Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal | Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle riders face some of the toughest challenges on the road as their size in comparison to other vehicles leaves them at a disadvantage. Those involved in motorcycle accidents should contact an experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer.

Motorcycles are a popular transportation method in the United States. People use motorcycles for all kinds of reasons, from recreation to sport to simply getting to and from work. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were “about 8.6 million motorcycles on the road in 2021.”

Motorcycles offer very little protection to their riders, and, unfortunately, a motorcyclist who gets into a crash may face serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or wrongful death due to a motorcycle accident in Colorado, contact a Denver motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal and receive the compensation you deserve.

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Colorado and Denver Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents are generally more devastating and cause more serious injuries than car accidents because motorcycles lack the essential protections that cars provide. Motorcycles also lack airbags and seat belts simply because they wouldn’t help in the event of a Denver crash. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than car accidents. In fact, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported 149 fatalities from motorcycle accidents in 2022, markedly 20% of all the state’s traffic fatalities.

In 2022, nearly 800 people died in Colorado due to traffic accidents, which is more than the state has seen in 41 years. Tragically, this represents a 57% increase from ten years ago, including a record number of motorcyclists. Increasing population and traffic density are partially to blame, but several preventable factors, such as driver inattention, are also at play.

Motorcyclists are at a particularly high risk. Simple measures like this can help save lives, but motorcyclists are still vulnerable to the actions of others on the road.

Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver, CO

Motorcycle accidents that result in physical harm can be caused in numerous ways, including some that are unique to or especially dangerous for this vehicle type. For example:

  • A car driver opening a door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle
  • Car driver impacting a motorcyclist either stopped at a light or stop sign, or while making a turn in an intersection
  • A car driver making a lane change and failing to see a motorcycle
  • A motorcyclist driving between lanes (“lane splitting”)
  • Unsafe left turns
  • Road hazards – debris, potholes, missing signage
  • Sudden stops
  • Drivers who are intoxicated or texting
  • Defects in the design or manufacture of the motorcycle

Within any of these scenarios, each crash is unique. Only a skilled and experienced lawyer with Denver motorcycle accidents will be able to outline and execute a strategy that will make your claim as strong as it needs to be.

Colorado Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

The state of Colorado sets certain requirements regarding motorcycle coverage and insurance. As a traditional fault state, an injured motorcyclist will file a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance company; however, comprehensive coverage is necessary if a motorcyclist is partially at fault for a crash.

The best way to show financial responsibility for a motorcycle is to obtain a liability insurance policy from an insurer who is both familiar with motorcycle insurance policies and licensed in the state of Colorado. Generally, this state requires all drivers to have car insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum coverage threshold as follows:

  • A minimum of $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
  • A minimum of $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
  • A minimum of $15,000 in property damage liability coverage

Under state law, a motorist may opt out of uninsured/underinsured coverage; however, keeping underinsured and uninsured coverage is highly recommended to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a crash. It may also be advisable to seek coverage in excess of the minimum coverage limits. An insurance agent can help determine the appropriate coverage for each household.

Colorado Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Despite the fact that helmets can save lives, only some states require all riders and passengers to wear helmets when riding a motorcycle. Laws that require motorcyclists to wear helmets are called, “universal helmet laws.” Presently, only 18 states, as well as the District of Columbia, require all riders to wear helmets. Colorado is not one of the states with a universal helmet law. It is among the 28 states that have laws that require just some riders to wear helmets. For example, those 17 and younger must wear helmets. In addition, there are three states –New Hampshire, Illinois, and Iowa—that have no laws on the books about helmet use.

If you or someone you know received a head injury from a motorcycle accident, contact a Denver motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation. Head injuries can be particularly devastating because a traumatic brain damage can leave a person with permanent brain damage and in need of life-long care. Helmet use helps to reduce the risk of a motorcycle rider dying by 37% and reduces the chance of a head trauma by 69%. The NHTSA estimated that in 2017, helmets saved over 1800 lives each year.

