The Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys of the Green Law Firm, P.C., are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured riders.
There are nearly 200,000 registered motorcycles in the state of Colorado—and for good reason.
Colorado’s breathtaking terrain makes this state a popular motorcycling destination.
Unfortunately, Colorado’s challenging roadways also make motorcycle accidents more frequent. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact the experienced attorneys of the Green Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation, and get dedicated, experienced help.
Without aggressive legal representation, you may not be able to recover the money you and your family need. Call 719-694-8515 or fill out the contact form on this page to get dedicated legal help. Call the Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys of the Green Law Firm, P.C. today to begin building your case.
What are Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents?
Given the nature of motorcycles – smaller size, less visibility, lack of a protective enclosure – motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities, even when occurring at lower speeds compared to car accidents.
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Common causes include reckless or impaired driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, sudden lane changes without a signal, and adverse weather or road conditions.
It’s important to remember that motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as other drivers. If a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence or reckless actions of another driver, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Common Causes of Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents
While each accident has its unique circumstances, some common causes include:
- Negligent or Distracted Driving: This is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, where other drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings, often failing to see motorcyclists due to their smaller size.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s time to react and increases the severity of the impact in a collision. For motorcyclists, who lack the protective structure provided by a car, this can be particularly devastating.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, during lane changes, or when making turns.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who don’t check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes can easily collide with motorcyclists.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can decrease visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or slick pavement can be dangerous for motorcyclists and can cause accidents if not appropriately navigated.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers may not be able to judge the speed of a motorcycle or may not be fully aware of how motorcycles maneuver, leading to accidents.
- Motorcycle Defects: In some cases, a defect in the motorcycle itself, such as brake failure or tire defects, can lead to an accident.
Types of Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur in various ways. Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents:
- Head-On Collisions: These occur when a vehicle and a motorcycle crash directly into each other. Given the lack of protective structure around a motorcycle, these are often fatal for the motorcyclist.
- Rear-End Accidents: These happen when a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind. Even at low speeds, the impact can throw the rider off the bike, resulting in serious injuries.
- Left-Turn Accidents: These are very common and occur when a car makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle, not seeing the motorcycle, or misjudging its speed.
- Lane Splitting Accidents: This refers to when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, usually in traffic jams. Accidents occur due to the close proximity of the cars, the reduced space for maneuvering, and the fact that cars don’t anticipate that any vehicle will be passing them in slowed or stopped traffic.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: These occur when the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident without stopping to identify themselves or offer assistance. This is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
- Single-Bike Accidents: These involve only the motorcycle and are often caused by poor road conditions, adverse weather, or rider error.
- Speeding Accidents: These accidents are self-explanatory and occur when the motorcycle is moving at high speed. The higher the speed, the more severe the impact and potential for injury.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: These are accidents where either the motorcyclist or the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Less Protection, More Serious Injuries
Motorcycles lack the protection needed to prevent serious injury. As a result, motorcyclists are often seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions. In a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle, the occupants of the car have a 98% chance of surviving the crash. The motorcyclist, however, has a 98% chance of being seriously injured. Statistics show that 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities. And in the year 2020, in Colorado alone, there were 140 rider fatalities.
Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Prevention
In order to reduce the frequency and severity of motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists should take steps to increase their visibility. In addition, all motorcyclists should wear helmets and protective gear. This can greatly reduce the severity of injuries such as road rash, serious fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In fact, studies continue to show that motorcycle helmets reduce a rider’s risk of suffering a fatal head injury by one-third.
After a motorcycle accident, injured accident victims are often left with severe and debilitating injuries.
As a result, they may have questions about their future, their ability to provide for their family, and their ability to work.
- How will you pay for the therapy you need?
- Will you ever be able to ride again?
- Will you lose your job because of your injuries?
These are all serious questions that need immediate answers.
What to Do if You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are in a motorcycle accident, it is important to remove yourself from immediate danger.
