In 2020, more than 8 million motorcycles were legally registered in the United States. In 2021, the United States recorded 5,932 motorcyclist fatalities, an increase from the 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities recorded in 2020 and from the 5,044 fatalities recorded in 2019. These increases after several years of declining motorcyclist fatalities are alarming. Motorcyclists should use extra care to avoid any accidents on the road and prevent serious injury.
The mountain landscape and endless scenic views attract many motorcyclists to Colorado annually. In 2020, Colorado recorded 136 motorcyclist fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities represented 22% of all traffic fatalities, even though motorcycles represent just 3% of the vehicles on Colorado roads. The lack of protection inherent in a motorcycle makes fatalities all too common when a motorcyclist gets into an accident.
If another person causes a motorcycle accident in Denver, Colorado, the injured party can file a personal injury claim against them. If the at-fault driver’s negligence caused the collision, they are liable for any loss you suffered due to their negligence.
Step 1: Contact 9-1-1
If law enforcement does not respond to the accident scene, you should call 9-1-1 and report your accident. While you may not want to call the police and report your collision, the report will contain vital information to help prove what happened in the accident.
Additionally, Colorado law requires you to report an accident when someone suffers an injury or property damage occurs. Otherwise, you could face a misdemeanor criminal charge. The law enforcement officer who responds to the scene will collect information for their police report, including:
- Names and contact information for potential eyewitnesses,
- Weather conditions at the time of the collision,
- The officer’s opinion on the cause of the accident,
- Name and insurance information of involved parties,
- Locations of surveillance cameras that captured the accident, and
- Name and assignment of the officer who completed your report.
Your Colorado motorcycle crash attorney can use the information in the police report as a starting point for our investigation into who caused the motorcycle accident.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Your health and well-being is the primary concern after a motorcycle collision. If you suffer a severe injury, law enforcement will likely call an ambulance to transport you to the hospital.
Even if you do not notice any apparent injuries, you should still obtain a full medical evaluation after a motorcycle accident to ensure you did not suffer any internal injuries. Failure to treat these injuries in a timely manner can result in complications and additional required medical treatment in the long run.
Your attorney will compile your medical expenses and other damages you incurred from the accident as part of your claim. Therefore, you should hang on to any billing invoices you receive for medical treatment related to your motorcycle accident.
Step 3: Take Photographs of the Accident
Even though a motorcycle accident is likely to stay in your mind long after the event, it is impossible to remember every detail of the crash. Luckily, photographs can help you capture the accident scene as it was when the collision occurred. You can never have too many photographs of the accident scene, but you can have too few. The photographs should include:
- Vehicles involved in the collision,
- Location of the accident,
- Weather conditions,
- Any property damage, and
- Your motorcycle crash injury.
In some cases, photographs offer the best evidence of the immediate aftermath of the motorcycle accident. If you do not capture this vital evidence at the scene, there is no way to go back in time and do so. Contact a motorcycle attorney at Tenge Law Firm today to discuss compiling evidence for your accident claim.
Step 4: Talk to Potential Eyewitnesses
Many people who happen to be in the same area during your motorcycle accident will never encounter each other again. That is why it is critical to collect the names and contact information of anyone that witnessed your collision before they leave the area. Gather their names and phone numbers so your attorney can contact them to testify about what they saw.
You can also request any eyewitnesses to write a statement detailing what they observed immediately prior to and during the accident.
Our team can reach out to potential eyewitnesses and determine what information they have about the collision. In some cases, we may call the witness to testify on your behalf. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Denver, contact our team of motorcycle attorneys as soon as possible.
Step 5: Document Your Losses
To prevail in a personal injury claim, you must prove you suffered actual losses due to the other party’s negligence. As stated earlier, medical costs are one form of damages you can recover after a motorcycle accident. However, this is far from the only type of damages.
If your injuries make you miss time at work, you can recover your lost wages through a personal injury claim. Keeping track of all documentation about your financial losses from the accident will help your lawyer demonstrate the extent of your damages.
Without an accurate estimate of your losses, the opposing party’s insurance company may offer you a settlement worth significantly lower than you deserve. Our team can consult with financial experts to determine the true value of your losses. We will not rest until your settlement fully compensates you.
Step 6: Talk to a Colorado Motorcycle Crash Attorney
After a motorcycle accident, the expenses can add up quickly, especially if your injury prevents you from working. In many cases, a motorcycle accident attorney gives you the best opportunity to maximize your recovery and hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. An attorney can assist you by:
- Locating evidence to prove who caused the collision,
- Requesting a copy of the accident report,
- Negotiating with the opposing party and their insurance company on your behalf, and
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary.
Contact Us Today
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience navigating Colorado motorcycle cases. We pride ourselves on offering our clients the highest level of legal representation and working tirelessly to secure positive results for injured victims. Contact our team today to discuss your case.