Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Today
While riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, fun, and provides an unmatched sense of freedom, riders are always at risk of suffering a serious injury when something goes wrong. A motorcycle helmet can provide some degree of protection, but in a lane splitting accident the rider can still be seriously or fatally injured in just seconds.
If you were injured in a lane-splitting accident, you may face a long recovery, extensive medical care, or a living life with permanent impairments. An injured victim in a lane-splitting accident should get assistance from a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. You have a right to seek compensation if another driver engaged in negligent driving conduct, causing the accident. These collisions must be carefully evaluated by your attorney, as the other driver may hold some percentage of liability, allowing you to recover compensation.
What is Lane-Splitting, and is it Legal?
Lane-splitting is a motorcycle maneuver in which a motorcyclist rides between two parallel lanes of traffic, including using the space between to overtake other motorists. Aside from California, lane-splitting is illegal in every state, including Colorado.
Colorado Law and Comparative Negligence
While lane-splitting is illegal, there are many factors involved in an accident and you may still be eligible for compensation. Colorado is a comparative negligence state, which means that if the injured party can prove that the other motorist was at least 51% at fault for the accident, then he or she can receive compensation. An example of how comparative negligence could come into play in a lane-splitting accident case:
Joe is riding his motorcycle and decides to lane-split, but while doing so, Bill (in a sedan) speeds and swerves into him, causing Joe to crash and suffer severe injuries. Joe then files suit against Bill for damages. During the case, Bill argues that Joe was lane-splitting and is therefore responsible for the collision. Joe’s personal injury lawyer reveals facts that prove that Bill was driving in a negligent manner by speeding and changing lanes without ensuring it was safe to do so. The jury then finds that Joe is 30% responsible for his injuries, allowing him to receive compensation for 70% of the losses Joe incurred in the accident.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries in an accident due to the lower protection of the vehicle compared to an automobile. The injuries sustained may include:
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe abrasions
- Internal injuries
- Fatal injuries
What Types of Compensation Am I Entitled To?
Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most severe injuries, and as such, the compensation for damages may be in a high value. While each case is different, some of the damages you may be compensated for are:
- Cost of current and future medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Transportation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Damages related to permanent disabilities
The Tenge Law Firm, LLC Difference
The Tenge Law Firm, LLC has over two decades of experience protecting motorcyclists in Boulder. We have routinely been successful in cases in which comparative negligence plays a role. The knowledge and expertise of our legal team, our trial experience, and our personal dedication to our clients has resulted in an extensive record of success in difficult cases.
If we take on your lane-splitting motorcycle accident case, you can be confident that we will pursue the maximum compensation for you. We are a boutique law firm that takes only a select number of cases, providing counsel on a contingency fee basis (we don’t get paid unless we win your case). We provide an unequaled level of service to our clients – taking care of all the details so that you can focus on your health and your future. Call us today at (303) 665-2929 for a free consultation.