Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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 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 Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC. 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.

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 and more.

Choose Experienced Legal Representation at Cannon Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC

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. Contact an experienced Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney at Cannon Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC, to schedule a free initial consultation.