The Colorado Mountains, thanks to their natural beauty and possibilities to enjoy outdoor activities, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, including motorcycle riders. There is nothing more exhilarating than speeding up and down mountain road, taking in the landscape and breathing in the strong, clear mountain air. However, many exciting trips end up in pain and tears when a motorcycle crash happens. In many cases, the riders are not at fault for their motorcycle accidents, though. If you were hurt during a motorcycle ride by someone else's negligence, an experienced personal injury lawyer at Firouzbakht Law Firm is ready to help you evaluate your case.
However, we also believe in Benjamin Franklin's saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is why this article is not focused primarily on legal advice, but on how to prevent common motorcycle accidents that usually end up with an injury. We hope that each day of riding your motorbike ends up without a trip to the hospital and a call to retain legal representation in a personal injury case.
We will start, though, by explaining what the laws in Colorado say about motorcycle riding.
Colorado is one of the US states that do not have a compulsory helmet usage law for riders over the age of 18. However, according to Colorado Department of Transportation, riders under 18 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
Eye protection is mandatory, both for the driver and the passenger of the motorbike. As for passengers, they are allowed on a motorcycle in the following situations:
Motorbike riders must also comply with specific traffic laws. Lane splitting and sharing with motor vehicles are forbidden. Likewise, motorcyclists cannot overtake vehicles using the same lane.
Last but not least, it is illegal to attach a motorbike to another vehicle, be it a passenger car or another vehicle.
Motorcyclists are very vulnerable on the roads. Their vehicle offers them no protection when they collide with a stationary object (a tree, a bridge) or with another vehicle. Riding a motorbike in the mountains is even more dangerous. Mountain roads have steep slopes and tight curves. Sometimes, a tree limb or pieces of rock fall in the middle of the road. In the worst case, a motorcyclists may come face to face with a runaway truck that has not managed to swerve to an emergency ramp.
Although there are no specific statistical data on motorcycle crashes in the mountains, the numbers collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2019 are relevant. For Colorado, the statistics show that:
The first and most important safety tip for all motorcyclists is to wear a helmet at all times when they are riding. This is the single most efficient piece of protective gear that can save your life. Also, even on a bright sunny day, remember to wear durable summer riding equipment that will protect you from road rash and absorb a part of the mechanical shock in case of impact. At the same time, keep in mind that you may experience radical temperature changes in the mountains as you reach higher altitudes.
Riders who have recently obtained their first current motorcycle license should consider taking extra classes on motorcycle riding in the mountains. The Rockies in Colorado are majestic and breathtaking, but they can also prove deadly to an inexperienced and distracted motorcycle driver. Before you leave for your ride, remember to pack water bottles and sunscreen. Dehydration and sunburn can incapacitate you, causing you to crash your bike.
Here are other helpful tips for motorcycle owners:
As we stated above, even experienced riders should always wear a helmet during motorcycle rides. However, not all helmets on the market will offer you adequate protection. Some of them have a flimsy build and are made of poor quality materials.
A safe helmet bears the DOT certification label, which specifies that the product meets the requirements of FMVSS no. 218 standard. Apart from the label, also look for:
Next, you should select the helmet size that fits you best. A motorcycle helmet should fit your head snugly, without being too tight (you should not feel pressure).
If despite your best efforts to stay safe you are involved in a motorcycle crash, call 9-1-1 and enable geolocation on your smartphone so that first responders can reach you easily. If the crash was caused by another driver, collect evidence (photos, videos) and exchange contact details and insurance information with the other party.
Go to hospital if the ambulance crew recommends it, and follow all medical treatments. At the same time, do not discuss or accept any offer made by the other driver's insurance representative. You may be tricked into saying something that could be used against you.
Last but not least, contact a personal injury attorney and present your case. You will receive professional legal advice on the options you have to recover your economic losses (hospital bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses), as well as non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish).
Firouzbakht Law Firm is your best ally in the difficult times after a motorcycle crash. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys uses innovative and aggressive negotiation tactics with big insurance companies to win the fair compensation our clients deserve.
If someone else's negligence or reckless conduct caused your bodily injuries and property damage, you have the right to receive financial compensation for your losses. And we will make sure that the final settlement amount is adequate and allows you to recover with peace of mind that medical costs will not get you in debt.
We won't charge you any fees until we win your case, so call us now for a free consultation: (720) 547-2211!
