Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Don’t listen to insurance companies that say that reckless motorcycle riders cause their own accidents most of the time. The truth is that motorcycle accidents often occur because other drivers fail to notice motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include when a driver:

• Makes an unsafe left turn in front of a motorcycle
• Makes an unsafe lane change or merges into a motorcycle’s lane
• Fails to yield the right of way at an intersection
• Drives while distracted or texting
• Drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Follows too closely behind a motorcycle
• Speeds or drives aggressively

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, which means riders often depend on other drivers to remain attentive and cautious. When drivers fail to do so, the consequences can be severe, and it is the rider who is often the one who suffers the worst for it. If that has happened to you or a loved one, talk to our motorcycle accident claim team right away.

Road Hazards That Can Contribute to Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to road hazards than larger vehicles. Conditions that might be a minor inconvenience for a car can create a serious danger for a rider.

Examples of roadway hazards that are particularly dangerous to motorcyclists include:

• Potholes or uneven pavement
• Loose gravel or construction debris
• Oil spills or other slippery substances
• Fallen branches or objects in the roadway
• Separated tire treads from commercial trucks

In some situations, a government entity responsible for roadway maintenance may share responsibility if dangerous road conditions contributed to the crash. Don’t worry, though. At Tenge Law Firm LLC in Fort Collins, we stand ready to challenge any defendant, including government agencies like the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Serious Injuries Common in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders have far less physical protection than occupants of passenger vehicles. As a result, even relatively moderate collisions can lead to severe injuries. 

For this reason, our team has worked alongside medical experts in many different accident claims, including violent motorcycle wrecks. We can use their knowledge of injuries to prepare a more complete claim that pursues a compensation amount truly reflective of your past and future losses.

Some of the injuries we frequently see in motorcycle accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken or crushed bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Severe road rash and scarring
• Herniated discs and spinal fractures
• Nerve damage
• Joint and ligament injuries

Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining liability is one of the most important parts of a motorcycle accident case. While another driver is often responsible, multiple parties may sometimes share liability, or liability might be placed on a party you might have never guessed without legal help.

Potentially liable parties for a motorcycle accident may include:

• A negligent driver who caused the crash (represented by an insurance company)
• An employer, if the driver was working at the time of the accident
• A motorcycle manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to the crash
• A government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions (CDOT)

Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims

If a motorcycle accident claim succeeds, compensation may be available for a variety of financial and personal losses, including those that you will likely incur in the future. We always fight for the maximum amount possible, whether through carefully negotiated settlement discussions or hard-fought litigation before the court.

Your motorcycle accident claim might include these damages and others:

• Medical expenses and ongoing medical care
• Lost wages during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

Your first priority should be safety and medical care. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident to law enforcement and gather information from witnesses and other drivers if you are able. Photographs of the scene, vehicles, and injuries can also be helpful evidence.

Can fault be shared in a motorcycle accident in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, any compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Colorado?

In most cases, Colorado law provides three years for most motor vehicle accident claims, but the statute could be reduced to just two years in some cases, so it is recommended that you act quickly before much time passes. Typically, people call our law firm for help within 48 hours of a wreck, but we’ve heard from clients moments after crashes before, too.

Let’s Get Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Started

A serious motorcycle accident can create lasting physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you better understand your options and the steps involved in pursuing a claim. At Tenge Law Firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Collins provide personalized legal representation and genuine moral support during such a difficult time. If you need help, please know that we’re always ready to talk.

To schedule a free case review, call our Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorneys any time at (970) 510-8077.