Injury Lawyer Serving Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins, Loveland, & Surrounding Areas in Colorado
When seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a lawyer on your side who knows what to do. The attorneys at Jeffress Law, PC, have decades of experience working with clients like you.
Early in his legal career, Christopher W. Jeffress, specifically, worked for major insurance companies. As a result, he has an insider's perspective on what they do to close a claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.Â
While working for the insurance companies, Mr. Jeffress realized he empathized with the injured person across the table from him. He decided he wanted to change course and dedicate his career to fighting for people who had been seriously injured.
Please see the sections below to learn more about motorcycle accident claims in Colorado:
- Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Determining if You Have a Claim
- Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
- Catastrophic Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Motorcycle Accident Compensation
- Motorcycle Laws in Colorado
- How You Can Be a Better Motorist Around Motorcycles
- FAQs
- Your Free Consultation
When you choose the Boulder motorcycle accident attorneys at Jeffress Law, PC, you will receive personalized, one-on-one legal services. At our boutique practice, you receive a level of attention that is not typically possible at many of the big firms. For a free claim evaluation, please call us at 303-993-8685.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons a motorcycle accident may occur. Sometimes, these accidents don't have anything to do with other motorists but are caused by bad weather or debris in the road. Motorcycles require skill and experience to handle, and sometimes, a bike meets with dangerous conditions that a passenger vehicle can avoid.
In other scenarios, the motorcycle accident is, in fact, caused by another motorist. While a motorcyclist can cause a crash, drivers of passenger vehicles are often responsible. Here are some of the most common ways:
- Making a left turn in front of a motorcycle
- Turning in front of a motorcycle
- Crowding a motorcycle in their lane
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Driving aggressively near the motorcyclist
- Following the motorcycle too closely
- Roads in a state of disrepair
- Dangerously designed roads
These things can be linked to someone else's careless actions or inaction, which is known as negligence. Negligence can have life-altering consequences in the blink of an eye.
Motorcycle Riding in Colorado Winter Weather
Motorcycle riding requires a little caution when the weather gets wintry. Chris Jeffress has a few tips for preparing accordingly:
Determining if You Have a Claim
There are a few elements that are typically present in a motorcycle accident claim handled by a lawyer:
- You were involved in a crash
- The crash was caused by someone else
- You were injured
- Your injuries are a direct result of the crash
The grounds for any crash claim is that someone else's carelessness caused an accident. Why should the injured victim have to face insurmountable medical bills without getting compensated to the fullest degree?
Sometimes, the insurance company doesn't want to compensate you to the fullest degree. In fact, it's not in their best interest. Like any business, they are focused on profits and keeping outgoing payments as low as possible. They may offer you a low settlement or deny your claim.Â
As an outsider to the insurance industry, you may not be sure if this is a fair offer. Chris Jeffress is looking out for your interest and your interest only. Although we cannot guarantee a compensation award, we can ensure that we will not stop fighting for you until the best possible outcome is reached.
We know how insurance adjusters work to close your claim, and we can anticipate their tactics. You deserve every dollar available after getting injured in a crash caused by someone else. Mr. Jeffress used to work for insurance companies, so he knows exactly what happens when the insurance company receives a claim. He puts this inside knowledge to work in your claim.
Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Many people, corporations, and entities can potentially be at fault for causing a crash. The party who is at fault is not always the most obvious. Sometimes, it's not someone who was at the crash scene but someone involved in building the bike or designing the road.Â
Parties commonly at fault include:
- Other motorists
- Truck drivers
- Other motorcycle riders
- Manufacturers of faulty motorcycle parts
- Architects of dangerous or defective roads
Because of the many liability factors that may be involved, it's usually a good idea to get a lawyer on your side when you are involved in a serious crash.
Jeffress Law, PC, lawyers work with investigators and motorcycle experts to obtain evidence for your claim. They build a strategic case by doing so, never relying on the police report alone to resolve your claim. They have the skill and experience to bring your claim to trial if necessary, doing whatever it takes to secure the best possible outcome.
We also do not stop working for our clients the moment a settlement is reached; we keep working until all the injury bills our client has have been taken care of.
Catastrophic Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because they offer no protection, motorcycles can easily injure and kill the motorcyclist when a crash occurs. As a motorcyclist, you accept this risk as part of owning and operating a bike and do what you can to mitigate the risk. When a crash occurs, the injuries can be life-altering:
- Brain injury
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Spine injury
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- Amputation injuries
The most important thing after these crashes is to get the medical care you need. Your health and safety should be the priority. Mr. Jeffress is familiar with the healthcare providers in the Boulder area and can help direct you to the care you need. These types of catastrophic injuries can be debilitating, disabling, and extremely painful.
The severe nature of these injuries can change the course of your life. You may require special medical equipment like a wheelchair or modifications to your home. You may need a lot of expensive medical care or ongoing physical rehabilitation. These things can add up in terms of dollars and cents.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
In a successful motorcycle accident claim, a compensation award may be calculated based on a variety of things, such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the claim does not revolve around an injury but the death of a loved one, then you are probably eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim.
