Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Lakewood, Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Denver, Boulder, and Nearby Areas

Motorcycles may be fun, but they are also dangerous. Their small size makes them hard for other drivers to see and they don’t offer much protection for their passengers. That’s why fatalities are more common in motorcycle accidents than in car accidents.

Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that 4,295 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2014. In the 1970s, over 80% of those killed in accidents were 29 or younger. Today, the majority of motorcyclists who lose their lives are 50 years old or older. Age is a factor but there are other reasons why crashes happen.

Unfortunately, not every accident can be prevented. They can be caused by weather, obstacles on the road, or even medical events like stroke or heart attack. No matter the cause, without enough time to react, a motorcyclist will be injured or killed.

Thankfully, the lawyers at The Frickey Law Firm have more than 120 years of combined experienced working with motorcycle accident victims. Please call 303-237-7373 for a complimentary evaluation of your case.

What Causes a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accident compensation infographicApproximately 75% of motorcycle accidents involve one other passenger vehicle. Many of these are caused by the car or truck driver not seeing the motorcyclist. Another common cause is drivers failing to yield right of way to motorcyclists.

Additional motorcycle accident causes include:

  • Some motorcyclists don’t realize they need the same amount of space to stop as a car does. If the motorcyclist has to break suddenly, they could rear-end the vehicle in front of them if they don’t have adequate time to stop.
  • Blind spots. Motorcycles are small and get lost in a driver’s blind spot. That makes it easy for a driver to pull out in front of or change lanes on top of a motorcyclist without realizing they were there.
  • A common motorcycle accident we see is when a driver turns left across an intersection in front of a motorcycle. A motorcycle’s size makes it look further away than it is. This can cause a driver to think they have time to make a turn when they don’t.
  • Distracted driving is no joke. Motorcyclists and drivers of passenger vehicles cause accidents when distracted by the radio, a cell phone, or other passengers.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Whether or not a motorcyclist is wearing the right gear, an accident can cause severe or life-threatening injuries. In the best case scenario, the motorcycle rider walks away with minor cuts and scrapes. In the worst case, they go to the hospital with catastrophic injuries.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, emotional distress, and time off from work. Injuries you might recover damages for include, but are not limited to:

What Should I Do If I’m in a Motorcycle Accident?

The most important thing to do if you’re in a motorcycle accident is to stay calm. After an accident you will be in shock and adrenaline will be coursing through your body. This can make you underestimate how injured you really are.

In the case of neck and back injuries, it’s dangerous to move until you are absolutely certain you don’t have a major injury. If you landed on your back or neck, hit your head, or rolled several times, it’s best to assume you may have a neck or back injury and stay still.

Accidents are traumatic experiences. That makes it hard to take the steps to protect yourself and get to a safe place. If you’re ever in an accident, remember these tips:

  • Get help. If you need an ambulance, call 9-1-1. If you aren’t injured, call the police department’s non-emergency number so an officer can respond to the scene and clean up crews can be dispatched.
  • Get to safety. Move your bike off the road if you can. At the very least, you should get off the road as soon as possible.
  • Find witnesses. Whether someone saw the entire accident or part of it, having a witness can help your case if it goes to court.
  • Write down the details. Take pictures of the accident scene. Include your bike, injuries, the surrounding area, and any other vehicles or people that were involved. You should also note the date and time of the accident, the location, what the weather was like, and what you remember happening.
  • Visit your doctor. Even if you don’t need emergency medical treatment, it’s still a good idea for your primary doctor look you over as soon as possible.
  • File an insurance claim. Always notify your insurance company, as well as the insurance company of anyone else involved.
  • Get a lawyer. Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney can help take some of the strain off you and lets them start on your case right away.

What Should I Avoid Doing After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accident mistakes infographicKnowing what not to do after a motorcycle accident is just as important as knowing what you should do. The following tips can protect your best interests and increase your chances of filing a successful lawsuit:

  • Stay where you are. Only leave the scene if you need to go to the emergency room.
  • Only talk to emergency personnel. Don’t get into a conversation with the other driver or passengers involved. You may say something that could compromise your case without realizing it.
  • Don’t talk to insurance adjustors. Their number one goal is to get you to settle for less money than you’re entitled to. If one contacts you, refer them to your lawyer.
  • Don’t speculate. Even if you think the other party is at fault, only discuss your theories or opinions with your attorney.
  • Don’t accept a settlement. The first offer you get from an insurance company is going to be lower than what your case may be worth. Discuss any offers you receive with your lawyer before accepting.
  • Avoid recorded statements. If the insurance companies ask to record your statement, decline and reschedule so your attorney can be with you.
  • Don’t stress. Relax and let the lawyers at the Frickey Law Firm do the worrying for you.

