Written by Remington Fang
Common cycling injuries can change a person’s life in a moment. Riders hit by careless drivers or injured by dangerous road conditions often face more than just physical pain. At Fang Injury & Accident Lawyers Denver, we’ve worked with injured cyclists throughout Denver and nearby areas, helping them through the aftermath of crashes that caused serious trauma. These accidents often bring lasting medical complications, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty. Whether your injuries were caused by a negligent motorist or a roadway that should’ve been safer, our team is here to help you recover—medically, legally, and financially.
Cyclists are especially vulnerable in a crash due to their exposure and lack of physical protection. Based on current data from the National Library of Medicine, the most commonly reported injuries in bicycle accidents are:
Most of these injuries are sustained during impact with a vehicle, the pavement, or roadside objects. In our experience, even so-called “minor” injuries can lead to long-term pain and costly medical treatment.
To help prevent the most common cycling injuries, riders should always wear a properly fitted helmet and equip their bikes with lights and reflective gear to improve visibility. Staying alert and avoiding distractions is critical, especially when riding in or near traffic. Whenever possible, cyclists should use designated bike lanes and follow all traffic laws and signals, just as a motor vehicle driver would. It’s also wise to avoid riding in poor weather conditions or low-light environments, when visibility and road safety are significantly reduced. Still, even when every precaution is taken, negligent drivers or unsafe road conditions can lead to serious accidents—and when they do, the physical consequences can be severe.

Yes. Cyclists can and do suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents, especially when struck by a vehicle. A minor fall may lead to scrapes or a broken wrist, but more serious collisions can result in:
Recent figures from the National Safety Council show a troubling increase in bicycle-related fatalities. Over the past ten years, cyclist deaths have risen by 53 percent. In the most recent reporting year, 1,377 people lost their lives while riding bikes, including 937 involving motor vehicles and 440 from other types of incidents.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They represent people whose lives were cut short doing something as routine as commuting or exercising. This is not a random series of accidents. It reflects a growing safety issue tied to distracted driving, unsafe road design, and the ongoing failure to protect cyclists across the country.
If you were injured while cycling due to someone else’s negligence, Colorado law allows you to pursue financial compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. This may include coverage for your medical expenses, both current and future, as well as any income you’ve lost during your recovery or diminished earning capacity moving forward.
You may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the cost to repair or replace damaged property, such as your bicycle. In more serious cases, compensation can also account for long-term rehabilitation needs or permanent disability accommodations that impact your daily life.
Colorado applies a modified comparative fault rule, outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111. Under this system, you may still recover compensation for your injuries as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery is reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For instance, if your damages total $100,000 but you are determined to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
Because no two bicycle accident cases are exactly alike, outcomes can vary significantly. Some claims may be resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, while others may require formal litigation to reach a fair result.
After a crash, many cyclists try to “tough it out,” but this can cost you valuable legal leverage. We strongly recommend the following steps:
We often meet clients weeks after their accidents who missed critical windows to document evidence, speak to witnesses, or protect their rights. Even if you believe you might be partially at fault, an experienced attorney can assess your legal standing and guide you on next steps.
At Fang Injury & Accident Lawyers Denver, we’ve helped clients recover after a wide range of common cycling injuries, from head trauma to shattered wrists. These cases aren’t just paperwork to us. We dig in, uncover the truth, and fight to make sure the right people are held accountable. Our team understands how quickly a bike accident can disrupt your routine, your income, and your ability to move forward without legal support.
Call 720-379-6363 today to speak with a Denver cycling attorney who handles serious bike crash cases. We serve clients across Colorado.
A Colorado Springs native with a lifelong passion for standing up to bullies, Remington fights for the injured against corporations that put profit over people. Raised in a family devoted to service and healing, he brings compassion and grit to every case.
A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Remington has recovered millions for clients with Fang Injury & Accident Lawyers Denver. He believes no injury should silence the human spirit — and he won’t stop fighting until justice is served. See Remington in AVVO.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by Remington W. Fang, our Founding Partner, who brings over 10 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.