Popular Motorcycle Routes in Denver, Colorado

While motorcycling can be dangerous, Denver offers a unique experience for riders. The mountain lanes are some of the most scenic places to ride, and it’s always good to get away from the congestion and dangers of the big city. Some of the most popular routes for riding are the passes of the continental divide:

  • Trail Ridge Road – This route cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park and reaches elevations above the tree line, offering spectacular views. Almost everyone on the road is there for sightseeing, as well, and the casual pacing can make the ride enjoyable.
  • Million Dollar Highway – The 25-mile highway that connects Ouray to Silverton is known for its tremendous views, pleasant mountain towns, hairpin turns, and switchbacks.
  • Mount Evans (Mount Blue Sky) Scenic Byway – This ride will take you to the top of the recently renamed Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), up to an elevation of 14,130 feet. The road up can be narrow and has few guardrails, but the incredible views are often worth the hazard.
  • Independence Pass – One of Colorado’s most beautiful Continental Divide passes, the route over the pass, as well as both sides, offer incredible views and nature from May to October, after which the route will be closed for snow and wind.

While these roads generally aren’t crowded, they can still be dangerous in different ways. There is often a lack of guardrails right next to significant drops off of cliffs. It’s important to pay close attention to any new route. What little traffic there is on these roads can also be a risk, as it’s easy for drivers to get distracted by sight-seeing instead of watching the road. This can be especially dangerous on these two-lane roads when traffic is coming from the other direction.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver, Colorado

Generally, motorcycle accidents are a result of the same types of issues that cause car accidents. However, motorcycles and their riders are not as easy for drivers of other vehicles to see because they don’t take up the same amount of space as a car or truck. This visibility problem can sometimes lead drivers to not see motorcycles or their riders, thus causing an accident. Some other common causes include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless or careless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Following too closely
  • Intoxication
  • Failure to stop or yield
  • Lane violations
  • Other violations of traffic laws

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Denver, CO

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, there are a couple of different steps that you should take to help protect your opportunity to collect restitution.

The most important thing after any accident is seeking medical care. This starts with letting the paramedics examine you at the scene of the accident. Even if you don’t think you have any injuries, it’s possible that there are some injuries you don’t yet recognize. It’s not uncommon to be in a state of shock after an accident, which can mask your symptoms, and paramedics are trained to recognize traumatic injuries despite the shock.

Even if the paramedics give you an all-clear at the scene, it’s still wise to have a full medical examination from your regular doctor soon after the accident. Because the paramedics’ intention is to find traumatic injuries, they can occasionally miss more standard injuries, and you may later recognize them as the shock wears off.

Another important thing to consider after the accident is documenting the scene. Of course, you will only be able to do this if your injuries aren’t serious enough to prevent it. However, if you can, photos and videos of the vehicles involved, damage, injuries, road signs, and skid marks could all potentially be helpful in proving what happened. It’s also important to obtain contact information from others who were involved and any eyewitnesses.

As you move forward from the accident and seek treatment and care for your injuries, as well as incur other costs, it’s important to keep a thorough record of these things. Medical bills, receipts from repairs to your motorcycle, and any other documentation may be helpful. Generally, it’s better to keep more than you think you may need and allow a lawyer to sort out what’s most relevant later. Having more documentation than you need is better than having too little proof.

Avoid Admitting Fault

One important thing to remember throughout the process is to be careful when discussing the accident with anyone. If you say something that sounds even remotely like you are accepting some sort of blame, it’s possible that it could be used against you. In particular, you should be careful when speaking with any insurance company representative, as they will be searching for something they could use to decrease your payout.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, avoid apologizing to the other driver, as doing so could be misinterpreted as admitting fault.

As a rule, you can better protect yourself by letting your Denver motorcycle accident lawyer speak for you when possible, which is why it’s also important to remember to contact one soon after your accident. They can help assess the relevant statute of limitations regarding your accident and begin the process of investigation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can make progress in earning you fair compensation.

Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Denver, CO

Motorcycles can be fun to ride because of the exposure to the air, wind, speed, and your surroundings. Unfortunately, exposure can make the injuries in a motorcycle accident more severe than in an equivalent car accident. This is why there is a greater risk of death in motorcycle accidents. If a death occurs, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

For riders who survive motorcycle accidents, there can be a broad range of potential injuries, from bruises and road rash to spinal cord and brain injuries. Some of these injuries can create a significant expense for families, and it’s important that you seek restitution for the suffering and the medical bills that result from these injuries. Some of the more common injuries that are seen in motorcycle accidents include:

  • Road rash
  • Scrapes and bruises
  • Fractured bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Brain injuries

Compensation For A Motorcycle Crash in Denver, CO

A victim of a motorcycle accident can recover several different types of damages.

