Motorcycles are inherently dangerous for many reasons, and a motorcycle offers virtually no physical protection from the crash impact forces of an accident. Every rider must acknowledge the risks they face on the road and know what to do when an accident happens. An experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset if you find yourself in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash someone else caused.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for the same reasons and in the same ways as most other vehicle accidents. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common examples of all vehicle accidents. T-bone accidents at intersections are also possible when drivers do not stop for red lights or stop signs.
While many motorcycle accidents occur in similar ways as other accidents, due to the small size of motorcycles and the fact that they are harder for other drivers to notice than larger passenger cars, there are several significant risks you face on a motorcycle compared to what you face inside an enclosed passenger car. Most of these risk factors pertain to visibility. Motorcycles can easily slip into other drivers’ blind spots in various situations.
One of the most dangerous situations for any motorcyclist is making a left turn. An oncoming driver in the opposite lane may not realize that a motorcycle is turning in front of them due to the other traffic nearby obstructing their vision. Motorcyclists are also vulnerable to sideswipe accidents, which occur when one driver scrapes along the side of another. When a larger vehicle sideswipes a motorcyclist, the victim is likely to suffer extreme or fatal injuries.
Lane splitting can also lead to serious motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist passes between two lanes of slower-moving traffic. The state does not allow lane splitting, but it is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by-side in the same lane. Lane splitting can startle other drivers, and if a motorcyclist splits a lane and causes an accident, they can face shared liability for any resulting damages, limiting their recovery options.
Recovering From a Motorcycle Accident
Whatever type of motorcycle accident you experienced, if another driver caused the accident through any form of negligence or intentional misconduct, you have the right to seek compensation for all resulting damages. You will need to firmly establish liability with various forms of evidence, and once the fault is proven, you can proceed with filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver.
Every driver in the state is required to have auto insurance, but this insurance alone may not completely compensate you for all your damages, especially if you suffered severe injuries. In this situation, you will need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver, seeking repayment of any losses their insurance can’t cover. An experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure you receive maximum compensation.
An injured plaintiff in a personal injury claim has the right to claim compensation for their property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and projected future economic losses resulting from their accident. They may also claim pain and suffering compensation, but state law limits this aspect of a personal injury plaintiff’s case award. Your Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer is your most important asset for maximizing your recovery.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents?
A: A rider hit by another driver could suffer severe injuries from the initial crash impact of the other vehicle, followed by the secondary impact when they hit the ground. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, facial and dental injuries, broken bones, and internal organ injuries are some of the most frequently cited motorcycle accident injuries in the state each year. It’s common for victims of these accidents to suffer multiple serious injuries all at once.
Q: How Do I Prove Liability for a Motorcycle Accident?
A: Proving fault for a recent motorcycle accident will require different forms of evidence depending on where, how, and why the accident happened. For example, cell phone records may be crucial to a distracted driving accident claim, while traffic camera footage may be pivotal in proving a moving violation caused an accident. Your Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can help gather any evidence needed to establish fault for your recent accident.
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
A: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is driver negligence, a blanket term that applies to any situation in which a driver fails to use reasonable care. Some of the most commonly cited forms of negligence responsible for motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, moving violations, and speeding. Negligence can define any situation in which one party violates a specific duty of care owed to another party.
Q: Will an At-Fault Driver Go to Jail for Causing a Motorcycle Accident?
A: It is possible for an at-fault driver to face jail time and other criminal penalties if they broke the law in causing an accident. For example, intoxicated or reckless driving resulting in an accident will not only result in criminal charges, but the at-fault driver could also face increased penalties for breaking the law. Additionally, penalties for impaired driving will increase with subsequent convictions within a few years.
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
A: If you are able to prove that another party is directly responsible for causing your recent motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for all economic losses resulting from the accident. These may include your property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. State law also allows a personal injury plaintiff to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, but state law limits how much they can claim.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has years of experience representing injured riders in motorcycle accident cases, and we can leverage this experience for you in your impending case. If you are ready to learn what an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can do for your recovery, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team.