How Soon After an Accident Should I File My Motorcycle Injury Claim?

You should file your motorcycle injury claim as soon as possible. There are many reasons for this urgency. For example, evidence can become harder to obtain the longer you wait. You might also become overwhelmed by medical bills and lost wages. You could even accept a bad settlement. However, the most important reason to act quickly is to meet any relevant deadlines.

Our attorneys understand that you might not want to deal with the stress of filing a claim. Fortunately, we can handle all the details and take the pressure off your shoulders. Fighting for injured members of our community in their time of need is what we do best as a law firm.

Who Can I Hold Accountable for My Motorcycle Crash Injuries?

Many different parties can be found liable for a motorcycle crash. Of course, who you can hold accountable will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each motorcycle crash to determine liability and build a strong legal claim.

Some parties that may be held accountable in these cases include:

  • At-fault drivers
  • Entities responsible for road maintenance
  • Motorcycle manufacturers 

Should I Speak With an Attorney First or the Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident?

Your insurance policy may contain notification deadlines that apply to a serious crash. If it does not, it may only state that you must contact your carrier about injuries within a reasonable time. 

Adhering to these requirements is the best way to protect your rights and initiate the claim process. However, it can be helpful to call an attorney first who can represent your needs. Insurance companies are known to push things like recorded statements and bad settlements.

If you are not sure what do to, just remember to be careful when speaking to insurance adjusters. Never admit fault or say anything that could work against your case in the future. 

Remember, our attorneys are available for free consultations. We will gladly help you determine your next steps. You can always contact the Frickey Law Firm for guidance after an accident.

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Can I Hold the Motorcycle Company Accountable for Faulty Equipment?

Motorcycle companies can be held accountable for faulty equipment that leads to a crash. That is because design or manufacturing defects can easily cause a bike to malfunction. When that happens, the unsuspecting rider might get seriously hurt through no fault of their own.

Product liability law encompasses all defective products and the injuries that they cause. Our attorneys can assist you if you believe that a vehicle or gear defect was involved in your case.

Will My Case Be Hurt if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet During the Accident?

Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state. That means your behavior can hurt your motorcycle accident case. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your fault is greater than or equal to the defendant(s) fault, you will not receive any damages.

In Colorado, helmets are not legally required for motorcycle operators and passengers age 18 and over. So it might not have an impact on your case. Talk to our attorneys to learn more.

What Can I Recover Damages For?

You simply can’t count on others to drive the way they should. Most motorcycle accidents result in some kind of injury to the motorcycle driver. If you or a family member has suffered a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of someone else, we may be able to help you recover damages for:

  • Time away from work/lost wages
  • Emotional anguish
  • Mental trauma
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

The worse case scenario in a motorcycle accident is wrongful death. While we hope that never happens to anyone in our community, it’s a reality all motorcyclists should be aware of. A loss of life leaves a void in a family. Money can never fill the gap caused by the loss of a family member, but it can ease the financial burden from a serious injury or death.

See What Our Clients Say About Us...

"My father died in a motorcycle accident in October and Leigh helped me to sort through a very difficult process. I greatly appreciated her help and how hard she worked to find answers to my questions and make sure everything was done and done right." - Kayla H

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Why Should I Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Getting life back on track after a motorcycle accident can be tough. There are a wide range of emotions to juggle, along with physical and financial stress. The good news is we know what you’re going through. We’ve helped countless clients in situations like yours. We’re committed to providing legal council that is kind, compassionate, and understanding.

Call The Frickey Law Firm at 303-237-7373 today to schedule your confidential appointment with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. Consultations are always free, and we won’t accept payment until we win your case. Our lawyers serve clients in Denver, Boulder and nearby areas of Colorado from our office in Lakewood.