Steamboat Springs is a cyclist’s paradise. From mountain biking on world-class trails to road cycling through spectacular mountain scenery, our community embraces cycling culture. The Yampa River Core Trail, Spring Creek Trail, and hundreds of miles of single-track make Steamboat one of Colorado’s premier cycling destinations. But sharing roads and trails with vehicles, pedestrians, and other users creates risks for cyclists.
When negligent drivers fail to watch for cyclists, violate cyclists’ right of way, or make dangerous maneuvers, serious accidents happen. Cyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles, making even low-speed collisions potentially catastrophic. And despite Colorado’s strong cycling laws, insurance companies often blame cyclists for accidents caused by driver negligence.
At Eddington Law, we’ve been fighting for injured Colorado cyclists for over 35 years. Our Steamboat Springs office means we’re part of the cycling community—we know the roads, trails, and bike paths where you ride. We understand the challenges cyclists face and the prejudice you encounter from insurance adjusters. When you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Steamboat Springs, on Highway 40, or anywhere in Routt County, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Contact Eddington Law today.
Steamboat Springs’ Unique Cycling Environment
Understanding Steamboat’s cycling culture and infrastructure is essential to protecting cyclists’ rights.
World-Class Trail System
Steamboat Springs boasts over 50 miles of paved recreational trails and hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails. The Yampa River Core Trail connects downtown to neighborhoods and recreation areas. Spring Creek Trail winds through beautiful natural areas. Emerald Mountain offers everything from beginner-friendly routes to technical single-track.
These trails attract both locals and tourists, creating mixed-use environments where cyclists share space with pedestrians, runners, dogs, and sometimes vehicles at crossings. Accidents can occur when users don’t follow trail etiquette or pay attention to their surroundings.
Road Cycling on Mountain Highways
Highway 40 through Steamboat and over Rabbit Ears Pass offers spectacular road cycling, but also exposes cyclists to serious risks. Tourist traffic, commercial vehicles, and drivers unfamiliar with sharing roads with cyclists create constant hazards.
Colorado law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet when passing. Many drivers ignore this law, passing dangerously close at high speeds. When drivers clip cyclists or force them off the road, serious injuries result.
Downtown Cycling and Bike Lanes
Steamboat’s downtown area features bike lanes and cycling infrastructure designed to protect riders. But bike lanes only work when drivers respect them. Vehicles that park in bike lanes, turn across them without looking, or “door” cyclists create dangerous situations.
Downtown also sees frequent tourist traffic—drivers unfamiliar with the area, distracted by GPS directions or scenery, who may not watch for cyclists in bike lanes or at intersections.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring through fall sees peak cycling activity in Steamboat. Summer brings tourists, cycling events, and heavy recreational use of trails and roads. Early and late season cycling presents additional challenges: lingering snow, road debris, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Even experienced cyclists face risks from drivers who don’t adjust their behavior for cyclists on the road or who fail to yield at trail crossings.
Common Causes of Steamboat Springs Bicycle Accidents
Understanding how bicycle accidents occur is essential to proving liability and recovering compensation.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
The most common cause of bicycle accidents is drivers who fail to yield when cyclists have the right of way. This happens at intersections when drivers turn left across cyclists’ paths, at driveways when vehicles pull out in front of approaching cyclists, and at trail crossings when drivers don’t stop for cyclists.
Colorado law grants cyclists the same right-of-way rights as vehicles. Drivers who fail to yield cause serious accidents and are liable for resulting injuries.
Dooring Accidents
In downtown Steamboat Springs, parked vehicle occupants who open doors into bike lanes without checking mirrors strike passing cyclists. These “dooring” accidents throw riders from their bikes, often into moving traffic, causing serious injuries.
Colorado law requires vehicle occupants to check for approaching traffic before opening doors. Drivers and passengers who door cyclists are liable for injuries.
Unsafe Passing
Colorado’s three-foot passing law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Drivers who pass too closely, especially at high speeds on mountain highways, can clip cyclists or force them off the road.
Even when drivers don’t strike cyclists, passing too closely can cause riders to lose control or crash while evading the vehicle. Drivers who violate the three-foot law are liable for resulting accidents.
Right Hook and Left Hook Accidents
“Right hook” accidents occur when vehicles turn right across cyclists’ paths, cutting them off. “Left hook” accidents happen when vehicles turn left in front of oncoming cyclists, misjudging their speed or distance.
These accidents typically happen at intersections or driveways. Drivers who turn without checking for cyclists or who misjudge cyclists’ speed cause serious collisions.
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, adjusting GPS devices, taking photos, or otherwise distracted fail to see cyclists until it’s too late. Tourist drivers particularly prone to distraction—admiring scenery, searching for destinations, or dealing with passengers.
Colorado law prohibits texting while driving, but violations are common. Distracted drivers who strike cyclists can be held liable for their negligence.