When a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident that was someone else's fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Although no amount of compensation can undo the loss you have experienced, it can help you address the medical expenses, burial expenses, and other impacts of your loved one's passing.
Motorcycle Laws in Colorado
There are several laws specific to motorcyclists anywhere in the state of Colorado:
- Obey all the same traffic laws as other motorists
- No helmet is required for motorcyclists aged 18 and older
- DOT-approved helmets are required for motorcycle riders under the age of 18
- Some type of eye protection is required for all motorcyclists in Colorado, such as a visor on a helmet
- Motorcyclists may not pass another vehicle inside the same lane in Colorado (i.e., no lane splitting)
- Motorcyclists may share a single lane with one other motorcycle
Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Even though a helmet is not required for adult riders in our state, you should wear one.Â
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 64 percent of motorcyclists in the US used a DOT-approved helmet in 2015, up 60 percent from the previous year. Based on its 2013 statistics, the NHTSA estimates that helmet use saved 1,630 lives that year.
How You Can Be a Better Motorist Around Motorcycles
There are things you can do as a motorist to prevent these accidents:
- Provide at least 3 seconds or more following distance (provide more room in bad weather)
- Provide the motorcycle with the full width of the lane
- Don't drive distracted
- Make sure you check for motorcycles when making a turn or changing lanes.
Sometimes, one of the best things you can do is learn to expect motorcycles on the roads, highways, and freeways. We all expect to see cars and trucks. However, many crashes between passenger vehicles and motorcycles are caused by a failure to see and recognize the motorcycle. They aren't as common on the roadway, but if you expect and plan for them to be there, you may be more aware of their presence.
FAQs
If you're involved in a motorcycle accident in Colorado, immediately take the following steps:
- Ensure Safety and Call for Help: If possible, move to a safe area, but do not leave the accident scene. Call 911, especially if anyone is injured.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries (like internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries) may not show immediate symptoms.
- Document the Scene: It's especially important to take photos or videos of:
- The accident scene
- Damages to all vehicles
- Road conditions, weather, and any visible skid marks
- Your injuries
- Collect Witness Information: Write down witness names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver's:
- Name and contact information
- Insurance details
- License plate number
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault, even if you think you may be partially to blame. The other party could use these statements against you later.
- File a Police Report: Obtain a copy for your records for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company of the accident, but stick to factual information. Don't speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before you discuss the accident in detail with the other party's insurance company. A lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation.
No, Colorado is not a no-fault state for motorcycle accidents. Instead, it follows a fault-based system for determining liability. This means the person who caused the accident must also cover the damages.
It's also important to note that Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident involves assessing the circumstances of the crash and identifying who acted negligently. Here are some steps involved in determining fault.
Reviewing the Accident Scene
Responding law enforcement officers will investigate the scene and often provide an initial determination of fault in their report. This can be a key piece of evidence.
Skid marks, vehicle damage, debris, and the final resting positions of vehicles can also help reconstruct how the accident occurred.
Gathering Eyewitness Testimony
Witness statements can clarify the sequence of events and identify negligent behavior. This includes speeding or running a red light.
Analyzing Traffic Laws
Colorado's traffic laws are significant in determining fault. Several violations can indicate negligence, such as:
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
- Driving under the influence
Examining Driver Actions
Some actions that could put the driver at fault include:
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to see the motorcyclist
- Not leaving enough following distance
If the motorcyclist was lane splitting (illegal in Colorado) or speeding, they may also share fault.
Using Expert Testimony and Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction experts can analyze evidence to recreate the crash and provide a professional opinion on who was at fault.
The statute of limitations in Colorado states that you generally have three years from the accident date.
There are some circumstances where the time limit may differ, though, including:
- Claims Against Government Entities: Say your accident involves a government vehicle or a hazardous road condition caused by a government entity. Within 180 days of the incident, you must file a formal notice of claim.
- Discovery of Hidden Injuries: If injuries are not immediately apparent after the accident, the statute of limitations may begin when the injuries are discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. This is rare in motorcycle accident cases.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If the accident caused a fatality, the deceased's family typically has two years from the death date to file a wrongful death claim.
Why Choose Jeffress Law, PC?
At Jeffress Law, PC, we provide the personalized attention you deserve, ensuring you never feel like just a number. With over 45 years of combined legal experience, Christopher Jeffress, Esq. and Lisa M. Ritter, Esq. are committed to achieving positive outcomes for motorcycle accident cases.
We meticulously analyze every report, hire professional investigators, gather witness statements, and evaluate all aspects of your case to build a strong claim. Our team goes above and beyond to secure the compensation you need and deserve. Trust Jeffress Law, PC, for expert legal representation and compassionate support.
Your Free Consultation
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Boulder, Colorado, or any of the surrounding areas, such as Longmont or Broomfield?
If so, please call Jeffress Law, PC, at 303-993-8685 for a free case evaluation. You can also fill out and submit the email contact form below, and our staff will help you book your appointment. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight aggressively for you.