Motorcycle crashes are unfortunately very common across Colorado. A recent news report observed at an uptick in fatal motorcycle accidents across the state, largely due to warmer temperatures that allow bikers to ride year-round. As a result, fatal crashes in 2022 exceeded those in 2021. Research indicates that distracted drivers and riders are a serious issue and a big contributing factor to this statistic. Experts also indicate that rider errors have contributed to Colorado crashes, with more riders failing to drive cautiously on gravel, complete turns safely, and otherwise drive in a safe and reasonable manner.

Many of the same factors that contribute to car accidents also contribute to motorcycle collisions. They include:

• Impaired driving
• Misjudging a motorist’s distance or speed
• Failing to check blind spots
• Failing to yield right of way
• Ignoring traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving

In the majority of vehicle collisions, liability rests with one of the two motorists. While road issues and vehicle failures can lead to crashes, human error is almost always the main contributing factor. Liability depends on who fails to act reasonably and safely. When you drive or ride, you are implicitly agreeing to drive in a way that protects others from preventable accidents. When a rider or driver is distracted, ignores the speed limit, doesn’t use turn signals, or otherwise acts recklessly, they are violating that obligation.

In rare cases, a municipality or vehicle manufacturer may be to blame. A municipality could be liable if they fail to maintain the road, let signs become overgrown or covered with brush, or use signage in a way that is confusing and misleading. A manufacturer may be liable if they release a vehicle that is knowingly unsafe or that they should have known is unsafe. Proving either of these circumstances can be a huge challenge, so it’s important to consult with an attorney at your earliest convenience.

Getting a settlement after any motor vehicle accident is hard—when it’s for a motorcycle accident, it’s even harder. Many people still believe that bikers are reckless motorists who refuse to share the road or obey its laws, even though many crashes are the direct result of a driver’s actions. This belief spreads to insurance adjusters, who are often too quick to point to a motorcyclist as the cause of a collision.

At Colorado Accident Attorneys, we have seen this play out before and we know how it can affect bikers like you. This gives us the skills and knowledge to fight this bias while also pushing back against the other tactics insurance companies use to deny victims fair compensation. Your wellbeing is our sole priority, and you can feel confident knowing that we are fighting for you every step of the way.

If a motorcycle accident has left you injured and without options, it’s time to talk to Colorado Accident Attorneys. Our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. Call us at 303-567-7981 or send us a message online to take the first step.