Boulder Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Boulder and the surrounding area offer plenty of scenic rides for motorcyclists, from the high mountain roads of Rocky Mountain National Park to the nearby Peak to Peak Highway. Motorcyclists must remain alert at all times because they are more vulnerable to injury on the road than people riding in cars and trucks. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often overlooked by drivers in cars and trucks. Hire a Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer from The Wilhite Law Firm if you are injured.

Motorcycle crash victims frequently end up suffering serious injuries and significant financial losses due to the negligence of other drivers. A motorcyclist may hold the at-fault driver financially accountable for medical bills and other losses.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact The Wilhite Law Firm right away. Our skilled personal injury attorneys have more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims. While we cannot guarantee a specific result in any case, we have recovered extensive compensation for many clients. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you aggressively pursue the resources you need to put your life back together after a crash.

You can find out more about our services by contacting our office for a free initial consultation.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boulder?

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Boulder include:

Distracted driving

Modern technology has created many potential distractions for drivers. Any distraction can divert a driver’s attention from the road and cause the driver to collide with a motorcyclist. Talking on a cell phone, texting while driving, snacking, looking at a navigation device, adjusting in-vehicle controls, talking to passengers, daydreaming, and other distractions prevent drivers from being fully engaged in the task of driving. Doing so can violate some of Colorado’s distracted driving laws.

Driver fatigue

Severe driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as using drugs or alcohol. A severely fatigued driver will experience slowed reflexes, diminished cognitive function, and a significantly higher chance of falling asleep at the wheel. One study from the National Safety Council found that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit for drunk driving in Colorado.

Drivers failing to share the road

Colorado law says motorcycles are entitled to the same rights as other licensed vehicles. Yet, many automobile drivers fail to yield to motorcyclists when required. Automobile drivers may cause accidents by following motorcyclists too closely, failing to check blind spots for merging lanes or engaging in other driving behaviors that put motorcyclists in danger.

Left-turn accidents

Left turns are a frequent cause of motorcycle crashes. Drivers waiting to turn left often misjudge the speed of approaching motorcyclists and turn in front of them, causing collisions.

Impaired driving

Despite all the efforts that have been made to prevent drivers from drinking alcohol or abusing drugs before getting behind the wheel, impaired driving accidents occur all too frequently in Boulder. Impaired drivers may have dulled reflexes, impaired judgment, and decreased situational awareness, any of which could make them more likely to hit a motorcyclist.

Bad weather

When drivers fail to drive with caution and care in adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow, they can put nearby motorcyclists in danger.

Poor road conditions

Because most motorcycles are less stable than cars, sand, gravel, large potholes, uneven pavement, and other hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash.

Mechanical defects

Problems with a motorcycle’s brakes, steering, tires, or other critical components can potentially lead to an accident. A motorcycle manufacturer may be legally liable for an accident caused by a defective part.

Speeding

Drivers who speed are more likely to be involved in an accident because there is less margin for error if they encounter a road hazard or see a motorcyclist at the last second. Speeding tends to increase injuries in a motorcycle crash because the faster a vehicle is moving, the greater its impact will be in a collision.

A Boulder attorney can help determine the cause of a motorcycle accident and who should be held liable for the damages.

What Are Common Injuries Experienced in Motorcycle Accidents?

Any traffic accident can cause severe injuries. But motorcyclists are more prone to sustaining catastrophic injuries than others on the roads. While people in cars and trucks have the body of the vehicle surrounding them to absorb much of the impact of a collision, motorcycles lack an enclosed passenger compartment to absorb the impact and protect a rider. Contact our Boulder motorcycle accident attorney today.

This means motorcyclists are subjected to more impact force. They have a greater chance of being ejected from a vehicle.

Some of the most common injuries in a motorcycle wreck include:

What Compensation is Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases?

With enough evidence and the right legal team, injured motorcyclists can potentially recover significant compensation for their physical injuries and other losses after a crash.

Compensation for motorcycle accident injuries include:

If you are found to be partially responsible for a motorcycle accident, you may still have a right to seek compensation, as long as you don’t bear 50 percent or more of the blame for the crash. If you’re less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Contact our Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer today to know more about comparative fault laws in Colorado.

Our attorneys understand that insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist for causing an accident. We understand insurance companies’ tactics to try to avoid financial responsibility. We know how to counter them and stand up for our clients.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Colorado is two years, but you have three years to file a lawsuit if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you wait any longer to file a lawsuit, you’ll most likely be unable to recover compensation for your injuries.

It’s a good idea to call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Boulder as soon as you can after a crash to give the lawyer as much time as possible to build your case.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Boulder Today

The Wilhite Law Firm is here to help you seek justice if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Boulder caused by another motorist. Our law firm is ready to stand up for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at (303) 466-3529 or contact us online today for a free initial consultation with a Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer.

Additional Resources

Some other resources in Boulder, Colorado, for motorcycle accident victims you can look into are:

1. Boulder Community Health Trauma Center:
   • Website: Boulder Community Health Trauma Center
   • Contact: They provide emergency medical care and trauma services for accident victims, including those involved in motorcycle accidents.
2. Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP):
   • Website: CMSP
   • Contact: CMSP offers rider education courses to help motorcyclists improve their riding skills and safety awareness.
3. Boulder County Sheriff’s Office – Traffic Safety Unit:
   • Website: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office – Traffic Safety Unit
   • Contact: They can provide information on motorcycle safety and share resources to prevent accidents.
4. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – Motorcycle Safety Program:
   • Website: CDOT – Motorcycle Safety
   • Contact: CDOT offers resources, safety tips, and information about motorcycle safety campaigns in Colorado.
5. Colorado Rider News:
   • Website: Colorado Rider News
   • Contact: This publication offers news, articles, and resources related to motorcycle safety, events, and community support.
6. Boulder County Motorcycle Safety Training:
   • Website: Boulder County Motorcycle Safety Training
   • Contact: They provide motorcycle safety training courses to help riders improve their skills and knowledge.
7. Boulder County Victim Assistance Program:
   • Website: Boulder County Victim Assistance Program
   • Contact: This program can offer support and resources for victims of accidents, including information on compensation and assistance.
8. Boulder County Public Health – Injury Prevention Program:
   • Website: Boulder County Injury Prevention
   • Contact: They may offer educational resources and initiatives aimed at reducing injuries, including those related to motorcycle accidents.

Remember that seeking medical attention and following proper safety guidelines are crucial after a motorcycle accident. These resources can provide information and support to help prevent accidents and assist victims in their recovery.