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! It would be our honor to assist you — If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle or bicycle crash, call our 24/7 hotline for our motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver at 866-326-4551 today!
In 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recorded 149 motorcycle fatalities. In addition, bicyclist accidents and deaths are recorded to be increasing. Colorado motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the exposure of riders on the road. Common motorcycle accident injuries include road rash, internal injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Negligence by other drivers is a significant factor leading to these accidents.
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!
Motorcycle Accidents Statistics in Colorado
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) in 2023, an estimated 9.6 million privately and commercially owned motorcycles were on U.S. roadways. The Institute also reports that, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger vehicle occupants. If you have been 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), 149 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in Colorado in 2022. Among those fatalities, 75 were not wearing helmets.
RMIIA also reports that in 2016, 40 percent of the motorcyclists who died in traffic accidents that year had no motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Also, the report states that in 2020, 27 percent had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Of those fatal motorcycle crashes in Colorado, 41 percent involved no other vehicle, and 114 motorcycle operators were determined to be at fault in these 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 have extensive experience in handling motorcycle accident cases and understand the complexities involved. We are dedicated legal advocates for injured people, and our number one objective is to help our clients recover their lives.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Denver
After a motorcycle accident in Denver, the steps you take in the first 24 hours are critical for both your physical recovery and your eventual insurance claim. Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning you must prove the other driver’s negligence to receive compensation. At the scene of the accident (unless you are struggling to breathe), keep your helmet on until paramedics arrive to avoid worsening a potential neck or spinal injury.
In Colorado, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury or significant property damage. A formal police report is the primary evidence used by insurance adjusters to determine fault. If you are physically able, gather the following before leaving:
- Visual evidence – Photograph the position of your bike, the damage to all vehicles, skid marks, and road hazards like loose gravel or obscured signs.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, license number, and insurance policy details.
- Identify witnesses – Collect contact information from bystanders. Independent witness statements are often the tie-breaker in disputed motorcycle claims.
You may feel fine initially due to shock, but internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue injuries often do not appear for hours or days. Gaps in treatment are frequently used by insurers to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash. See a doctor immediately at a facility (the same day if possible) to address your injuries, even if they seem minor to you.
Most policies require you to report the accident to your insurer within 24 to 48 hours. Provide only the time, location, and parties involved. Avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries until you have a full medical diagnosis. Remember, you are not required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
For most motorcycle accidents in Colorado, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Denver motorcycle accident attorney at The Wilhite Law Firm can manage the complex investigation, such as subpoenaing dashcam footage or cell phone records to prove the other driver was at fault, and interact with the insurance company on your behalf.
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. This can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens for motorcycle accident victims. Contact our motorcycle accident attorney in Denver today.
Other motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Burns or road rash
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Rib and torso injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and varied, including head and brain injuries, back and neck injuries, fractures and broken bones, loss of limbs, burns or road rash, internal injuries, lacerations, rib and torso injuries, and 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.
Insurance Company Tactics & How a Lawyer Protects You
When you file a claim, the insurance adjuster is not there to help you. They are professional negotiators trained to save the company money. In states like Colorado, where comparative negligence rules apply, even a 10 percent shift in fault can save an insurer thousands of dollars.
Adjusters often call within days of a crash to offer a quick check. This is designed to settle the case before you realize the full extent of your medical needs or lost wages. They may ask you to sign a release for your medical records, but these are often broad fishing expeditions used to find pre-existing conditions to blame for your current pain.
By dragging out the process, insurers hope you will become financially desperate and more willing to accept a smaller settlement. A Denver motorcycle crash lawyer can prevent you from making admissions that could be twisted to devalue your claim and impact your ability to recover fair compensation.
Lawyers can legally demand evidence that an individual cannot easily get, such as cell phone records to prove distracted driving or black box data from commercial trucks. Our legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm uses life-care planners to ensure your settlement covers future surgeries, physical therapy, and lost earning capacity, not just your initial ER bill.
Comparative Negligence and State Motorcycle Laws Explained
In Colorado, your financial recovery after a motorcycle accident depends heavily on the modified comparative negligence rule. Because motorcycles are often subject to biker bias from insurance adjusters, understanding how fault is partitioned is critical to your claim.
Colorado follows a 50 percent bar system. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% responsible (perhaps for speeding), you receive $80,000.
If you are found 50 percent or more at fault, you are legally barred from recovering any money from the other party. These laws directly impact how fault is calculated in a comparative negligence argument:
- The helmet law – Colorado law only requires helmets for riders and passengers under 18. While legal for adults to ride without one, insurance companies often use the helmet defense to argue that your injuries were worsened by your choice and attempt to increase your fault percentage.
- Lane splitting is illegal – In Colorado, lane splitting (passing between rows of stopped or moving vehicles) is generally against the law. If an accident occurs while you are splitting lanes, you will likely be assigned a high percentage of fault.
- Lane sharing – Two motorcyclists are permitted to ride side-by-side in a single lane.
- Eye protection – All riders and passengers must wear eye protection (goggles or a windshield), regardless of age. Failure to do so can be used as evidence of negligence if an eye injury occurs.
Insurance adjusters often start with the assumption that the motorcyclist was reckless. To counter this and keep your fault percentage low, attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm can leverage a range of strategies.
We can collect and use footage to prove the driver of the car cut you off or failed to yield, reconstruct the accident to show that your speed was appropriate for the conditions, or otherwise corroborate that you were practicing safe riding habits. We can fight back against tactics to unfairly place blame on you and aggressively pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
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 seasoned personal injury lawyers today. Our firm has extensive experience in handling motorcycle accident claims, ensuring clients receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Our firm wants to hear your story. 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 team who genuinely cares about your case and your future.
Call 866-326-4551 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.
You will likely have many questions after a 
