Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Experiencing the thrill of motorcycling along Denver’s picturesque roads offers an unmatched sense of freedom. Yet, facing a motorcycle accident in Denver can be a profoundly distressing and painful ordeal for you and your loved ones. The dedicated Denver motorcycle accident lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. are here to provide the support and expertise you need during these challenging times. Our team understands the complexities of motorcycle accident cases in Denver and is committed to advocating for your rights and well-being.
How are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents in Denver often result in more severe injuries compared to typical car accidents, posing unique challenges for both the injured parties and their legal representatives. Additionally, there’s a noticeable cultural bias against motorcyclists, which may influence jury opinions, especially in cases lacking jury members who are riders. This bias can create hurdles in the courtroom for Denver motorcycle accident lawyers.
Understanding the complexities of motorcycle accident cases is crucial, and selecting the right law firm becomes pivotal for achieving a favorable outcome. The Denver motorcycle accident lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. are well-versed in navigating these intricacies.
Our experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyers are passionate about helping injury victims recover the full compensation they are entitled to.
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
- Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Safety Tips
- Helmet Laws
- Motorcycle Accident Damages
Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcyclists in Denver face heightened risks on the road, a fact underscored by statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These figures reveal that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents lead to injury or fatality for riders and their passengers. This stark reality highlights the importance of having skilled Denver motorcycle accident lawyers by your side.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and Brain injury
- Wrongful death
Many of these traumatic injuries can require extensive medical care, a considerable amount of rehabilitative therapy and substantial time away from work. Most families are not able to shoulder these financial burdens, and the ultimate ramifications can be dire.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Navigating Denver’s roads on a motorcycle demands a careful blend of skill and sound judgment. To enhance safety during your rides, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and to consciously minimize risks. Preparation involves wearing appropriate gear, such as a helmet, protective clothing, and eye protection. Minimizing risks entails adopting a defensive driving approach, steering clear of adverse weather conditions, and choosing a motorcycle that matches your riding capabilities. These precautions are essential for every motorcyclist’s safety.
Despite taking these measures, accidents can still occur. In such events, having a proficient Denver motorcycle accident lawyer is indispensable.
Even when riding safely and obeying the rules of the road, however, motorcycle accidents can happen. Some of the most common causes are:
- Collisions with cars: Many times, car and truck drivers simply don’t – or can’t – see motorcyclists, either because of blind spots, dark conditions or poor weather.
- Sudden stops: Any rear-end collision can be dangerous, but for a motorcycle, it can be devastating. Sudden stops can easily eject a motorcyclist from a bike, head over heels into traffic.
- Open-door accidents: These particular kinds of accidents are common in densely urban areas. Even when car occupants check their mirrors before opening a door, they may not see an oncoming motorcycle, and put the rider’s life in jeopardy.
While there tends to be biased against motorcyclists, studies have found that a majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the actions of other drivers. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is being run off the road or struck by the drivers of larger vehicles – most often when those drivers are making a turn.
Protecting Yourself from Injury
Ensuring your safety while riding a motorcycle in Denver greatly depends on using the right protective gear. Although helmet usage is not mandated for riders over 18 in some states, it’s highly recommended to wear one. This is particularly important considering that brain injuries are among the most common and fatal outcomes of motorcycle accidents. In fact, head injuries contribute to 34 percent of all traumatic deaths in the United States.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, having an experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can be crucial.
Proper gear includes:
- A DOT-approved helmet
- Leather jacket, gloves, and chaps
- Leather boots
- Googles or glasses (even if you have a windscreen)
When you are in a motorcycle accident, the only thing between you and the asphalt is the clothing you are wearing. If that’s shorts, flip-flops, and no shirt, it’s highly likely your injuries will be severe or fatal, even when traveling at low speeds.
The NHTSA recommends that, before you hit the road, you make sure your motorcycle is in proper working order. To do this, make sure to:
- Check tire pressure and tread depth
- Make sure hand and foot brakes are working
- Check headlights, brake lights, and signals
- Ensure all fluid levels are full and that there are no leaks
Once on the road, be sure to:
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
- Avoid all types of distraction
- Maintain a safe riding distance
- Obey the rules of the road
Motorcyclists bear the crucial responsibility of practicing defensive driving. Given the size disparity, larger vehicles, including passenger cars, frequently overlook motorcycles, leading to potentially grave or fatal consequences. This reality necessitates motorcyclists to maintain heightened vigilance and absolute focus on the road. Embrace smart and safe riding practices to ensure your well-being on the road. Stay alert, stay safe, stay alive.
Common Questions
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How Long do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
In many states across the U.S., you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. There is some wiggle room in certain cases, but by and large, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits is two years.
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What if I was Partially at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?
In some cases, you may be able to recover damages even if you played a role in your accident. The amount you are entitled to will be impacted by the portion of blame you share for the accident.rnrnWithout an investigation into your motorcycle accident, it may be impossible to know all causes. Things like defective or dangerous roadways, equipment failure, and, of course, the actions of all involved motorists will need to be evaluated to establish liability.rnrnDo not admit fault for an accident. Wait until your attorney can finish his or her investigation.
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Can I File a Lawsuit for a Motorcycle Accident if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
You can file a claim against a negligent driver if you are injured while riding your motorcycle – even if you were not wearing a helmet. But know that decision may result in a significant reduction in the amount of compensation you are awarded.rnrnIn some U.S. states, you do not have to wear a helmet to ride a motorcycle if you are over 18. If you sustain a brain injury while not wearing a helmet, however, it may be difficult to sway jury sympathy to your cause.rnrnBear in mind, our actions typically play a role in our outcomes. Choosing to ride dangerously makes a very specific statement and one that may prove detrimental to seeking compensation after an injury.
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What Kinds of Damages can I Seek with a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Personal injury lawsuits seek compensation for damages related to an accident. This includes current expenses along with projected future expenses and losses. The best way to find out what your claim is worth is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.rnrnDamages that may be sought in a motorcycle accident claim include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eCurrent and future medical expensesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eRehabilitation and therapy costsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eWages lost during recoveryu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eProjected wages lost due to new physical limitationsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHome modifications and adaptive technologies made necessary by the injuryu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEmotional duress and traumau003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePhysical pain and sufferingu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernInsurance companies do not provide compensation for all of these things. Insurance companies use a formula to determine what your suffering is worth. Only with the help of a personal injury lawyer can you seek damages that exceed the paltry offerings of insurance companies and work towards the settlement or verdict you will need to live the best life possible following a catastrophic injury.
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How Long Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
The motorcycle accident claims process follows a fairly standard path. Though there may be some fluctuation, in most cases:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eYou hire a lawyeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eYour lawyer investigates the accidentu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eYour lawyer files a claimu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe discovery process begins, allowing both sides to gather evidence and build their caseu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eBoth sides meet for mediation to attempt settlement negotiationsu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernWhen mediation fails, the claim will go to trial where a jury will determine the outcome. Very few motorcycle accident cases end up going to trial. Almost all are resolved before or during mediation.rnrnMany motorcycle accident claims are resolved in a matter of months. Cases that go to trial may take two or more years to settle. The path you can expect for your case to take will be discussed by your attorney.