Why Choose Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers?
If you’ve been injured in a Colorado motorcycle crash, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Motorcycle crashes frequently cause devastating injuries, and juries can be biased against riders. A Trinidad motorcycle accident is no time to work with an amateur.
At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we offer skilled assistance from Colorado attorneys who have earned their reputations for results. While no law firm can guarantee the outcome of your case, our firm has:
- 40 years of experience advocating for injured clients and their families in Colorado.
- National recognition for our service and excellence from the U.S. News & World report (“Best Law Firms in the US”), Super Lawyers designations, peer ranking from National Trial Lawyers and other prominent legal organizations.
- A history of client satisfaction, from testimonials as well as a 10 Best in Client Satisfaction Award from the National Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
- Results that speak volumes.
Furthermore, founding attorney Franklin D. Azar grew up in Trinidad, CO, and is committed to serving the community here. We offer a free consultation to help you find out if you need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Trinidad
Some of the most common causes of Trinidad, CO crashes involving motorcycles include:
- Sharp curves
- Steep grades
- Elevation risk
- Changing weather
- Narrow shoulders
- Colorado wildlife
- Poor pavement conditions
- Limited visibility.
Besides these roadway hazards, driver actions also contribute to a significant amount of Trinidad motorcycle crashes. Speeding, driving under the influence, and other reckless driving behaviors have taken more lives in Colorado than they should. Furthermore, swerving into the same lane and left turns accidents are specific threats to motorcyclists. A rear end collision can occur when a motorcyclist is attempting to weave in and out of traffic, and has to come to a sudden stop.
Additionally, motorcycle riders are less visible than other cars on the road. They may find themselves boxed in or otherwise unable to maneuver when a car or truck driver does not see them before initiating a lane change.
Finally, motorcycle defects and malfunctions are less common, but not unheard of. As a Colorado rider, you rely upon your machine to carry you safely through mountainous territory and around tight curves, from the scenic Highway of Legends to the arterial corridors of US-160. When a motorcycle manufacturer conceals defects or downplays risk, you deserve answers as a consumer who has been injured by their actions.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Often Happen at Intersections
Motorcycle crashes are especially common at intersections. Drivers can make mistakes gauging distance, or wrongfully assume that they have the right of way. They may try to make a short yellow light or be unaware of Colorado traffic safety laws as an out-of-towner here on vacation.
Motorcycles as smaller, fast moving vehicles are often specifically at risk at intersections. Even a car or truck that has checked their blindspot before putting on their turn signal may miss a motorcycle coming up at a higher speed and in a smaller area. By the time they go to turn, this small difference in timing can cause a crash.
Serious Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Crashes
Serious injuries are common when it comes to motorcycle crashes. With less protection from the elements, the road, and the steel frames of other vehicles, motorcyclists face risks such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Eye damage
- Internal injuries
- Road rash and burns
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
Surviving these serious threats can lead to lasting emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dangerous Roads and Motorcycle Crash Risks in Trinidad
Some of the most popular motorcycle routes are also the most dangerous in Trinidad. Dangerous motorcycle routes tend to have a combination of the following:
- They carry high volume or heavy commercial truck traffic.
- They involve high-speed travel.
- They have a history of significant fatal crash activity.
- They involve tight curves, shifting Colorado winds, or other changing factors that make even uncrowded roads technically dangerous rides for motorcyclists.
With these factors in mind, the most dangerous roads for motorcycles in Trinidad are:
Interstate 25 (I-25)
I-25 frequently tops the list as one of the most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in Colorado overall. Its high traffic volume, aggressive speeds, and complex merging system makes it difficult to navigate for all vehicles.
U.S. Highway 160 (US-160)
US-160 is arguably more dangerous for motorcycle riders than for ordinary passenger vehicles because of its steep mountain grades, tight curves, and changing elevation. Of specific concern to bikers is Wolf Creek Pass, one of the most technically challenging highway drives for motorcyclists.
For bikers, mountain roads introduce risks that affect motorcycles more severely than cars. Slick surfaces destabilize motorcycles much more easily, and variations across surfaces like gravel, asphalt sealant, potholes and steel road plates are all frequently found along US-160. US-160 also carries substantial truck traffic, particularly freight and tourism traffic moving across southern Colorado.
Colorado Highway 12 (Highway of Legends)
Colorado State Highway 12 running between La Veta and Trinidad is known as the “Highway of Legends” It’s beloved here in Trinidad because of its scenic views, sweeping curves, and reputation for less traffic. All the same, motorcyclists must beware of blind curves, local wildlife, and limited guardrails. These narrow mountain sections are especially dangerous for newer riders or less experienced bikers.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Case?
A successful lawsuit often involves a holistic overview of all of the parties involved in your motorcycle crash. You may be able to recover financial compensation from:
- Other vehicles involved.
- Your own motorcycle manufacturer.
- Shipping or logistics companies, in truck crashes.
- Local or state government agencies due to roadway maintenance issues.
Can More Than One Party Be Responsible for a Motorcycle Crash?
Yes, there may be many responsible parties in a motorcycle crash case. Part of the work of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is identifying all of these parties, and ensuring that your case encompasses everyone who may be held accountable.
