Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Expert Guidance for Injury Victims
Motorcycle accident victims deserve and need top-quality legal representation after being injured in a crash. Even if a negligent party is at fault, it will be extremely difficult to recover a fair settlement from the insurance company. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Colorado, our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With a 99% success rate, our Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers have established a reputation for defending injured motorcyclists' rights and getting them maximum compensation. We want to ensure that injured victims are not taken advantage of by insurance companies, so we offer our services on contingency. This means our legal expertise is provided with no upfront costs, and payment is only collected if the case results in a win.
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver
To the dismay of non-riders, motorcyclists are some of the most alert drivers on the road. Studies show that reckless motorcyclists do not cause most Denver motorcycle accidents; instead, they are the fault of reckless drivers of passenger vehicles.
In fact, a motorist’s failure to detect neighboring motorcycles is the predominant cause of most incidences. Negligent drivers who cause motorcycle accidents are often guilty of the following:
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Aggressive driving and tailgating
- Failing to check blind spots
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Cutting into a motorcyclist’s pathway while making a left turn
- Speeding
- Not yielding
Like car accidents, there are other contributing factors in some motorcycle accident cases. Dangerous roads with potholes, uneven pavement, or other hazardous conditions create dangerous riding environments. Defective bike parts, like faulty tires or compromised handlebars, are also common causes of motorcycle accidents.
The Importance of Hiring a Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a motorcycle collision in the Denver area, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Alpha Accident Lawyers can assist you in recovering damages. We will build compelling cases to prove fault on negligent drivers and always advocate with every client's best interest in mind.
Motorcycles have become a popular method of transportation for many reasons, such as reducing commute times and fuel costs. Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages, specifically when accidents occur.
Due to the lack of protection, motorcycle riders often suffer serious injuries when involved in accidents with passenger vehicles. Biases surrounding the biker community are very prevalent and negatively affect the outcome of a personal injury case. This is why injured victims must seek legal guidance after a motorcycle accident.
The Denver motorcycle accident attorneys from Alpha will protect your rights and hold the liable party accountable. Our law firm has the knowledge and resources to take on aggressive insurance companies and get clients the compensation owed to them. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you with your case.
Proving Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident
Proving negligence is essential in a motorcycle accident case. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness, which could take the form of speeding, reckless driving, or failing to yield. When a motorcyclist is injured due to another driver's actions, it is necessary to demonstrate that the other party's negligence caused the accident and resulting motorcycle injuries.
In Colorado, negligence is established in the following four ways:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
- The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care to the plaintiff.
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the accident.
What Is Modified Comparative Negligence?
In a motorcycle injury case, it is common for both parties to share liability for causing injuries. If a motorcyclist is partially at fault, compensation can still be recovered. Colorado law enforces modified comparative negligence.
This means that anyone can pursue damages as long as he or she is 49% or less at fault for causing the accident and motorcycle injuries.
Motorcycle Insurance in Denver
Motorcycle insurance is required, and all bike operators must show proof of liability coverage before they can legally ride. Liability coverage helps protect both the rider and others in the event of an accident, ensuring that damages and medical expenses can be addressed.
In Denver, the minimum liability coverage must consist of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 in property damage per accident.
Motorcyclists are also encouraged to consider additional types of coverage to further protect themselves. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is essential if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have sufficient insurance. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle if it is damaged or totaled, regardless of fault.
Navigating Colorado’s Motorcycle Laws
Every motorcycle rider must follow the same Colorado traffic laws and regulations as other drivers. As outlined by the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Denver motorcycle laws are:
- Motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear helmets. However, riders and passengers under 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets.
- Some form of eye protection is required for all motorcycle riders and passengers.
- All motorcycles must be equipped with footrests for passengers.
- Lane sharing and lane splitting with other motor vehicles are not permitted.
- Lane sharing or “co-riding” is permitted with another motorcycle.
- Riders are not allowed to attach themselves to another vehicle (i.e. towing)
Common Serious Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
Compared to passenger vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders face a much higher risk of serious injury or death if they are involved in an accident. Motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle or a seatbelt, which can mean the difference between life or death if they are hit by another vehicle.
The speed of the motorcyclist and the other vehicle greatly impacts the severity of the injuries. These are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
While riders under 18 are required to wear helmets, riders 18 and older are not. Not wearing vs. wearing a motorcycle helmet can make a huge difference in the severity of a head injury. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury that can have lifelong effects on the victim.
Spinal Cord Injuries
If a motorcyclist is hit and lands on their back, they may suffer from a spinal cord injury, which can be one of the most devastating injuries a victim can sustain. Spinal cord injuries and back injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Broken Bones
A broken arm, leg, hand, or collarbone is a very painful injury that can be a result of being thrown off a bike during a crash. In many cases, the force of impact with the ground or another vehicle can cause fractures that may require immediate medical attention, surgery, and a lengthy recovery period.
