Colorado Motorcycle Accident Laws

Motorcyclists in Colorado love the freedom of the open road, but riding comes with significant risks. Accidents can lead to devastating injuries, leaving victims facing steep medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery periods. Understanding motorcycle accident laws in Colorado is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve after a crash.

With decades of trial experience and personalized client care, the team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. is dedicated to helping injured riders and their families navigate Colorado’s legal landscape. Whether you’re wondering about helmet laws, insurance requirements, or how to prove liability after a motorcycle crash, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Legal Rights Do Colorado Motorcyclists Have?

Colorado law grants motorcyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. If another driver’s negligence causes a motorcycle accident, injured riders have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses—the costs for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment;
• Lost wages—income lost while recovering from injuries and any future reduction in earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering—the physical pain, emotional distress, and the mental impact of the accident;
• Property damage—the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged motorcycle; and
• Emotional distress—accounts for psychological trauma, anxiety, and the lasting emotional effects of the accident.

Securing fair compensation after a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex injuries and uncooperative insurance companies. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys work tirelessly to help injured motorcyclists receive compensation that reflects the actual cost of their injuries and losses.

What Are Colorado Motorcycle Regulations I Must Adhere To?

Colorado traffic laws are designed to protect motorcyclists and ensure safer roadways for all drivers. Understanding these rules helps riders avoid penalties and strengthens their case if they’re involved in an accident. Below are the key Colorado motorcycle accident laws that every rider must adhere to.

Helmet Laws  

In Colorado, helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers under 18 years old. Colorado does not require adults (18 and older) to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle. However, it is generally recommended, as helmets protect the head, reducing the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. Also, choosing not to wear a helmet can affect your ability to recover compensation if an insurance company argues that your injuries could have been mitigated with proper head protection.

Goggles or Eye Protection Requirement 

Colorado law also mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear protective eye gear while operating a motorcycle on public highways. Riders must wear goggles or eyeglasses with safety glass or plastic lenses to protect against flying debris, wind, and other hazards.

This requirement does not apply if the rider wears a helmet with eye protection made of safety glass or plastic. Eye protection is a critical safety measure that helps prevent accidents caused by impaired vision while riding.

Prohibition on Attaching to Other Vehicles  

It is illegal for a motorcyclist to attach themselves or their motorcycle to another vehicle while riding on a public roadway. This dangerous practice increases the risk of losing control and causing a serious accident.

Violating this statute is considered a class A traffic infraction in Colorado, and the penalty ranges from a $5 to $100 fine. Maintaining control of your motorcycle and avoiding risky maneuvers that endanger yourself and others on the road is essential.

Passenger and Equipment Requirements

In addition to the laws above, Colorado law regulates motorcycles carrying passengers. Passengers may only ride on motorcycles designed to carry more than one person. The motorcycle must be equipped with a designated passenger seat and footrests.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists?

Motorcyclists in Colorado must carry minimum liability insurance coverage, just like other motorists. The minimum insurance requirements for motorcyclists in Colorado include:

• Bodily injury—$25,000 per person;
• Total bodily injury—$50,000 per accident;  and
• Property damage—$15,000 per accident.

While these minimums satisfy legal requirements, they may not fully cover your expenses if you’re involved in a serious accident. Many motorcyclists purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to provide additional protection.

How Do I Prove My Motorcycle Accident Case?

To recover compensation for a motorcycle injury in Colorado, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the crash. Establishing negligence requires demonstrating four key elements:

1. Duty of care. The other driver owed you a legal duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. 
2. Breach of duty. The driver breached this duty through negligent behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving.
3. Causation. The breach directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
4. Damages. You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault for the accident—as long as you’re not 50% or more responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of your fault.

Our attorneys will work to minimize your degree of fault by presenting solid evidence and countering any attempts by the insurance company to shift blame onto you. This evidence may include:

• Police reports,
• Medical records,
• Witness statements, 
• Accident scene photos, and
• Traffic camera footage.

Our attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. will thoroughly investigate your accident and build the most compelling case possible.

How Long Do I Have to File My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Colorado law imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing motorcycle accident claims. Therefore, you have three years from the accident date to initiate a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. Your lawyer will know which time restriction applies to you. 

Regardless of the limitation, it’s always best to allow your lawyer as much time as possible to build a case and negotiate with the insurer before going to court, as most cases settle before the need to file a lawsuit. You also want your lawyer to get started on your case before evidence gets lost or witness memories fade. The sooner they get started, the better your chances of a successful outcome.   

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents often occur because of driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Distracted driving,
• Failure to yield,
• Lane changes,
• Speeding,
• Left-turn accidents, and
• Road hazards.

Our team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. understands these common accident causes and knows how to identify contributing factors that strengthen your claim.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a serious motorcycle accident, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, physical pain, and pressure from insurance adjusters eager to settle your claim quickly and cheaply. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we provide more than just legal advice—we become your dedicated advocates, committed to guiding you through every step of the recovery process.

Here are some of the main ways we can help:

• Thorough investigation. We examine every detail of your crash, including accident reports, witness statements, traffic footage, and medical records. Our goal is to uncover the whole story and identify every liable party.
• Communicate with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. We manage all communication to protect you from lowball offers, misleading questions, and pressure tactics.
• Assess and document your damages. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe and life-altering. We work with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate the full extent of your injuries, including long-term care needs and lost earning potential.
• Build an evidence-backed case. Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for litigation, we develop a strategy backed by facts and reinforced by the unique insights of our team. Eric Steiner, M.D., is a licensed physician and an attorney on our team who brings rare and valuable medical insight to every case.
• Fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are known for their dedication and experience. If your case requires a more aggressive approach, we have the courtroom experience to zealously protect your rights during trial.

Throughout the process, you’ll have direct access to the attorney handling your case—not a paralegal or assistant. We believe in consistent communication, honest guidance, and standing beside you until the job is done.

Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, but with Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. on your side, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let us focus on your legal recovery while you focus on healing.

Let Us Help You Move Forward After a Motorcycle Injury in Colorado

The legal aftermath of a motorcycle crash isn’t just about filing paperwork or exchanging insurance info—it’s about protecting your future, your health, and your dignity in the face of life-changing circumstances.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we’re not interested in generic legal advice or quick fixes. We bring decades of real-world courtroom experience, medical insight, and relentless advocacy to every case. We take your case personally—because when your world is turned upside down, you deserve a legal team that knows how to set it right.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation with one of our seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys. Let’s talk about what happened—and the next steps.

Resources:

• C.R.S. § 13-21-111, link.
• C.R.S. § 42-4-232, link.
• C.R.S. § 42-4-1501, link.
• C.R.S. § 42-4-1502, link.
• C.R.S. § 42-4-1504, link.
• C.R.S. § 42-4-1701, link.