Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Denver
Any sunny, warm day of the year is a good day for a motorcycle ride provided you play it safe and obey traffic rules. Unfortunately many cyclists don’t, and each year many die in motorcycle accidents that could have been prevented. Nearly one in five traffic fatalities in the state of Colorado in 2010 were motorcyclists. If you were involved in an accident involving a motorcyclist, immediately retain a seasoned Colorado personal injury attorney. Your personal injury attorney can present your side of the story and make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Colorado Motorcycle Laws
Motorcyclists must abide by the same traffic rules and laws as other motor vehicle operators. Motorcycles must meet minimum safety standards as follows:
- Riders and passengers over 18 are not required to wear a helmet, however, riders and passengers under 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets.
- All riders and passengers must wear some form of eye protection, such as goggles, eyeglasses with plastic or safety glass lenses. The best eye protection is a visor on a helmet. A motorcycle windshield is not considered adequate eye protection.
- Motorcycles must be equipped with passenger footrests and passengers must use them at all times. Motorcycles are also required to have at least one rear-view mirror.
- Passengers must ride on the seat behind or to the side of the driver (i.e., in a side car). Passengers are not allowed to ride on the seat in front of the driver.
- Passing or overtaking a vehicle in your lane is illegal. Lane sharing or splitting is not allowed, however, motorcycles can share a lane with another motorcyclist.
- Attaching your motorcycle to another vehicle is prohibited.
There are no mandatory turn signal requirements or handlebar height restrictions in Colorado, however, cyclists are required to subject to random safety inspections.
Colorado Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcyclists in Colorado are required by law to carry liability insurance, at a minimum of $25,000 Bodily Injury coverage per person injured; $50,000 for all persons injured and at least $15,000 Property Damage coverage. Even with insurance, having a Colorado personal injury attorney will help you get all the compensation you deserve if you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident. On the other hand, having an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney is crucial if you are involved in a vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.
Why Retain a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney?
Unlike a car or truck, motorcycles provide little protection from serious injuries. Because Colorado does not have helmet requirement, riders involved in a motorcycle accident are more prone to serious head injuries. Other injuries may include leg injuries such as road rashes, broken bones or torn ligaments and spinal cord injuries. The attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., will work diligently to make sure you receive compensation to go toward medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and any other financial hardship caused by your injuries. The firm has a network of medical professionals willing to treat you even if you do not have health insurance. You can contact the firm for a free initial consultation to discuss your claim and get advice on the best course of action for you.
