Although certainly not as popular as four-wheeled trucks and cars, motorcycles make up a sizeable portion of highway traffic. Motorcycles give riders several benefits over automobiles. For some, the experience of feeling the wind rush by can be enough to ride a motorcycle. For others, the benefits of better handling and increased gas mileage serve as major points of attraction. However, motorcycles are not nearly as well-protected as cars in the event of an accident.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in which someone else was to blame, you may have grounds for legal action. Contact the Northglenn motorcycle accident lawyers of Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., for a free consultation concerning your legal rights and options for filing a personal injury claim.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Without the bulk of a full automobile frame to protect the rider from the harm, motorcyclists must be extraordinarily careful while on the road. In case of an accident, there are no seat belts or airbags to soften any blows, making safety gear like helmets and tough clothing the main line of defense from serious injury.
Motorcycle riders may face the threat of accidents resulting from:
- Mechanical defects
- Poor road maintenance
- Reckless drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Severe weather and icy or rainy conditions
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents happen when:
- The motorcycle is going straight, and the other vehicle turns left in front of the motorcycle
- The driver of the other vehicle perceives the motorcycle as farther away and makes unsafe turns or passes
- The driver of the other vehicle or the motorcyclist makes a sudden lane change
- The driver of the motorcycle is turning a corner and hit by another vehicle that’s headed straight
In many accidents between cars and motorcycles, drivers claim they simply did not see the rider. While on a motorcycle, maintaining visibility is one of the best safety strategies available. Properly working lights, bright riding gear, and reflective material may help to keep riders from serious accidents. In other cases, collisions with reckless drivers may be unavoidable. A skilled Northglenn attorney can review the details of your motorcycle accident to determine its cause and who should be held accountable.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Colorado
Colorado is a beautiful place to ride your motorcycle. The mountains, winding roads, landscape, and mild weather all contribute to spectacular rides. However, all of that can also invite more danger.
- As of November 2020, there have been 100 motorcycle-related fatalities according to CDOT
- As of November 2020, motorcycle-related deaths have gone up 12% from 2019, according to CDOT
- There are 8.3 million registered motorcycles in the United States; in 2018, over 190,000 were registered in Colorado, according to Statista
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in an accident than in a driver in a car
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are nine times more likely to be injured while riding a motorcycle than while driving a car
- In a study by the Sun Sentinel in 2020, most car-on-motorcycle collisions are the fault of the driver of the car
- Per CDOT, in 2019, motorcyclists made up 23% of all deaths on the Colorado roads but only represented 3% of the vehicles
In most cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by a collision with a car, and the other vehicle’s driver is at fault. Usually, the driver of the vehicle has been negligent, violating the motorcyclist’s driving rights.
How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
Avoiding motorcycle accidents requires skill and common sense on the part of all drivers. Here are some tips to help ensure road safety for all:
- Always check your blind spots
- Don’t speed
- Follow all driving laws
- Don’t drive under the influence
- Use caution and pay close attention when turning left
- Don’t tailgate (follow too closely)
- Don’t drive distracted
- If you think you’ve looked enough, look again
- Don’t ride your motorcycle during bad weather or on bad roads
Work With a Northglenn Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Hull & Zimmerman, our Northglenn motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled at getting justice for those involved in motorcycle accidents due to another party’s negligence. No matter your level of injury, you deserve fair compensation, and we are the best motorcycle accident attorneys in the area.
We have worked with thousands of people injured because of the careless actions of others. We will be just as devoted to you and your recovery as we were to each of them. Contact our lawyers today to discuss how we can successfully get you the justice you deserve.
