Motorcycle accidents are often serious, even if they seem minor at first. Riders face a much higher risk of injury than drivers in enclosed vehicles, and all too often, it’s another motorist’s negligence that causes the crash.
At Ridder Law, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face after an accident: steep medical bills, time away from work, and insurance companies that may try to shift the blame. Our skilled Aurora accident lawyers are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call us today at (720) 812-1047 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen In Aurora?
There are several reasons why motorcycle accidents might happen in Colorado. Understanding what types of motorcycle accidents there are is crucial to knowing what type of claim to file. Some of the most common causes include:
- Because motorcycles have very thin silhouettes, it can be difficult for other drivers to see them on the road, resulting in collisions.
- It can be especially difficult for drivers to see motorcycles at night or during inclement weather.
- Drivers often have a difficult time assessing how quickly a motorcycle rider is traveling. As a result, they may not stop or yield the right-of-way when required to in order to keep a motorcycle rider safe
- Drivers may be distracted or fatigued and make unsafe moves on the road that put motorcyclists at risk of harm.
If you have been injured, car accident attorneys in Aurora can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Who is Responsible for an Aurora Motorcycle Accident?
Under the laws of Colorado, a driver who is at fault for an accident can be held responsible for covering the losses of those who are harmed in the crash. This is true no matter the severity of the accident, as even seemingly minor motorcycle crashes can have devastating consequences because the motorcycle rider does not have any protection from the force of the impact.
A driver may be at fault for a crash and held responsible for resulting damages if:
- The driver was unreasonably careless or broke the rules of the road. Violating rules like speed limit laws or laws against drunk driving can create a presumption of negligence, which means that the driver is assumed to be negligent and at-fault for the crash. In these cases, our DUI accident lawyers can help ensure the impaired driver is held accountable.
- The driver’s negligence or carelessness was the direct cause of your motor vehicle accident. If the driver’s rule violation or unsafe behavior led to your crash, that driver should be held liable for all losses that occurred as a direct result of it.
It is up to you to prove that the other driver broke the rules or behaved in an unsafe way that led to your accident.
Ridder Law motorcycle attorneys can provide the help and support that you need in proving your case. We’ll work with you to gather police reports and other evidence from the crash scene and to find experts, if necessary, to testify about the crash cause so you can get the money you deserve.
Colorado Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Colorado has strict laws in place to keep motorcyclists and others safe on the road. Below are some important things to keep in mind if you’re going to be riding in Colorado:
- All motorcycle operators must carry a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Riders and passengers under 18 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times.
- Eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is mandatory for all motorcyclists, regardless of age or experience.
- It is illegal for motorcycles to pass or overtake cars in the same lane, and lane splitting with cars, trucks, or other vehicles is prohibited in Colorado.
- Motorcycles are allowed to share a lane side-by-side with one other motorcycle.
Staying mindful of these state laws will help keep everyone on the road safer.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Aurora?
After a motorcycle accident in Aurora, there are a few steps you should take. They include the following:
- Call 911 to ask for police, fire, and emergency medical personnel to come to the scene.
- Move away from the scene of the accident as long as you feel like you can do so safely.
- Cooperate with the police when they arrive on the scene. Make sure you ask for a copy of the official report.
- Take photos of the scene and the damage done to the cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- You should always go to the doctor to make sure you receive a comprehensive evaluation following a motorcycle accident.
- Call Ridder Law immediately. We are available 24/7. We may be able to recover compensation that can help you cover the cost of your injuries and any lost income.
Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle frame, seatbelts, or airbags—which means even a relatively minor crash can result in severe, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a hard impact can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or permanent brain damage.
- Broken bones: Riders often suffer fractures to the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis—some of which may require surgery and months of recovery.
- Spinal cord and back injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord trauma can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
- Joint and soft tissue injuries: Damage to the knees, shoulders, and internal organs can cause lasting disability and require extensive rehabilitation.
Many of these injuries come with long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help. Our team is available 24/7 to review your case and discuss your legal options.
What Compensation is Available After a Motorcycle Accident in Aurora?
When a motorcycle crash happens, victims have the right to recover compensation for all of the damage they endured if another driver was the cause of their collision. There are many different kinds of damages that a driver can experience, and the law says they should be “made whole” and repaid for all of these losses.
Some of the different kinds of damages that a victim should be compensated for include:
- Past and future medical care. All care that is needed as a direct result of the injuries should be compensated, including payment for any future medical care that may be necessary. This can include a lifetime of care when you suffer permanent injuries such as spinal cord damage.
- Lost income and earning power. If you are forced to take time off from work or if any of your earning power is reduced, you should be compensated for that by the person who was responsible for causing the injuries that affected your job.
