Serving Denver, Pueblo & Colorado Springs for over 40 years
Motorcyclists often face an uphill battle when trying to secure compensation after an accident. Insurance companies may have unfair biases against motorcyclists and they use these biases to reduce the settlements. Adjusters may propose a low-ball settlement to an injured motorcyclist that is just a fraction of what they need to help them recover from their injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone. When this happens, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm can help—we have many years of experience protecting victims’ rights. At McDivitt Law Firm, our lawyers have the resources needed to help injured motorcyclists after a devastating accident. Many of the attorneys and staff at McDivitt Law Firm ride, and for over 40 years we’ve been helping fellow riders get compensated when they’ve been injured.
Why hire an attorney?
Motorcycle accident cases are rarely cut and dry. They often involve serious and life-changing injuries that require a lifetime of medical care. Any settlement you agree to must include compensation for all of your long-term needs, as well as any past expenses. To achieve the best results, hire an attorney to represent you during this time. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will investigate your accident closely and speak with medical professionals, police officials, and accident reconstruction experts to build a case that is designed to obtain maximum compensation.
Why choose us?
For over 40 years, the motorcycle accident lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm have been helping injured motorcycle accident victims put their lives back together again after a serious accident. This experience helps us to quickly build a solid case for our clients that is designed to recover maximum compensation. After an accident, we work quickly to get your bike repaired and ensure that you have the money you need to pay for your medical expenses both now – and in the future. While we make every attempt to settle motorcycle accident cases out of court, we are experienced litigators who aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in 2016 alone, representing a 5.1% increase from 2015. Due to a motorcycle’s low profile, motorcyclists often sustain serious injuries when they’re involved in an accident with another vehicle. That’s why motorcyclists are 28x more likely than passenger car occupants to be involved in a fatal accident. Even when a motorcyclist survives the crash, they are often left with chronic pain and suffering and permanent disability.
What to do after a motorcycle accident
After a motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is key to obtaining the money you need to put your life back together. Immediately following your accident, the first thing you should do is call 911. This enables both the police and emergency medical technicians to arrive at the scene of the accident. A police report is valuable after an accident and motorcycle accident victims often require medical assistance immediately to stabilize their injuries and reduce the risk of complications.
After you have called 911, your next call should be to an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer at McDivitt Law Firm. Our attorneys can help you during this difficult time. We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
75% of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle on the road. Of those accidents, 66% are caused by other drivers violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. In fact, the failure to detect and recognize motorcyclists on the road is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents in the United States.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left turn in front of motorcyclist: This accident occurs when other drivers simply fail to recognize a motorcyclist on the road and turn left directly into the oncoming motorcyclist’s path. Inattention and distraction are most notably to blame for these accidents.
- Changing lanes into motorcyclist: Passenger vehicles and commercial trucks have blind spots that block their view of motorcyclists nearby. As a result, they may change lanes directly into a motorcyclist, causing serious injuries.
- Rear-end accidents: Drivers who are driving distracted may fail to notice a motorcyclist stopped at a red light or an intersection. As a result, they may rear-end the biker. Even rear-end motorcycle accidents that occur at low speeds can cause significant injury.
- Dooring accidents: Parked drivers can inadvertently open their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. Failure to look closely for motorcyclists is the number one reason these accidents occur.
- Drunk drivers: Alcohol is a factor in 50% of all motorcycle accidents. Never drink and drive and watch closely for other drivers on the road who may exhibit signs of intoxicated driving.
- Speeding: Speeding is a major cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers or motorcyclists drive above the posted speed limit, they reduce their chances of seeing and reacting to other drivers, debris, or defects on the road. Accidents caused by excessive speed are more likely to be fatal.
- Motorcycle defects: Poorly manufactured motorcycles and parts can be the cause of horrific motorcycle accidents. Manufacturers of those defective products can be held liable for accidents.
Get compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries
The lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm understand the complications that can arise after a motorcycle accident. We know that the injuries motorcyclists face can be severe and life-changing. Our lawyers have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims who’ve sustained numerous injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries a motorcyclist can face after an accident. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include loss of balance, memory problems, mood changes, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea. Failure to diagnose a serious brain injury can be fatal.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injury victims require over $230,000 to manage medical expenses in their first year alone. These injuries are often critical and can result in a lifetime of long-term assistance with basic daily activities. From cervical spinal cord injuries to lumbar spinal cord injuries, victims may experience a wide range of symptoms including paralysis, numbness, difficulty breathing, difficulty with motor function, and nerve pain.
- Road rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, damaging the layers of their skin. Road rash is often traumatic and can result in serious skin damage and disfigurement. Third-degree road rash often requires victims to undergo skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
- Road rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, damaging the layers of their skin. Road rash is often traumatic and can result in serious skin damage and disfigurement. Third-degree road rash often requires victims to undergo skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
- Disfigurement: From road rash to burns, motorcycle accident victims may suffer from mild to extreme disfigurement after a crash. These injuries can cause low self-esteem and depression and accident victims will need money to pay for reconstructive surgery and therapies in order to heal.
