Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hands down, Denver has all the must-haves of a motorcyclist’s paradise, with over 75% of the days of the year glowing in sunshine, picturesque surroundings, and so much rideable roadway. Sadly, Colorado is experiencing an uptick in accidents, particularly involving motorcycles, and Denver is no exception. The reasons behind these collisions vary from distracted driving to risky maneuvers, route defects, and more.
At Frickey Law, we have successfully helped countless clients injured in motorcycle accidents to collect the compensation they are entitled to through favorable settlements and court judgments. If you have been in a Denver motorcycle accident, our trusted and proficient Denver motorcycle accident attorneys are here to offer help in the form of extensive knowledge, advocacy, and a just outcome.
Call now to schedule a free consultation regarding your claim or call us at 303-237-7373 to speak with an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney at The Frickey Law Firm today.
Common Causes of Denver Motorcycle Crashes and Injuries Explained
Building a solid case following a crash takes understanding the common causes behind them. Some of the top reasons for Denver motorcycle accidents include:
Distracted Driving
When individuals get behind the wheel of a car, concentrating on anything other than driving and prioritizing other tasks, they cannot practice safe and vigilant driving, which endangers everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists. Distracted driving can manifest in seconds. A driver reaching for a coffee, fumbling through a bag, leaning towards the back seat to tend to a child or pet, or, most commonly, engaging with an electronic device instead of focusing on the road. The price an adjacent motorcyclist pays is terrifying whether the distraction results in a reckless turn with no or last-minute signaling, switching lanes with no use of rear-view mirrors, or swaying between two lanes and tapping the driver off balance into traffic or off their bike.
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to extreme injuries and even death when an at-fault party is engaging in distracted driving. You may have been involved in a wreck and believe the other driver was texting or otherwise negligent. It may seem inconceivable to prove an individual was distracted in the moment or moments leading up to a collision’s impact. However, Frickey Law offers clients decades of expertise in Colorado law, investigating accidents and compiling evidence to identify and establish drivers engaging in these distractions that play consequential roles in countless wrecks.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield involves failing to allow the right of way to the appropriate driver at the correct time. Colorado Code §42-4-702 and §42-4-703 detail different actions that fall under a failure to yield, constituting a class A traffic infraction, including when making left turns or approaching an intersection or crosswalk. So when a driver hits a motorcycle (or another vehicle) at an intersection or the meeting point of two or more roads because they did not stop at a yield, it will be seen as “prima facie” or solid evidence that the driver did not provide a right of way. Thus, with many drivers failing to yield, intersections become treacherous places for motorcyclists, especially as they are less cushioned, protected from impacts, and more easily overlooked on the road. Rest assured, we meticulously examine these cases to establish and present liability accurately.
Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of motorcycle accidents in Denver and contributes to their severity. Exceeding the designated speed limit seriously threatens the safety of both motorcyclists and other road users. Speed limits are set to secure a safe flow of traffic. Limits are also set to account for various factors, including road conditions, visibility, and the surrounding environment. Ignoring the posted speed significantly increases the risk of accidents and even fatalities. As a responsible motorcyclist, you know maintaining the appropriate speed is essential, as exceeding the limits allows for less reaction time and maneuvering windows. A manageable situation can quickly turn hazardous or even deadly when speeding occurs by any party on the road.
Lane Splitting
Lane sharing or splitting is when a motorcyclist and a driver of another vehicle share an area, usually side by side, in the same lane. Often, lane splitting is associated with motorcyclists trying to bypass traffic congestion. Though not legal in Colorado, some motorcyclists attempt lane splitting while others only use it out of necessity to avoid a dangerous situation or hazard. Frickey Law navigates the legal complexities surrounding these cases to protect the rights of those involved.
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists
Living in a “fault state” like Colorado has specific implications for motorcycle riders, particularly in claims involving uninsured motorists. An at-fault state means that the party responsible for causing the collision is also responsible for covering the resulting damages. The situation can become more complicated when it comes to uninsured motorists. Uninsured motorists’ coverage is designed to provide protection when an at-fault driver is not insured or in hit-and-run scenarios. The coverage becomes crucial in ensuring injured parties, such as motorcyclists, can seek compensation even when the responsible driver lacks insurance.
For the motorcyclist who may not be insured or carry inadequate coverage, being entangled in an accident caused by another party’s negligence can bring fear and anxiety. That is where Frickey Law can assist. We help injured motorcyclists navigate Colorado’s legal highway, file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, and advocate for their rights. Taking action via claim or more hefty legal action is crucial to obtain total compensation for the medical expenses, property damage, and any other losses brought on by the accident and personal injury, such as lost wages from missing work. We understand the intricacies of Denver’s legal system and that sometimes victims may lack insurance. We will fight for you and pursue a claim against the responsible party, holding them accountable for their actions.
A Trusted Denver Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
When motorcycle accidents occur, they frequently result in severe and even fatal injuries. These injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and more. Prevailing in a motorcycle injury claim requires an injured party to prove by a preponderance of the evidence (a standard that means the evidence is more likely than not to be true) that the defendant was negligent and their negligence was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Frequently, collecting this evidence and presenting a persuasive case will involve deposing treating doctors and obtaining an independent medical evaluation that provides an expert’s opinion on the nature, extent, and cause of the victim’s injuries.
If you have been in a Denver motorcycle collision and want to get on the road to fair and total compensation, contact us today. Schedule a free consultation of your claim or call us at 303-237-7373 to speak with an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident attorney at The Frickey Law Firm today.