Getting hit by a car while you are on your bike is scary enough. When the driver speeds away, it adds shock, anger, and a lot of confusion about what to do next. Knowing your steps ahead of time can help you protect your health, your rights, and your future.
In this guide, we walk through what Denver cyclists should do after a hit-and-run crash, from the first few minutes at the scene to the days and weeks that follow. Our goal is to give you clear, simple steps so you are not trying to figure things out alone in a stressful moment.
Stay Calm and Protect Yourself After a Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run bicycle crash happens when a driver hits a cyclist, then leaves without giving their name, contact information, or insurance details. This happens often on busy Denver streets, at tricky intersections, and on popular bike routes where cars and bikes share space.
Your first job is not to chase the driver. Your first job is to protect yourself.
Take these steps as soon as you can:
• Get out of the road if you are able to move, and get to a sidewalk, bike path edge, or driveway.
• Look for oncoming traffic and stay visible.
• Take a slow breath and try to stay as calm as possible so you can think clearly.
Once you are out of danger, check yourself for injuries. Remember that not all injuries show up right away. After a crash, your body is full of adrenaline. In winter or early spring, when you are bundled up, it is even easier to miss pain, swelling, or bruising at first.
If anything feels “off,” treat it as serious. Headaches, dizziness, neck pain, or feeling confused can all be signs that you need medical care right away.
Critical Steps to Take in the First 10 Minutes
The first few minutes after a hit-and-run can make a big difference for your health and for any future claim.
1. Call 911
Do this even if:
• The driver is gone
• Your bike still works
• You think your injuries are “not that bad”
A police report helps create a record of what happened. It can support your version of events if an insurance company later questions the crash.
2. Gather information while you can
If you are able, try to note details such as:
• Vehicle color, type, and any damage you saw
• Direction the car was heading when it left
• All or part of the license plate
• The exact location, time, and weather
Look around for nearby homes, apartments, or businesses that might have cameras facing the street, alley, or lot. Tell the responding officer about them so they can follow up.
3. Talk to witnesses
Ask anyone who stopped to:
• Stay until police arrive, if they can
• Share their name, phone number, and email
• Tell you what they saw, which you can write in your notes
If you can safely use your phone, take quick photos or short videos of:
• The scene from different angles
• Your bike and gear
• Any visible injuries
Do not move your bike more than you must for safety until you have some photos.
How to Document Your Bicycle Crash and Injuries
After you leave the scene, your focus shifts to healing and collecting proof of what you have gone through. Careful documentation helps tell the full story of your crash.
Start with photos:
• Take clear pictures of your damaged bicycle before it is repaired.
• Photograph your helmet, clothing, gloves, and shoes, even if the damage seems small.
• If you saw skid marks, broken glass, or debris at the scene, capture those as soon as possible.
Next, keep a simple crash journal. A notebook or notes app is enough. Include:
• Daily pain levels and where you hurt
• Sleep problems or headaches
• Missed work or school
• Activities you cannot do, like riding, driving, or caring for family
• All medical visits and what doctors tell you
Digital records can help too. Many Denver cyclists use ride-tracking apps, fitness watches, or phone GPS. Save:
• Screenshots of your ride data
• Any speed, route, or impact information
• Texts or emails about the crash, such as with family, your employer, or your doctor
Do not delete anything related to the crash, even if it feels small.
Who Pays After a Hit-and-Run Bike Crash in Denver
When a driver leaves the scene, it is natural to worry about how your medical bills and other losses will be covered. This is where a bicycle accident attorney in Denver can help you sort through possible insurance options.
Common sources of coverage can include:
• Your own car insurance policy, especially uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
• Medical payments coverage, often called “med pay,” that can help with medical bills
• A household member’s auto policy, in some situations
Policies and rules can be confusing, especially when the at-fault driver is unknown. A lawyer who handles bicycle crashes can review your coverage, explain your choices in plain language, and help look for every possible source of recovery.
In some cases, it may be possible to help law enforcement track down the driver using witness information and other evidence. In other cases, your own insurance policy becomes the main path for financial recovery. Either way, having someone on your side can keep an insurer from trying to blame you for riding in the first place or for the way the crash happened.
When to Call a Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You do not need to call a lawyer after every minor fall. But with a hit-and-run, it is rarely a simple situation, especially if you are dealing with pain and stress.
Legal help is especially important if:
• You have serious injuries or a suspected concussion
• You needed surgery or face a long recovery
• The driver has not been identified
• An insurance adjuster is asking for a recorded statement
• You are being pushed to accept a fast settlement
A firm that handles Denver bicycle crashes can:
• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Request and review the police report
• Work with your medical providers to understand your injuries
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
This lets you focus on healing instead of arguing with adjusters or worrying about what to say.
Common Questions From Denver Cyclists After Hit-and-Run Crashes
Here are some questions we hear often from riders after a hit-and-run:
Can I still make a claim if we never find the hit-and-run driver?
In many situations, yes. A claim may be made through your own UM coverage or another policy, even when the at-fault driver is not identified.
What if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash?
You may still have a claim. Not wearing a helmet does not give a driver the right to hit you and leave. It can be an issue an insurer raises, so it helps to talk with a lawyer about it early.
How long do I have to file a claim after a bicycle accident in Colorado?
There are legal time limits that apply, and they can vary. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to bring a claim at all. Getting legal advice early helps protect your options.
Will my own insurance rates go up if I use UM or med pay coverage?
This is a common concern. A lawyer can review your policy with you and explain how claims typically work under your coverage.
What should I bring when I meet with a bicycle accident attorney in Denver for the first time?
Helpful items can include:
• Any photos or videos of the crash or your injuries
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Your police report number, if you have it
• Insurance cards and policy information
• Medical records you already received and any bills
If you do not have all of this, do not worry. Bring what you can, and more information can often be gathered later.
Take Control of Your Recovery and Next Steps
A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling powerless, especially when the driver does not stay to help or even say sorry. But you still have steps you can take to protect yourself.
Key actions for Denver cyclists include:
• Get medical care, even if you feel “mostly fine” at first
• Call 911 and get a police report
• Document the scene, your bike, and your injuries
• Keep notes about how the crash affects your daily life
• Talk with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Denver before dealing with insurance on your own
At CO Trial Lawyers, based in Denver, we know many cyclists ride year-round, even when streets are icy, slushy, or covered in sand and gravel. Crashes in these conditions can cause injuries that are easy to overlook in the moment. You do not have to sort through the legal and insurance process alone while you are trying to heal.
Protect Your Rights After A Bicycle Crash In Denver
If you were hurt in a bike collision, CO Trial Lawyers is ready to step in, explain your options, and fight for the recovery you deserve. Whether you need a dedicated bicycle accident attorney in Denver or simply want clarity about your next steps, we are here to guide you. We carefully investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, and work to pursue full compensation for your losses. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact us today.