At Jeffress Law, PC, attorney Christopher W. Jeffress, a motorcyclist himself, knows the importance of understanding the laws surrounding accidents in Colorado. This guide explains key legal aspects every rider should keep in mind.
Colorado Motorcycle Accident Laws: An Overview
Colorado has specific laws that govern motorcycle operations and accident liability. Motorcyclists must:
- Adhere to Traffic Laws: Riders must follow traffic regulations. This includes wearing a helmet if they are under 18 or if passengers are under this age.
- Avoid Lane Splitting: Lane splitting (riding between lanes) is illegal in Colorado. However, motorcyclists can ride two abreast in a single lane.
- Act Promptly Following Crashes: In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the accident date. Failing to act within this timeframe may forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Colorado also operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will decrease by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Say you are found 20% responsible for the crash. In that case, your payment will decrease by 20%.
Common Concerns After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, riders often face several challenges, including:
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurers may attempt to undervalue claims. They may also place undue blame on motorcyclists.
- Proving Fault: Proving fault requires strong evidence. This includes witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction.
- Recovering Damages: It can be difficult to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is especially true when the rider has serious injuries.
- Discrimination: Many motorcyclists also worry about unfair treatment due to biases against riders.
A skilled Colorado motorcycle attorney can help you navigate these obstacles and make the legal process more manageable.
Find Out if You Have a Case Today
Understanding Colorado’s laws is essential if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Centennial State. That’s where our team at Jeffress Law, PC, comes in.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Call 303-993-8685, text 303-225-9101, or send us a message. We serve clients in Boulder, Longmont, Broomfield, and the surrounding areas.
