Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Why You Should Work with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

In Colorado, motorcycles represent just 3% of registered vehicles but account for nearly one-quarter (24%) of all traffic fatalities statewide. In 2024, 165 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads the highest annual total ever recorded and motorcycle fatalities have risen 57% since 2015 according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Common motorcycle accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment, making it crucial to hire experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who understand the unique challenges riders face in Denver and throughout Colorado.

Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal challenges and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado due to a negligent driver, you have a lot of questions about what steps to take next.

After an accident, you are no doubt struggling with pain, damages, medical bills, and more. But you need an attorney for your Colorado motorcycle accident sooner rather than later. You need to:

1. Get answers to your questions

2. Have peace of mind during an otherwise overwhelming time

3. Act quickly, because time is against you after a motorcycle accident

Colorado Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Denver and Colorado have experienced a sharp and sustained increase in motorcycle crash fatalities over the past decade. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 165 motorcyclists were killed in Colorado in 2024, the highest annual total on record. Since 2015, motorcycle deaths in the state have risen 57%. Despite representing just 3% of registered vehicles on Colorado roads, motorcycles account for nearly one-quarter (24%) of all traffic fatalities statewide.

• Of the 165 motorcyclists killed in 2024, 73 (44%) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

• Impairment was a factor in 20% of motorcycle fatalities in 2024, with speed and alcohol identified as major contributing causes.

• September 2024 was the deadliest single month for Colorado motorcyclists, claiming an unprecedented 33 lives.

• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclist fatalities occur 26 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities.

The number of crashes where the other driver reported that they "did not see" the motorcyclist has increased by 22% since 2022, highlighting the ongoing visibility challenges riders face on Denver-area roads. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado motorcycle accident, these statistics underscore why experienced legal representation matters.

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 2024 Fatal Crash Data

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

In Colorado, especially the Denver area, due to congested highways, motorcycle injuries such as head injuries are incredibly common because drivers hit their heads against the front of the motorcycle or the other vehicles involved upon impact. Extensive medical treatment is required after such injuries.

Soft tissue injuries can be incredibly painful, and that pain can continue for years to come, sometimes permanently. However, many states will try to limit the compensation for soft tissue damage, especially compared to broken bones. The legal system offers settlements for what they view as the most painful at the time of the accident.

Whiplash happens when the muscles and ligaments in the neck are damaged by sudden movement.

Spinal injuries are quite common as a result of whiplash and can lead to more catastrophic damage. These are particularly common in higher speed crashes that involve other vehicles. Over time, spinal injuries can lead to permanent paralysis, limited mobility, and long term pain. These can include spinal cord injuries in particular which can also lead to paralysis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) occur when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts normal brain function. They range in severity from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.

Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists on the road. The blunt force trauma during impact with another vehicle on the roadway causes multiple bones to break or shatter. In more severe cases, there can be issues with the combination of burns and broken bones which require amputation.

If you have been injured in a Colorado motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with a Personal Injury Attorney in order to get the compensation you need for your case and make sure everything is done right. At Anderson Hemmat, we offer free case evaluations, give us a call today at (303) 782-9999 for expert 1 on 1 advice.

Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Motorcycle Accident?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in the Colorado, and that injury or injuries resulted from the negligence of another driver, as a motorcycle accident victim, you might be entitled to compensation.

If, for example, you were injured going through an intersection because another driver ran a red light, then you may be entitled to compensation for your motorcycle accident. If your bike slipped on an icy patch and injured yourself with no other vehicles involved, you are not.

There are many factors that determine how much you can receive in compensation, but the biggest factors are the total amount of your medical bills and the extent of your injuries. This is important because some injuries need treatment immediately such as internal bleeding.

Some types of motorcycle accident injuries may not result in any long-term consequences or the need for long-term medical care whereas other injuries can require regular care for the rest of the victims life.

Motorcycle Injury Claim FAQs

Our Motorcycle Accident Case Results

Anderson Hemmat has a proven track record of recovering substantial compensation for motorcycle accident victims in Colorado. Our results demonstrate our commitment to fighting aggressively for the full value of every client's claim. Here are some of our notable case results:

Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists in the Denver Area

Certain roads and corridors in the Denver metro area pose heightened risks for motorcyclists due to high traffic volumes, complex interchanges, and driver inattention.

• I-25 Corridor: Interstate 25 is one of the most heavily traveled highways in Colorado and is a frequent site of motorcycle collisions. High speeds, heavy merging traffic, and distracted drivers create a dangerous environment for riders, particularly during rush hour and construction zones.

