More people ride motorcycles in the United States and Colorado than ever before. In 2016, there were over 195,000 registered motorcycles in Colorado alone. Accordingly, Colorado motorcycle injuries and fatalities have been on the rise.
Motorcyclists must abide by the same traffic laws that other motorists do. Additionally, there are many minimum safety standards for motorcyclists in the state of Colorado. However, despite these efforts at improving safety, accidents still happen. Motorcyclists are often seriously injured or even killed by negligent drivers. After all, when a motorcycle and a car collide, the motorcyclist will receive the most damage nine out of ten times.
The fact is, motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries. In many cases, they result in wrongful death. In fact, motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than any other type of motor vehicle accident. If you have been injured by a negligent driver or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be eligible for significant compensation in the state of Colorado.
Due to the Colorado Revised § 13-80-101 Statute of Limitations, your time limit for filing claims may be small. Don’t wait! Call one of our expert motorcycle accident lawyers now. Having an experienced Colorado motor vehicle injury attorney in your corner is wise if filing a negligence lawsuit after a motorcycle accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Colorado, call 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseGet the Compensation You Deserve with Top Colorado Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado? If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver in Colorado, call our attorneys today! Our team of motor vehicle injury lawyers will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
We offer free consultations! Call us during weekdays at 720-464-3600 or fill out our online form. We will usually get back to you within one business day! If you have questions about motorcycle accident injuries and claims in the state of Colorado, read on or contact our skilled team.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. An example of this would be if the driver of an SUV changed lanes without checking their side-view mirrors for other vehicles. The motorcyclist in the next lane would likely be hit in this scenario. This may be considered negligence on the part of the SUV driver, as the motorcyclist would be incapable of anticipating the lane change or avoiding it. The SUV driver would be at fault and may owe the motorcyclist compensation through insurance claims. Keep in mind that personal injury law can be complex. So, each case is different and nothing is ever cut and dry.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include left turns, hazardous road conditions, speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol use. Since many motorcycle accidents are caused at no fault of the motorcyclist, many types of claims exist to assist riders who have been wrongfully injured.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado
- Other vehicles not detecting a motorcycle
- Left turns
- Lane changes
- Inclement weather
- Ignoring traffic laws, speeding, careless riding
- Alcohol use while riding a motorcycle
Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents
So how is negligence handled in a motorcycle accident? First, the driver at fault must be determined. The law requires the driver with the most duty of care to responsibly prevent harm to others and themselves. Next, it must be proven that the driver at fault breached their duty of care. This means that the driver did not responsibly control their vehicle.
From there, it must be determined that a victim’s injuries are the direct result of the at-fault driver’s actions. In most scenarios, the driver of a large vehicle will have the highest duty of care. However, every situation is different. Do you believe that your motorcycle accident was caused by the negligence of the other driver? Simply call us, and we can help you find out if you have a solid case.
What are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries?
Almost all motorcycle accident injuries can become serious and may even lead to death in the most severe cases. The most common types of motorcycle accident injuries involve damage to the lower extremities. However, injuries to the head and chest area are also common.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fractures and broken bones are quite common from motorcycle collisions. Other specific injuries include spinal injuries, whiplash, broken ribs, amputations, internal bleeding, road rash, and facial disfigurement.
Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Amputated limbs
- Lacerations, scrapes, bruises
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Internal injuries
What are the most catastrophic injuries to motorcyclists?
According to the CDC, 30% of non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries are to the legs and feet. However, the most catastrophic injuries are usually to the head, neck, and back. Internal traumas and spinal traumas are also extremely catastrophic. Additionally, road rashes and burns can sometimes lead to serious complications or even death.
What to do if you are the victim in a motorcycle crash?
If you have been in a motorcycle collision, you should immediately seek medical care. You should also call an experienced motorcycle injury attorney if the crash was caused by the negligence of another driver. There are also a few things that you should never do after a motorcycle accident.
Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 303-777-1000
Tell us about your caseDos and Don’ts of a Motorcycle Accident
Do’s
- Do call 911
- Do seek medical attention
- Do get pictures of the crash site or have a loved one get pictures for you
- Do monitor your injuries and watch for secondary symptoms
- Do gather medical statements for later use
Don’ts
- Don’t admit fault at the scene. Very few accidents are cut and dry.
- Don’t agree to just forget about it. You may need to file a claim later.
- Don’t assume that you are fine and skip medical treatment. Many injuries take time to present.
- Don’t call your insurance company before speaking with a claims attorney. Your lawyer will protect your interests and help you file claims to get the compensation due to you.
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Tell us about your caseShould I get a lawyer after my motorcycle accident?
If you have been in a motorcycle accident that caused personal injuries to your body, pain, suffering, loss of income, or property damage, it is wise to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Injury law can be an extremely complicated process and a difficult topic to explore on your own. When it comes to being compensated for injuries, filing claims, and determining damages, only a seasoned lawyer will be able to navigate the system with ease. Your lawyer will streamline and simplify the process of filing claims or a lawsuit for you. When you have a dependable lawyer in your corner, they will work to get you through all of the “red tape” as well. Your personal injury lawyer will even stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.
Can I trust the other party’s insurance company?
If you are the victim of a motorcycle crash, do not speak with the insurance provider of the other party. While you may need to call your own insurance provider, you are in no way obligated to speak with the other driver’s insurance carrier.
Not only will the other company have their own financial best interests at heart, but they may try to trick you into settling for less than you deserve. In many cases, we recommend speaking with one of our attorneys before you even talk to your own insurance provider.
