COLORADO SPRINGS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

Fighting For Motorcycle Accident Victims in Colorado

Few types of accidents are as potentially dangerous as motorcycle crashes. Whereas vehicle occupants have seat belts, air bags, and thousands of pounds of steel chassis to protect against the impact, even the most safety-conscious motorcyclist has little or no protection to shield against the violence of an accident. The rider may be hit directly by the other vehicle, may be thrown from the bike, run over, or even dragged along the road. He or she may suffer broken bones, severe skin abrasions known as road rash, traumatic brain injury, paralyzing spinal cord injury, or can even be killed.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The largest portion of traffic accidents can be attributed to driver negligence. There is a great size disparity between motorcycles and regular passenger vehicles or trucks. Drivers must be special attention to watch out for motorcyclists. Inattention can result in serious accidents.

Colorado Motorcycle Safety Laws and Regulations

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation's Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program, from 2012 to 2018, motorcycle fatalities in the state increased by 30%. Motorcycle fatalities made up nearly 16% of all traffic deaths in Colorado in 2018 despite the fact that motorcyclists represent only 3% of the vehicles on the state's roadways. Below are various Colorado motorcycle laws that are enforced to prevent these types of accidents.

Helmet & Protective Gear Law

Many injuries can also be caused or made worse because the motorcyclist was riding without a helmet. In the state of Colorado, riders 18 and over are not required to wear helmets. More than 60 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets at the time of their crash. While helmets are proven to save lives and prevent serious injuries, not wearing a helmet cannot be used against you when determining liability in a motorcycle accident. Some form of eye protection is required by law.

Motorcycle Operator Licensing Requirements

All motorcycle riders must have a special motorcycle "M" endorsement on their driver's license to legally operate this type of vehicle on a public street or highway. Motorcyclists who are riding without a valid M endorsement at the time of their accident may not be able to recover full compensation as they could be seen as partially at-fault for their injuries.

Group Riding

Sometimes, motorcyclists ride in groups. The DOT suggests keeping these groups small and it may also be a good idea to have a designated "leader" who can give signals to the other riders. Less experienced riders should stay closer to the front of the pack.

Keeping Your Distance

Motorcyclists must keep a safe distance around their vehicle at all times. Sometimes, this is the best way to prevent an accident. More "buffer room" allows a rider to get out of harm's way should another vehicle suddenly swerve or change lanes. The DOT suggests that motorcyclists use the "2 second rule" for following behind vehicles. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by tailgating, so when a motorcyclist feels they are being followed too closely from behind, they should move over and let the vehicle pass. Read our blog to learn more about this safety practice.

To learn more about Colorado motorcycle laws, visit the Colorado DOT handbook. Following these regulations and safety suggestions are not only a good way to reduce your risk of getting in an accident, but they can also improve your chances of getting a full recovery in the event of an accident.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs Today

Insurance could cover property damage (damage to your motorcycle) as well as bodily injury, which includes accident-related medical expenses. You may also have grounds to file a personal injury claim in addition to collecting compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance.

In fact, the Hurt Report, a landmark study of the causes of motorcycle accidents, found that car drivers cause as many as two-thirds of all crashes with motorcycles due to failing to yield the right of way to the motorcycle rider. If it can be proven that the driver is responsible for causing your accident, then you may be entitled to receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.