Say that you were hit by a driver who was forced to swerve into your lane suddenly due to a large pothole. The driver may be liable for your injuries, but they may argue that they had to swerve due to the poorly maintained road conditions – otherwise, they would have been harmed themselves. In this case, the state agency that failed to maintain the road may be ordered to pay damages. Now in the same case, say that you saw the car coming into your lane in time, but your bike had a steering issue that made you unable to get out of the way. If the steering issue was caused by bad manufacturing, the company behind the design or build might also be liable. One party’s liability does not dismiss the others in a Colorado personal injury case.
Colorado Motorcycle Laws That May Affect Your Case
In addition to licensing and DUI laws, there are other regulations specific to motorcycles that may affect the outcome of your case in Colorado:
Helmet Laws
Colorado law only requires riders under 18 years of age to wear helmets. A rider under 18 years old must wear a DOT approved helmet.
However, the Colorado Department of Transportation notes that helmets save lives. While it may not be legally required to wear one while riding a motorcycle, failing to do so and sustaining a serious head injury may call into question your overall compensation amount. While an insurer cannot legally deny you full financial recovery due to you failing to wear a helmet in Colorado, the court may consider you to be at least partially at fault and reduce your award percentage accordingly.
Eye Protection Requirements
In Colorado, you must legally have some form of eye protective gear for all riders as well as passengers, regardless of age. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends a helmet with a visor, but goggles, eyeglasses with safety glass lenses or plastic are all acceptable. A windshield is not considered adequate eye protection under Colorado law.
Lane Filtering
Lane splitting is only legal in Colorado between two motorcycles. Lane filtering or riding between the lines is not legal. Neither is sharing a lane with a truck or passenger vehicle.
Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Per Colorado law, you can recover damages as long as you are not 50% or more responsible for the crash. This means you can be up to 49% at fault and still collect.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in Trinidad?
Accident claims vary based on the amount of damage done. In addition, accident lawyers take different percentages, so their abilities as well as payment plan can change the amount that you walk away with from a motorcycle injury claim.
Besides recovering your medical bills, you can also be awarded compensation in the form of economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are costs like your time taken off work, additional medical expenses like pain relief, cosmetic surgeries, medical devices, and physical therapy, as well as other expenses associated with your crash. However, non-economic damages are a separate amount awarded to an accident victim in recognition of their pain and suffering as well as emotional distress caused by the accident.
How Colorado’s Insurance Laws Affect Trinidad Motorcycle Claims
Colorado motorcycle laws penalize both an at fault driver as well as an uninsured motorist. If you cannot provide proof of insurance, you may face penalties such as points on your license, being ordered to complete community service, fines, and suspension of license. Meanwhile, at fault drivers can be ordered to cover a Trinidad motorcyclist’s medical bills and expenses as well as future care costs after a crash.
UM/UIM claims are typically more complicated, and may take longer for the insurance company to send over a payout. In these cases, working with an uninsured motorist lawyer can help you file everything correctly, on time, and advocate for you to receive the maximum settlement possible.
Under the modified comparative negligence rule, Colorado personal injury claims are still recoverable even if you were partially at fault for the crash.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Trinidad
- Do not leave the accident scene.
- Get medical attention for anyone who needs it. Do not move an injured rider unless absolutely necessary.
Contact a Colorado accident lawyer. A Trinidad personal injury lawyer can help accident victims recover fair compensation. A fair settlement should account for not only your medical bills and lost wages, but also ongoing expenses related to any serious injury you have suffered.
Trinidad Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: FAQs
What if my motorcycle crash happened during a sudden snowstorm or high-wind event near Raton Pass?
An insurance company may attempt to avoid paying for your costs after an “Act of God”, like a sudden weather event. However, oftentimes there is another party that is at least partially at fault. Another car may have swerved into your lane to avoid snow, or a truck driver may have been carrying unbalanced cargo that was upset by the high winds.
What if the other driver fled the scene after hitting my motorcycle?
Motorcycle accident victims are especially in danger after a hit and run accident, because of the extent of their injuries. A hit and run driver may be ordered to pay additional punitive damages if they further endangered you by leaving the scene of an accident.
Can helmet damage become evidence in a motorcycle injury case?
While it is not legally required to wear helmets in Colorado, they often become evidence in a motorcycle crash case. The kind of bodily injury you sustain, whether a TBI, eye injury, or spinal damage, can all come into play with whether or not you were wearing a helmet.
Are motorcycle riders treated unfairly by insurance companies after a collision?
Motorcycle accident claims can be expensive, and insurance companies tend to try to avoid paying out expensive settlements. To recover compensation, you may need the assistance of a motorcycle injury lawyer to advocate for you in a motorcycle accident case. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers can help you reject a lowball offer and ensure you have the Strong Arm advantage when it comes to presenting your case.
Reach Out to an Experienced Trinidad Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle wrecks can lead to devastating injuries, but you don’t have to face them alone. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers proudly represents clients in Trinidad and throughout Colorado. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us or call us today at (719) 836-8880 and schedule your free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney you can trust.
