Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Greeley

FAQs

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

  You may contact the Greeley Police Department for non-emergency dispatch at 970-350-9600.

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

  You can request a copy of your traffic accident report in several ways:

  • Go to https://www.crashdocs.org/#/reports?state=CO&agencyORI=CO0620200
  • Email a "Report Release Request" form, downloadable from the Greely Police Department website, to webrequests@greeleygov.com
  • Mail a "Report Release Request" form or hand it to an officer at: Greeley Police Department 2875 West 10th Street Greeley CO 80634 970-350-9677

• What is the modified comparative negligence law, and how does it affect your motorcycle accident claim in Greeley, CO?

  Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence law, you can claim compensation as an injured party in a motorcycle crash as long as you are no more than 50% at fault for the accident. If, for example, you are 40% at fault for speeding, you can recover compensation, but the amount will be reduced by the percentage of your fault, so you get only 60% of your damages.

• What types of damages can you claim after a motorcycle accident in Greeley, CO?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Greeley can claim economic and non-economic damages, both current and future. Economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, motorcycle repairs or replacement, and loss of earning capacity. Some non-economic or human damages you can claim are pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. For motorcycle crashes with a fatality, the surviving family can seek wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses.

• If you were not wearing a helmet when you had a motorcycle accident in Greeley, CO, will it affect your claim?

  Motorcyclists in Greeley over 18 years of age are not required to wear a helmet, and it should not affect your claim. The Supreme Court of Colorado settled the matter in the Dare v. Sobule case. It ruled that failure to wear a helmet does not constitute negligence. Not wearing a helmet will only be a problem if the victim is under 18 years old and required by state law to wear a helmet while riding.

• How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Greeley, CO?

  When it comes to personal injury lawsuits related to motor vehicles, like motorcycles, the statute of limitations in Greeley is three years from the accident date. This is in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 13-80-101. For wrongful death lawsuits resulting from a motorcycle accident, the statute of limitations is two years from the victim’s date, as stipulated in C.R.S. 13-21-203.

• How much is a motorcycle accident lawyer in Greeley, CO, going to cost you?

  Greeley motorcycle accident lawyers typically handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means the client doesn’t pay unless the lawyer successfully recovers compensation for the client’s damages. The lawyer will collect a percentage of the client’s settlement or verdict award, on average 33%, as their legal fee. In most cases, clients don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

• 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.