Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Attorneys Fighting for Injured Cyclists

A bike ride through Fort Collins should be safe, peaceful, and free. Whether one is commuting along the Mason Trail, completing a weekend loop around City Park, or cycling through traffic around Colorado State University, biking is part of the city’s rhythm and pulse. It only takes one careless driver to shatter it. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Fort Collins bicycle accident, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate the recovery alone.

We at Levine Law understand how devastating a bicycle accident can be. The physical pain, the mounting medical bills, and the emotional suffering can be crushing. That is why we step in immediately, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a case that puts your needs first. We strive to fight the legal fight so that you can focus on healing.

Recent research by the Colorado Department of Transportation discovers an alarming trend in severe bicycle injuries on the state’s highways as more bicyclists share the road with speeding and distracted motorists. For more information, read CDOT’s official safety observations. These statewide trends manifest themselves here in Fort Collins, especially on high-use roads such as South College Avenue, Mulberry Street, and Harmony Road.

Whether your accident took place near Old Town, outside a neighborhood park, or along the Spring Creek Trail, we’re here to help you take the next step on the road to recovery and justice, with the compassion, experience, and aggressive commitment you deserve.

Common Fort Collins Bicycle Crash Scenarios That Often Lead to Serious Injuries

Bicyclists in Fort Collins enjoy access to a wide network of trails, bike lanes, and scenic streets. However, despite the city’s investment in cycling infrastructure, crashes remain far too common. Many bicycle accidents in Fort Collins follow recognizable patterns tied to location, driver behavior, and road design. These trends help us identify fault and build strong legal claims on behalf of injured riders.

When motorists violate traffic laws or drive carelessly, they put cyclists in immediate danger. The most serious crashes frequently occur near intersections, downtown corridors, and fast-moving arterial roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, urban areas experience a high concentration of bicycle crashes, with intersections being among the most dangerous. Their urban safety overview provides critical data on the patterns behind these accidents.

At Levine Law, we understand that behind every crash statistic is a person whose life has been disrupted. That’s why we move fast to protect your rights and seek justice for every Fort Collins bicycle crash victim.

Dangerous Intersection Crashes Throughout Midtown and Old Town

Intersections are among the riskiest locations for Fort Collins cyclists. Whether at College and Prospect or Mulberry and Shields, drivers often fail to yield, misjudge cyclist speed, or ignore marked lanes.

Left-Turn Crashes at Shields and Elizabeth

A common and dangerous scenario involves a driver turning left across the path of an oncoming cyclist. Intersections like Shields and Elizabeth, close to CSU, see frequent collisions when motorists assume they can beat a rider through the turn. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that left-turn crashes are a leading cause of serious injury in bike and pedestrian accidents.

These are high-impact events that cause broken bones, head trauma, and lasting disability. Our team acts quickly to collect dash cam footage, traffic signal timing data, and physical evidence from the scene.

Red-Light Running on Harmony and Timberline

When drivers run red lights at major intersections like Harmony and Timberline, cyclists legally crossing in a bike lane are put in harm’s way. Even a split-second delay in reaction can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

The Federal Highway Administration has issued guidance on intersection safety improvements, underscoring how better design and driver compliance could reduce crashes significantly. We use this data to support claims and push for accountability.

Dooring Incidents in Downtown Fort Collins and Retail Corridors

Dooring accidents are among the most easily preventable yet persistently overlooked threats to cyclists. In Old Town Fort Collins and commercial areas like South College Avenue, these crashes occur when a vehicle occupant opens a car door into the path of a passing rider.

High-Risk Zones on College Avenue and Laurel Street

Streets with heavy foot traffic and parallel parking create high-risk zones for cyclists. Locations like College and Laurel are especially dangerous because cyclists must ride close to parked cars in narrow lanes. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports in a recent urban bicycle crash study that dooring incidents are underreported yet extremely common in urban bike corridors.

We help victims gather evidence from storefront cameras, incident reports, and medical evaluations to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Poor Visibility During Evening Hours

At night, visibility becomes a major hazard. In areas with low street lighting, such as alleyways or downtown side streets, cyclists may not see a door opening until it’s too late. Drivers, especially those exiting rideshares or delivery vehicles, often fail to check before stepping out.

A report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explains how poor visibility increases crash risks, particularly in commercial and entertainment zones. These findings support claims when a driver’s negligence is compounded by nighttime conditions.

Distracted Driving Collisions Near Lemay Avenue and the CSU Campus

Distracted driving continues to rise across Fort Collins, especially in areas with younger drivers and frequent phone use. Lemay Avenue, Plum Street, and the CSU campus zone are prime locations where distraction-related bicycle crashes occur.

Cellphone Use Around Schools and Campus Districts

Students commuting to and from class face daily risk from distracted drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms in its motor vehicle safety study that cellphone use plays a direct role in serious injury crashes across the country. In Fort Collins, this is especially dangerous in school zones and bike-heavy areas.

We move quickly to subpoena cellphone records and examine crash timing to identify patterns of distraction.

