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Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcyclists on the roads of Colorado may enjoy the unique thrill of riding through mountain passes essentially free and out in the open atop their motorcycles. Still, there is also a significantly greater risk involved. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), while motorcycles make up just 3% of all the registered vehicles in Colorado, they represent an alarming 22% of traffic fatalities.

Being in a motorcycle accident can lead to long-term, life-altering injuries. If another person or entity caused the accident, you could file a claim to recover compensation. Connect with a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer from Ready Law for support and guidance through the process, and read on to learn more.

Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

As detailed by CDOT, in 2021, 136 motorcyclists were killed on the roads of Colorado. A slogan offered by CDOT to promote motorcyclist safety and help reduce the prevalence of fatal accidents: “Motorcycles are hard to see. Memorials are harder. Save a life. Look twice.”

The reality that, compared to cars, motorcyclists can be more difficult for motor vehicle drivers to see highlights the importance of all drivers on the road being safe and attentive. While motorcycle drivers who cause their own accidents will be liable for their damages, more often than not, they are caused by other drivers.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

When another driver causes a motorcycle accident that leads to your injuries, they will be liable for the damages. Identifying every factor why the other driver caused an accident can be difficult, as you are not likely able to see inside the vehicle’s cabin in the moments before you were hit. You might need to find out whether or not the driver was sober, paying attention, or even if they had a legal right to drive. Your Denver motorcycle accident lawyer at Ready Law can help collect the evidence you need to build your claim or case.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

  • Drowsy driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Drunk or intoxicated driving

Drowsy Driving

When a driver has not had sufficient rest before getting behind the wheel, their ability to drive safely and attentively can be negatively impacted. The Colorado State Patrol encourages drivers to consider their fatigue level before getting behind the wheel and not drive if they are too tired.

According to Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, “Fatigue physically and mentally impacts the abilities of a driver – it has effects on a driver’s attention span, judgment, coordination and reaction time.” When a driver decides to get behind the wheel while drowsy and hits a motorcyclist, they’ll be liable for the damages.

Distracted Driving

Drivers on the road have a responsibility to pay attention, especially so when it comes to motorcycles. A driver is distracted when they are impaired in any of the following ways:

  • Mentally – when a driver’s mind is not on their driving, they are less capable of responding to changes in road conditions, making them more likely to fail to notice motorcyclists
  • Manually – any activity that takes the driver’s hands off of the wheel, like texting while driving, playing with the radio or center console, or applying makeup
  • Visually  – any activity that takes the driver’s eyes away from the road is visually impairing

One of the most common forms of distracted driving, and an increasingly common reason behind car accidents, is texting while driving. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) asserts that sending a single text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, which when driving at 55 miles per hour means that the driver failed to pay attention to their driving for the length of a football field, far more than enough room to hit a motorcyclist without noticing.

Aggressive Driving

CDOT data cited by CBS News Colorado noted that aggressive driving is on the rise in Colorado, resulting in an increasing number of accidents leading to injuries and deaths. In 2016 alone, some 252 people were seriously injured on the roads of Colorado due to aggressive driving. Aggressive driving includes speeding, unannounced lane changes, failing to leave other drivers enough room on the road, and a variety of other risky driving behaviors.

Drunk or Intoxicated Driving

When a driver decides to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they will be liable for any damages that result. Your Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer from Ready Law will help you collect evidence to determine if the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Losing a Loved One to a Motorcycle Accident Could Entitle You to a Wrongful Death Claim

When a person is lost in a tragic accident caused by someone or something else, their surviving loved ones may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. One purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is direct financial compensation for financial loss, including financial and contributions to a household, the value of household labor, as well as healthcare and funeral expenses. More importantly, a wrongful death lawsuit may be the only way for grieving loved ones to seek any form of justice at all for the personal trauma and loss they have experienced.

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is, in part, to help provide the coping family with financial stability and compensation for financial loss after a fatal motorcycle accident. However, it also serves as a means of bringing wrongdoers to some accountability for the consequences of their actions.

Connect with a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help on Your Claim

Motorcyclists are at increasing risk of severe injury and death on the roads of Colorado and across the United States. Even with the safest operation of your motorcycle, it is not possible to predict or control the behavior of other drivers, which can leave the safest riders injured and in need of help.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to Ready Law by calling us at 303-339-8846, or visit our site to schedule a consultation.

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I represent individuals and families throughout Colorado. This includes providing representation for victims and loved ones following serious and fatal accidents throughout the Denver Metropolitan Area and beyond. No matter where you live, and no matter who (other than you) is responsible, I will use determination, passion, and relentless energy to fight for the compensation you deserve.