Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident is a car accident involving one car and a motorcyclist.  This type of case, because of the open nature of a motorcycle, typically involves more serious injuries than in a car accident with another car.  Motorcycle accidents don’t happen as often as car accidents, but are more fatal when they do. As a motorcyclist, you are 27 times more likely than a car involved in a car accident to be fatally injured.

Why Differentiate Between a Motorcycle Accident and a Car Accident?

On a motorcycle, there is less protection granted to a driver in the event of an accident than there would be had the accident involved two cars.  Since the motorcyclist is not protected by a metal frame, doesn’t have a seatbelt, and doesn’t have side-deploying airbags like in a car, there is a higher chance of the motorcyclist getting thrown off the motorcycle in the force of an accident and not having as much or any cushion depending on the angle at which the motorcycle is hit.

Not only this, but because of the size difference between a motorcycle and a car, the impact of a crash with a motorcycle versus a car will do more damage to the vehicle itself, let alone the motorcyclist.

Common Motorcycle Accident Causes in Colorado

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) investigates about 30% of traffic accidents and 70% of car accidents involving fatalities. In 2020 the CSP responded to 268 fatal crashes, the majority of which were caused by DUI/DUID, Lane Violations, and Exceeding Lawful Speeding.

While there is some overlap in the common factors that cause accidents in general, these are other common causes that are specific to motorcycle accidents in Colorado:

• Inexperienced drivers
• Driving while impaired
• Road conditions
• Braking problems
• Speeding
• Failure to give right of way
• Following too close

These are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Colorado for a few different reasons.  Even experienced motorcyclists may not be aware of defensive driving techniques to avoid an accident.  While Colorado law does require that motorcyclists take and pass classes on motorcycle driving in order to get their licenses, it may not be sufficient to prevent a crash from happening.  Additionally, driving a motorcycle without a license can be an important factor, with 28% of all fatal crashes in 2018 having involved a driver who was not properly licensed.

Across the board, for motorists and motorcyclists, since 2015, there has been an increase in fatalities in Colorado from driving under the influence.  While driving effectively while impaired is illegal and ill-advised as is, for motorcyclists, this is even more dangerous because maintaining balance is a crucial component of operating a motorcycle and it is difficult to do this while impaired.  Road conditions, as well, may be a factor in this type of case because a motorcycle is more susceptible to things that a car might be less affected by such as ice, loose gravel, or potholes.  As a result, a motorcyclist might lose control of their vehicle or be thrown from the bike.

Braking on a motorcycle can be more challenging than in a car because the front and rear wheels have different brake systems.  Not only that, but the brakes may be touchier on a motorcycle.  How fast to apply the brakes is an art on a motorcycle.  Suddenly applying the brakes could flip the bike, but not applying the brakes fast enough could create an accident.  Moreover, dangerous driving behaviors on a motorcycle could lead to an accident.  Tailgating, speeding, or weaving between lanes is dangerous as is, but especially on a motorcycle.  This is because other drivers can’t see motorcyclists as well, so this kind of behavior may be costly to a motorcyclist.

Failure to give the right of way is a major cause of motorcycle accidents.  Cars making left turns into motorcyclists going straight account for 42% of all motorcycle accidents.

Common Injuries as a Result of a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado

Motorcycle accidents are not as common as car accidents, but due to the difference in size in a motorcycle and a regular car on the road, and how exposed the driver is on a motorcycle, the damage caused in motorcycle accidents tends to be more serious than that of a car accident.

When injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some common injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Road rash
• Burns
• Biker’s Arm (nerve damage to the arm from bracing for impact)
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chest injuries
• Internal injuries
• Sprains, strains, and muscle tears

Mansorian Law Group Colorado’s Premier Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

If the above sounds like your situation, you may be questioning if you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, and if so, how to know which lawyer is right for you. In making your decision, consider your safety and peace of mind.  Ideally, a motorcycle accident lawyer would relieve your stress—not add to it.  When looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer, make sure to hire one who takes a personalized approach and considers the best option for your specific case.  Cases can last for months if not years, so make sure your truck accident lawyer is reputable and committed.

When looking for a lawyer, ask yourself:

• How long have the lawyer(s) been practicing attorneys?
• Does the firm have experience with this type of case?
• How often do they try versus settle cases?
• What kind of results do they get for their clients?
• What reputation do they have in the legal community?

Can I Handle My Motorcycle Accident Case Without A Lawyer?

Motorcycle accidents that result in injuries and fatalities are on the rise in Colorado. From 2019 to 2020, Colorado fatal motorcycle crashes increased by 12%.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help. Motorcycle accident injuries range in terms of severity, but they almost always cost money and peace of mind. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado will be able to evaluate your case, make a claim against the responsible party, and get you on the path to recovery.

The law and insurance policies can be difficult enough to navigate without also dealing with personal injury or loss. Let a Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to presenting evidence in court, if your case comes to that.

Although motorcycle accidents are rarer than car crashes, which happen every day, people are often not well prepared for the day they are injured in one.

Motorcycle accidents cost a lot of money. Between damages to your vehicle, damages to your property inside your vehicle, medical bills, and the time you missed at work, you could be looking at a devastating loss – a loss that you might not ever be able to recover from.  A Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can lower your initial costs in negotiations with insurance companies and help you avoid having to pay for damages and lost wages by ensuring that the responsible party and their insurance cover necessary costs.

Motorcycle accidents, and navigating the aftermath of them, are stressful enough.  Rather than having to worry about battling for getting money back, leave it to us so you can get on with your life.

Requirements for a Personal Injury Claim after a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado

In order to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, your claim must meet the following requirements:

1. There must be an identifiable at-fault driver
2. You must have bodily injuries
3. A medical professional must have your injuries documented
4. You must be able to prove that your injuries are a result of the accident

Once you have all of the above information it’s time to call the best car accident lawyer Colorado, if you haven’t already. Never give a recorded statement, written statement, or sign any insurance papers without consulting a lawyer.

Damages That Can Be Recovered After a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado

There are two types of damages that a motorcycle accident lawyer can recover for you after you’ve been in a crash:

1. Economic damages – this refers to medical expenses, loss of wages, and any additional costs that are related to how your injuries alter your life.
2. Non-economic damages – this generally refers to pain and suffering; damages that occur as a result of your (or a loved one’s) physical and non-physical injuries.

In order to have medical expenses paid, you will need to give your motorcycle accident lawyer a copy of your medical records, tests, prescriptions, etc.

To have your wages reimbursed, you will have to provide your motorcycle accident lawyer with a recent tax return or recent pay stubs so they can verify your income.

Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Colorado

It’s always a good idea to call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado, especially if there are serious damages to you, a loved one, or your property. A motorcycle accident can seriously alter your life in the blink of an eye. The best motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado will be able to help get you what you need to live a healthy and comfortable life. Let one of our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers help you. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, complete the “Contact Me Now” information available on this page.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado

The steps you take after you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Colorado are crucial because they determine the future of your claim.

• Move your motorcycle out of traffic, if possible
• Wait for emergency services. Medical personnel will evaluate you when they arrive
• Do not leave the scene or touch any evidence
• Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, road conditions, debris, traffic signals, signage – anything that could be pertinent to building a case
• Exchange insurance information with the other involved driver(s)
• File a police report
• Don’t speak to any insurance agents until you get the best motorcycle accident lawyer