Rear-End Impacts from Inattentive Drivers

Cyclists stopped at intersections or traffic signals often become victims of rear-end crashes caused by drivers who fail to slow down in time. These collisions often result in spinal injuries, whiplash, and traumatic brain injury.

We work with trusted professionals to reconstruct these crashes and align impact angles with driver behavior. The documentation helps ensure insurance companies take your claim seriously.

Unsafe Passing and Aggressive Driving on County Roads Near Fort Collins

Cyclists riding outside the city core face new risks, especially on roads like Taft Hill and County Road 38E. These routes are narrow, lack shoulders, and often feature high-speed vehicle traffic.

Failure to Obey the Three-Foot Passing Law

Colorado law requires motorists to leave at least three feet between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing. On rural roads with limited space, this law is frequently ignored. The League of American Bicyclists advocates for stronger enforcement of this rule and explains its importance for cyclist protection.

When this space is violated, riders may be forced off the road or clipped by side mirrors. We document tire marks, witness statements, and helmet cam footage when available to support these cases.

Hostile Behavior from Impatient Drivers

Cyclists are often targeted by aggressive drivers frustrated with having to share the road. Honking, tailgating, and sudden swerves are common, and highly dangerous. These encounters can lead to panic, loss of control, and injury.

Serious Fort Collins Bicycle Crash Injuries That Change Lives Near CSU and the Poudre Trail

A bicycle accident in Fort Collins can cause more than just bruises and broken gear. These crashes often result in life-altering injuries, especially when they happen at high speeds or near fast-moving traffic. Whether the crash occurred near the CSU campus, along the Poudre Trail, or on Prospect Road, the physical and emotional toll can last for months or even years.

At Levine Law, we help clients recover full compensation for their injuries, including future medical care, lost income, and long-term pain. We know that a proper diagnosis and detailed legal documentation make all the difference. According to a National Institutes of Health study, bicycle-related trauma frequently leads to hospitalization and often involves multiple types of injuries. That’s why we build comprehensive cases tailored to the full scope of your suffering.

We have seen how even a brief collision can leave a lasting impact on your body and your life. Below are some of the most common injuries Fort Collins cyclists experience.

Head and Brain Trauma on the Mason Trail and Campus Corridors

Head injuries are among the most serious and costly results of a bike crash. Riders thrown from their bikes can strike the ground, a vehicle, or a stationary object with full force. This risk increases on narrow trails like Mason or in student-heavy areas around CSU, where fast-moving traffic often combines with distracted driving.

Traumatic Brain Injuries From Bike Accidents Around Laurel and Shields

Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but confusion, headaches, memory loss, and vision changes often develop over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of long-term disability in vehicle-related crashes.

We gather medical imaging records, neurological evaluations, and cognitive assessments to build a clear picture of how the brain injury has disrupted your daily life.

Spinal and Neck Injuries After Crashes on Taft Hill and Harmony Road

Spinal cord injuries are especially common in bike accidents involving sudden impacts or rollovers. Riders traveling downhill or navigating high-speed roads like Harmony often suffer serious trauma to the back or neck during collisions.

Herniated Discs and Nerve Damage on County Roads

The spine absorbs significant force in crashes. Herniated discs, pinched nerves, or fractured vertebrae can leave victims in chronic pain with limited movement. These injuries are common on rural roads like Taft Hill where uneven surfaces or aggressive passing increase crash severity. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains that these spinal injuries often require long-term care, surgery, or physical rehabilitation.

We collaborate with medical professionals to establish how the spinal trauma will impact your work, mobility, and quality of life.

Fractures and Broken Bones After Impact Near Midtown Fort Collins

Broken bones are among the most frequent injuries after a bicycle crash. Whether a rider is hit directly or thrown onto the pavement, the hands, arms, shoulders, and legs often take the brunt of the fall.

Wrist and Shoulder Fractures on Elizabeth Street and College Avenue

In high-traffic areas like College Avenue and Elizabeth Street, riders often try to brace themselves before impact, which leads to wrist, elbow, or collarbone fractures. These injuries often require surgery, followed by months of physical therapy.

We document every medical visit, diagnostic image, and surgical procedure to ensure your injury claim reflects the full financial impact.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage on the Poudre Trail and Beyond

Some of the most dangerous injuries are not visible. When a cyclist is struck at high speed or lands hard on the handlebars or frame, internal bleeding and organ trauma may result.

Abdominal Trauma From High-Impact Collisions Near Lemay Avenue

Blunt-force trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause damage to the liver, spleen, or lungs. Crashes near Lemay Avenue and Prospect Road often occur at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of these serious internal injuries. According to research from the American College of Surgeons, internal trauma is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in urban cycling incidents.

We work to ensure emergency care, hospital stays, and long-term recovery costs are fully accounted for in your case.

Joint and Soft Tissue Injuries Along Spring Creek Trail and Residential Streets

Not all injuries involve broken bones or head trauma. Many crashes result in damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, especially in the knees, ankles, shoulders, and wrists.

Torn Ligaments and Tendons After Falls in Local Neighborhoods

When cyclists crash on uneven pavement or lose control after swerving, joint injuries are common. Streets around Spring Creek Trail and Fort Collins’ residential neighborhoods are often filled with sidewalk gaps or poorly maintained roads. Injuries like ACL tears or rotator cuff damage can keep victims out of work for months.