- Pain and suffering. Many motorcycle accidents lead to serious and painful injuries. Compensation should be available for these non-economic damages. While pain and suffering can be difficult to measure, many insurers pay a multiple of your economic damages or a per diem rate for the days that your injury endures and causes you pain.
- Emotional distress. When you experience mental health issues as a result of your accident or the injuries that you sustained because of it, you should be compensated for the emotional damages. This can include situations where you develop problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Ridder Law motorcycle attorneys will help you to prove the full extent of the damages that your motorcycle crash caused, including both the actual financial loss and the non-financial harm you experienced.
Our Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you in what to do after a motorcycle accident. We will work with you to gather medical records and bills, to find experts to testify about your reduced earning power, and to take steps such as keeping a pain diary or a pain journal to help you prove the severity of your losses and get full and fair compensation.
How Can an Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
A motorcycle accident attorney can offer you invaluable assistance in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Our legal team will work closely with you from day one to make a strong case. Some of the ways in which our firm will help you include:
- Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident: We will help you from day one to gather evidence from the scene of the crash. This can include interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, getting security camera footage, and hiring accident reconstruction specialists to help determine the crash cause.
- Identifying all potential defendants. Usually, this is the other driver who was involved in the motorcycle accident. However, there are sometimes multiple parties who could be held liable, including the employer of a driver who is negligent on the job, or those responsible for road design and maintenance when a problem on the roads led to the motorcycle accident occurring.
- Proving the extent of your losses and damages. You’ll have to be able to prove how badly you were harmed to recover full compensation. We can help you gather the evidence you need to show how badly you were hurt so you can receive full compensation.
- Negotiating a settlement. Often, motorcycle accident cases can be resolved outside of court through a settlement negotiated with the insurer of the person who was to blame for the accident. Negotiating an out-of-court settlement can be less stressful than going to court if the other driver is willing to make you a fair settlement offer. Our firm knows what your case should be worth, and we have successfully helped many clients to resolve their cases without having to go to trial.
- Representing you in court. Ridder Law has a team of experienced litigators who are prepared and ready to go to trial if needed to get you the money that you deserve. We know how to make a compelling case to a jury, and we have a long track record of favorable verdicts for our clients when going to trial was necessary.
These are just some of the many ways in which we will be there for you throughout your case, fighting for justice from day one. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer questions, and we can meet you in person to provide the help and support you need and deserve. Throughout your case, you’ll also have direct access to your motorcycle accident lawyer if you have questions or need help.
When to Hire an Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Deciding when to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Aurora can make a big difference in how smoothly your case moves forward and how much you recover in the end. It’s normal to wonder if you actually need legal help. Here’s when it’s a good idea to talk to an Aurora motorcycle accident attorney:
If Your Injuries Are Serious or Need Ongoing Treatment
The more severe your accident injuries, the tougher it can be to keep up with costs and paperwork. If recovery looks like it will take weeks or you’re facing long-term changes, an Aurora attorney can make sure you aren’t stuck paying these expenses out of your own pocket.
When Liability Is Unclear or You’re Being Blamed
If the police report raises questions or insurers seem quick to throw partial blame at you, legal representation is a good idea. Lawyers have the time and skill to investigate, speak with witnesses, and reconstruct the scene if needed, so you aren’t pushed into a low settlement.
If Insurers Cut Corners or Pressure You to Settle Fast
Adjusters may push quick offers before you understand your medical prognosis. An attorney pushes back on early settlements, makes sure the process is fair, and values your losses correctly.
It’s always a good idea to at least talk to a lawyer, and it doesn’t cost you anything except a little bit of time.
Why Choose Ridder Law for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a serious accident, clear legal guidance and access to your team is essential. Ridder Law ensures your case always stays front and center. Here’s why clients continue to work with us during these difficult times:
- Our team only takes personal injury cases and have been doing so for more than a decade
- When you want progress updates, you can reach out anytime. Call, text, email, or come to our office
- Over $50 million recovered for clients dealing with injuries and long recoveries
When you work with us, you’re a name, not a file number. Our history of client results proves this. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Aurora
Can I seek compensation if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Yes. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still get compensated, though your monetary recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in Aurora?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim in Colorado. It’s best to start sooner so you don’t miss the deadline and have time to gather all necessary evidence.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?
If the other driver is uninsured or flees (a hit-and-run), you may be able to recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other available policies. An attorney can help assess your options and seek compensation through all available channels.
Contact Our Aurora Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
Even if you take every precaution as a motorcyclist, you can still be the victim of a motorcycle accident. If the accident was not your fault, you should not be responsible for your medical bills or repair expenses. Count on Ridder Law to help you recover compensation following a motorcycle accident. Contact today for a case consultation at (720) 812-1047.