  • Economic damages seek to compensate the victim for the quantifiable consequences of the crash. For example, a motorcycle accident claim will include compensation for medical bills, lost wages from missed work, projected costs of ongoing medical care, and more. If a motorcycle crash leads to permanent disabilities or death, a claim may address loss in earning capacity or income.
  • General damages provide reimbursement for intangible or immaterial losses. Examples include physical pain, suffering, or loss in life quality. In the case of a wrongful death, the surviving family members may be able to collect damages resulting from loss of partnership, consortium, or guidance.
  • In some cases, a plaintiff may be able to collect punitive damages from a defendant. These apply to cases of gross negligence, intentional conduct, or extreme recklessness. An example might be a death or serious personal damages resulting from a DUI.

A motorcycle accident in Denver can be devastating and lead to extensive damages. In the event of a crash, it’s essential to speak to a Denver personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A claim can help compensate for both the material and immaterial losses that result from the motorcycle accident.

Proving Negligence For Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Denver, CO

When pursuing a lawsuit against a driver whose careless or reckless driving has left you or a loved one injured, the legal theory that you are likely going to be seeking to hold the driver liable under is that of negligence. Negligence is “the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation.” Black’s Law Dictionary 1135 (9th ed. 2009). If you can show that the defendant was negligent, that is that the defendant did not exercise the proper standard of care, then you may be able to hold the defendant liable for the injuries you sustained as a result of the defendant’s careless actions.

In order to prove that the defendant did not meet the proper standard of care and was negligent, the plaintiff has to show “first, the defendant owed a legal duty of care; second, the defendant breached that duty; third, the plaintiff was injured; and fourth, the defendant’s breach caused that injury.” Vigil v. Franklin, 103 P.3d 322, 324 (Colo. 2004). If the plaintiff can prove all of these elements through evidence and witness testimony at or before trial, then the plaintiff may be able to seek just compensation from the defendant.

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Special Considerations in a Denver Motorcycle Injury Case

Motorcycles are very different from passenger cars in many respects, and there are factors in play that can make it more difficult to establish that the negligence or reckless behavior of another is responsible for your injuries. This is another reason you should hire a Denver motorcycle crash lawyer is to ensure that your future well-being is secured. The factors that come into play include:

  • Vulnerability: Other than your helmet, you are completely unprotected while riding a motorcycle. This, combined with factors such as the fact that it is substantially more difficult for car drivers to see motorcycles in their vicinity, can change the dynamic regarding what you could reasonably be expected to do to prevent a crash.
  • Driving skill: A much greater degree of skill is required to drive a motorcycle than a car, and small errors in judgment or operation that would have almost no effect on the behavior of a car can cause accidents. This extends to awareness of road conditions; a pothole that would not seriously affect an automobile can cause a motorcycle to crash.
  • Manufacturing or design flaws: Because the margins of error in regard to motorcycle safety are so small, the tolerance for flaws in the design or manufacture of motorcycles is much less. This is an issue that an experienced attorney will know how to address, when applicable.

Comparative Negligence in Colorado Motorcycle Accidents

In a personal injury case, the defendant can raise a number of defenses in order to reduce or negate liability. One of these defenses is comparative negligence. Comparative negligence can be used if the plaintiff is partially liable for his or her injuries. Under comparative negligence, if a plaintiff is partly responsible for the injuries that he or she sustained in the crash, then the plaintiff’s damages are reduced based on the amount of his or her fault.

Traditionally, if the plaintiff was even a little at fault for his or her injuries then the plaintiff could not recover any damages at all. Some states and the District of Columbia still follow this doctrine, which is called contributory negligence. Most states, have moved away from contributory negligence because it is such a harsh doctrine.

Under state law, if a plaintiff is less negligent than the defendant, the plaintiff can recover damages for his or her injuries. C.R.S. 13-21-111 (2016). If the plaintiff is found to be equally at fault or more at fault for his or her injuries, then the plaintiff may be barred from recovering any compensation from the defendant.