The Johns Hopkins Medicine Department has found that untreated soft tissue injuries often lead to long-term limitations. We include orthopedic reports and therapy recommendations in your claim to show how these injuries affect your daily life.

How Injured Fort Collins Cyclists Recover Maximum Compensation After a Crash

After a bicycle crash in Fort Collins, the medical bills, time off work, and emotional stress can stack up quickly. Many injured cyclists feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. At Levine Law, we step in to guide riders through the legal process and pursue every dollar they’re entitled to under Colorado law. We know the financial strain these injuries cause, and we build strong, evidence-backed claims to make sure the compensation reflects the true cost of your recovery.

According to the Colorado General Assembly’s civil remedies guidance, injury victims have the legal right to seek full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Our firm has helped thousands of people statewide recover financial support for their injuries, their pain, and their future. Fort Collins cyclists deserve the same fierce advocacy and clear answers.

Medical Bills and Hospital Expenses From Local Emergency Rooms

One of the most immediate financial concerns after a crash is the cost of emergency care. Whether you were transported to UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital or received treatment at a nearby urgent care facility, those medical bills arrive quickly.

Compensation for Surgery and Rehabilitation After Hospitalization

Serious bicycle injuries often require surgery, extended hospital stays, and months of follow-up care. Victims injured along Harmony Road or Timberline frequently report needing physical therapy or orthopedic treatment after the initial trauma. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation costs continue to rise year after year.

We make sure all medical expenses are fully included in your claim, from ambulance transport to surgical hardware and long-term therapy.

Lost Wages and Missed Work After a Fort Collins Bicycle Crash

Many cyclists who suffer serious injuries are unable to return to work immediately. Some miss days, others miss months. In some cases, victims are never able to perform the same job again.

Recovery of Income for Self-Employed Riders and Hourly Workers

Whether you manage a business in Old Town or work shift hours at a local store, time off means lost income. Riders often have no short-term disability coverage or sick leave. We gather wage records, tax filings, and employer letters to calculate the value of the time you lost. The U.S. Department of Labor highlights how even short absences from work can cost thousands in income and benefits.

We make sure your injury claim includes every hour and paycheck lost due to someone else’s careless driving.

Pain and Suffering After Crashes on Taft Hill or College Avenue

Physical pain and emotional distress cannot be measured by receipts, but they are very real. Colorado law allows compensation for pain, suffering, and the mental toll caused by traumatic injuries.

Emotional Distress and Loss of Enjoyment After the Crash

Cyclists who loved their morning commute or weekend rides along Spring Creek Trail often find themselves afraid to ride again. Some develop anxiety, sleep disruptions, or post-traumatic stress symptoms.

We work closely with your medical team to include mental health treatment, therapy sessions, and the impact on your daily life as part of your compensation demand.

Future Expenses and Long-Term Needs After a Fort Collins Bicycle Injury

Some bicycle injuries never fully heal. If your crash caused permanent damage, limited mobility, or chronic pain, your financial recovery must reflect those lifelong effects.

Lifetime Costs for Disability and Ongoing Medical Care

From adaptive equipment to home modifications or future surgeries, we account for everything your recovery will require. According to Social Security Administration data, long-term disability costs can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars over a person’s lifetime. Our goal is to secure compensation that protects you not just today but for the years ahead.

We build clear, fact-driven life care plans to show insurers or juries exactly how your future will be affected by the crash.

Property Damage and Bicycle Replacement After the Collision

In many Fort Collins bicycle crashes, the rider’s bike, helmet, gear, and electronics are damaged or destroyed. High-performance bicycles and safety equipment can cost thousands of dollars to replace.

Reimbursement for Personal Property Lost in the Crash

We make sure your claim includes the cost of your bicycle, custom components, smartwatches, mobile devices, and anything else damaged during the incident. This is especially important for cyclists who use their bike for work or transportation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides useful resources on equipment safety, which we sometimes use to support product value claims.

Our legal team itemizes every damaged item so you receive full reimbursement, not a lowball estimate.

Talk to a Fort Collins Bicycle Accident Attorney Who Will Fight for Your Recovery

When a bicycle crash turns your life upside down, you need more than promises. You need a legal team that listens, acts fast, and delivers results. At Levine Law, we proudly represent injured cyclists throughout Fort Collins and across Larimer County. Whether your crash happened near the Poudre Trail, outside a CSU crosswalk, or on Harmony Road, we are ready to help you take the next step toward justice.

We understand the challenges you are facing. Medical bills continue to grow. Your income may be on hold. The pain, both physical and emotional, can feel like it never stops. That’s why we move quickly to investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, and deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.

Research from the American Bar Association shows that injury victims represented by attorneys consistently receive higher settlements than those who go it alone. With our team by your side, you gain a powerful advocate who knows how to win cases and protect your future.

We offer free consultations, and we never charge fees unless we recover compensation for you. If you or someone you love was injured in a Fort Collins bicycle crash, contact us today. Let Levine Law carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We are here for you when it matters most.