Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Aurora

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Aurora, Colorado?

  The non-emergency line in Aurora is 303-627-3100.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Aurora, Colorado?

  You can buy reports at the CrashDocs website if an officer completed a crash report on the scene of the accident. You can call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to request crash reports that have been completed online and not on-scene.

• How can a lawyer help in a motorcycle accident in Aurora?

  Lawyers can help request and collect evidence such as vehicle "black box" data, smartphone device data, and photo or video surveillance footage of the motorcycle accident in Aurora. They can also assist injured motorcyclists in seeking treatment from a medical professional and properly calculating financial compensation. Additionally, these lawyers can negotiate fair settlements from insurance companies or take cases to trial if needed.

• Why are there many motorcycle accidents in Aurora?

  Many of the state's biggest roads run through Aurora, such as E470, Interstate 225, and Interstate 70, which are high-volume roads prone to speeding. Also, roads like Colfax, Alameda, 6th Avenue, and Arapahoe have areas that contain intersecting neighborhoods, shopping districts, and 8-lane roads. These kinds of roads are what motorcyclists call “traps” because these roads contain hidden sideroads, construction zones, and narrow-down lanes that can trap motorcyclists in a crash.

• What is lane splitting, and why can it lead to motorcycle accidents in Aurora?

  When motorcycles maneuver between or overtake automobiles from different lanes of traffic, this is called lane splitting. It can lead to accidents because it is unpredictable for other drivers on the roads in Aurora, especially at high speeds when they have less time to react. Lane splitting is a traffic infraction with fines ranging from $15 to $100.

• What types of compensation can a motorcyclist obtain after an accident in Aurora?

  Motorcyclists can recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Expenses for medical treatment, lost wages, and accident-related general household costs are considered economic losses, while pain, suffering, and loss of life quality are non-economic damages. It is important to note that accidents have to be reported to insurance companies a day or two after the accident to avoid compensation problems.

• Can a lawsuit be filed if a family member dies after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Aurora?

  Yes, a lawsuit can be filed against the negligent driver for causing the accident in Aurora that led to the death of a motorcyclist. Only one wrongful death action is allowed per case and any surviving family members such as the spouse, parents, siblings, and children can file. Additionally, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is three years.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.