Englewood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle riders and passengers in Englewood, CO, face a high risk of injuries and fatalities, largely attributed to the negligence of other motorists. However, despite the clear vulnerability of motorcyclists, there exists a pervasive societal and, at times, systemic bias against them within the legal realm. This bias can manifest in various ways, from misconceptions about motorcyclists’ behavior to preconceived notions about fault in accidents.
At Fuller Personal Injury Law, we recognize and challenge this bias head-on, advocating fiercely for the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of others. We have the skills, resources and experience to level the playing field for our clients, ensuring that motorcyclists receive fair treatment and full compensation for their injuries and losses.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Englewood, CO, are often the result of negligent actions by other motorists. These actions vary widely but frequently cause devastating consequences for motorcyclists and their passengers. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, our Englewood motorcycle accident attorney team is experienced in handling a range of motorcycle accident cases and has the skills to establish the motorist’s negligence in each scenario.
Failure to Yield: When motorists fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists, it can result in serious accidents. Our attorneys will gather evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction reports to demonstrate that the other driver failed to yield, leading to the collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists who make unsafe lane changes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling can cause accidents with motorcyclists. Our Englewood motorcycle crash lawyer will review the circumstances of the accident, including skid marks and vehicle positioning, to show that the other driver’s negligent lane change caused the collision.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who engage in distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio are more likely to overlook motorcyclists. Our lawyers will subpoena phone records, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses to establish that the other driver was distracted during the accident.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a common factor in motorcycle accidents and can significantly increase the severity of injuries. Our motorcycle collision attorney in Englewood will obtain police reports, examine vehicle damage, and consult accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate that the other driver was speeding.
Driving Under the Influence: Motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant danger to motorcyclists. Our attorneys will gather evidence such as police reports, breathalyzer test results, and witness statements to prove that the other driver was impaired at the time of the accident.
Failure to Check Mirrors: Drivers who fail to check their mirrors before changing lanes or making turns may not see motorcyclists nearby. Our Englewood motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the accident scene and consult expert witnesses to establish that the driver’s failure to check their mirrors contributed to the collision.
Following Too Closely or Tailgating: Motorists who follow motorcycles too closely or engage in tailgating increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Fuller Personal Injury Law attorneys will collect evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage to demonstrate that the driver was tailgating, leading to the accident.
Late, Improper, or No Signaling: Failure to signal intentions to turn, merge, or change lanes can catch motorcyclists off guard and result in collisions. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, our Englewood motorcycle accident lawyer will analyze the events leading to the accident and consult accident reconstruction experts to establish that the driver failed to signal properly or at all, contributing to the collision.
Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Laws in Englewood, CO
In Englewood, the personal injury laws related to motorcycle accidents are governed by several key principles and statutes designed to protect the rights of motorcyclists. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, our motorcycle collision attorney in Englewood will use the full force of these laws to prove the liability of the negligent motorist and maximize your damages.
Fault-Based System
Colorado operates under a fault-based system for determining liability in motorcycle accidents. This means the party at fault for causing the accident is responsible for compensating the injured party for their damages. Our Englewood motorcycle accident lawyers at Fuller Personal Injury Law understand how to navigate this fault-based system to establish liability and maximize compensation for our clients.
Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. Consult our experienced Englewood motorcycle crash lawyer soon after a bike accident to ensure compliance with this deadline.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. Our motorcycle collision lawyer in Englewood will work diligently and fight any allegations of comparative negligence to maximize our clients’ recovery.
Insurance Requirements
Colorado law requires all motor vehicle operators, including motorcycle riders, to carry liability insurance coverage. The minimum liability insurance requirements for motorcycles in Colorado are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. Our legal team at Fuller Personal Injury Law is experienced in dealing with insurance companies to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
Helmet Laws
Colorado does not have universal helmet laws for motorcycle riders. However, riders under 18 and operators with a motorcycle instruction permit are required to wear helmets. In cases where a rider was not wearing a helmet during the accident, our Englewood bike crash lawyers will carefully assess the impact on the case and advocate for the fullest possible compensation.
Protective Eye Gear for Motorcyclists
While Colorado does not have universal helmet laws for motorcycle riders, eye protection is required by law. All riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear protective eye gear while operating or riding on a motorcycle. In cases where a rider or passenger was not wearing proper eye protection at the time of the accident, our attorneys will assess its impact on the case and advocate for the fullest possible compensation.