Next call the authorities to file a police report. Exchange contact information with other motorists involved and document the accident scene. If possible, take photographs and jot down notes about vehicle positions and road conditions. It is critical to have your injuries examined and documented by your physician. Notify your insurance company, and most importantly, contact a motorcycle accident law firm. Law enforcement and other motorists are quick to blame a motorcyclist for an accident. You will need someone knowledgeable and intrepid to stand up for your rights.
A Good Attorney can Maximize Your Recovery
One or more of several different entities could be responsible for your motorcycle accident, the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, governmental agencies for not properly maintaining or marking the roadway, or the manufacturer of your motorcycle and safety gear.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will know how to determine who is liable for your accident and will help you recover the maximum possible compensation.
Insurance Companies in Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident in Colorado Springs can be a complex and often frustrating process. This is because, in addition to handling your physical and emotional recovery, you’ll be tasked with negotiating with insurance adjusters whose main goal is often to minimize the payout.
In Colorado, drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage coverage. If another driver is at fault in an accident, their insurance is typically responsible for covering the costs associated with your medical bills, bike repairs, and other damages.
However, it’s important to remember that Colorado is an “at-fault” state. This means that the insurance payout depends on who is determined to be at fault for the accident. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
Each insurance company has its own process and timeline for handling claims. It’s also important to know that each company will have its own approach to determining fault and calculating damages.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often find themselves fighting an uphill battle with insurance companies after an accident—even when the accident is NOT their fault. Insurance companies are quick to pin blame on the biker, even without proper evidence. This can dramatically reduce your claim and can prevent you from receiving the money you need to pay for damages. When this occurs, an attorney may be able to help you fight the insurance companies and claim the money that you need to fully recover.
Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents Lane Splitting Laws
While the act of lane splitting, defined as a motorcycle riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic, is not explicitly prohibited or permitted by Colorado’s laws, it is generally viewed as a dangerous practice and is not recommended. This maneuver can be risky due to the close proximity of the vehicles, limited space to maneuver, and the unexpectedness of the action for other drivers. If a motorcyclist engages in lane splitting, they could be cited for traffic violations such as reckless driving, improper passing, or speeding, depending on the circumstances. Moreover, in the event of an accident, the act of lane splitting could potentially influence liability determinations, possibly leading to the motorcyclist being deemed partially or fully at fault, which could impact the compensation received.
Colorado Springs Passenger Riding Rules
In Colorado, the law stipulates that passengers are permitted on motorcycles only if the bike is specifically designed and equipped to carry more than one person. This means the motorcycle must have a permanently fixed, regular seat in addition to the driver’s seat. This provision is aimed at ensuring the safety of both the rider and the passenger. Some motorcycles come with an added rear seat for a passenger, while others have a sidecar attached. Additionally, footrests for the passenger are also a requirement under Colorado law. Any motorcycle carrying a passenger without these designated fixtures could be deemed illegal and unsafe, potentially leading to traffic citations. Moreover, it’s important to remember that all passengers, just like riders, are required to wear eye protection, and if under 18, they must also wear a helmet. These regulations aim to mitigate the risk of injury and ensure safer motorcycle riding practices for everyone involved.
Statute of Limitations for Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accidents
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which include motorcycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the party you believe to be responsible.
Please note that there are certain circumstances where these time limits may be extended or shortened, such as in the case of a minor or if the injury is not discovered right away. These exceptions are complex and best navigated with the assistance of a legal professional.
Also, remember that even if you start by negotiating with an insurance company, the statute of limitations still applies. If you don’t file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
Contact The Green Law Firm, P.C. For Help Today
Don’t let the complexities of the legal process add to the stress of a motorcycle accident. Let our experienced team at Green Law Firm P.C. in Colorado Springs navigate these challenges on your behalf. We are committed to ensuring you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. Remember, time is of the essence in these matters, so don’t hesitate.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact the experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle accident lawyers of the Green Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. Call us today at 719-694-8515 or fill out the contact form on this page. Contact our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation and let us start fighting for your rights. Trust us to provide the dedicated, professional legal assistance you need during this difficult time.
