Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

More often than not, when a motorcycle driver is in an accident, they are not at fault. The most common reason for motorcycle accidents in Colorado is that drivers of cars don’t pay attention to smaller vehicles. The second most common reason is that a motorcycle weighs significantly less than a car. Drivers are not necessarily looking out for motorcyclists like they should be, which can lead to several different types of motorcycle accidents. For these reasons and more, Colorado has classified motorcyclists as “vulnerable road users.” Read on to learn more about some of the most common motorcycle accident claims we represent clients for at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

Our Colorado motorcycle accident injury lawyers can help you seek damages when another driver causes you harm, including the following types of accidents on a motorcycle.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents are one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents. That’s because cars don’t see oncoming motorcycles or they misjudge their distance. You can reduce the risk of a left-turn accident by slowing some as you approach an intersection and anticipating what that driver might do. Wearing bright and reflective clothing can also sometimes help.

Blind Spots and Lane Changes

When motorists check their mirrors to make a lane change, they might not think about what’s in their blind spots. This situation is especially dangerous when it’s an 18-wheeler truck changing lanes. Motorcycle riders should try to avoid riding in a vehicle’s blind spot. However, that’s not always possible, so it’s important for all motorists to take extra precautions when changing lanes.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting refers to when a motorcycle rider cuts between traffic. This practice is common in California, a state where splitting lanes is legal. In Colorado, two motorcycles can share a single lane but cannot pass between cars. Because it’s illegal, motorists aren’t expecting a motorcycle rider to come up between them and another vehicle.

Dooring

Dooring happens when a driver opens their door without looking, suddenly striking a motorcycle. This type of accident is more common on smaller streets where a motorcycle might be edging to the right of the road to turn into a driveway or make a right turn.

Driving Under the Influence

Drivers who consume alcohol or drugs put everyone at risk when they get behind the wheel of a car or hop on their motorcycle. Alcohol is a frequent cause of accidents all across the country. You can’t control what other drivers do, but you can reduce the risk of an injury accident by not getting on a motorcycle after consuming alcohol or drugs. It’s important to note that drug intoxication is not limited to illicit drugs either. If you receive a prescription from your doctor that says do not drive while taking this medication, that’s because it can impair your ability to drive.

How Damages Are Calculated

Once you determine someone else is responsible for your injuries, your Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer will explain how to calculate your damages. Different types of motorcycle accidents can all lead to severe injuries. Depending on your circumstances, you could receive compensation for your:

• Medical expenses, including future, expected treatment costs;
• Loss of earnings, including future loss of earning capacity;
• Property damage;
• Pain and suffering,
• Mental anguish,
• Loss of enjoyment of life,
• Loss of consortium, and
• More.

Specific damages like medical bills and lost wages are easily calculated with documentation of past or present wages. Damages that are difficult to calculate, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, are challenging to prove because there is no exact guideline to determine their monetary value.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you hire a motorcycle personal injury lawyer so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we have years of experience assisting injured victims of motorcycle accidents in Colorado. Let us review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course of legal action.

For a free consultation, contact Sloat, & Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. at 303-447-1144