Motorcyclists in Colorado face a higher risk of injuries and fatalities due to the lack of protection compared to car drivers. Some of the common motorcycle accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, or internal organ damage. These life-altering injuries may leave victims struggling with large medical expenses, loss of income, and prolonged pain and suffering.
At Zobel Legal Group, our Colorado motorcycle accident attorney, Wade Zobel, is relentless in the pursuit of motorcycle accident claims. Wade understands the unique challenges bikers face and the unfair biases that can skew cases in favor of negligent drivers. Wade Zobel and his Colorado injury team will fight aggressively to hold reckless drivers accountable and seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim, reach out to Zobel Legal Group for motorcycle accidents representation.
Motorcycle Safety Laws in Colorado
Motorcycle safety laws in Colorado are designed to protect both riders and others on the road. These laws cover helmet use, licensing, insurance, equipment requirements, and safe riding practices. At Zobel Legal Group, our Colorado bike injury lawyer is well-versed with the state laws and will use them to the fullest advantage of injured motorcyclists to recover maximum damages in motorcycle accident cases.
Helmet Laws
- Riders under 18: Colorado requires all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT (Department of Transportation) standards.
- Riders 18 and over: Helmets are not mandatory for riders 18 and older, though it is strongly recommended to wear one for safety.
Eye Protection
Regardless of age, all motorcycle riders in Colorado must wear eye protection unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or windscreen. Acceptable eye protection includes goggles, glasses with lenses made from safety glass or plastic, or a helmet with a face shield.
Motorcycle Endorsement
- Riders must have a valid Colorado motorcycle endorsement (M) on their driver’s license. To obtain this endorsement, riders must pass a written exam and pass a skills test or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course.
- A motorcycle instruction permit is available for those learning to ride but comes with restrictions such as no passengers and daytime riding only.
Insurance Requirements
All motorcyclists in Colorado must carry liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries caused to others in an accident. The minimum coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Lane Splitting Laws
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Colorado. However, motorcyclists are allowed to co-ride in a single lane with one other motorcycle.
Passengers on a Motorbike
- Motorcycles must have footrests for passengers.
- Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and the bike must be designed to carry more than one person.
Daytime Headlights
Motorcyclists must use headlights during the day and at night. This law is designed to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Laws for Drivers to Protect Motorcyclists in Colorado
In Colorado, drivers are required to follow certain laws designed to protect motorcyclists and reduce the risk of accidents. These laws emphasize safe driving practices and respect for motorcyclists’ rights on the road. At Wade Legal Group, our motorcycle accident attorney in Colorado will use the full force of these laws to hold the negligent driver liable in a motorcycle accident case for the highest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
Safe Following Distance
Drivers must maintain a safe following distance behind motorcycles. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, so tailgating or following too closely increases the risk of rear-end collisions. A general rule is to leave at least a three- to four-second gap when driving behind a motorcycle.
Yielding the Right of Way
Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of their lane. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to motorcyclists when appropriate, especially at intersections and during left-hand turns. Failing to yield is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
Passing Laws
When passing a motorcycle, drivers must change lanes entirely and ensure they provide enough space. Colorado law prohibits vehicles from sharing a lane with a motorcycle or driving beside a motorcycle in the same lane. Drivers should never attempt to pass a motorcycle too closely.
Preventing Conditions for Lane Splitting
Although lane splitting is illegal for motorcyclists in Colorado, drivers are also prohibited from creating conditions that may force motorcyclists to weave between lanes. Motorcyclists have the right to remain in a single lane without being squeezed by larger vehicles.
Checking Blind Spots
Motorcycles can be difficult to see, especially when they are in a vehicle’s blind spot. Drivers must always check their blind spots carefully before changing lanes or merging. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can easily be overlooked, leading to accidents.
Avoiding Sudden Stops
Drivers should avoid braking suddenly or cutting off motorcycles, which have less protection than car occupants. Sudden stops can cause motorcyclists to lose control or crash into the vehicle ahead.
Turning and Signaling
Drivers must use their turn signals well in advance to notify motorcyclists of their intentions. Abrupt lane changes or turns without signaling can confuse motorcyclists and increase the likelihood of collisions.
Accounting for Weather and Road Conditions
Drivers should be especially cautious in adverse weather conditions or on hazardous terrain. Rain, snow, or ice can affect a motorcyclist’s stability, so giving motorcycles extra room during these conditions is crucial for their safety.
Damages Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Recover for You
- Medical Expenses: We seek compensation for your past, current, and future medical costs, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney will recover damages for income lost during recovery and any potential future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Our law firm will seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from your serious injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: We pursue damages for the diminished ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and quality of life due to your injuries.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one has lost their life in a motorcycle accident, we pursue wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members.
Steps Our Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Take to Maximize Your Compensation
As part of our motorcycle crash legal support in Colorado, our lawyers at Zobel Legal Group will take the following steps to fight for the largest possible compensation for you.
Listen to Your Account with Care and Compassion
At Zobel Legal Group, our Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers understand the emotional and physical toll a crash can take. We begin by listening to your story with empathy and attention—whether at your hospital bedside, home, or our law firm’s office. We provide not only legal guidance but also the support and confidence you need as we embark on the journey to secure the compensation you deserve.
Ensure You Receive Proper Medical Treatment
We will make sure you are receiving the right medical care or help you obtain the best possible treatment from trusted medical professionals. By prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, our Denver motorcycle accident lawyers ensure that you recover as safely and swiftly as possible, while also documenting your injuries.
Collect and Preserve Evidence Quickly
Time is critical after a motorcycle accident. Our legal team will move fast to collect key evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photos from the scene. We also send a comprehensive demand letter for damages and spoliation letters to preserve vital evidence like vehicle data, black box data, and surveillance footage, ensuring nothing gets lost or tampered with.
Accurately File Your Claim for Damages
Filing a civil claim involves more than paperwork—it requires precision and knowledge of the legal system. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys ensure that your claim is filed properly and on time, completing all legal formalities to avoid unnecessary delays and maximize the compensation you’re entitled to.
Shield You from Unfair Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we will not let them exploit you. Our Denver motorcycle accident attorney will shield you from their unfair tactics, handle all communications on your behalf, and refuse lowball offers that don’t reflect the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Negotiate Aggressively for a Fair Settlement
Our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer will negotiate from a position of strength, leveraging the substantial evidence we have collected to demand maximum compensation. Our goal is to secure the best possible settlement without compromising your rights or settling for less than what you are owed.
Be Trial-Ready from Day One
Even while negotiations are ongoing, we prepare your case for trial. We may hire accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other professionals to build a rock-solid case, showing the other side that we are ready to go before a jury, if necessary. This aggressive approach generally puts pressure on the insurers to make a fair settlement.To schedule your free consultation with Zobel Legal Group, call us at 720-434-6674 or contact us online.