• I-70 and the Mousetrap Interchange: The interchange where I-25 and I-70 meet, commonly known as the Mousetrap, is notorious for motorcycle crashes. Distracted drivers merging without checking blind spots pose a serious threat to riders navigating this complex junction.

• Colfax Avenue: As one of the longest continuous streets in America, Colfax Avenue sees heavy traffic, frequent intersections, and numerous commercial driveways, all of which create visibility hazards for motorcyclists.

• Speer Boulevard: Speer Boulevard presents unique challenges for riders due to its curved layout, merging traffic, and proximity to busy intersections in central Denver.

• Federal Boulevard: Federal Boulevard is another high-risk roadway for motorcyclists, with heavy commercial and residential traffic, frequent lane changes, and intersections where drivers often fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles.

Approximately 35% of all motorcycle accident fatalities occur at intersections, where multiple vehicles making turns, crossing lanes, and running red lights create the most dangerous conditions for riders. If you were injured on any of these roads or at a Denver-area intersection, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash and determine liability.

Insurance Challenges in Denver Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident victims in Colorado face insurance challenges that drivers of cars and trucks rarely encounter. Insurance companies frequently treat motorcycle accident claims differently, and not in the rider's favor.

Bias Against Motorcyclists

Insurance adjusters often approach motorcycle claims with built-in biases, assuming the rider was speeding, being reckless, or "asking for trouble" simply by choosing to ride a motorcycle. This bias can influence how adjusters assess liability and how they value the claim. Some adjusters use phrases like "you accepted the risk" or suggest that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous in an effort to reduce or deny the claim.

Lowball Settlement Offers

Insurance companies frequently offer quick, lowball settlements to motorcycle accident victims, hoping injured riders will accept far less than their claim is worth due to financial pressure during recovery. These early offers often fail to account for the full scope of damages, including future medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Helmet Use as a Defense

Even though Colorado does not require adults to wear helmets, insurance companies may attempt to use a rider's decision not to wear a helmet against them. Adjusters may argue that the rider's injuries would have been less severe if a helmet had been worn, seeking to reduce the amount of compensation owed. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments and protect your right to full compensation.

What Our Motorcycle Accident Clients Say

Our clients' experiences speak to the level of care, communication, and results we deliver in every motorcycle accident case we handle.

How to Get the Most Compensation for Your Colorado Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident while on your motorcycle, it is very important that you contact a Colorado personal injury lawyer right away to handle your motorcycle accident claims. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as any other hardship brought about by the accident. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing lawsuits within the statute of limitations and the nuances of Colorado's legal jurisdiction to maximize your compensation.

At Anderson Hemmat, our personal injury attorneys make our clients our number one priority and our results speak for themselves.

At our firm, we have over 30 years of experience. Our team consists of multiple lawyers who focus on each type of motorcycle accident, be it a rear-end collision or a T-bone in an intersection. We understand the most common injuries and the long-term impact of motorcycle accident injuries.

What Do You Do If You Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado?

Regardless of how well you feel after a motorcycle crash, you need a full medical examination, as some injuries are not immediately felt and require an in-depth examination to properly diagnose. Some of the most serious injury accidents we can assist you with include traumatic brain injuries.

An examination at the local emergency room may not identify soft tissue injury or other injuries to the neck or spine such as a herniated or bulging disc. These can be difficult to distinguish from strains and muscle spasms.

Pain or numbness may appear in a variety of parts of the body at a later time. If so, seek medical help immediately. A closed head injury also may not show any symptoms for some time. Symptoms that may require medical attention include:

• Dizziness

• Ringing in the ears

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Memory loss, or

• Personality changes

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

Motorcycle accidents in Colorado are often caused by a combination of factors, including reckless driving, speeding, and failure to yield. Many crashes occur due to motorists not seeing motorcycles in their blind spots, leading to dangerous collisions at intersections and lane changes. Road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, and sudden weather changes, also contribute to accidents, especially in mountainous areas where visibility and traction can be unpredictable. Additionally, impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, remains a significant cause of motorcycle crashes. Finally, inexperienced riders who lack proper training or fail to wear protective gear are at a higher risk of accidents and severe injuries.

Colorado Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Colorado motorcycle laws differ from those in many other states, and understanding these regulations is important both for rider safety and for protecting your legal rights after a crash.

Helmet Requirements

Colorado does not require riders or passengers 18 years of age or older to wear a helmet. However, all riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet while the motorcycle is in motion. Although helmets are not mandatory for adults, CDOT data shows that 44% of motorcyclists killed in 2024 were not wearing a helmet, and riders without helmets are three times more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury in a crash.

