Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Why Do Motorcycles Pose More Risks than Other Vehicles?

Due to their design and structure, motorcycles provide less protection than cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Motorcycles lack the structural safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones, that protect drivers and their passengers. When a collision occurs, motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer severe injuries.

The absence of a protective shell increases the risk of being thrown off the bike, leading to secondary impacts on the road or other objects. Unlike cars, motorcycles have only two wheels, which makes them less stable. Even a minor loss of balance can have severe consequences, and hazards such as debris, drop-offs, potholes, and uneven surfaces may cause serious accidents.

Link Between Driver Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents

Driver negligence is a significant factor in a lot of motorcycle accidents. For example, drivers frequently fail to adequately check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes, resulting in dangerous collisions. Distracted driving is another common cause of accidents that injure motorcycle riders and their passengers. Distractions include texting, using GPS, or eating.

Drivers who are fatigued have slower reaction times, putting motorcyclists at risk. Another serious problem is in intoxicated drivers. Alcohol and drug use severely impair key driving skills such as coordination, reflexes, judgment, and depth perception.

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Failure to yield the right of way is another serious issue, especially at intersections where many motorcycle accidents occur. Drivers must also be sure to adjust their speed when confronted with rain, snow, fog, and other poor weather conditions.

Determining Liability in Colorado Springs After a Motorcycle Accident

All drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, ensuring they don’t endanger others on the road. This duty includes being vigilant, obeying traffic laws, and taking necessary precautions to avoid accidents. When a driver breaches the duty of care and it causes a motorcycle rider to be injured, the negligent driver may be liable.

In Colorado, the legal concept of modified comparative negligence applies to motorcycle accidents. That means more than one person may be liable for injuries that occur.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident and file a claim against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. This process includes examining police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and any video footage from surveillance cameras or dashcams. Your attorney can also review evidence from the accident scene, such as skid marks and vehicle damage.

Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Road rash occurs when a rider is thrown from the bike and skids across the pavement, causing layers of skin to be scraped away. Beyond immediate pain and discomfort, road rash carries risks of infection and permanent scarring. Surgical treatment may be required for the injured rider.

Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. These injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), both of which can have long-term impacts on a rider’s health and quality of life. Concussions are caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. A TBI may result in permanent brain damage, affecting memory, motor function, and emotional stability.

Spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. The severity of spinal cord injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries higher up on the spinal column can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs, while lower injuries may cause paraplegia, impacting the lower half of the body. Beyond mobility issues, spinal cord injuries often lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, and other complications like respiratory difficulties and bladder control issues.

Bone fractures may occur in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These fractures can range from simple breaks that only require a cast to complex fractures needing surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation. Symptoms typically include severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the affected area.

Nerve damage is another serious consequence of motorcycle accidents that can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. This type of injury occurs when the nerves are stretched, compressed, or severed due to the force of the crash. Common symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of function in the affected area. In severe cases, it can lead to chronic pain or even permanent disability.

Whiplash occurs when the neck is rapidly jerked back and forth, leading to strain or sprain of the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and debilitating long-term chronic pain.

Biker’s arm typically occurs when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike during an accident. The force of the impact can result in the upper limbs absorbing significant trauma. Common signs include numbness or tingling in the upper limbs, particularly in the fingers and hands. Motorcyclists may also experience severe pain, weakness, or a burning sensation in the affected areas. There may be noticeable muscle atrophy or a decrease in the ability to perform fine motor tasks.

The Legal Process in Colorado Springs After a Motorcycle Accident

Your initial consultation is a critical first step in the legal process following a motorcycle accident. During this meeting, your lawyer will assess the details of the accident, review any available evidence, and discuss the potential merits of the case. Next comes the investigation. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., will build a robust case that demonstrates the other party’s negligence and the impact of the accident on your life.

The final phase in the legal process after a motorcycle accident is reaching a settlement or proceeding to trial. During settlement negotiations, your motorcycle accident attorney will present the gathered evidence and argue for fair compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. In court, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., will present the evidence and argue the case, and then the jury will render a final verdict on your case.

Call Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Compensation

You don’t have to take the first offer you get from the insurance company. In fact, it’s probably a lowball offer that isn’t nearly enough to cover the true cost of your injuries. Let The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., handle negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on getting better.

Call (719) 475-2555 to speak with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Colorado Springs.