- Amputation: Motorcycle accident victims may sustain such serious trauma to their extremities that it necessitates the need for an amputation. When this occurs, accident victims will need money to pay for costly prosthetics and therapies to re-learn basic tasks, such as writing, walking, or driving a car.
- Internal organ damage: Due to the impact and the forces the motorcyclist endures, internal organ damage is common. From liver damage to internal bleeding, these injuries can cause serious and life-threatening complications. Common injuries to your organs include aorta aneurysms, internal bleeding, pneumothorax, and ruptured spleens.
- Broken bones: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike in a serious accident, their bones can be shattered beyond repair. They may need to undergo multiple surgeries and may be required to miss months of work as a result of their injuries. In some cases, fractures can be so severe that they require an amputation of the extremity.
- Psychological Injuries: Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a frightening ordeal. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety after their accident and many find it difficult to ever ride again. When this occurs, you need compensation to help pay for therapies, medications, and the emotional pain and suffering you must endure.
You deserve fair compensation
If you were a driver or pedestrian injured in a motorcycle accident, you should not have to suffer financial consequences on top of the physical and emotional damages. The civil justice system exists to protect your rights, and our legal team at McDivitt Law Firm chose to specialize in personal injury law because they’re passionate about defending the rights of Colorado residents.
Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company, assuming you are properly insured. If you purchased uninsured motorist insurance, you will be able to obtain compensation up to your policy limits.
Does Colorado have a helmet law?
Colorado is one of many states that does not have a universal helmet law. In Colorado, riders over the age of 18 are not required by law to wear a helmet. However, safety experts agree that wearing a helmet is the best way to reduce serious and life-threatening injuries during an accident.
How can I reduce my risk of being in a motorcycle accident?
There are many ways to reduce the risk of getting into a serious motorcycle accident. Wear bright and reflective clothing when you ride and always wear a helmet. In addition, take a motorcycle safety course every couple of years to brush up on your riding skills and learn proper evasive maneuvers. As always, never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
In the state of Colorado, injured accident victims may have only 180 days to file a claim! If you miss this deadline, you could be barred from ever filing a claim. It is so critical for you to contact an experienced motorcycle lawyer immediately to help you determine if your claim must be filed within this 180-day window.
What if I am partly to blame for the accident?
How Can I Find a Reliable Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Secure My Rightful Compensation?
To get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident injury, you need an attorney who knows their way around the Colorado legal system. Here are some tips on finding a reliable lawyer:
Start with Recommendations
Look at local reviews and talk to friends and family who have been in similar situations. People who have gone through this experience often have strong opinions on the lawyers they worked with. This first-hand experience is always helpful in understanding how a legal team will treat your case.
Look for Experience in Motorcycle Cases
Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in motorcycle accidents, though almost all of them will happily take your case. Search for someone who regularly handles motorcycle accident cases and understands their unique challenges. These lawyers usually have better success rates when it comes to winning compensation.
Review Their Track Record
Choose a lawyer who wins similar cases. Look online to find their case victory and settlement rates. If a lawyer seems promising in these areas, call them and ask about their experience handling motorcycle accident cases. Their answers can give you a good sense of how they might approach your case.
Take Advantage of a Free Consultation
Many lawyers offer a free consultation where you can gauge how they communicate and whether they can help you win a settlement. These consultations come with no obligation, so it’s a great idea to take advantage of them. Additionally, during a consultation, the lawyer will discuss your chances of winning the case.
Pay Attention to How They Communicate with You
Look for a lawyer who is easy to reach and keeps you in the loop. You should always be fully informed of the status of your case.
Understand Their Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee structure, which means they only get paid if you win. Make sure you understand the fee structure before moving forward. Even though it might seem like a lot to have to pay for an attorney, studies have proven that injury victims who had an attorney working on their behalf received far more money from the insurance company, even after paying their lawyer, than they would have received without an attorney on their side.
Go with Your Gut
Choosing the right lawyer is about more than just experience—it’s also about feeling confident in their ability to represent you. If something doesn’t feel right, keep looking until you find the right fit.
By following the above advice, you’ll be well on your way toward finding a lawyer who can help you relax as you pursue a positive outcome for your case. And more than that, you’ll be much closer to securing fair compensation.
Results & case studies
At McDivitt Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success representing injured motorcycle accident victims and their families. Many of the attorneys and staff at McDivitt Law Firm ride, and for over 40 years we have helped obtain millions of dollars for injured motorcyclists in accidents throughout the state of Colorado. From the moment you step into our office, you will see why so many injured accident victims choose us to represent them after a devastating crash. Check out what our past clients have to say about working with McDivitt Law Firm.
We’re There When You Need Us
Motorcyclists can suffer severe—even life-threatening—injuries, and the medical expenses associated with the accident can be extensive. Each McDivitt Law Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can help fight for the money you need to fully recover.
After a motorcycle accident, know that you are not alone. At McDivitt Law Firm, we have offices conveniently located throughout Greater Colorado. With offices in Downtown Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo, our attorneys are ready to assist you in a moment’s notice. For over 40 years, we have successfully recovered millions for our motorcycle accident clients. We offer free consultations, so you can better understand your rights and options.