Longmont Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Colorado law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting this long can seriously damage your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become less willing to negotiate fair settlements. I recommend contacting me immediately after your accident so I can begin protecting your rights and preserving evidence.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can receive compensation reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcycle riders, but I fight these unfair tactics and work to minimize any fault attributed to you.

The vast majority of motorcycle accident cases settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, I prepare every case as if it will go to trial because this preparation strengthens my negotiating position. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, I’m fully prepared to take your case to trial and present it to a jury.

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. I’ve recovered settlements ranging from tens of thousands to over a million dollars depending on the circumstances. During your free consultation, I’ll evaluate your case and give you an honest assessment of its potential value.

Colorado law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but unfortunately some drivers ignore this requirement. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. I help clients deal with these complex insurance situations and identify all possible sources of compensation.

I handle all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you. I advance all case costs including expert witness fees, investigation expenses, and court costs. You only pay if your case is successful, and my fee comes out of your settlement or jury award.

Never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to me first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to get you to say something that can be used against you later. I handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights and prevent you from inadvertently harming your case.

Many serious motorcycle accident injuries don’t become apparent immediately after a crash. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and some injuries like traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms for days or weeks. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and continue following up with doctors even if you feel okay initially.

Colorado law doesn’t require riders over 18 to wear helmets, so not wearing one doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim. However, insurance companies may try to argue that your head injuries could have been prevented or reduced by wearing a helmet. I work with medical experts to show that your injuries were caused by the accident regardless of helmet use.

The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. Simple cases with minor injuries may resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries can take a year or more. I work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

Call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses. Don’t admit fault or discuss the details of the accident with anyone except the police and me.

Using your medical payments coverage or uninsured motorist coverage typically doesn’t affect your premiums since you’re not at fault. However, insurance policies vary, so I review your specific coverage to advise you on the best approach. My goal is to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance so your own coverage isn’t impacted.

Insurance companies sometimes deny valid claims hoping that victims will give up and go away. If your claim is denied, I investigate the reasons and gather additional evidence to support your case. I’m prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.

I use multiple forms of evidence including police reports, witness statements, accident scene photographs, and expert accident reconstruction. I also obtain the other driver’s cell phone records to prove distracted driving and review their driving history for patterns of negligence. Traffic camera footage and nearby business security cameras can also provide crucial evidence of how the accident occurred.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In cases involving extreme negligence, you may also be awarded punitive damages designed to punish the at-fault driver. I work with experts to calculate the full value of your damages including long-term impacts you may not have considered.