Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Denver

Few traffic collisions are as devastating as a fatal motorcycle crash. Motorcyclists have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles, which means even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

For fatal motorcycle accidents in Denver, there is often grounds to hold other drivers accountable through civil lawsuits. If your loved one passed away in a motorcycle collision, our dedicated motorcycle accident attorney could answer any questions you might have regarding your rights. With Jeremy Rosenthal as your counsel, you can trust that you have a consistent point of contact and clear communication during a very difficult time.

Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the factors that are likely to lead to a fatal motorcycle crash in Denver include:

Distracted Driving

Drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists place them at risk when they are distracted by things such as:

• Cell phones
• Navigation systems
• Passengers
• Other distractions

Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be easier to overlook, which increases the risk of a distracted-driving accident.

Speeding

Excessive speed increases both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of the resulting injuries. A speeding driver has less time to recognize hazards and react appropriately, and motorcyclist visibility issues often complicate this.

Impaired Driving

Drivers who operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs create significant dangers for motorcyclists. Impairment affects judgment, reaction times, coordination, and decision-making abilities.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Many fatal motorcycle crashes occur when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots. Because motorcycles occupy less space than passenger vehicles, they can be difficult for inattentive drivers to see.

Understanding Wrongful Death Suits

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed when someone’s negligence or wrongful conduct causes another person’s death. Unlike a criminal case, which focuses on punishment, a wrongful death action seeks financial compensation for surviving family members. The purpose is to address the losses created by the death and hold the responsible party financially accountable.

Successful wrongful death claims could provide compensation for a variety of losses. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Lost financial support
• Lost benefits
• The emotional losses experienced by surviving family members

In Denver, an attorney could help you pursue a wrongful death claim for a fatal motorcycle accident.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Action?

State law limits who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Denver after a fatal motorcycle accident. In most cases, the surviving spouse has the first right to bring the claim.

During the first year after the death, the surviving spouse generally has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death action. If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s children may have the right to pursue a lawsuit.

During the second year after the death, both the surviving spouse and the deceased’s heirs may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Heirs often include the victim’s children. If the person who died was unmarried and had no children, other family members may have rights depending on the circumstances.

A wrongful death claim also seeks compensation for the losses suffered by surviving family members. This could include lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship and guidance the deceased would have provided.

Talk to an Attorney in Denver About a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle collision, it may be time to explore your legal options. Fatal motorcycle accidents in Denver can have life-altering consequences for surviving relatives, so you must understand your rights. Reach out to an attorney at our firm today for a private consultation.