Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Greeley
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists, yet their safety is often compromised. In Greeley, motorcycle accidents frequently occur when drivers of cars, SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles fail to exercise reasonable care or fail to observe or yield to motorcyclists.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Drivers Who Change Lanes Without Looking
Drivers who do not check mirrors or blind spots can drift into a motorcyclist’s lane with little warning. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, even a brief lapse in attention can result in a serious sideswipe, throwing the rider from the bike and causing severe injury.
Take Left Turns into the Path of a Motorcycle
Left-turn collisions often occur when a driver misjudges a motorcycle’s speed or distance, or fails to see the rider altogether. When a driver turns left across a motorcycle’s path, the rider is left with little time or space to avoid a collision.
Follow Too Closely
Tailgating a motorcycle is especially dangerous, as riders often need to adjust speed for road hazards quickly. Even at relatively low speeds, a rear-end collision can throw the rider from the bike, resulting in road rash, deep cuts, broken bones, or head trauma.
Fail to Yield at Intersections
Drivers who roll through stop signs or ignore traffic signals may cut off an approaching motorcycle. Intersections demand the full attention of drivers, and failing to yield can lead to high-impact crashes.
Drive While Distracted
Texting or adjusting navigation takes eyes off the road. Distracted drivers are far more likely to miss a motorcycle until it is too late.
After a motorcycle crash, drivers frequently claim they did not see the rider. In many cases, this indicates inattention, speeding, an improper turn, or other negligent conduct. A Greeley personal injury attorney investigates the facts of the collision to build a well-supported claim.
Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Responsible motorcyclists often wear protective gear such as helmets, reinforced jackets, gloves, boots, and padding to reduce the risk of harm. However, even the most advanced safety equipment cannot fully protect riders from the negligence of other motorists.
Common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Head injuries can occur even when a helmet is worn, potentially leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Trauma to the spine may cause fractures, herniated discs, and other painful, debilitating conditions. Severe spinal cord damage can result in permanent paralysis and long-term impairment.
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are frequently fractured due to the force of impact or being thrown from the motorcycle.
- Road rash: When riders are thrown from their motorcycles, they sometimes skid across the pavement and sustain severe abrasions known as road rash. These injuries can lead to severe pain, infections, and permanent scarring.
- Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma may cause internal bleeding or organ damage that is not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Amputations or crush injuries: High-impact collisions can cause severe crush injuries to the arms or legs, resulting in extensive tissue, nerve, and bone damage. In some cases, the extent of the trauma requires surgical amputation to prevent further complications.
Founded on the principle of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, our firm has grown into a trusted legal advocate, grounded in empathy. Trust our team of experienced motorcycle injury lawyers in Colorado to pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses after a serious injury.
Potential Compensation
A motorcycle accident can leave injured riders facing significant medical expenses and uncertainty about their financial future. We ensure that your claim is properly investigated, documented, and presented in accordance with Colorado law.
Compensation in a Colorado motorcycle accident claim may include:
Medical Bills
A motorcycle accident claim can help cover the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up treatment. Compensation may also account for ongoing medical needs such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or future procedures.
Wage Loss
Serious injuries often prevent riders from returning to work right away, or at all. An injury claim can help you obtain compensation for income lost during your recovery as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering
A rider may seek compensation for non-economic damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A properly documented claim addresses the full extent to which the injury has affected daily functioning and overall quality of life, including chronic pain and psychological trauma.
Bike Repair or Replacement
Motorcycles are commonly damaged or destroyed in crashes with larger vehicles. A claim may include the cost to repair your bike or replace it entirely if it was deemed a total loss.
Future Medical Care and Long-Term Needs
Some injuries require ongoing treatment or lifelong care. A successful injury claim will account for anticipated future medical expenses such as pain medication, in-home care, and adaptations to your home and vehicle.
Bowman Law: A Strong Legal Ally for Injured Motorcyclists
At Bowman Law, our firm’s journey is rooted in a commitment to justice and compassion, and a client-first approach that puts your needs at the center of everything we do. We recognize that motorcyclists are sometimes viewed through the stereotype of being reckless, which can influence how fault and injuries are perceived after a crash.
To counter these assumptions, we conduct a thorough, independent investigation of every collision; reviewing police reports, examining physical evidence, consulting qualified experts when necessary, and analyzing traffic and roadway conditions, to ensure that liability is determined based on facts, not bias.
Our Greeley personal injury lawyers are recognized for resolving claims through strategic negotiation that secures fair compensation for the injuries and losses our clients have sustained.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Get the personal attention your case deserves with Bowman Law – a boutique personal injury law firm located in Denver, serving the greater Colorado Front Range. We provide transparent communication, ensuring you’re well-informed and confident at every stage. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
