Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love incurred injury in a motorcycle accident and believe someone else may be responsible, you need help from the Fort Collins accident attorneys at Cannon Law.

Motorcycle accidents often lead to devastating and even permanently disabling injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,286 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in the United States in 2016.

If you need legal assistance with a motorcycle accident, contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation. Fort Collins residents choose us because:

• We practice transparency and effective communication, always making sure that you understand the status of your case and our approach to your circumstances. Additionally, we are available by phone 24/7 for any questions or comments you may have regarding your case.
• We help negotiate settlements for you, but the courtroom doesn’t intimidate us – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial and will do so if necessary.
• We work on a contingency fee basis. There is no payment upfront, and you do not pay any fees until we win your case.

Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

The laws governing accidents, particularly with regard to motorcycles, can be complex to navigate. Many factors may come into play when investigating these types of accidents: the weather at the time of the crash, the actions of the driver, and the laws governing the specific area where the accident occurred.

If another driver was responsible for an accident, his or her insurance company will generally have to compensate the injured party for damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies will employ several tactics to underpay on claims or try to avoid liability entirely.

Having a Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney helps hold insurance companies accountable and ensure maximum compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Motorcycle accidents can be expensive, with costly medical treatments and property repairs. Collecting a fair settlement from the driver or party at fault for causing your motorcycle accident can allow you to recover from the crash and move on with greater peace of mind.

You may be eligible for the following types of damages, or financial compensation, as a motorcycle accident victim in Fort Collins:

• Past and future necessary medical care 
• Motorcycle repairs or vehicle replacement 
• Lost wages and capacity to earn a living 
• Temporary or permanent disability 
• Significant scarring or disfigurement 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma 
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If your loved one died in a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins, your family could be eligible for wrongful death damages. These may include funeral and burial costs, lost earnings from the deceased person, and your mental anguish. Work with an attorney to maximize the financial outcome of your motorcycle accident claim.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you get into a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins, the actions that you take can significantly impact your safety, health and potential legal options. Here’s what to do:

1. Try to stay calm as you pull over and check yourself for injuries. 
2. Move yourself and your disabled motorcycle to the side of the road, in a safe location. 
3. Get immediate medical care; do not delay and go days or even weeks later.
4. Exchange information with the other driver or motorist.
5. Call 911 to report the motorcycle accident to law enforcement. 
6. Don’t apologize or admit fault for the collision. 
7. Take pictures while you are still at the scene of the motorcycle accident.
8. Write down eyewitness information so that they can give statements.
9. Call your own automobile insurance company to report the crash.
10. Consult with an attorney to ensure that your legal rights are adequately protected.

An automobile insurance company will take a close look at the steps that you take and fail to take in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident to determine if you are eligible for financial benefits.

Liability in Colorado Motorcycle Accidents

Establishing liability in a motorcycle accident functions much like a car accident. Generally, after a serious accident occurs, a police officer will arrive at the scene and talk to all involved parties, including eyewitnesses to the accident.

Using these statements and any forensic evidence available at the scene, he or she will make an initial designation of fault, which an insurance company may use as a basis for its own investigation.

Colorado follows a traditional tort system when it comes to motorcycle accidents. In other words, an injured motorcyclist may file a claim for compensation against an at-fault driver’s insurance companies assuming the following elements apply:

• The driver owed the motorcyclist a duty of care. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road.
• The driver violated his or her duty of care by committing negligence. In a vehicle accident, negligence typically arises from breaking a traffic law; i.e., speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted.
• The driver’s negligence proximally caused the motorcyclist’s injuries.
• The motorcyclist suffered harm as a result – for example, medical bills or lost wages from missing work.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are generally more serious than crashes involving two cars. Since motorcycles lack the basic protections of motor vehicles (seat belts, airbags, and the reinforcement of the vehicle itself), riders often sustain life-threatening injuries.

As a result, they require more intensive medical care and their damages are often much higher than a traditional car accident claim.

Motorcyclists can suffer life-altering injuries such as:

• Spinal cord trauma
• Traumatic brain injury
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Wrongful death
• Etc.

Colorado’s helmet law requires motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets, while those 18 and older are not required to do so. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries in an accident, but even with a helmet motorcycle riders can suffer severe injuries.

Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help victims pursue the compensation they deserve to cover these extensive damages. Get the legal support that you need during this difficult time.

Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists in Colorado have the right to expect reasonable care from fellow road users to prevent accidents. When roadway disasters occur, injured motorcyclists have the right to seek financial compensation for their losses from the person or party at fault. This is how Colorado’s car insurance system works.

 Fault for a motorcycle accident must be determined before an insurance claim can be filed. If a driver is at fault for running a red light or texting while driving, for instance, that driver’s automobile insurance policy would pay for an injured motorcyclist’s medical bills and property repairs. However, the injured accident victim is responsible for proving or demonstrating a fault.

 After a motorcycle accident, you have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer can take over settlement negotiations and advocate for a fair case outcome on your behalf. Finally, you have the right to file an insurance claim or bring a personal injury lawsuit to hold someone accountable for the crash and recover damages.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

It is important not to wait if you believe you have grounds to file a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins.

A law known as the statute of limitations (Colorado Revised Statute § 13-80-102) gives you no more than two years from the date of the crash to pursue legal action. If you miss your filing time window, you will most likely not be permitted to proceed with a claim.

Choose Experienced Legal Representation at Cannon Law

Due to the high value of these claims and the complexity of liability involved, injured motorcyclists require the assistance of an attorney. Choose a law firm with specific experience and a demonstrated track record of success.

Whether you or a loved one are motorcycle riders dealing with severe injuries or motorcycle accident victims seeking justice, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in securing fair compensation.

Contact an experienced Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney at Cannon Law to schedule a free initial consultation.