Bike Riding with a Child
Colorado law imposes specific requirements for riding with children on motorcycles. Children under the age of 18 must wear helmets that meet state-approved safety standards while riding as passengers on motorcycles. In addition, children under eight years old must be properly seated in a sidecar or securely fastened in a child restraint system designed for motorcycles.
At Fuller Personal Injury Law, our Englewood personal injury lawyer team is well-versed in Colorado laws related to motorcycle riders and passengers, and will fully utilize these laws to establish the negligence of the defendants and recover financial damages on behalf of the injured motorcyclists.
Types of Evidence Our Englewood Motorcycle Accident Attorneys will Collect
When building a case to prove liability in motorcycle accident claims, our Englewood motorcycle crash lawyers at Fuller Personal Injury Law will gather various types of evidence to support our clients’ claims.
Police Reports: We will obtain copies of the official police reports filed at the scene of the accident. These reports often contain valuable information, including statements from involved parties, witness testimonies, and the investigating officer’s assessment of the accident scene.
Photographic Evidence: We will collect photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible property damage. These visual representations can help reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and establish liability.
Witness Statements: Eyewitness testimonies can provide key insight into how the accident occurred. Our Englewood bike accident attorneys will interview witnesses who observed the accident and obtain written or recorded statements detailing their observations and recollections.
Medical Records: We will gather medical records documenting the injuries sustained by our clients in the motorcycle accident. These records detail the nature and extent of the injuries, the treatment received, and the prognosis for recovery. Medical records serve as essential evidence to support our clients’ claims for compensation.
Accident Reconstruction: In complex cases, we may enlist the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the evidence and recreate the accident scene. Using advanced techniques and computer simulations, the experts can determine factors such as vehicle speeds, trajectories, and points of impact, helping to establish liability.
Surveillance Camera Footage: If available, our Englewood motorcycle accident attorneys will seek any surveillance footage from nearby cameras that may have captured the accident or its aftermath. This footage can provide additional visual evidence to support our clients’ claims.
Expert Testimony: We may call upon expert witnesses, such as medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or automotive experts, to provide testimony regarding the cause of the accident, the extent of the injuries, or other relevant factors. Expert testimony can lend credibility to our arguments and strengthen our case.
Motorist Records: Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Englewood will obtain records related to the negligent person’s driving history, including driving infractions, prior accidents, and any history of reckless or negligent behavior. These records can help establish a pattern of misconduct or negligence on the part of the at-fault driver.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Englewood
- Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Immediately reach out to our Englewood motorcycle accident lawyers at Fuller Personal Injury Law for expert legal assistance.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the local law enforcement authorities and obtain an official police report.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence at the accident scene, including photographs and witness statements.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved.
- Avoid Discussing Fault: Refrain from admitting fault or discussing details of the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident.
- Document Injuries and Damages: Keep records of injuries, medical treatments, expenses, and lost wages.
Mistakes to Avoid After Your Englewood Motorcycle Accident
- Not Contacting Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Don’t hesitate to contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Englewood at Fuller Personal Injury Law for legal assistance and guidance.
- Delaying Medical Attention: Avoid delaying medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they seem minor.
- Admitting Fault: Refrain from admitting fault or discussing details of the accident with anyone at the scene, including other parties involved or their insurance representatives.
- Neglecting to Report the Accident: Don’t neglect to report the accident to local law enforcement authorities and obtain an official police report.
- Failing to Gather Evidence: Avoid failing to gather evidence at the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and contact information from other parties involved.
- Accepting a Quick Settlement: Refrain from accepting a quick settlement offer from insurance companies without consulting our attorneys first.
- Ignoring Medical Documentation: Don’t ignore medical documentation related to your injuries, treatments, and expenses. Keep thorough records for your claim.
- Neglecting Legal Deadlines: Avoid neglecting legal deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Time limits, known as statutes of limitations, vary by state and type of claim.
- Discussing the Accident on Social Media: Refrain from discussing the accident or your injuries on social media platforms as this information could potentially be used against you in your case.
Get a Proven and Capable Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Englewood on Your Side
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Englewood, CO, you need a dedicated advocate on your side. John Fuller, founder of Fuller Personal Injury Law, brings over two decades of experience to the table, fiercely representing motorcycle injury victims in Englewood and throughout Colorado.
With an impressive record of achieving over $50 million in settlements and verdicts, John Fuller has earned the respect of his clients and the legal community. Trust in his battle-tested experience and proven legal strategies to fight for the largest compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free case evaluation, call us at (720)-770-3832 or contact us online.