Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Colorado

On a motorcycle, you can truly feel the freedom of the open road. It is one of the reasons why motorcycles are such a popular mode of transportation. However, motorcycle riders also suffer a severe disadvantage when they are involved in a collision with a car or truck. You may wonder what to do next if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, you deserve to seek compensation for your losses. Read on to learn more about common injuries after a motorcycle accident and how an attorney can help you. [lwptoc]

The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and life-changing. Because motorcycles do not offer the same amount of protection that a car or truck does, motorcyclists are more susceptible to serious injuries when they are in an accident. Many common motorcycle accident injuries require long-term hospitalization, surgery, and extensive physical therapy. Some victims may never be the same again. The most common injuries after a motorcycle accident include the following: 

• Traumatic brain injuries, 
• Soft tissue injuries,
• Head and neck injuries, 
• Herniated or slipped discs, 
• Paralysis, 
• Amputation or limb loss, 
• Fractures and broken bones, 
• Torn tendons and ligaments, 
• Facial injuries,
• Permanent disfigurement, 
• Lacerations, 
• Road rash,
• Burn injuries,
• Internal organ damage, 
• Internal bleeding, and
• Spinal cord injuries. 

These are just a few of the most common injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. If you suffered one of these or another type of injury, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your expenses and losses. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

Determining the cause of your accident is important because it will help determine who is liable for your damages. An attorney can investigate your collision through accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence to determine how your accident happened and who is at fault. Motorcycle accidents may happen for any number of reasons. However, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following: 

• Improper lane changes. Drivers sometimes change lanes without turning on their indicators or properly checking their blind spots. Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes can lead to a collision with a motorcycle rider in the next lane. 
• Left-hand turns. Some intersections require drivers to yield to oncoming traffic before making left-hand turns. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to take this precaution, which often results in motorcycle accidents. 
• Rear-ending. Impatient drivers may follow motorcyclists too closely and rear-end them, causing substantial injuries and damage to the motorcycle rider. 
• Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting your GPS, or engaging with other passengers in the car are just a few examples of distracted driving. Taking your eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds can lead to a catastrophic collision. 
• Reckless driving. Speeding, tailgating, and swerving in and out of lanes at high speeds are examples of reckless driving. These poor choices often devastate other innocent people sharing the road. 
• Road conditions. Sometimes hazardous road conditions create obstacles that motorcyclists cannot drive over. Deep potholes on improperly maintained roads or other road hazards are substantially more dangerous for motorcyclists than motorists. 

Contacting an attorney may feel like one more stressful task to complete. However, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and handle your claim for you so that you can focus on healing. 

What Can I Recover? 

Colorado law permits accident victims to recover compensation for their injuries and losses. This compensation is divided into two categories: economic and noneconomic damages.  Economic damages represent direct financial losses resulting from your motorcycle accident. Examples of economic damages include the following: 

• Medical expenses, 
• Lost wages, 
• Loss of future earnings, and
• Property damage.

By looking at receipts, invoices, medical bills, pay stubs, and similar documentation, your attorney can calculate your demand for economic damages.  Noneconomic damages represent intangible losses usually resulting from your injury’s psychological and emotional effects. Noneconomic damages can include the following: 

• Pain and suffering,
• Permanent injury or disability,
• Disfigurement, 
• Loss of enjoyment of life, 
• Loss of consortium, and
• Emotional distress. 

Due to their subjective nature, noneconomic damages are challenging to prove. You may also find it difficult to put a monetary value on how your injury has affected your life. For example, how do you put a value on being able to enjoy your favorite hobbies or being able to do everyday activities without being in pain? Your lawyer will be able to help you calculate the value of all your damages so that you are seeking fair compensation for your physical injuries, expenses, and the long-term effects of your accident. 

Why Hire an Attorney? 

After suffering common injuries from a motorcycle accident, you may think you can handle your lawsuit on your own. However, hiring a skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you increase your chances of a successful outcome. An attorney helps your case by taking on the following tasks: 

• Investigating your crash,
• Calculating the value of your claim, 
• Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel, 
• Preparing all required legal documents, 
• Keeping track of all pertinent deadlines, 
• Filing your lawsuit, and 
• Litigating your case at trial.

Building a strong personal injury claim is complicated and time-consuming, especially when you are recovering from injuries. But an attorney can provide resources and support that can help you hold the person responsible for your injuries accountable. 

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado? Contact Us Today

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., have the experience, skill, and dedication needed to fight for your best interests and protect your rights. Since our practice opened more than 30 years ago, we have helped our clients recover over $100 million in settlements and verdicts. Our track record of success shows that we know what it takes to succeed at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to find out how our legal team can assist you.