Bicycle Accident Claims in Colorado

Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric scooter has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, subject to special rules and local ordinances. A driver passing a bicyclist must allow at least a three-foot separation (including mirrors) at all times. Riders slower than traffic must use the right-hand lane, riding as far right as the rider judges safe, with exceptions for left turns, passing and hazards; they may ride no more than two abreast and must not impede traffic when doing so. Riders on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. The sections read do not set a bicycle helmet requirement.

Modified comparative negligence (50% bar). An injured person can recover if his or her negligence was not as great as the negligence of the person being sued; damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault. If the injured person's share is equal to or greater than the defendant's, the court enters judgment for the defendant. Each defendant generally pays only its own percentage of fault.

Required liability coverage is at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for all persons in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15).

Most tort lawsuits, including negligence claims for personal injury, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Injury and property-damage claims arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle have three years. Assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel and slander have one year.