Colorado Springs Motorcycle Passenger Injury Attorneys

Legal Counsel for Injured Motorcycle Passengers

Motorcycles are smaller, less visible, and less stable than four-wheeled cars. Like riders, motorcycle passengers lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, which makes them vulnerable to serious injuries in a crash. If you have been hurt as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, you will need to pursue compensation for your injuries. This is a traumatic time, and you will need your own attorney to represent you.

What Are a Motorcyclist’s Responsibilities for Protecting Passengers?

A motorcyclist carrying a passenger on the back of a bike has a legal responsibility to keep both people safe. Riders must obey the same rules of the road as other motorists. In addition, Colorado imposes legal requirements for having a passenger on a motorcycle, as stated by the Department of Transportation (CO DOT):

• Although there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers, bikes must be equipped with passenger footrests, and passengers are required to use them.
• Passengers must ride on the seat behind the driver or in a sidecar – not in front of the driver. This is to ensure passengers are stable while riding.
• Riders carrying passengers must be licensed.
• Like all motorists in Colorado, motorcyclists must carry mandatory minimum liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage.

Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Passenger Injuries?

After a motorcycle crash in which you were injured as a passenger, it is essential to determine who is responsible for the accident so you can file a claim for compensation. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Motorcycle operator: If rider recklessness or negligence caused the accident, you might need to claim compensation from the operator on whose motorcycle you were injured. If it was a single-vehicle motorcycle crash that was not caused by equipment failure, your only case is against the operator.
• Driver of another vehicle: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence on the part of passenger vehicle drivers. If you were a passenger on a motorcycle involved in a collision with another vehicle, you may want to file a claim against both the motorcycle operator and the driver of the other vehicle.
• Defective parts manufacturer: Defective motorcycle parts can cause a rider to lose control and crash. For example, faulty brakes or defective tires could cause a collision in which a passenger could be injured. In this case, you may have a claim for compensation against the parts manufacturer.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

• The first thing to do as a passenger involved in a motorcycle crash is to get emergency medical attention if needed and report the accident to the police. A police report provides an official record of what occurred.
• It is also important to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident if you are able. Get contact information for eyewitnesses. Take photos of the scene, capturing all vehicles involved from different angles, as well anything that may have contributed to the crash, such as a pothole. If you are unable to take photos, have someone you trust do it for you.
• Do not say any more about the motorcycle accident than you need to. Statements made at the accident scene may be used against you in the future. Simply state the minimum facts and exchange the necessary information.

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our founding partner has been voted Top Attorney in Colorado Springs for eight years running. Timothy Bussey has been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo.

It is in your best interest to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs motorcycle injury attorney as soon as possible. Call us at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation if you have been injured as a passenger in a motorcycle accident.