Road Rash
Falling off a motorcycle can result in road rash, a friction wound that can lead to permanent scarring. Like burns, road rash can be classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree. Road rash can take weeks or months to heal and is very painful.
Internal Injuries
A blunt force trauma, such as colliding with a motor vehicle, can result in severe internal injuries like internal bleeding. These injuries can be difficult to detect but nonetheless require immediate medical treatment. This is why getting checked out by a doctor immediately after an accident is crucial.
Burns
Another fairly common injury from a motorcycle accident is burns. If a motorcyclist hits another vehicle in a certain way, their gas tank can explode, leading to a dangerous and possibly deadly fiery crash. Depending on the degree level, recovery from a burn can take anywhere from months to years to heal.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all injuries are visible. Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic events that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. In some cases, victims left with psychological injuries can fully recover.
Understanding the severity of injuries is crucial in determining a case's value. A Denver motorcycle accident attorney can help victims recover fair compensation for their injuries, whether they are minor or severe.
Maximizing Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
In order to negotiate for full financial compensation, it must be determined how much the Denver motorcycle accident claim is worth. This value far exceeds the cost of vehicle repairs and reimbursement for medical bills. The best way to determine the worth of a case is to partner with experienced motorcycle accident attorneys.
Our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers have been successful in recovering compensation for economic damages (financial losses) and non-economic damages (non-financial losses), including:
- Medical bills: This pertains to all current and future medical-related costs, such as hospital stays, occupational/speech/physical therapy, medical equipment, medication, surgery, and follow-up doctor appointments.
- Loss of income: Missing work while recovering from motorcycle accident injuries or being unable to return to a pre-accidental level of work qualifies as lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
- Loss of companionship: Injuries or psychological trauma that negatively impact a victim’s personal relationships are considered a loss of consortium.
- Pain and suffering: Mental distress and emotional anguish are equivalent to physical motorcycle accident injuries in a personal injury claim.
- Property damage: This includes out-of-pocket expenses and all personal belongings that were destroyed in the motorcycle crash.
- Wrongful death: If a motorcycle victim does suffer fatal injuries, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Estimating the worth of a personal injury lawsuit is vital when seeking damages and should not be reduced to an insufficient payout by insurance companies. Our Denver law firm will protect your interests and get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you have limited time to file a claim to pursue compensation. This is why taking prompt legal action is crucial.
In Colorado, motor vehicle accident victims have three years to file a lawsuit. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash and you are pursuing a wrongful death case, you must file within two years of the date of their death.
The statute of limitations ensures that lawsuits are filed within a timely period, preserving the integrity of evidence and witness testimony.
What to Expect from Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Personal injury lawsuits award compensation to injured victims when the other party is found at fault. Regardless of fault, insurance companies will attempt to avoid liability. This is why seeking legal guidance from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is vital.
Alpha Accident Lawyers simplifies the process. Our Denver law firm has the experience and legal backing to take on the insurance companies so that our clients successfully recover maximum compensation.
Deal with the Insurance Companies
When a car accident occurs, the other party's insurance company immediately contacts the victims. Often, victims are misled into sharing information that will hurt their motorcycle accident claims.
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to minimize the payouts of a motorcycle crash or avoid compensating victims entirely. Before dealing with the insurance company, consult with a Colorado motorcycle accident attorney.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer protects victims from being taken advantage of. Attorneys also provide professional guidance, promoting client confidence during the legal process.
Prove Fault and Damages
An injured motorcyclist can be entirely innocent and play zero role in causing an accident. However, that will not matter to insurance companies, as it is their job to devalue motorcycle accident cases and reduce settlements as much as possible. This is why it’s vital to be equipped with the right legal support.
In a motorcycle accident case, it must be established that the other party was guilty of negligence. Ultimately, it needs to be proven that the other party endangered the motorcycle accident victim by breaching a duty of care, which resulted in damages.
A motorcycle accident attorney from Alpha will gather concrete evidence, such as police reports, witness testimonies, evaluation of motorcycle damage, surveillance camera footage, and accumulated medical bills, to build a strong case. We also partner with medical and financial professionals to determine an accurate estimation of financial losses.
Contact a Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you need legal representation after a motorcycle crash in Denver, CO, contact Alpha Accident Lawyers. We have the experience to obtain financial compensation on your behalf and will protect your rights from being violated.
We operate on contingency, so we do not charge any upfront costs. Our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to produce results. Schedule a free consultation when you are ready to begin building your case. A team member is available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alpha Accident Lawyers — Denver, CO
Address: 1630 Welton St., Suite 917, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 799-9986
Free Consultation
You will never be charged any fees unless we win your case. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us for your free consultation today.