Impaired Driving
Drunk and drugged drivers pose serious threats to cyclists. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and may not see cyclists at all.
Bars and restaurants in downtown Steamboat create drunk driving risks, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Cyclists struck by impaired drivers can recover compensation and potentially punitive damages.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Drivers who speed through residential neighborhoods, downtown areas, or on mountain highways where cyclists ride create serious hazards. High-speed impacts with cyclists typically cause catastrophic injuries or death.
Reckless drivers who ignore traffic laws, drive aggressively, or operate dangerously must be held accountable when their conduct injures cyclists.
Trail User Conflicts
On multi-use trails, conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and other users can cause accidents. Pedestrians who step into bike paths without looking, dogs on long leashes across trails, and other users who don’t follow trail etiquette create hazards for cyclists.
While cyclists must ride carefully and yield appropriately, other trail users also have duties to watch for approaching cyclists and not create dangerous situations.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents typically result in serious injuries due to cyclists’ vulnerability.
Head and Brain Injuries
Even with helmet use, bicycle accidents cause head injuries: concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. When cyclists strike pavement, vehicles, or other objects head-first, the results can be catastrophic.
Brain injuries can cause cognitive impairments, personality changes, memory loss, and permanent disabilities requiring lifetime care. Even “mild” concussions can have lasting effects on quality of life.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Cyclists thrown from bikes often land on outstretched arms, breaking wrists, forearms, elbows, and collarbones. Impacts with vehicles can break legs, ankles, ribs, and facial bones. Pelvic fractures are common in high-speed collisions.
Complex fractures may require surgical insertion of plates, rods, or screws, followed by months of physical therapy. Some fractures result in permanent limitations, chronic pain, and inability to return to cycling or previous employment.
Road Rash
When cyclists slide across pavement, friction burns away skin and tissue. Road rash ranges from minor abrasions to deep wounds requiring skin grafts. Severe road rash is extremely painful, prone to infection, and often leaves permanent scars.
Treatment involves painful debridement, multiple dressing changes, possible skin grafts, and lengthy healing periods.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of being struck by a vehicle or landing from significant height can damage the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic, permanently altering every aspect of victims’ lives.
These injuries require extensive medical care, home modifications, mobility equipment, and potentially lifetime attendant care. The costs can reach millions of dollars.
Facial and Dental Injuries
Cyclists who land face-first suffer facial fractures, dental injuries, eye damage, and facial scarring. These injuries require specialized treatment from oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, and other specialists.
Facial scarring can have profound psychological impacts beyond the physical injuries themselves.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from vehicle impacts can damage internal organs: liver lacerations, ruptured spleens, kidney damage, internal bleeding. These life-threatening injuries require emergency surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle damage may seem minor compared to fractures but can cause chronic pain, limited range of motion, and long-term disability. Shoulder injuries are particularly common and debilitating for cyclists.
The Insurance Company Bias Against Cyclists
Bicycle accident victims face significant prejudice from insurance companies.
Victim Blaming Tactics
Insurance adjusters quickly blame cyclists for accidents: “You should have been on the sidewalk,” “You were riding too fast,” “You weren’t wearing bright colors,” “You should have seen the car.” These arguments are designed to minimize payouts.
Colorado law grants cyclists the same road rights as vehicles. In most cases, cyclists are not required to use sidewalks (and often it’s illegal). Riders have no duty to wear neon clothing. And cyclists who follow traffic laws and ride safely are not at fault when drivers strike them.
Comparative Fault Arguments
Even when evidence clearly shows drivers caused accidents, insurance companies manufacture comparative fault arguments against cyclists to reduce settlements. They scrutinize every aspect of cyclists’ behavior while minimizing their insureds’ negligence.
Minimizing Injuries
Insurance adjusters commonly claim bicycle accident injuries aren’t serious or suggest injuries were pre-existing. They pressure injured cyclists to settle quickly before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent.
Why You Need an Attorney Who Fights for Cyclists
At Eddington Law, we combat insurance company bias head-on. We present evidence of driver negligence, document your injuries thoroughly, and fight against unfair attempts to blame you for accidents caused by negligent drivers.
We’re cyclists ourselves. We understand the prejudice riders face, and we know how to overcome it.
Colorado Bicycle Laws and Cyclists’ Rights
Understanding Colorado’s cycling laws is essential to protecting your rights.
Cyclists’ Road Rights
Colorado law grants cyclists the same rights and duties as vehicle operators. Cyclists can use full traffic lanes, must obey traffic signals and signs, and have the right to be on the road.
Drivers who claim cyclists “shouldn’t be on the road” are simply wrong. Cyclists have every legal right to ride on public roads (except limited-access highways like interstates).
