Cruising down scenic roads on your motorcycle creates a feeling of pure freedom. But that feeling instantly vanishes when you’re involved in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries. If you suffered injuries in a Boulder motorcycle accident, don’t lose hope. A Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer is your advocate and can help you understand the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
Why Legal Representation Matters
The immediate and long-term aftermath of a motorcycle accident is overwhelming without a personal injury attorney in Boulder to help you. Many motorcycle victims are left reeling from physical and emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. A Boulder motorcycle accident attorney helps take the legal burden off your shoulders and guides you through the complex legal system. A lawyer assists in numerous ways, including:
- Investigating the accident. Your lawyer meticulously investigates your accident, gathers evidence, and determines the cause. Actions involve interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and analyzing traffic camera footage. A thorough investigation is crucial for building a solid case.
- Handling insurance companies. Insurance companies notoriously deny or undervalue claims. Your lawyer handles all communication with the insurance company, ensuring you receive fair treatment and get the compensation you deserve.
- Negotiating a settlement. Your lawyer negotiates aggressively to obtain a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Preparing for trial. If the parties cannot settle, your lawyer prepares your case for trial, presenting compelling evidence to help you get a just judgment in court.
A Boulder motorcycle collision lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney fights to protect your rights and the best possible outcome.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic because riders lack the protective shell of a car, making them highly vulnerable in a collision. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
- Head injuries. Head injuries are a leading cause of death and disability after motorcycle accidents. While helmets significantly reduce the risk of head trauma, severe head injuries can still occur, with injuries ranging from concussions to brain bleeds and long-term cognitive problems.
- Treatment. Treatment for head injuries varies depending on their severity. Many of these injuries may require hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
- Recovery time. The recovery time for head injuries ranges from weeks to months or even years and can cause permanent impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and other permanent impairments. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of damage to the spinal cord.
- Treatment. There is no cure for spinal cord injuries, but treatment helps manage symptoms and improve a victim’s quality of life. Treatments often include surgical intervention, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, and pain management.
- Recovery time. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is an ongoing process. While some victims regain some function, others experience permanent paralysis.
- Road rash. Friction from a motorcycle accident causes severe road rash, a painful and debilitating skin injury. The severity depends on the crash’s speed, the surface you landed on, and the amount of skin exposed.
- Treatment. Treatment for road rash varies and may involve cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, taking antibiotics or pain medication, and receiving skin grafts.
- Recovery time. Minor road rash may heal in a few weeks, while severe road rash can take months and may leave permanent scarring.
- Bone fractures. Broken bones commonly occur in motorcycle accidents and range from minor fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery.
- Treatment. Treatment for bone fractures depends on the type and severity of the break and may involve casting, splinting, surgery, and physical therapy.
- Recovery time. The healing time for bone fractures varies depending on the type and severity of the break.
- Soft tissue injuries. Motorcycle accidents cause muscle strains, ligament tears, and other soft tissue injuries, which can create pain and limitations for weeks or even months.
- Treatment. Treatment for soft tissue injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and medication.
- Recovery time. The recovery time for soft tissue injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury. Many soft tissue injuries heal within a few weeks or months, but some can take longer.
Your Boulder motorcycle accident attorney carefully reviews medical records and doctor’s evaluations to assess the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding the different types of motorcycle accidents can help you determine how your accident occurred and the potential parties who may be liable. Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents:
- Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions occur when a motorcycle collides with the front of another vehicle. These types of accidents are some of the most severe motorcycle accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
- Left-turn accidents. These accidents happen when a car turning left collides with a motorcycle traveling straight through an intersection. They frequently result from a driver’s negligence, such as failing to yield the right of way.
- Lane splitting accidents. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While previously illegal in Colorado, the laws recently changed to allow lane splitting in certain situations.
Determining the cause of your collision leads directly to the party directly responsible for your injuries. Investigating the cause of your accident is one of the first steps your motorcycle collision lawyer in CO takes in your case.
The Role of Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that the damages awarded in a personal injury case are apportioned based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. For example, if a court determines you to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensatory award is reduced by 20%. However, if the plaintiff’s fault is 50% or greater, they will likely be barred from any recovery.
A Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer investigates the cause of your accident and gathers evidence to demonstrate that the other party was primarily at fault. This evidence includes witness statements, police reports, accident scene photos, and expert testimony. A skilled lawyer can help you recover significant compensation even if you are partially at fault.
What Can I Recover?
A motorcycle accident leaves you facing a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished ability to earn a living.
Economic damages compensate you for these tangible financial losses. A Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve. Economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses—the costs associated with treating your injuries and include emergency room visits, hospitalization, doctor’s fees, surgery, medication, and physical therapy;
- Lost wages—income you lost out on because you could not work due to your injuries; and
- Loss of earning capacity—awarded in cases where a victim’s injuries permanently impact their ability to earn a living and support their family.
A motorcycle collision lawyer in CO analyzes your lost wages and diminished earning capacity to get you the economic damages you and your family need to move forward.
Noneconomic damages compensate you for the intangible losses experienced after your accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering—losses resulting from the physical and emotional pain from injuries;
- Mental anguish—damages resulting in significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
- Loss of consortium—the loss of companionship, love, and intimacy due to your injuries. It can affect your relationship with your spouse or family members; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life—loss of being able to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Noneconomic damages are subjective, but a skilled lawyer presents evidence demonstrating your injuries’ significant impact on your life.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident is chaotic and stressful, but there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and interests.
- Call the police. It is essential to call the police to report the accident, even if the injuries seem minor. The reporting office creates an accident report providing crucial evidence in your case.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it is vital to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention creates a record of your injuries and connects your injuries to the accident.
- Gather evidence. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Also, try to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact a Boulder motorcycle accident lawyer. Consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is essential to the success of your case. Your lawyer will advise you of your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
Finding the Right Boulder Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right attorney is critical to maximizing your recovery. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a lawyer:
- Experience. Look for a lawyer with extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases.
- Track record. Inquire about the lawyer’s track record of success in obtaining fair compensation for injured motorcycle riders.
- Resources. A qualified lawyer should have the resources necessary to investigate your accident thoroughly and build a strong case.
- Communication. Choose a lawyer who responds to your questions and concerns and keeps you informed throughout the legal process.
- Consultation. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Use these free consultations to discuss your case with a potential lawyer and determine if they are a good fit for you.
Referrals from friends, co-workers, and family may also be helpful in finding the best lawyer for you.
Contact Us
At The Ferrell Law Firm, we understand you have many choices when hiring an attorney. Understandably, you may wonder why you should hire us to represent you in your personal injury case. We have an extensive track record representing victims in personal injury cases and obtaining favorable outcomes.
We work tirelessly and aggressively in your best interest while being available to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
We keep you informed throughout the process of your case so you feel in control. Let us help you today. Contact our office by phone or email to get a free consultation and learn more about the legal team at The Ferrell Law Firm.