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Breckenridge Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Motorcyclists

Riding a motorcycle is a wonderful way to travel around the beautiful state of Colorado. It’s fun and affordable, and there’s no other feeling quite like the freedom you experience on a motorcycle. But motorcycle accidents are no fun at all. Even if it wasn’t the rider’s fault, motorcycle crashes are more likely to result in serious injury or death than other types of motor vehicle accidents.

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of a motorcycle crash in Breckenridge, the injury attorneys at Whitaker & Penix, LLC will do everything we can to get you the best possible settlement to recover the costs of your medical care and get your life back in order.

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Motorcycle Rider Rights in Colorado

As a motorcycle rider in Colorado, you are entitled to enjoy all the rights and privileges granted to drivers throughout the state. There is no mandated helmet law in Colorado unless the rider is under 18 years of age, but you are much safer when wearing a helmet. Motorcycle riders have the right to have a passenger in a sidecar or on the back of their bike as long as you have foot pegs for them to rest their feet on. Eye protection is required for all drivers and passengers, and it must be made of shatter-proof material that is scratch-resistant and have sufficient ventilation to prevent fogging.

Motorcycle riders are allowed to share a lane with another motorcycle, but they are not allowed to use the same lane as a car for passing or lane splitting. A Colorado driver’s license with an “M” endorsement is required for all motorcycle drivers. You can get your “M” endorsement by passing a written exam, applying for a motorcycle permit, passing a motorcycle skills test, and completing a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course. Riders under 18 must have a motorcycle permit for 12 months before applying for their “M” endorsement.

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Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists will want to wear noticeable gear and stay alert whenever they ride because drivers don’t always see you. That’s why it makes sense to ride as defensively as possible. Common accidents involving motorcycles and cars, or trucks include:
  • Rear-end accidents: These accidents are frequently caused by reckless, intoxicated, or distracted drivers who are late in reacting to a traffic signal or don’t notice a slow-down or stoppage in the traffic flow.
  • Head-on crashes can be devastating for motorcycle riders. You can help avoid them by reducing your speed, staying to the right, and constantly watching the road ahead.
  • Drunk or impaired drivers: Drivers who are drunk or under the influence of controlled substances cause thousands of deaths and injuries in the United States every year. This is another reason why motorcycle riders should always drive with care.
  • Blind spot accidents: When riding in the lane next to a car, motorcycles can become invisible as they enter the driver’s blind spot. That’s why motorcycle drivers want to be particularly careful when passing other vehicles, especially trucks, which have large blind spots.
  • Excessive speed accidents: When people drive too fast, they reduce their reaction and stopping time. Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents and fatalities.
  • Left-turning car collisions: Left turn drivers will often collide with a motorcycle that they don’t even see coming. This is a common scenario that motorcycle riders want to watch out for.
  • Distracted driver crashes: Distracted drivers cause accidents by failing to notice motorcycle drivers, traffic signals, and changes in the traffic flow. Texting and cell phone use are major causes of driver distractions.

Inclement weather and unsafe road conditions can contribute to motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle riders need to be extra cautious when it’s rainy, foggy, or snowing in Colorado. Riders will also want to look out for potholes, loose gravel, and fissures in the pavement, which can cause you to lose control of your bike.

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Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Even when the rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, motorcycle accidents frequently result in physical injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Head and traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Bleeding and lacerations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Road rash
  • Contusions
  • Amputation
  • Wrongful death
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Get Fair Compensation for Your Injuries

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s a good idea to use your cell phone camera to record the extent of vehicle damage and your physical injuries. You should also take a photo of the other driver’s license when you exchange your insurance information. It’s also very helpful to keep records of all your medical expenses.

You will want to seek the services of an experienced Breckenridge motorcycle accident lawyer before you sign any agreement with an insurance company. Insurance companies make their money by paying out as little in claims as they can get away with. An experienced Breckenridge personal injury attorney will make sure you get a fair settlement to cover all your medical expenses and other costs related to your accident.

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We’re on Your Side

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. But you don’t have to face it on your own. At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we’ll help you get back on your feet again as soon as possible. That means fighting the insurance companies to make sure you get the best possible settlement. Give us a call today at (970) 368-0602 for a FREE phone consultation. We’ll be right there beside you every step of the way, helping you get your life back to normal.

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