Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Denver

FAQs

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

  303-445-1980 is the non-emergency contact number of the Denver local police station.

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

  The Denver Police Department's website has instructions for ordering copies of various police reports. To get a report, you must pay a fee, fill out a report request form with the essential information, and mail the form along with a $10 check or money order and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Denver Police Department at 1331 Cherokee St., Room 420, Denver, Colorado. The office can be contacted at 80204-2787.

• Can a person file a suit even if they are partially to blame for a Denver motorcycle accident injury?

  Yes, a person can file a lawsuit even if they are partly at fault. Due to Colorado's comparative negligence theory, Denver motorcycle drivers are still entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, they will not be able to claim if they are the primary cause of the accident. Victims may be eligible to collect at least some compensation for their injuries if their responsibility is assessed to be less than 50%.

• What are the helmet laws in Denver?

  Motorcycle riders in Denver and the entire state of Colorado above the age of 18 have the option of wearing a helmet or not. Colorado exclusively enforces helmet-wearing laws on motorcycles for kids under the age of 18. However, if a motorcyclist is involved in a motorcycle accident and chooses not to wear a helmet, this may work against them during the lawsuit.

• How do motorcycle accident claims differ from car accident claims in Denver?

  One of the significant differences between a car accident and a motorcycle accident is the severity of injuries sustained by riders. Motorcyclists have no protection around them, unlike car riders. Motorcycle riders in Denver must follow additional traffic rules, such as sharing a lane with another motorcycle but not sharing lanes with cars, and their vehicles are more susceptible to poor road conditions.

• What are the insurance requirements for Denver motorcycle riders?

  Every motorcycle rider in Denver and all of Colorado must carry $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage coverage at all times. They can obtain additional insurance and liability insurance to ensure that the rider has the financial resources to compensate the victims.

• Is lane splitting safe in Denver?

  Lane-splitting is not safe. It is risky since it involves riding between lanes or rows of stopped or slow-moving cars. If a motorcycle rider is in a hurry, they may choose to lane split, which increases the chance of an accident in Denver. Motorcyclists can become trapped in a narrow space and are less likely to prevent a collision.

• 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.