangerous roads, poorly maintained trails, or defective signage have shorter notice requirements and special procedures that can be as short as 90 or 180 days.

• Wrongful death. A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years from the date of death.

Do not wait until the end of the limitations period. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories fade, and the legal process becomes harder the longer you delay. Lost income, medical bills, and other damages grow more difficult to prove as time passes.

Call (719) 309-9484 as soon as possible after a crash to protect your rights and meet all deadlines.

How Johnston Law Firm Builds and Negotiates Bicycle Accident Cases

The firm treats each bicycle accident case as a serious, fact-intensive investigation - not just an insurance formality. An attorney can help deal with insurance companies and negotiate claims from a position of strength.

Typical steps include:

1. Obtaining and reviewing police reports, EMS records, and medical records. An attorney can help obtain police reports and witness statements that are essential to building a case.

2. Collecting photographs, video, and witness statements from the scene.

3. Consulting accident reconstruction and medical experts when appropriate.

4. Identifying all responsible parties and insurance policies - auto liability, umbrella coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and potential commercial policies - to maximize available recovery.

5. Preparing a detailed settlement demand package that documents liability, injuries, treatment, prognosis, and financial losses.

A lawyer can protect your rights during insurance negotiations. If insurance companies undervalue a bicycle accident claim, Steve is prepared to file suit, engage in discovery, and present the case to a judge or jury. This approach reflects the firm's broader litigation philosophy described on its personal injury and automobile accidents practice pages.

How Bicycle Accident Claims Interact with Workers' Compensation and Other Benefits

Some cyclists are injured while on the job - making deliveries, traveling between work sites, or performing courier duties. These situations may trigger both a workers' compensation claim and a third-party bicycle accident claim against the at fault driver.

Johnston Law Firm regularly handles workers' compensation cases across Colorado and understands how to coordinate work injury benefits (medical treatment, wage replacement, impairment ratings) with personal injury recovery. When workers' comp or health insurance pays medical bills, liens and subrogation can arise. Careful handling protects the injured cyclist's net recovery.

Severe bicycle accident injuries may also lead to Social Security disability claims. Steve's experience in Social Security law helps clients understand this additional safety net and how injuries prevent them from returning to work.

If you were injured while working, contact the firm early so both the workers' compensation case and the bicycle accident claim are properly preserved.

What to Expect When You Call Johnston Law Firm About a Bicycle Accident

The consultation process is straightforward:

1. Initial contact. Call (719) 309-9484 or send a message online. Message frequency varies based on case complexity, but the firm responds promptly.

2. Screening. A brief review of the bicycle accident facts to determine whether the firm can help.

3. Free consultation. Steve will review how the accident occurred, discuss injuries and treatment, answer questions about Colorado law and insurance, and outline potential paths forward.

4. Engagement. If the firm accepts the case, clients typically sign a contingency fee agreement that clearly explains fees and costs. Most communication thereafter is directly with Steve and his small, dedicated team.

5. Ongoing updates. The firm keeps clients informed about settlement offers, litigation milestones, and medical-expert reviews so you always know where your bicycle accident claim stands.

The firm understands how stressful a bicycle crash can be and works to reduce the burden of dealing with insurance companies while you focus on healing. Hiring a lawyer is valuable for significant injuries and insurance disputes because it lets you concentrate on recovery while experienced bicycle accident lawyers handle the legal fight.

Contact a Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a family member is dealing with the aftermath of a serious bicycle crash in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or anywhere in Colorado, Johnston Law Firm, LLC is ready to evaluate your case. The firm handles bicycle accident claims involving collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, with a particular focus on clients in El Paso, Pueblo, Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties.

Consultations for bicycle accident claims are free. Most personal injury clients do not pay any attorney fees unless the firm helps them recover compensation. There is no financial risk in reaching out.

Call (719) 309-9484 now, or send us a message online for a prompt response.

You deserve compensation for what a negligent driver took from you. Let Johnston Law Firm help you protect your rights, recover fair compensation, and move forward after a Colorado bicycle accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Bicycle Accident Claims

How much is my Colorado bicycle accident case worth?

There is no fixed "average" settlement for bicycle accident claims because the compensation amount depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, length of medical treatment, need for future care, lost income, and the amount of available insurance coverage. Serious cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or permanent disability can result in significantly higher settlements or verdicts than minor soft-tissue cases. Comparative negligence - any percentage of fault assigned to the cyclist - may reduce the total recovery, making careful case analysis by an experienced bicycle accident lawyer important. Request a personalized case evaluation with Steve Johnston to receive a tailored assessment based on your specific facts.

Do I really need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?

While minor property-damage-only incidents might be handled without counsel, personal injury cases - especially those involving hospital care, time off work, or lingering symptoms - are rarely straightforward. Insurance adjusters often try to blame injured cyclists or minimize injuries, and an experienced bicycle accident attorney can gather evidence, apply Colorado bicycle and traffic laws, and push back against unfair settlement offers. Because Johnston Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis for most injury cases, most injured cyclists can obtain legal help without paying out of pocket up front. At a minimum, take advantage of a free consultation to understand your rights before dealing with an insurer alone.

What if I was not wearing a helmet during the bicycle accident?

Colorado does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not automatically bar a bicycle accident claim. However, insurance companies may try to argue that the absence of a helmet contributed to the severity of head or brain injuries. The overall liability picture still depends on whether the driver or another party was negligent. Many resulting injuries - fractures, internal injuries, road rash - are entirely unrelated to helmet use. Cyclists who were not wearing a helmet should still speak with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, since comparative negligence arguments can often be managed or challenged with medical and expert testimony.

Can I still bring a claim if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Yes. Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule means you may still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a cyclist found 20% at fault on a $100,000 claim would receive $80,000. Fault percentages are not fixed at the crash scene and are often negotiable through investigation and evidence, which is why working with colorado bicycle accident lawyers who know how to build a strong liability case is critical.

How much time will my bicycle accident claim take?

Timelines vary. Straightforward bicycle accident claims may settle within several months once medical treatment stabilizes, while complex cases with severe injuries or contested liability can take a year or more - especially if a lawsuit is filed. It is often unwise to settle before the full extent of injuries and future medical needs are understood, as doing so can leave injured cyclists undercompensated. Past clients of Johnston Law Firm appreciate that Steve keeps them informed about expected timelines and major milestones throughout the legal process. For dedicated attorneys to begin working on your case, reach out for a free consultation as soon as possible.