Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Denver
The Wilhite Law Firm is The Cycle Rider’s Lawyer – Dedicated to the needs of the 2-wheel driver since 1977! With scenic roads and sun 300 days a year, Colorado is a dream state for motorcyclists and bicyclists to ride. However, that doesn’t mean the roads are any less dangerous!
In 2018, CDOT recorded 101 Motorcycle fatalities, in addition, bicyclist accidents and deaths are recorded as on the rise.
We stand for spreading safety awareness and serving Bikers and Cyclists in our Colorado Communities. We understand the importance of a proper investigation and prompt medical care after an accident and that is why we are dedicated to being The Cycle Rider’s Lawyer!
It would be our honor to assist you — If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle or bicycle crash give us a call 24/7 at 303.GOOD.LAW today!
Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), an estimated 8.4 million privately and commercially-owned motorcycles were on U.S. roadways in a recent year. During that year, the Institute reports that, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were approximately 26 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger vehicle occupants, and 5 times more likely to be injured. Contact our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer today. Colorado is a great place to ride, and sadly, our beautiful state has its share of motorcycle accidents and injuries. As reported by the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA), 87 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in 2013, and among those fatalities, 55 were not wearing helmets.
RMIIA also reports that 19 percent of the motorcyclists who died in traffic accidents that year had no motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses, and 14 percent had blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Of those fatal motorcycle crashes in Colorado, 40 percent involved no other vehicle, and the motorcycle operator was determined to be at fault in 66 percent of the fatal accidents. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a Colorado motorcycle accident, The Wilhite Law Firm is here to help with every aspect of your case. We are dedicated legal advocates for injured people, and our number one objective is to help our clients recover their lives.
You choose a bike for its Power, its Reliability and its Maneuverability. A law firm should give you the same satisfaction. Give us a look and you’ll see why we measure up to those principles!
– Rob Wilhite
Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Motorcycle Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident?
You generally have two years to file a lawsuit if you sustained an injury in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence or disregard for safety. But if your accident involved a government agency or a government employee, you may have to start the process by notifying them within 180 days of your claim (statute of limitations).
Whatever your situation, you need to contact an experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to investigate your motorcycle accident. If you delay too long, you may miss the opportunity to claim compensation for your injuries.
What types of compensation can I receive?
Several types of compensation may be available if another motorist’s negligence caused your Denver motorcycle accident injuries.
- You may be entitled to compensation for expenses related to your injuries such as medical bills, physical therapy and lost wages due to missed work.
- You may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional and physical pain and suffering related to your injury.
In certain instances, you may be entitled to punitive damages intended to punish the negligent party and discourage similar behavior. Punitive damages are appropriate in cases in which the behavior of the driver who caused the accident was extremely outrageous.
Why you need a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer?
You will likely have many questions after a motorcycle crash involving serious injuries. You may not have a clear idea of your legal rights or whether you can sue another motorist involved in the crash. It is hard to think clearly when you are in pain and feeling overwhelmed. You need the guidance of a knowledgeable Denver motorcycle accident attorney who has helped many motorcyclists move forward after serious crashes. The Wilhite Law Firm attorney can investigate all the contributing factors in the crash and identify all the parties who may be liable for your injuries.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado can provide an idea of the fair value of your motorcycle accident claim. A lawyer looking out for your interests can keep you from being taken advantage of by an insurance company trying to pad its profits by offering a low settlement. You owe it to yourself to call a lawyer to understand your legal options. There is no legal fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
Can I sue if I was hit while not wearing a motorcycle helmet?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit if you were hit and injured by another motorist and you were not wearing a helmet. Colorado law does not require motorcyclists to wear a motorcycle helmet if the rider is 18 years old or older. You are still allowed to recover compensation if you are not primarily at fault in the motorcycle crash. An insurance company representing an at-fault driver cannot deny your injury claim just because you or your loved one was not wearing a helmet. The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that a motorcyclist’s failure to wear a helmet was not admissible as evidence to show the motorcyclist was negligent or to reduce the damages owed.
After a serious motorcycle accident, it is in your interest to contact an experienced attorney at The Wilhite Law Firm.
What are the most common causes of Denver motorcycle accidents?
Many motorcyclists are injured because other drivers are not looking out for motorcycles and fail to see motorcycles in traffic. Drivers turning left at intersections frequently overlook oncoming motorcyclists or misjudge their speed and turn into their path causing a crash.
The common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Inattention
- Driving while talking on a cell phone
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Sideswiping when changing lanes.
Any of the above can cause a serious injury because motorcycles offer riders and passengers little protection. A motorcyclist usually suffers the brunt of the injuries even if another driver was at fault.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partly to blame for my own motorcycle accident injuries?
Yes, you may still seek compensation even if you were partly at fault in a motorcycle accident. Colorado follows the legal doctrine of comparative negligence in awarding damages. As long as you were not primarily at fault in the motorcycle accident in Colorado, you may pursue compensation. A motorcyclist injured in a crash may receive compensation so long as he or she was less than 50 percent at fault for the injuries. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for your own injuries, then any damages you received from a jury award would be reduced by 20 percent. But you would still be entitled to receive compensation. As your accident attorneys, we focus on minimizing your liability for the accident and resisting attempts by the defense team’s arguments to shift the blame onto you.
My spouse died in a Denver motorcycle accident. What are my legal options?
If your spouse was killed in a motorcycle crash caused by the carelessness or negligence of another motorist, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, you can seek monetary compensation for your losses as a spouse, such as the loss of support your loved one contributed to the household, loss of companionship and affection, and in special cases punitive damages. You may also be able to recover the costs of your loved one’s medical bills and funeral expenses by pursuing a survival claim on behalf of your spouse’s estate.
A wrongful death lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can review the specific details of your loved one’s fatal motorcycle accident and discuss your legal options. Colorado law allows two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
“I enjoy time on bike because it’s a unique and personal way to see the world! After traveling to over 20 countries to compete in the Ironman Race, I have a different perspective and experience than I would have otherwise!”
– Rob Wilhite, cyclist rider
What Are Some Common Causes of Denver Motorcycle Accidents?
A large number of collisions with motorcycles and passenger vehicles occur because the other driver fails to see or register the motorcycle on the roadway. As covered in a well-known study published by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) known as The Hurt Report, among the motorcycle crashes studied:
What Are Common Injuries and Damages in Denver Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles are less stable, and less visible than passenger vehicles. As they are not protected by an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries in traffic accidents. Riders are likely to be ejected from the motorcycle in a collision, and serious injuries are common. Contact our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Other motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures
- Loss of limbs
- Burns or road rash
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Rib and torso injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for your injuries. Our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers can advise you of the damages you may be entitled to pursue. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and property damages, among other damages. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash involving a truck, contact our Denver truck accident lawyer today.
Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Assist All of Colorado
After a serious motorcycle accident with injuries, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we have devoted our practice to accident, injury, and disability matters, and we have been successfully representing injured Colorado people for more than 35 years. Contact our Denver personal injury lawyer today.
We want to hear your story at The Wilhite Law Firm. Contact our office to take advantage of the free case consultation we offer to prospective clients. You can have confidence that your motorcycle accident case will be managed by a legal professional who genuinely cares about your case and your future.
Call 720-709-2820 or contact us online today to discuss your concerns. Speak with an experienced:
- Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Greeley Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are no fees unless we win your case.
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