Eye Protection

Colorado law requires all motorcyclists to wear proper eye protection while riding. Acceptable eye protection includes goggles or glasses made with safety glass or shatterproof plastic lenses. A windshield on the motorcycle does not qualify as legal eye protection under Colorado law.

Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering

Lane splitting, which involves passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane while both vehicles are in motion, is illegal in Colorado. However, two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane (co-riding). Colorado passed a lane filtering law that took effect on August 7, 2024, allowing motorcycles to pass between vehicles that are stopped on the roadway and traveling in the same direction as the rider. Lane filtering is distinct from lane splitting and is permitted only when surrounding traffic is at a complete stop.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. 13-21-111. This means an injured motorcyclist can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If the rider is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. If the rider is partially at fault but below the 50% threshold, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist to reduce or eliminate their liability.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Colorado requires all motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15). These minimum limits are often insufficient to cover the severe injuries common in motorcycle crashes. We strongly encourage riders to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves when an at-fault driver has little or no insurance.

Proving Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

To prove negligence in a motorcycle accident, you must establish that the other party had a duty to act a certain way and failed to meet that duty. This can be done by gathering evidence, such as:

• Police reports

• Witness statements

• Photographs of the accident scene

• Video footage of the accident

• Medical records

Experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather and analyze evidence to prove negligence and support your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a motorcycle accident is three years from the date of the crash under C.R.S. 13-80-101. If a motorcyclist dies from their injuries, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. However, if a government entity is involved, for example, if a poorly maintained road or defective traffic signal contributed to the crash, you may have as little as 180 days to file a notice of claim. Acting quickly preserves your rights and gives your attorney time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest possible case.

Wrongful Death Claims and Lawsuits

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the loss of a loved one, including:

• Medical expenses

• Funeral expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss.

Calculating Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Determining the value of a motorcycle accident settlement involves evaluating several factors to arrive at a fair compensation amount for the victim. The settlement typically covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible financial losses incurred due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care costs.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, account for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In cases involving severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, the settlement amount may be significantly higher to reflect the long-term impact on the victim's life.

Insurance policies, liability, and the severity of injuries are key elements in determining the final settlement. Insurance companies often calculate settlement offers based on the policy limits of the at-fault driver and the extent of the victims injuries. However, victims should be cautious about accepting initial offers from insurers, as these may undervalue their claim. In some cases, comparative negligence laws may come into play, potentially reducing the settlement amount if the victim is found partially at fault.

Working with a skilled personal injury attorney is often essential in accurately assessing the damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring the victim receives just compensation. An experienced attorney can also help calculate future losses, such as ongoing medical care and loss of earning capacity, which are critical for long-term financial stability.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Why Work with Anderson Hemmat?

At Anderson Hemmat, our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys have over 30 years of experience fighting for injured riders across Colorado. Here is what sets us apart:

• Proven Results: We have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for motorcycle accident victims, including a $1.45 million judgement for a rider struck by a drunk driver and a $33 million wrongful death verdict, the largest in Colorado history.

• 30+ Years of Experience: Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, insurance disputes, and wrongful death claims throughout Colorado.

• No Fee Unless We Win: We handle every motorcycle accident case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

• We Fight Insurance Company Bias: We understand the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue motorcycle claims and shift blame onto riders. We counter these strategies aggressively to protect your right to full compensation.

• Bilingual Staff: Our firm has Spanish-speaking staff available to assist clients who prefer to communicate in Spanish.

Chad Hemmat - Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need legal consultation in order to understand:

1. What to do next

2. What you are entitled to

3. How to act fast

4. Which legal paths to take

5. And much more

At Anderson Hemmat, we understand the trauma of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Injuries can be life-changing, and sometimes, even fatal. Dealing with the grief can be hard enough, and you want to make sure that when it comes to the legal side of things, you can have the peace of mind that it will be handled properly and by experienced professionals.

That is why we offer our professional promise to each one of our clients to not only get you the compensation your family deserves for your pain and suffering. Give our Colorado motorcycle accident attorneys a call today for a free case evaluation which will help you learn more about your case, and what steps to take next. We understand your pain and trauma and are here to help you through this experience.

Contact Anderson Hemmat for a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Evaluation

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, the personal injury attorneys at Anderson Hemmat are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, from insurance company bias to the severity of injuries riders suffer, and we have the experience to overcome them.

We handle motorcycle accident cases involving car collisions, truck accidents, hit and run crashes, and wrongful death claims arising from fatal motorcycle accidents.

Contact our law firm today at (303) 782-9999 or visit our office at 5613 DTC Parkway, Suite 700, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. You can also request a free case evaluation online or reach us through our contact page. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.