Colorado is a dream state for motorcycle riders. With scenic roads and over 300 days of sunshine annually, it’s a rider’s paradise. But unfortunately, the scenic beauty of Colorado doesn’t make it any less dangerous for motorcyclists.
In fact, Colorado has seen a significant rise in motorcycle fatalities in the past few years. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 2020 was the deadliest year ever for motorcyclists. One hundred forty riders lost their lives on the roads of Colorado in 2020. In 2021, 137 motorcyclists died on the roadways. The three years before 2020, Colorado observed 103 motorcycle fatalities each year.
So far, in 2022, there have already been 82 motorcycle traffic fatalities on the Colorado roadways. Compared to last year’s August, when there were only 78, that’s a 5% increase.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer. In addition, we understand how important it is to investigate a motorcycle accident thoroughly. Therefore, we will do everything in our power to help protect you or your loved one’s rights after a tragic motorcycle accident.
We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide strong legal counsel after a motorcycle accident. Furthermore, we can help you secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Call our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
Recent Motorcycle Fatalities In Colorado
There have already been 27 traffic-related fatalities in Denver this year alone.
A recent two-vehicle collision in Aurora killed a motorcyclist on August 6th, 2022. He collided with a Cadillac sedan that was making a left turn.
After the crash, the 36-year-old male motorcyclist was found unresponsive on the road. He was then rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead there. The driver of the Cadillac remained on the scene, but no summons or arrest was issued. The accident is currently under investigation.
Another deadly collision killed a motorcycle operator after colliding with a pickup truck. The motorcycle driver was a 27-year-old male. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. While the driver of the pickup truck did not sustain any injuries, the collision caused the truck to catch on fire.
What Colorado Counties Have the Most Motorcycle Fatalities?
Motorcycles only make up a small percentage of the registered vehicles in Colorado. However, they overrepresent accident fatality counts.
While motorcycles only account for three percent of Colorado’s registered vehicles, they make up 20% of the traffic fatalities. The leading counties for motorcycle deaths in Colorado are as follows:
- El Paso
- Jefferson
- Adams
- Denver
- Pueblo
How Common Are Motorcycle Crashes?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a motorcycle safety guide with some disturbing statistics.
Motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than other drivers. In addition, they are four times more likely to sustain injuries in a collision than other vehicle operators.
Here are some more motorcycle accident statistics from NHTSA:
- Motorcycle riders are continually overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes.
- There were 5,579 motorcycle traffic fatalities in 2020 in the US.
- In 2020, Colorado motorcycle fatalities made up 22% of all traffic fatalities (which is higher than the national average of 20%)
What Are The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcyclists are much more susceptible to severe injuries than other vehicle operators. While riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting, the tradeoff is more agility for less safety. Simply put, motorcycles lack the protective layer that other cars have.
Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles don’t have a protective barrier between the driver and the roads or other cars. As a result, motorcyclists seldom walk away from accidents with minor injuries. Instead, the outcomes are usually severe to catastrophic injuries or death.
One of the biggest dangers to motorcyclists is other drivers. That’s because many vehicle operators fail to treat motorcyclists with the same respect and caution they give other cars. In addition, motorcycles are smaller than other cars and easily fit into a car’s blind spot. The lack of adequate distance between vehicles and motorcycles can pose risks for all drivers. If a car needs to stop suddenly, the results can be grave for the motorcycle rider.
These are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Bone fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Bleeding, bruising, severe lacerations
- Whiplash
- Severe skin burns/road burn
As many as half of all spinal cord injuries result from traffic accidents. More often than not, these injuries require long-term medical care and treatment. Living with the consequences of catastrophic injuries can be devastating. That’s why you should speak with an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney. We can help you bring a legal claim and seek fair compensation for your damages.
Do Motorcyclists Have The Same Legal Rights As Other Drivers?
Motorcycle drivers have the same legal rights as all other drivers on the road. All drivers have a duty to drive with reasonable precautions. In addition, they are required to maintain their vehicle and obey traffic laws. The same rules apply to motorcycle drivers.
Furthermore, like any other traffic accident victim, motorcycle riders have a right to seek compensation for injuries. Strong legal representation gives you a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Or, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we may be able to help you file a wrongful death suit.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Motorcycle Accident?
Under Colorado law, you have two years to file a lawsuit after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash. Two years would be your time if another person’s negligence caused your accident.
However, you have less than two years if a government agency or employee caused your accident. In that case, you need to notify them within 180 days of your accident to start the process.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, it’s in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable Denver motorcycle accident lawyer. We can help investigate your claim to establish liability. That way, you can hold the right parties accountable. However, if you wait too long, you may miss the time limit to seek recovery for your damages.
What If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet When The Accident Happened?
Colorado law does not require motorcycle operators over 18 to wear a helmet. While helmets are proven to save lives, the law does not require wearing one if you are over 18.
Moreover, you can still file a lawsuit if you were hit and injured by someone else’s negligence. Colorado law does not consider failure to wear a helmet admissible evidence to reduce the motorcyclists’ recoverable damages. That is, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet during the collision, that doesn’t translate to negligence.
Furthermore, you can recover compensation for damages if you were not primarily at fault for the accident. If you are unsure about who was at fault, consult an attorney for professional legal advice.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Denver, CO
Contact our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers if you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident.
If you’re unsure whether someone else was at fault, we can look into your case and determine the best course of action.
We are Denver motorcycle accident lawyers with a proven track record, impressive financial resources, and an esteemed legal reputation. Furthermore, we put our client’s needs first and offer compassionate and caring legal counsel.
Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation, or call (720) 500-HURT.