Three-Foot Passing Law
Colorado requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. On roads where three feet isn’t possible, drivers must slow down and wait for safe passing opportunities.
Drivers who violate this law and cause accidents are liable for resulting injuries.
Bike Lane Protections
When bike lanes exist, cyclists may use them but are not required to do so. Drivers may not drive or park in bike lanes except when turning or temporarily accessing parking.
Vehicles that block bike lanes, turn across them without yielding, or door cyclists from parking spaces are liable for accidents.
Trail Right of Way
On multi-use trails, faster users (cyclists) must yield to slower users (pedestrians). However, all trail users have duties to watch for others and not create hazards.
Helmet Laws
Colorado does not require adults to wear helmets while cycling (though we strongly recommend it). Not wearing a helmet does not bar recovery of compensation, though insurance companies may argue it contributed to head injuries.
Compensation Available in Bicycle Accident Cases
Bicycle accident victims can recover various types of damages.
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: All treatment costs: emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, medical equipment, and future medical care.
Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery, including past lost earnings and future lost earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to previous employment.
Property Damage: Replacement value of your bicycle and damaged gear.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent cycling, outdoor activities, or hobbies, you deserve compensation.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent scars affect appearance and self-image.
Emotional Distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of riding are compensable.
Punitive Damages
Cases involving extreme negligence (drunk driving, extreme recklessness) may warrant punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct.
How Eddington Law Handles Bicycle Accident Cases
Our approach combines thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and deep understanding of cycling.
Immediate Investigation
We photograph accident scenes, bicycle damage, and injuries. We identify and interview witnesses. We obtain police reports and preserve evidence before it disappears.
Establishing Driver Negligence
We gather evidence proving driver fault: witness statements, accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage analysis, and expert testimony. We build cases showing driver negligence, not cyclist error.
Combating Anti-Cyclist Bias
We present evidence demonstrating you were riding responsibly and following traffic laws. We challenge insurance company stereotypes with facts and expert testimony.
Documenting Injuries
We work with medical experts who document injury extent, treatment, prognosis, and future care needs. We ensure claims include all injury-related damages.
Calculating Full Damages
We work with economic experts to calculate total losses: medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages.
Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate aggressively for fair settlements but prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know we’re willing to try cases, motivating reasonable settlement offers.
Why Choose Eddington Law
When facing serious injuries and insurance company bias, attorney choice matters.
35+ Years of Colorado Experience
We’ve been fighting for injured Coloradans since 1988. Our experience with bicycle accident cases means we understand challenges cyclists face and know how to overcome them.
Local Steamboat Springs Office
We’re part of the Steamboat Springs cycling community. We know the roads, trails, and bike paths where you ride. We understand mountain cycling culture.
We Fight for Cyclists’ Rights
We’re passionate about protecting cyclists from unfair insurance tactics. We believe cyclists deserve full compensation and respect. We fight prejudice aggressively.
Track Record of Success
We’ve recovered substantial compensation for injured cyclists throughout Colorado. Our results demonstrate our dedication to clients.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle bicycle accident cases on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. You can afford experienced representation without upfront costs.
Personalized Attention
We limit caseloads to provide personalized attention. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who care about your recovery and case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call 911 to report the accident. If possible, photograph the scene, vehicles, your bicycle, and injuries. Get witness contact information. Do not give detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
What if the driver says I came out of nowhere?
“I didn’t see them” is not a defense—it’s admission of negligence. Drivers have a duty to watch for cyclists. We’ll gather evidence showing you were visible and riding properly while the driver failed to watch carefully.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Colorado doesn’t require adult helmet use. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t bar compensation, though insurance companies may argue it contributed to head injuries. You can still recover full compensation for other injuries and partial compensation for head injuries.
What if the driver’s insurance says I was in the wrong?
Insurance companies routinely blame cyclists. Don’t accept their determination—contact an attorney who will investigate and establish true facts. Even if you bear some fault, Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if your fault is less than 50%.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years. However, don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly, and prompt action leads to stronger cases.
Can I recover compensation if I was hit on a trail, not a road?
Yes. Trail users owe duties of care to other users. If someone’s negligence caused your accident, you can recover compensation regardless of whether it occurred on roads or trails.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, permanent disability, and other factors. We provide honest evaluations after reviewing your specific circumstances.
Contact Our Steamboat Springs Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Steamboat Springs or anywhere in Routt County, don’t face insurance company bias alone. You need experienced advocates who fight for cyclists’ rights.
At Eddington Law, we’ve spent over 35 years fighting for injured Colorado cyclists. We understand the challenges you face, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for your free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Don’t let insurance companies blame you for accidents caused by negligent drivers. Don’t accept lowball settlements that don’t cover your injuries. Contact Eddington Law immediately and let us start fighting for you. Your recovery is our priority. Your rights are our mission. We’re ready to fight for you.