Motorcycle Accidents

Aurora Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Representing Injured Motorcyclists Throughout Colorado

Motorcycle accidents are often the result of another person’s negligence. When that happens, the injured rider has every right to pursue a financial recovery from the at-fault party. At Denver Trial Lawyers, our Aurora motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of negligence obtain the justice and compensation they are owed. We know how to hold even the most powerful opponents accountable and are prepared to fight for you.

Call (303) 647-9990 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by several factors, from poor weather conditions to defective motorcycle parts. In many cases, however, motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other motorists on the road.

In and around Aurora, that negligence often shows up in familiar ways, such as drivers making unsafe left turns across East Colfax Avenue or changing lanes too quickly on I-225 without checking blind spots for riders. Heavy commuter traffic, construction zones, and distractions like cell phones increase the chances that a driver will overlook a smaller vehicle. When we investigate a crash, we look closely at where it happened, what the traffic patterns are like in that area, and whether conditions such as lighting, road design, or temporary lane closures may have contributed to the collision.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving: When motorists take their eyes and minds off the road, they are much more likely to cause an accident. This is especially true when they are not looking out for motorcycles.
  • Drunk driving: Alcohol and drug impairment can severely impact a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle and avoid collisions. Sadly, many motorcyclists are hit by drunk drivers.
  • Defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts: If a motorcycle or any of its parts are defective, the rider may lose control and crash. In such cases, the manufacturer and distributor may be liable for the resulting damages.
  • Unsafe road conditions: If a road is not properly maintained or designed, it can be dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. In such cases, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable for the resulting damages.
  • Negligent motorists: When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, they can cause serious accidents. This includes failing to yield the right of way, running red lights and stop signs, speeding, and more.

Legal Challenges Motorcyclists May Encounter

Motorcyclists in Colorado face several legal challenges when attempting to recover compensation for accidents caused by other motor vehicles. These challenges stem from various factors, including state laws, insurance regulations, and inherent biases or misconceptions about motorcyclists. Here are some of the key legal hurdles they might encounter:

  • Comparative Negligence Laws: Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a motorcyclist’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist is deemed to be 50% or more at fault, they may not be entitled to any compensation at all.
  • Bias Against Motorcyclists: There can be biases against motorcyclists among jurors, insurance adjusters, and even law enforcement officers. They may assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless or at fault, which could affect the outcome of the case or settlement negotiations.
  • Limited Insurance Coverage: Colorado law requires motorists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, but this may not cover all the damages in a severe motorcycle accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits are insufficient, recovering compensation may become challenging.
  • Complexity of Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can be more complex than car accidents due to the lack of protection for the rider. Determining liability and assessing damages in such cases may require expert testimony and thorough investigation.
  • Lack of No-Fault Insurance: Colorado does not have a no-fault insurance system. In states with no-fault insurance, injured parties can typically recover compensation from their own insurance regardless of who caused the accident. In Colorado, injured motorcyclists must typically pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
  • Statute of Limitations: There is a limited time frame within which a lawsuit must be filed after a motorcycle accident. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from motorcycle accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.
  • Complex Legal Procedures: Navigating the legal process for a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially for individuals who are dealing with injuries and medical treatments. Understanding legal terminology, filing requirements, and court procedures may require the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.

For riders hurt in an Aurora motorcycle crash, these hurdles can feel overwhelming when you are also trying to manage medical appointments and time away from work. Insurance companies may move quickly to collect statements or offer low settlements before you understand the full impact of your injuries. We help clients evaluate these offers, understand how Colorado’s comparative negligence rules might apply, and decide whether it makes sense to pursue litigation in the appropriate Arapahoe County or Adams County court.

How Our Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire an attorney to help you recover compensation for your damages. While you are not legally required to work with an attorney, doing so can protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.

Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Aurora also allows you to level the playing field with large insurance companies that handle these claims every day. We can gather medical records from local providers, coordinate with your treatment team, and consult with accident reconstruction professionals when liability is disputed. By taking on the investigative work and communications, we give you space to focus on your health while we pursue the financial recovery you need to manage bills, lost income, and future care.

At Denver Trial Lawyers, our Aurora motorcycle accident attorneys can help you by:

  • Investigating the cause of the accident and gathering evidence of liability
  • Working with experts to calculate your total damages
  • Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance company
  • Taking your case to trial, if necessary
  • Answering your questions and addressing your concerns

At Denver Trial Lawyers, our team understands the tactics used by insurance companies to deny or undervalue valid claims. We know how to build strong cases and are not afraid to take on even the most powerful opponents in court. Our goal is to help you obtain the maximum compensation you are owed so that you can focus on your recovery.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries And Compensation

Because riders have little physical protection in a crash, motorcycle accidents in Aurora often lead to severe, life-changing injuries. Many people face emergency treatment at facilities such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, followed by surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up care. These medical needs translate into significant costs that can place stress on you and your family. Understanding the types of injuries that commonly occur can help you appreciate why it is so important to pursue a claim that reflects both your current and future needs.

Motorcycle collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, complex fractures, and serious road rash that may require skin grafts. Some riders also suffer internal organ injuries or joint damage that limits their ability to return to the work they once did. When we build a claim, we look beyond initial hospital bills and consider rehabilitation costs, adaptive equipment, and the effect your injuries may have on your earning capacity over time. We also account for the day-to-day impact of pain, limitations, and emotional distress when we document your losses.

