Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Denver

Our city gives cyclists scenic routes and year-round access to streets near downtown and the South Platte River Trail. When a driver fails to respect a cyclist’s right to the road, a routine ride can end in broken bones and a head injury that takes months to heal. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Denver often involve preventable driver choices or unsafe road conditions.

At The Wilhite Law Firm, we help injured riders understand what happened and prove it. An experienced cyclist injury attorney can investigate the crash scene, preserve any video footage before the driver or business erases it, and challenge an insurer that tries to blame you. We are locally based and ready to act quickly, because Wilhite Wins.

Driver Negligence and Common Bike Crash Causes

One common cause of Denver bike crashes is when a driver does not look carefully before turning or opening a door. Colorado law gives people on bicycles the same rights and duties as drivers under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412, which means motorists must treat cyclists as lawful road users rather than obstacles. We often investigate crashes involving:

• Distracted driving near bike lanes
• Unsafe left turns at intersections
• Failure to yield during right turns
• Speeding on neighborhood corridors
• Opening a vehicle door into traffic (dooring)
• Impaired or aggressive driving

Dooring deserves special attention in dense urban environments. C.R.S. § 42-4-1207 bars opening a vehicle door into traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. A rider struck by a suddenly opened door can suffer the same serious injuries as one hit by a moving car.

What Causes Bike Crashes Near Local Intersections?

One common factor in bike crashes in Denver is road users competing for limited space. Intersections near Colfax Avenue and Speer Boulevard can put turning vehicles and cyclists in conflict at the same moment, and the rider often suffers severe injuries when a motorist misjudges a signal. Riders who use the city’s protected bike lanes or share the road with RTD buses still depend on drivers paying attention, and a single distracted moment can negate every precaution a cyclist takes.

Colorado’s Safety Stop law, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.5, lets a person on a bicycle move through certain stop-controlled intersections after slowing and yielding when it is safe. The law does not erase a driver’s duty to watch for cyclists, and insurers sometimes misuse it to blame the cyclist, which makes an accurate crash investigation essential. When we work on a bicycle accident case, we review the police report and the available traffic-camera footage to build a clear timeline. A local case is likely to proceed in either Denver County Court or Denver District Court, depending on the amount involved.

Road Hazards and Unsafe Conditions for Cyclists

Not every bicycle injury begins with a negligent driver. A common reason for bike crashes in Denver is that a pothole or an unsafe work zone can force a rider into traffic or cause a loss of control. Such cases demand fast action because a construction crew may repair a dangerous condition before anyone photographs it.

When a public entity shares responsibility for a bike accident in Denver, Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act can require written notice within 182 days under C.R.S. § 24-10-109. That deadline is far shorter than many injured riders expect. We work to identify whether a city agency or a private contractor contributed to the crash, and we act quickly to protect your claim.

Call Our Denver Team About the Common Causes of Bike Crashes

The aftermath of a crash can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to handle the insurance process alone. We can evaluate the driver’s behavior and the roadway conditions while you focus on healing, and we will pursue every available source of compensation for your injuries.

If you were hurt and want answers about the common causes of bicycle accidents in Denver, contact us at The Wilhite Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will explain your options and fight for the result you need, because Wilhite Wins.