Motorcycle accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents. Such accidents typically take place at a high speed and result in serious to fatal or severe injuries. This is because the motorcyclist is vulnerable and more prone to be ejected from the ride in the event of a collision. If you have suffered a motorcycle crash in Denver, our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation. Call us today to discuss your potential motorcycle accident claim for damages..
Crashes involving motorcycles usually result in serious head or back injuries as well as broken bones. The statewide statistics for such wrecks are a sobering reminder of the danger you face on the road when riding on a bike. Here is a look at these statistics.
In 2016, a total of 125 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal crashes. This figure accounted for nearly 20% of all Colorado traffic fatalities for the year, even when motorcycles make up only 3% of the roadway traffic in the state. The number of motorcycle deaths in 2016 registered an increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2015 when 106 fatalities occurred throughout the year.
More recently, 2019 saw 103 riders lose their lives in fatal accidents involving bikes. Figures from 2020 are not yet here but are expected to be higher as there was a 25% year-over-year increase in the numbers by mid-year.
El Paso, Adams, and Jefferson counties led the state in terms of fatal motorcycle crashes. However, the annual crash figures are rising for other counties as well. The 2020 report from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shows that most of the 2020 bike accidents reported by June were single-vehicle crashes. This indicates fault on the part of the motorcyclist, usually involving speeding or aggressive driving.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents involving bikes. Nearly 26% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in 2018 involved a motorcycle driver who was operating under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is often a key contributing factor in single-vehicle bike roadway fatalities but is also often one of the causes of a multi-vehicle crash involving other people.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of traffic deaths involving bikers. A motorcyclist speeding through an intersection or switching lanes at a high speed results in a serious road risk. Other motor vehicles may collide with bikers at a high speed or a rider may fail to slow down in time to avoid a fatal collision.
Lack of Training
Colorado laws require bikers to complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course.. Only then can they receive a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. The motorcycle endorsement is a legal requirement for operating a motorcycle on state roads.
However, many riders fail to undergo proper training, resulting in traffic crashes and deaths. In 2015 alone, nearly 35% of the bikers who lost their lives in traffic wrecks had no license or motorcycle endorsement.
Lack of Motorcycle Helmet Use
In the state of Colorado, Helmet is mandatory only for riders aged 18 or below. A majority of motorcycle operators fail to wear a helmet or other protective gear such as safety glasses while driving on state roads. The lack of helmet use increases the risk of fatality manifold in the event of a collision.
According to CDOT motorcycle crash statistics for 2016, 63% of the riders who suffered fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents involving bikes were not wearing a helmet at the time. The department recommends bikers use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets for optimum safety.
Driver Negligence
Negligence and distracted driving of other people operating on the roads also contribute significantly towards biker accidents and deaths. When vehicle drivers fail to check their blind spots or do not take due caution when taking a left turn, they end up hitting motorcycle riders.
Similarly, careless driving through intersections or failure to maintain a safe distance can also result in fatal bike wrecks. When other people cause your bike crash, you can seek compensation in lieu of damage for your injuries and other losses.
Road rash is another deliberate form of driver negligence that can cause serious accidents. In the case of road rash, you can also claim punitive damages in your claim.
If you operate a motorcycle on Colorado roads, it is important to undertake motorcycle safety measures. These include:
- Not driving under influence: As noted above, impaired driving remains a leading cause of bike accidents. To minimize road risks as a hazard, make sure you never drink and drive a motorcycle. Alcohol can dangerously impair your judgment, resulting in speeding, delayed braking, and other dangerous behaviors that directly result in accidents.
- Keeping it slow: It is tempting to drive at high speeds when operating a motorcycle. However, higher speeds result in less time to make a decision like applying brakes or swerving aside. Slower speeds allow you to judge the traffic, the curves in the road, or any gaps or bumps up ahead.
- Keeping a lookout: Driver negligence can often cause motorcycle fatalities. This is why you must keep an eye on the traffic around you, especially when you stop at intersections. Drivers indulging in speeding or reckless driving can rear-end you, and the only way to avoid this is to be prepared and ready to get out of harm’s way.
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Denver, CO, you likely have to deal with serious injuries which directly impact your quality of life.. At such a time, seeking compensation from an at-fault driver may not seem practical. This is where our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you with personal injury claims.
We help you recoup a fair amount of money for your motorcycle accident injury. Our personal injury attorneys seek damages on your behalf in lieu of the medical bills and future care you may need for your motorcycle injuries. Our aim is to have your past and future medical expenses covered by your claim.
We also work with victims of motorcycle wrecks to have their property damage covered by the at-fault party. Call us today to book a free consultation and discuss your claim with Firouzbakth Law Denver motorcycle accident lawyers.
