Seek Compensation with Denver's Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Every driver on public streets and highways has equal rights under transportation law. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are often perceived as reckless or careless, whether they operate their vehicles safely or not. As a result, when an accident involving a motorcycle occurs, blame for the crash may be unfairly placed on the owner of the bike.
The award-winning Denver motorcycle accident attorneys of Dan Caplis Law can help. Dan Caplis can level the playing field by collecting evidence that supports the facts of the case, rather than the bias. Call our firm at (303) 770-5551 to get started.
When Should You Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
In the days following your accident, you may consider what the help of an attorney can do to make the claims process easier. At Dan Caplis Law, we have handled many motorcycle accident cases and understand the complexities of each individual case.
If you have faced difficulties in filing your claim or have been denied the treatment you deserve, contact our office for a free case evaluation. By consulting with an attorney, you may better understand your opportunities for financial recovery and can have a team to help you as you adjust to life after your accident.
What Injuries Can Be Caused by a Motorcycle Accident?
Though injuries can and do occur in accidents involving cars and trucks, there is a much higher rate of life-threatening injuries in motorcycle accidents. The main reason for this is that a motorcycle rider does not have the same protection as drivers and passengers in other kinds of vehicles.
Also, since there is no way of putting safety belts on a motorcycle, many of the accident victims who turn to our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers were injured when they were thrown from their bikes. Tragically, most of the injuries caused by motorcycle crashes are disfiguring and often permanent.
They may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (even in cases when a helmet is worn)
- Road rash
- Broken arms and legs
- Severe internal injuries
Recovery often requires:
- Lengthy hospital stays
- Reconstructive surgery
- And ongoing physical therapy
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado
If you are in a crash on a Colorado road or highway while riding a motorcycle, stay calm in the moments after the accident. Our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys will need as much information as possible to build your case and much of that data needs to be collected at the scene.
Be sure to get the:
- Names
- Addresses
- And insurance information from the other driver
However, do not discuss liability or other facts about the accident until a police officer arrives. If possible, take pictures of the damage and get a copy of the police report.
Contact your insurance company right away and tell them about the accident. Some companies may try to reduce or withhold payment on a claim if the report is not filed soon enough.
Your next step should be to contact the Denver motorcycle accident lawyers of Dan Caplis Law. Legal representation is often necessary to ensure that you collect the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Without a knowledgeable attorney on your side, your insurance company, or that of the other driver, may attempt to settle your claim for far less than it is worth. Because your injuries may require medical treatment for months or even years after the accident, you need to be sure that your expenses will be taken care of.
Call us today at (303) 770-5551 to schedule your free initial consultation. Our firm is ready to help you.
Motorcycle Accident Trends and Safety in Denver
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, the number of motorcyclists who died in accidents dropped by 5% in 2018 compared to the year before. Even with this decrease, motorcycle drivers represent a majority of traffic accident fatalities.
The following are national statistics, as reported by the NHTSA:
- 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in 2018
- 28% of the motorcycle drivers who were killed in 2017 were driving drunk
- In 2018, 71% of motorcycle drivers were wearing DOT-certified helmets
Understanding Colorado's Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle drivers must obey all the same traffic laws as any other driver on the road, with the following additions:
- Eye protection is required for all riders: driver and passenger. Helmet with eye protection is preferred, but goggles or eyeglasses at a minimum are legally required.
- Helmets, while proven to provide extra protection, are only legally required for all riders under the age of 18. They must be DOT-approved helmets. For riders who are 18 and over, helmets are not required but are highly recommended.
- All motorcycles must have a footrest for passengers. Likewise, passengers must use those footrests.
- Passengers must ride behind the driver, or on the side in a sidecar.
- Lane-splitting or sharing is not allowed. Two motorcycles may share a lane by riding side-by-side.
- A motorcycle may not be attached to another vehicle in any way with a driver on the bike (i.e. towed or "clinging").
Contact a Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Your Rights
Don't hesitate after a motorcycle accident to file an injury claim. Contact Dan Caplis Law today to get started on your claim by scheduling your free consultation. We have won millions for our clients and will fight for your fair compensation.