What are Colorado’s motorcycle accident reporting requirements?
In the state of Colorado, there are certain laws in place that determine how motor vehicle accidents must be reported. If a police officer was present at the scene of your motorcycle accident, you will not need to provide any forms unless you receive a letter from the Department of Revenue.
If you are sent a notice by the Colorado DOR, it will inform you of what needs to be done for your case. The professionals at our personal injury firm can help you fill out these forms and will also advise you on getting an accident report. If you need a copy of your accident report, you can file to get one from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Who can be held liable for a motorcycle accident?
Under Colorado’s laws, when a motorcycle crash is caused by the negligence of another driver, the irresponsible driver can be held legally liable for damages. In this scenario, the at-fault driver must compensate the accident victims. Your Colorado motorcycle crash attorney will work diligently to ensure that you will be compensated fairly for your damages.
What is the process of determining liability for a motorcycle accident in Colorado?
Liability insurance covers third-party injuries and property damage after an accident. So how is liability determined in Colorado? Colorado used to be what is known as a no-fault state. However, since 2003, Colorado has been an at-fault state. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
So, the person who will be held liable for a motorcycle accident is the at-fault driver. The at-fault driver can be the person operating the motorcycle or the person behind the wheel of the other vehicle. In many cases, the motorcyclist is not at fault. However, each case is unique. If you have questions about liability or how to file a claim, call us or fill out our online form.
What are comparative fault laws in Colorado?
Under Colorado’s most recently modified comparative negligence law, a plaintiff’s (victim’s) damages can be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault for a motorcycle accident. This is one of the reasons personal injury attorneys play such a critical role in claims cases and motorcycle accident lawsuits.
Additionally, if the plaintiff’s fault is determined to be greater than or equal to the combined fault of the defendant, the plaintiff will receive no compensation. This is why it is so important to hire a personal injury attorney right away. If the accident was not your fault, your personal injury attorney will be able to defend you and fight on your behalf to ensure that you received the compensation due to you.
What compensation is available to a motorcycle accident victim?
Motorcycle accident settlement amounts can vary widely based on many factors. The average payout for soft tissue injury can range anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000. Every case is unique. The average payout for severe injury settlements can range from $70,000 to $300,000. Wrongful death suits are another matter entirely.
It will all depend on your case, damages, and ability to prove that an accident was not your fault. If the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, this can impact your case dramatically as well. To get an estimate of what your case might be worth, call us for a free consultation.
What are Colorado’s accident and insurance laws?
In the state of Colorado, you must obtain car insurance (or motorcycle insurance) before registering your vehicle. In this state, the minimum amount of coverage you must obtain is:
- Bodily injury coverage (a total maximum per accident of $50,000)
- Bodily injury coverage ($25,000 per person)
This means that if a driver collided with you while you were riding your motorcycle, they are legally required to have insurance that will cover the cost of your medical expenses and other damages.
What is the Colorado statute of limitation for motorcycle accidents?
Statute of limitation laws set the maximum amount of time that parties involved in an accident have to initiate the legal process of debating claims and lawsuits. Under Colorado state law, you generally have three years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit. So, if you have suffered injuries and damages from a motorcycle wreck in Colorado, you will need to take legal action before this time is up.
For personal injury and wrongful death claims, there is a two-year statute of limitations in Colorado. If you have been in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. The sooner you get in touch with a qualified legal representative, the better your chances are of a good claims case or lawsuit outcome.
303-777-1000
Matlin Injury Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Colorado?
If you want to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Colorado, the first thing you should do is to retain a qualified personal injury attorney. Your attorney will walk you through the entire process of filing claims and a lawsuit step by step.
Moreover, at our Law Offices, we don’t get paid unless you do. We will review your case and let you know whether you have a good chance of winning in court. If your case is solid, we will work hard on your behalf. Our team wants to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
The team at Matlin Injury Law understands that motorcycle accidents can be traumatic, devastating, and life-changing. Our personal injury lawyers represent you, the claimant, for claims related to third-party negligence resulting in injuries.
This includes things like:
- The cost of medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Incident-related wage loss
After being in an accident or becoming the victim of negligence, you should call us as soon as you can. Time is of the essence. The sooner you begin working with our team, the sooner we can start working to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
It is best to call one of our accident lawyers as soon as you possibly can any time that you are in a motorcycle accident. The insurance company of the other party involved will not have your best interest at heart. As such, you need to have adequate legal representation to ensure that somebody is looking out for you.
We serve motorcyclists in Parker and the surrounding areas of Douglas County, Colorado. If you aren’t sure whether your accident occurred in our area of jurisdiction, call us. We will be able to tell you if we can represent you. If we can’t, we will still help you find your next best options.
Call Our Skilled Team of Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Were you in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver? Are you not sure whether or not you can file a lawsuit? Do you know how to file claims that will be properly addressed by the other driver’s insurance company? If you need help with this or anything similar related to your accident, call us. At Matlin Injury Law, we offer free consultations for victims of motorcycle accidents. We can even come out and visit you in the hospital if you need us to!
Our experienced and considerate team of skilled personal injury lawyers will help you get the compensation and assistance you need. It is our goal to help you get your life back on track after a motorcycle accident! Plus, we do not get paid until you do. Our team has years of experience in Colorado. We will work hard to get your claims paid and help you win your lawsuit as quickly and painlessly as possible. You have suffered enough! Let us work on your behalf to prevent you from suffering unfair compensation.
Call Us at (720) 464-3600 today.
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