Don’t Settle for Less. Call Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers!

denver motorcycle accident attorney

Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. Unlike drivers of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection from the force of impact, making them far more vulnerable in a collision. Even the most experienced riders who follow every safety rule can suffer life-changing injuries due to another driver’s reckless or negligent actions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Denver motorcycle accident, legal action may be necessary to recover compensation for your losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. The legal team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present. Contact a Denver motorcycle accident attorney on our team today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver

Motorcycle riders face significantly higher risks than drivers of passenger vehicles. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no external protection, making riders more vulnerable to severe or fatal injuries in a crash. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, with 6,218 riders losing their lives—the highest number recorded since at least 1975. Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help riders remain vigilant and take precautions to reduce risk.

 Lack of Visibility

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is a lack of visibility. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, making them harder to spot, especially in poor weather or low-light conditions. Drivers who fail to see a motorcycle may turn in front of it or merge into its lane, causing collisions.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots before switching lanes. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, they are more easily overlooked by distracted or careless drivers. A sudden lane change without proper signaling gives riders little time to react, often resulting in devastating collisions.

Left-Turn Accidents

Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. Left-turn accidents frequently happen when a driver misjudges a rider’s speed or fails to yield the right of way. These crashes often result in direct collisions, causing riders to be thrown from their motorcycles.

Failing to Look Into a Cross Walk or Intersection Before Entering

Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcyclists, often due to drivers failing to look carefully before crossing. A driver may assume the road is clear and pull out in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Since motorcycles can approach quickly, failure to check both directions thoroughly can lead to serious crashes.

Open Car Doors and Road Hazards

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to road hazards such as uneven pavement, potholes, or loose gravel. Additionally, parked drivers who open their doors without checking for oncoming traffic create a serious danger for riders. A sudden impact with an open door can throw a motorcyclist off balance or into moving traffic.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, whether they are the ones following too closely or being followed by another vehicle. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and if a driver is too close behind, they may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision. 

Likewise, if a motorcyclist follows another vehicle too closely, they risk crashing if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. Because motorcycles offer little protection in an accident, even a low-speed rear-end crash can result in serious injuries. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial to giving both motorcyclists and drivers enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic.

Bad Weather or Slick Road Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slippery and dangerous for motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles have less traction and stability, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control. Poor visibility during storms also makes it harder for other drivers to see motorcycles.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

Motorcycle crashes leave victims with serious injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. Whether a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to see a rider, negligence should not go unchallenged. If another driver caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding what caused the accident is critical to building a strong case. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, the Denver motorcycle accident lawyers at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a motorcycle accident? Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Denver are here to help you. Contact us today!

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Injuries from motorcycle accidents vary and are dependent upon several factors: the nature of the crash, the gear that the rider was wearing, the speed of the crash, and how quickly the rider is guarded from other vehicles. If a rider is in an accident and other vehicles hit him or her once on the ground, injuries can quickly go from mild to deadly.

Injuries may include:

  • Head injury (severity depends on if the driver was wearing a full-face helmet, a skull cap, or no helmet);
  • Road rash;
  • Broken bones;
  • Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments;
  • Neck injury;
  • Back injury;
  • Facial cuts, fractures, and road rash; and
  • Protective gear, and defensive driving are key factors in avoiding the more serious of injuries.

Learning how to avoid crashes, how to anticipate driver moves, and how to maneuver around obstacles comes with time and practice, so it is imperative that you take all precautions possible. Wearing a full-face helmet is your safest option, and gear and a bike that are visible help, as well. If possible, make sure your pipes are audible to give drivers a “warning” that a bike is approaching. Do what you can to prevent a potentially deadly collision and to get home safely every time you ride.

Vigilance Is the Responsibility of Every Driver

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by lack of attention on the part of a car or truck driver. It can also be caused by a lack of thought, such as when car drivers cut in front of a motorcycle without thinking how much time and space they need to stop. Roadway conditions can also be more important for a motorcycle than a car so a cyclist may have a harder time compensating for bad moves made by a car or truck driver.

Unfortunately, although it’s the auto driver who wasn’t thinking, it’s the cyclist who suffers for it. Even without intention, a negligent driver could cause motorcyclists to suffer a lifetime with leg injuries, broken ankles and broken foot bones, spinal injuries, and serious back and head injuries. If you have sustained serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to take immediate legal action.

You Deserve to Be Fully Compensated for Your Damages, Injuries, or Losses

If you were injured, or a loved one has died because of the negligence of another driver in a motorcycle crash with a car or truck, contact the Denver motorcycle accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. We have handled hundreds of serious injury cases involving motorcycles, cars, and trucks in Colorado. Our Denver law office can help you get fair compensation for the injuries you or your passenger suffered, or the grief your family is experiencing after the loss of a loved one.
If you’ve been in a crash that another driver caused, you can get compensated for the following losses:

  • Costs associated with medical treatment for your injuries;
  • Costs associated with emergency response, such as Emergency Room (ER) treatment or ambulance ride;
  • Costs associated with long-term medical care, such as rehabilitation;
  • Lost wages or future loss of wages;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Loss of companionship and consortium; and
  • Costs associated with a wrongful death claim.

