What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents Claims in Colorado

Colorado Motorcycle Accident Claims

A ride through a Rocky Mountain state like Colorado may be one of the most beautiful that you ever take. The landscape in Colorado attractive and diverse. You can see everything from plains to high peaks. The weather is also ideal too, with the state boasting 300 days of sunshine.

But while Colorado may have the weather, the scenery, and the roads for a great motorcycle ride, riding in our state is dangerous. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, fatal crashes increased by nearly 20% from 2015 to 2016. This statistic only accounts for motorcyclist deaths. The number of motorcyclists involved in crashes that suffered injuries is much greater.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney Steve Roberts knows how shocking a motorcycle crash can be. He’s seen the fallout from serious crashes first hand. A call informing you that your loved one has been severely harmed or killed in a motorcycle crash is completely overwhelming. Following an accident, we will help you and your family pursue a claim to recoup compensation for economic and noneconomic losses.

Determining Fault As Part of a Motorcycle Accident Claim

One of the most critical pieces of motorcycle accidents claims is that of determining fault. If fault is not determined and established, the motorcyclist will likely be unable to recover compensation. Because Colorado is an at-fault state, those who cause accidents are responsible for paying for them. Colorado has a rule of comparative negligence. So, if an injured party is at-fault or partially at-fault for their accident and injuries, their compensation award reduces in proportion to their degree of fault. As such, establishing fault to the greatest extent possible of the other party is absolutely critical.

Unfortunately, the deck is often stacked against motorcyclists after a serious injury. There tends to be an underlying bias and prejudice against riders as reckless. Gathering strong evidence that proves that your accident and injuries would not have occurred but for the actions of the party against whom you’re filing a claim is essential.

Our lawyers will work hard to determine and prove fault as part of your motorcycle accident claim. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding drivers;
• Intoxicated and impaired drivers;
• Illegal lane changes made by drivers;
• Aggressive driving;
• Distracted driving;
• Following too closely/tailgating;
• Failing to look or/and yield; and
• Failing to change lanes.

We use physical evidence, photographs, event data recorder information, accident reconstruction experts’ opinions, eyewitness testimony, and more to prove the negligence of the driver who hit you and hold them liable for your damages.

Valuing Your Case: How To Determine a Motorcycle Accident Compensation Award

One of the most challenging parts of a motorcycle accident claim is proving the fault of the other party. In addition to proving fault, however, an injured motorcyclist must also prove the extent of damages that they suffered. Then they must prove that the amount that they are demanding in compensation is reflective of these damages.

The injuries incurred by a motorcyclist in a crash can be great. Some of the most serious and life-changing injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Road burn/road rash injuries;
• Facial injuries;
• Bone fracture injuries;
• Limb amputation/loss of use of limb injuries;
• Internal injuries; and
• Soft tissue injuries.

A motorcyclist may also suffer severe psychological injuries as a result of a collision.

Injuries are expensive to treat. They often result in tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands in expenses. Costs include transportation-to-hospital, stay, doctors’ fee, prescription drugs, surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, and others. These costs may extend into the future depending upon the extent of the motorcyclist’s harm.

In addition to medical expenses other damages that are often sought as part of a motorcycle accident claim. For example, one may claim damages for lost wages. Injuries are often severe enough to prevent the injured motorcyclist from returning to work. There also might be damages for property loss. Furthermore, one must consider noneconomic losses, such as the value of a motorcyclist’s pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Our lawyers work with medical professionals, accountants, and other experts to determine the value of your claim and prove it.

Insurance is one of the determining factors of your compensation. We explore all potential sources of liability. We identify all potential sources of insurance. This maximizes the amount of compensation that you receive. We also aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf in an effort to reach a fair settlement.

Statute of Limitations for Colorado Motorcycle Accident Claims

The statute of limitations places a limit on the amount of time that you have to file a motorcycle accident claim after a crash in Colorado. As found in Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-101, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is 3 years. If you wait longer than that from the date of your crash to file your suit, you will likely be permanently barred from recovery.

Our Colorado Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Roberts Accident Law understand the shock, pain, and trauma that you’re experiencing after a motorcycle accident. While nothing can undo the harm that you have suffered, a fair settlement award can offer compensation and support as you move forward in life.

For a free consultation, please call our law office today or send us a confidential message requesting more information. Our office is in Denver, but we can travel to your location.