FAQs About Colorado Motorcycle Accident Laws

What is the Law for a Colorado Motorcycle Accident?

The statute of limitation for Colorado motorcycle accidents is 3 years. During this period, you are able to file a lawsuit for compensation for injuries and damages. If you’re planning on filing a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident, it’s best to do it immediately as the court process can take weeks or even months. You can learn more about all the Colorado motorcycle laws and safety tactics at the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

How Much Money Will I Get From My Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

How much compensation you receive from a motorcycle accident depends on a few factors. First, you have to look at liability. If you can prove the other party was liable for the accident, the settlement will be more than if neither party is found liable. Second, courts will need to determine the damages involved. The more serious the injuries and damages in the case, the higher payout. Damages are determined as pain and suffering, as well as precisely calculated property damage.

How Much is My Motorcycle Accident Settlement Worth?

A motorcycle accident’s worth mainly depends on whether there were injuries involved, and if so, the seriousness of them. Also, how much property damage there was. Other factors like pain and suffering and missed work can also factor in the settlement.

What is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accident payouts can range from a few thousand dollars for minor accidents. To much higher payouts for major accidents. Payout amounts mainly factor in: recovery of injury costs, damaged property, as well as pain and suffering.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, and you, or someone else suffered injuries, then you should highly consider immediate legal representation. Injury expenses from motorcycle accidents can add up quickly. Dealing with insurance companies can get complicated. Having a professional on your side helps make sure you’re getting everything you deserve in the case.

Why You Need a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Having a Denver motorcycle lawyer for legal representation can make a critical difference in your accident case. Legal professionals know the Colorado laws and what your legal rights are after a motorcycle accident. Dealing with insurance companies, lawyers and courts alone can leave you vulnerable to not receiving the top compensation deserved.

Can I Sue If I Was Hit While Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?

Colorado doesn’t have a universal state law for people over 18 years old that requires you to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. That said, if you’re injured in an accident – is it your fault for not wearing a helmet OR theirs for hitting you? Colorado courts have said, it’s the person who caused the accident’s fault, regardless if a helmet was worn or not. One case, Dare v. Sobule, reached the Colorado Supreme Court where it was found that a person couldn’t be found negligent for not wearing a helmet, when the law doesn’t require wearing one.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Denver Motorcycle Accidents?

The most common causes of Denver motorcycle accidents are alcohol, speeding and left turn collisions. A combination of these factors is also not uncommon. Accidents tend to occur most often when drivers are distracted, under the influence or just driving recklessly. Practicing safe driving and using better driver awareness can help reduce these preventable accidents.

Contact a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Any crash with a motor vehicle is frightening, disorienting, and confusing. In motorcycle accidents, the situation can be extremely grim, as a serious physical harm such as paralysis is much more likely. The operating basis for any insurance company is to take up each case as quickly as possible, resolve it in terms most favorable to them and get the case off its books. In the time period soon after your crash, it may take most of your energy and focus just to try to regain physical health.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Denver motorcycle accident, connect with the a motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal for a free case consultation. Jeremy Rosenthal has been practicing law in Colorado for over a decade. He has extensive experience in personal injury cases and is dedicated to helping his clients through the legal process so that they can move on with their lives. Contact his office today for a free consultation.

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Clients Testimonials

    • “Jeremy helped with my accident case from when the accident was just happened until the settlement almost 3 years later, that shows lots of patience already! He, with the help from Dani, provided updates and constant communication along the way, worked with the lien company to take care of medical appointments and billing, and also dealt with insurance. What you need to do is just showing up to the doctor appointment and he would take care of the rest. He would also fight for you to make sure that you got the most possible outcome and settlement you deserved.There’s literally no other place that people should go when they’re involved in accidents except here. Thank you Jeremy and Dani!! I appreciate you.” Dhira Prasanti
    • “So glad I found the best of the best in Denver. Not only did Jeremy provide exceptional counsel, but he aggressively worked to get me the most support and best settlement possible. Dani was integral as well in maintaining continual communication and facilitating all aspects of my case. I highly recommend this firm and would definitely hire them again. Thank you, Jeremy and Dani!”  Suzy Schulman

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