The amount you receive from your Denver motorcycle accident depends on a variety of factors. Some of those factors include:

  • How badly you were injured,
  • The extent of the property damage,
  • Whether you can return to work while recovering from your injuries,
  • Whether you can return to your job at all,
  • How much pain and suffering you endured,
  • The degree to which your motorcycle accident diminished your quality of life,
  • Wrongful death damages,
  • The extent of your future medical needs, 
  • Punitive damages, and
  • Whether the other driver claims you contributed to the crash.

Under section 13-21-111 of the Colorado Code, Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state. This means you can collect damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you share responsibility for the crash equally or were found to be more culpable than the other driver, then you cannot receive any monetary damages. However, our experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can devise a legal strategy designed to maximize your financial compensation.

Your initial personal injury consultation is free so you have nothing to lose by speaking with a Denver motorcycle accident attorney and understanding your rights after an accident with injuries. If you wish to learn more about your legal options at this time, do not wait another moment to speak with us.

Colorado Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Even though the effectiveness of helmets in saving lives has been proven, individuals who are 18 years old or above are not obligated to wear helmets while riding motorcycles in Colorado. However, if the motorcycle operator or passengers are below the age of 18, they are required to wear helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2007, in states without comprehensive helmet laws, 65% of motorcycle riders who were fatally injured were not wearing helmets. In contrast, in states with laws mandating helmet use for all riders, only 13% of fatally injured riders were without helmets.

In Colorado, all riders, including drivers and passengers, are legally obliged to have some form of eye protection. The most effective eye protection is provided by a helmet with a visor. Alternatively, goggles or eyeglasses with lenses made from safety glass or plastic are also considered acceptable. It’s important to note that a windshield alone is not considered sufficient eye protection under the law.

The Time to File a Claim Is Limited!

There are many reasons why you should contact a Denver motor vehicle accident attorney after your motorcycle accident right away. Your lawyer will get to work developing your side of the story, locating evidence, talking with witnesses before the insurance company gets a chance, and assembling all of the records you need to make your case.

Critically, your attorney will deal with the other driver’s insurance company so you don’t have to. You need to focus on your recovery rather than dealing with phone calls from an insurance adjuster who wants you to take a quick settlement. 

Waiting too long to speak with a motorcycle attorney in Denver, CO can jeopardize your case in the long run. First, witnesses could go missing, vital evidence may be lost over time, and the delay gives the other driver’s insurance company a chance to develop their case. 

Most importantly, waiting too long to talk with a knowledgeable Denver motorcycle collision attorney could leave you without any chance of recovery at all. Colorado Revised Statute 13-80-101 states that tort actions for injuries or property damage arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle accident, must be filed in court within three years from the date of the accident. Therefore, you cannot collect any compensation for damages if you do not file your case in court promptly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need to Hire a Denver Motorcycle Accident Law Firm?

Unparalleled resources, coupled with extensive trial experience can put you in an advantageous position to maximize your injury recovery. The injury lawyers at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. often consult with Eric Steiner, M.D., a physician and lawyer with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the medical field. For serious personal injury cases, Eric Steiner’s exceptional medical insight can provide clients with extra comfort and compassion because he truly understands their medical condition. Together, Daniel Gerash and Eric Steiner can use decades of combined legal experience, pool their resources, and utilize their unique insight on personal injury claims to prove the extent of injuries to an insurance company or trial jury.

What Happens If I Live Out of State?

You may be faced with a choice of where you file your claim. A knowledgeable Denver Motorcycle Accident lawyer will explain everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We put our clients’ needs first. So, if you live outside of Colorado, or even outside of the Denver area, you can rest assured that we will vigorously pursue the best results for you and your family.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Was from Out of State?

In general, when an accident happens in Colorado, it will be governed by the state’s tort-based insurance rules. This applies even if the responsible driver is a resident of another state that follows a no-fault system.

Consequently, the Colorado resident will need to pursue financial compensation from the insurance policy of the other party involved. Since many insurance companies operate in multiple states, their adjusters and claims personnel are usually familiar with handling cases involving drivers from different jurisdictions.

However, if negotiations with the out-of-state driver’s insurance company fail to provide adequate compensation for the damages suffered in the accident, it might be necessary to initiate a legal proceeding to obtain a suitable award of damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

You should not wait to engage a Denver motorbike accident attorney. Waiting can prejudice your rights to file a claim. We understand that you might want to focus on your physical and emotional recovery before taking legal action. However, you should be aware that Colorado law requires you to file a claim in court within three years of the accident. Otherwise, you cannot pursue damages.

Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.: No fees Unless We Win. Call today.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay no legal fees unless we are successful in securing a substantial compensation for you. When we champion your specific claim, our retainer fees are paid as an agreed upon percentage of the award.

Our experienced legal team also handles other types of injury cases, including:

Are you ready to move forward in your claim? Call our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys to learn more about how we can help.