Motorcyclists are admired for their love of freedom and riding wherever life may take them on every style or shape of bike you can imagine — from Harley’s to motorbikes. When you put your foot on the gas, you don’t know what will happen from moderate to severe motorcycle accidents. Hire a personal injury attorney:
Accidents involving motorcyclists are all unique and the special circumstances that lead up to each incident. Recent data shows even though motorcycles only make up about 3% of registered vehicles on the road, they account for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022. Here are some of the most common reasons these numbers for motorcycle accidents exist:
Unsafe Lane Change
$1.3M
Settlement
Motorcycle vs. Car
$787,000
Settlement
Motorcycle vs. Truck
$1.6M
Settlement
Drunk Driving Victim
$581,000
Settlement
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.
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle cases, which include motorcycle accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you have three 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. 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.
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, it’s important to know that:
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.
The act of lane splitting or zipper merging, defined as a motorcycle riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic, recently got some updates via Colorado state law. On August 7, all motorcyclists will be able to split lanes or lane filters in a three-year trial period to see how this maneuver will work.
According to SB24-0749, motorcyclists can overtake or pass other vehicles on the road between two lanes if the following conditions are appropriate:
If a motorcyclist engages in unsafe lane splitting that violates this new law, 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.
State law says 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.
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.
These are all serious questions that need immediate answers.
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