Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Longmont, CO

In 2022, 149 motorcyclists were killed in Colorado, representing 20% of the state’s total traffic fatalities but only 3% of the state’s vehicle registrations. This is a record high. By design, motorcycles do not offer the same protections as a car or truck, and even minor accidents can be especially devastating. If you live in the Longmont area and you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident, you need the guidance and expertise of a seasoned Longmont motorcycle accident attorney. 

At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we pride ourselves on giving each client the individualized attention they deserve. We understand this may be a very physically, emotionally, and financially challenging time in your life, and our priority is to help you achieve a successful outcome.

Longmont Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Us

We have over 100 years of combined experience
We provide personalized attention
We offer free initial consultations
We hold insurance companies accountable
We have recovered over $230 Million for our clients

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Any motor vehicle accident can result in devastating injuries. However, motorcycle riders are at a much greater risk of catastrophic injuries. The lack of protection and safety equipment leaves riders exposed to greater injury. Many motorcycle injuries are common in both cars and bikes. However, some are unique to motorcycle wrecks.

Motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Road rash,
  • Fractures,
  • Lacerations,
  • Neck and back injuries,
  • Internal bleeding,
  • Spinal cord injuries, and 
  • Loss of limbs.

Even a minor motorcycle crash can result in severe injuries with permanent consequences. 

You may be entitled to compensation if you suffered minor road rash or severe life-altering injuries. A local motorcycle accident lawyer in Longmont can help you determine your legal recourse.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The cause of a motorcycle accident may be immediately apparent, but often, it is less obvious and only identified after a thorough investigation. No matter the situation, there are many potential causes of a motorcycle crash, but there are four that we see time and time again:

  • Another Driver’s Negligence
  • Poorly Maintained Roads
  • Weather Conditions
  • Motorcycle Malfunction or Defects

Another Driver’s Negligence

One common cause of motorcycle accidents is another driver’s negligence. If a car, truck, or bus drives negligently on the road, it can lead to devastating consequences for motorcyclists. 

Driver negligence can include other conduct and actions, such as:

A general lack of awareness and respect for motorcycles can result in avoidable accidents. 

Poorly Maintained Roads

Poorly maintained roads typically pose a more significant hazard to motorcyclists than car drivers. While uneven payment or a moderate pothole may do little to a car, it can be catastrophic to a motorcycle. Many roads, especially in rural neighborhoods, are less maintained and in poorer condition. 

Weather Conditions

It may sound contrary to logic, but ideal weather conditions contribute to more motorcycle accidents. In 2021, 83% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in good weather conditions. Although it might initially sound illogical because you typically expect more motor vehicle accidents in bad weather conditions, it does logically follow that there would be more motorcycle accidents in good weather. This is because most avid and experienced motorcyclists will not ride in poor weather conditions. Many more bikers will likely be on the road when the weather is good. 

Motorcycle Malfunction or Defect

As with any motor vehicle, a malfunction or manufacturing defect can cause a motorcycle to crash. For instance, if the bike’s brakes malfunction or there is a defective fuel line, it can lead to a severe accident. If that happens, the brakes or motorcycle manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. 

Potential Compensation in a Colorado Motorcycle Claim

You may be entitled to recover compensation following a motorcycle accident.

There are several types of compensation an accident victim may be eligible to recover, including:

  • Medical Expenses (e.g., hospital bills, physical therapy, pharmaceutical costs);
  • Past and future lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering; and
  • Property damage (e.g., cost to repair or replace your bike).

Determining what compensation you may be entitled to can be challenging. Our Longmont motorcycle accident attorney can help you calculate and fight for all the damages you are eligible to receive. 

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Longmont?

While there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer when pursuing a civil lawsuit in Colorado, working with an experienced Longmont motorcycle accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Navigating the complexities of personal injury law, particularly in cases involving motorcycle accidents, can be challenging without legal expertise.

A seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer brings a wealth of experience to your case. They can:

  • Provide Strategic Guidance: From understanding Colorado’s motorcycle laws to identifying potential legal hurdles, an attorney ensures you’re well-prepared at every stage of your case.
  • Thoroughly Investigate Your Case: A lawyer can gather critical evidence, such as police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and accident scene photos, to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Request Evidence and Expert Opinions: Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to strengthen your claim and prove fault or negligence.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be overwhelming, especially when they undervalue your claim. A lawyer can handle all communication and fight for a fair settlement.
  • Represent You in Court: If your case proceeds to litigation, having a lawyer who understands court procedures and trial strategies is invaluable in maximizing your chance of success.

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses or reflect the extent of your suffering. By consulting with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in Longmont, you gain an advocate who will prioritize your rights, handle the legal complexities, and fight to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, we offer free consultations to review your case and provide personalized advice. It costs nothing to explore your options, but it could make all the difference in your recovery.

 

3 Reasons Why You Need a Longmont Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

While you may feel confident in your ability to handle your case without professional help, you’ll soon realize that presenting an injury claim requires a lot of hard work and legal expertise.

When you should be working your way back from painful disabilities, you’ll have to comply with insurance adjuster requests. Before you see a single dime of settlement money, there is a long list of procedures and issues to follow through. It will be your job to contact doctors for bills and reports.

Taking care of a serious injury case on your own involves focus on investigation, evaluation, and negotiation. Instead of taking on these new challenges, you should be working on your personal recovery.

When you are seriously injured, your financial future depends on obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries. You have a lot at stake. That’s why it’s important to seek help from a Longmont Motorcycle Accident Lawyer before you make a critical mistake. Here are 3 additional reasons to consider.

1. Liability Issues

Accidents often involve liability issues that can be difficult to resolve. Colorado’s comparative negligence statute plays a key role in liability assessments. You must determine whether or not you contributed to the circumstances which caused the accident and how it may affect the compensation you receive for your injuries.

2. Dealing with Insurance Companies and Adjusters

When you have a serious injury claim, the other driver’s insurance company adjuster will call and may want to visit your home. It’s an adjuster’s job to clear up any liability issues, so they must record your statement.

3. Calculating Damages

When you’re injured, you know the pain, disabilities, and scarring you are forced to endure, but do you know their economic value? Injury claims don’t have one-size-fits-all evaluations. If two different people sustain the same injury, the settlement value will be different due to a wide range of factors. Attorneys research your injuries to understand how they affect you.

Contact Our Longmont Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

When seeking the right Longmont motorcycle accident attorney, you must consider several factors: experience, reputation, location, and approach. At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we have over 100 years of collective experience helping those injured in even the most horrific accidents. We provide personalized, compassionate representation to each of our clients. Contact us over the phone or through our website to schedule your free consultation.