A car can cause serious injuries to a cyclist even at low speed. Knowing the right steps after a crash can protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Report the accident to police
Colorado law requires you to report any crash that results in injury or property damage of $1,000 or more. Call 911 from the scene. A police report creates an official record of what happened and documents factors that may prove the other driver’s fault. Under Colorado’s Vulnerable Road User law, a driver who causes serious injury to a cyclist through careless driving can face a Class 1 traffic misdemeanor with substantial fines and loss of driving privileges.
Get medical attention right away
Go to an emergency room, urgent care or your primary care physician the same day. Adrenaline can mask pain from concussions, internal injuries and torn ligaments. Delaying care gives insurers an opening to argue your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. After a bicycle accident, you should collect and preserve the following:
- Medical records: Document every visit, diagnosis and follow-up appointment.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Keep receipts for all treatment and related expenses.
- Injury photographs: Take photos at the scene and continue as bruising develops.
- A personal journal: Note daily pain levels, missed work and how injuries affect your routine.
This documentation builds the evidence base your claim depends on.
Protect your claim from the start
Do not apologize or discuss fault at the scene. Limit your statement to factual details when speaking with the responding officer. Avoid posting about the accident or your physical condition on social media. Insurance adjusters may contact you within 24 to 48 hours. You are not required to give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
Know your rights under Colorado law
Cyclists have the same legal rights on the road as motor vehicle drivers. Colorado implements a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You may not recover damages if you are found more than 50% responsible.
You may speak with a bicycle accident attorney
Colorado’s general statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims is three years but key evidence disappears much faster. An attorney can help you understand your options and assess the full value of your claim.