Compensation in a Colorado motorcycle accident case may include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earnings, and damage to your motorcycle and riding gear. You may also be able to recover for non-economic harm such as physical pain, loss of enjoyment of favorite activities, and the strain injuries place on family relationships. By using an evidence-based approach that draws on medical records, expert opinions, and financial analysis, we work to present a clear picture of how the crash has changed your life so that the value of your claim is fully understood.

Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Accident In Aurora

The actions you take in the hours and days after a motorcycle accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim. In Aurora, crashes frequently occur on busy corridors where traffic can remain fast-moving even after an impact. If you are able, moving to a safer location and calling 911 should be your first priority so that law enforcement and emergency medical personnel can respond to the scene. Getting prompt medical attention also creates a record of your injuries that can support a future case.

Once your immediate safety needs are addressed, it can be helpful to gather basic information such as the other driver’s contact and insurance details, the responding agency, and the names of any witnesses. Photographs of the crash scene, your motorcycle, and visible injuries can later help accident reconstruction professionals understand what happened. You should also notify your own insurance company of the collision, but it is wise to be cautious about providing recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers until you have had a chance to talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Aurora about your rights.

In the days that follow, keeping a simple journal of your symptoms, missed work, and limitations in daily activities can be valuable evidence of how the crash is affecting you. Save receipts and documentation related to medical care, prescriptions, and repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and protective gear. When you are ready to explore a legal claim, bringing this information to a consultation allows us to quickly evaluate your situation and advise you on next steps under Colorado law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Colorado?

In most situations, you have two years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and missing it can prevent you from bringing your claim to court. Certain circumstances, such as claims involving a government entity, may have shorter notice requirements. Speaking with an attorney as soon as you can after a crash helps make sure important time limits are identified and met.

Do I Have To Go To Court For My Motorcycle Accident Case?

Many motorcycle accident cases are resolved through insurance negotiations rather than a trial. Whether your case goes to court depends on factors such as how clearly fault can be proven, the amount of available insurance coverage, and whether the insurance company is willing to offer a fair settlement. If a lawsuit is filed in a local court, such as Arapahoe County District Court, the case may still settle before it reaches a jury.

What Should I Bring To My Initial Consultation?

For an initial meeting, it is helpful to bring any documents you already have, such as the accident report, medical records, medical bills, photographs, and correspondence from insurance companies. You should also have a list of the health care providers you have seen and information about your employment and lost time from work. If you do not have all of this information yet, you can still schedule a consultation, and additional records can be collected later with your permission.

Our Aurora motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to help you with your case. Call (303) 647-9990 today to get started with a free consultation.

LANDMARK VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS

Over a Billion Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
  • Record Settlement $90 Million
  • Birth Injury Verdict and Settlement $9.2 Million

    $9 million birth injury verdict and settlement - Rudnicki v. Bianco. The case changed the law in Colorado, allowing children to recover their own medical expenses and allowing prejudgment interest to exceed the $1 million overall cap on damages.

  • Birth Injury Involving Misuse of Drug to Induce Labor $70 Million

    $70 million arbitration award, the largest known medical malpractice arbitration award in U.S. history. David S Woodruff handled this birth injury case involving an HMO labor/delivery unit that misused Cytotec, a drug used to induce labor.

  • Settlement for Individuals Injured by a Defective Product $23 Million

    Settlement for group of individuals injured by a defective product. Dan Sloane was a member of a national team of lawyers who helped secure this settlement. The largest single settlement in the country was paid to Dan’s individual client.

  • Largest Medical Malpractice Settlement in Colorado $22.3 Million

    $22.3 million medical malpractice settlement. In 2016 David Woodruff obtained the largest known medical malpractice settlement in Colorado.

  • Commercial Vehicle Accident Resulting in Catastrophic Injury $8 Million

    An attorney from our firm served as lead counsel in a contested liability accident involving a commercial vehicle. Our client was catastrophically injured and he successfully negotiated a $8,000,000 settlement on her behalf.

  • Medical Malpractice Verdict for Victim of Paralysis $15 Million

    A jury handed down a $15 million verdict to a man who was paralyzed from the chest down just hours after a doctor at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs discharged him. It’s the largest sum ever awarded in a medical malpractice suit in Colorado.

  • Drunk Driving Accident Resulting in Rollover Collision $8.91 Million

    Rollover collision – Steve Wahlberg represented the driver of a vehicle struck by a drunk driver. The Court entered judgment of $4,455,000 including 1.5 million in physical impairment, $4,455,000 in punitive damages.

  • Settelment for Injured Client $750 Thousand
  • University of Michigan/Dr. Robert Anderson Sexual Abuse $490 Million

    $490 million settlement on behalf of more than 1000 men sexually abused by Dr. Robert Anderson. The largest known sexual abuse settlement on behalf of male victims in the history of the United States.

WHY HIRE DENVER TRIAL LAWYERS?

  • Over a Billion in Recoveries

    We have represented thousands of individuals against insurance companies and corporations, recovering more than a billion dollars in the process.

  • A Voice for Change

    Attorneys at our firm have been at the helm of cases that have gone on to influence legislation, change laws, and impact society for the better.

  • We Won't Settle for Less

    We are trial lawyers through and through, and we will take your case as far as it can go. Our attorneys have tried 100+ cases with extraordinary results.

  • No Cost Unless We Win

    We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win your case.

  • Serving Our Community

    Giving back to our community is extremely important to us. We support a number of charitable programs.

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