If you ride a motorcycle and were involved in a crash that another driver caused, you have the right to seek damages under Colorado law. You should know how Fort Collins motorcycle helmet laws affect injury claims, since whether you use a helmet can influence the severity of your injuries and the arguments insurance companies make when evaluating compensation.
Starting with a free consultation, an experienced attorney on our team can help protect your rights after a motorcycle accident. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we have represented injured people for decades. As one of Colorado’s longest-standing law firms, we combine local experience with the resources needed to handle serious injury claims.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Colorado takes a different approach to motorcycle helmet use than many states. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1502, riders and passengers under 18 must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle. The law does not require adult riders 18 or older to wear a helmet, but it does require eye protection when a motorcycle lacks an approved windshield.
Even though adult riders may legally ride without a helmet, doing so can increase the risk of severe injuries. The motorcycle helmet law promotes rider safety for younger motorcyclists in Fort Collins who face significant risks in traffic collisions.
How Helmet Use Can Affect Your Injury Claim
Many injured riders assume that not wearing a helmet will prevent them from recovering compensation after a crash. In most situations, that is not the case. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-111, an injured person may seek compensation after an accident if their share of fault is less than 50 percent.
Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts after motorcycle accidents. To reduce compensation, they may argue that helmet use would have lessened the severity of a rider’s injuries. In some Fort Collins accident claims, insurers use motorcycle helmet rules to shift blame and challenge damages.
Our team can carefully investigate every aspect of your motorcycle accident, gather evidence to establish liability, and challenge attempts to unfairly assign you fault. We will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve and work to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they caused.
Why Are Motorcyclists More Vulnerable to Serious Injuries?
Motorcyclists face unique dangers because they lack the physical protection that occupants of passenger vehicles have. Even a relatively minor collision can result in life-changing injuries, including:
Motorcycle accidents frequently occur at intersections, during lane changes, and when drivers fail to notice nearby riders. Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and unsafe turns are common causes of serious crashes.
Discussing helmet laws and their impact on your claim with a local attorney is one important step after a motorcycle crash in Fort Collins. Establishing liability often requires evidence such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Documentation of financial losses
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we can build a comprehensive case designed to maximize your compensation.
Contact a Fort Collins Attorney for Motorcycle Helmet Law Guidance
It is critical to understand your legal rights after a motorcycle accident. Fort Collins motorcycle helmet laws can affect certain aspects of your case, but they do not absolve negligent drivers from responsibility for the injuries they caused.
At Wilhite Law Firm, we fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call now or chat with us online to speak to an experienced team that aggressively advocates for injured riders throughout Colorado. Wilhite Wins.
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