Colorado’s helmet laws do not require riders aged 18 and older to wear helmets. However, riders 17 and younger must wear one. It is entirely up to the rider whether to wear a helmet. Moreover, if a helmet-less rider is involved in an accident, the critical point is that nobody can blame them for this decision.
Therefore, no matter if you wore a helmet when a negligent motorist hit you, they are responsible for the crash and must compensate you for your accident-related losses. Let a Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer fight for fair compensation after your collision.
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Negligent Drivers May Blame a Rider for Not Wearing a Helmet—But They’re Wrong
Repeat after us: Riders deserve fair compensation for losses sustained in every accident they did not cause. If someone else caused the collision, that other party—or their insurer—must pay the cost of the accident.
However, you should not expect liable parties to take responsibility without a fight. You can anticipate the following:
- Allegations that you caused the accident: Because Colorado determines financial responsibility for accidents based on fault, don’t be surprised if the driver accuses you of causing the collision. As callous as this tactic may seem—especially while you lie in a hospital bed recovering from your injuries—it happens regularly.
- Claims that your failure to wear a helmet worsened your injuries: Even if this is true, the Colorado State Patrol explains that it’s your right to ride without a helmet. It’s also your right to expect others to share the road with bikers. If someone violated your safety and caused an injury, you have a right to demand fair compensation for your losses.
- Other bad-faith tactics as you fight for fair compensation: Riders seeking compensation often face blatant deception, delays processing their claim, claim denials, and other bad-faith tactics. If you don’t respond to even a single tactic, you may not secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t take on these challenges alone. A Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer will defend your right to ride without a helmet. They will deal with insurance companies and insist the person who caused your injuries pays to treat them.
Colorado Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries and Damages
Motorcycle accidents cause catastrophic injuries whether you wear a helmet when you ride. That’s one reason liable parties fight claims—they are often responsible for substantial sums of money.
Here are some specific damages for which your lawyer will seek compensation.
Medical Bills
Riders are at immense risk of life-threatening injuries that leave them facing a rigorous and lengthy healthcare regimen that may include:
- Ambulance transport to the emergency department
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Medical imaging
- Medications
- Rehabilitation
Liable parties might claim they won’t cover this essential care no matter how much your doctors explain their necessity. Your lawyer will argue otherwise.
Pain and Suffering
Many riders are as tough as they come, yet even they can suffer:
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety regarding getting on a motorcycle again
- Accident-related personality changes
- Sleep disorders
- Lost quality of life
Bike Repairs
Every motorcycle accident lawyer considers the cost of repairing or replacing the bike. Whether you choose to ride again, liable parties must pay for property damage costs.
Professional Damages
Many riders are also employees and business owners, and accidents can cause:
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Total loss of their career
- Lost bonus opportunities
- Inability to earn promotions and new employment opportunities
- Lost benefits
Make no mistake: Many motorcycle accident victims do not receive the compensation they should. What could lead to victims receiving less than they deserve?
- Misspeaking with insurance adjusters (e.g., saying they were at fault for the accident)
- Overconfidence in their ability to navigate the claims process
- Dividing their time between their recovery and their motorcycle accident case
- Failing to calculate their losses accurately
Avoid these potential pitfalls by hiring an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident attorney. They will protect you and lead every step of your case, preventing costly delays and mistakes.
Let a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Attorney Fight While You Focus on Recovery
Life is complicated enough. When you’re involved in a bike accident, your time becomes even more valuable—you have much more to deal with, including your recovery.
What aspects of your claim can an experienced lawyer manage while you heal?
Documenting the Toll Your Accident Has Taken
Your lawyer will prove the cost of the liable parties’ negligence. Their documentation may include:
- All relevant medical records (such as X-rays, doctors’ diagnoses, and medical bills)
- Mental health experts’ detailing of your pain and suffering
- Invoices for bike repairs, temporary transportation, and other accident-related property costs
- Your description of how the accident has affected you
Attorneys will also itemize your losses into clear, concise settlement demands.
Pinpointing Who Owes You Compensation
Naturally, your lawyer will determine who is financially responsible for your accident. For instance, if a commercial truck driver hits you, the trucking company might share liability.
Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve
Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a settlement you deserve with the at-fault party’s insurer. However, if these talks falter, they’ll discuss the option of suing them for the money you need to cover your mounting bills.
Some factors might complicate your case. For example, a hit and run accident attorney and a drunk driving accident lawyer know that each case type poses unique challenges. Your attorney will handle every challenge that arises with your insurance claim or lawsuit.
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Call Matlin Injury Law Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Matlin Injury Law must file motorcycle accident cases within a specific timeline, as defined by insurance company deadlines and Colorado law. You can ensure we meet the deadline by contacting us as soon as possible after a crash.
Call us today to work with a law firm that fights for fast and fair settlements. Schedule your free consultation with a team member about hiring a Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer.
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