Littleton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can come with significant risks. After a motorcycle accident in Littleton, Colorado, you know how quickly a joyful, exhilarating ride can turn into a nightmare.

One moment, you’re cruising along, feeling the wind in your face and the road beneath your tires. Then, you might find yourself in a hospital bed, wondering how everything went so wrong so fast.

After a motorcycle accident, the challenges can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, from surgeries and rehabilitation to long-term care. Then the financial strain starts when medical bills pile up and you cannot work due to your injuries. 

This is a time when you should focus on your recovery, but the stress of your circumstances can make that nearly impossible. An experienced Littleton motorcycle accident lawyer at Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., can be the advocate you need.

Littleton Motorcycle Accident Guide

• Why Choose Franklin D. Azar & Associates for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
• Understanding Colorado Motorcycle Crashes
• Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Littleton, Colorado
• Motorcycle Accident Injuries
• Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims and Compensation
• Motorcycle Accident Laws in Colorado
• How Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
• Contact Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Why Choose Franklin D. Azar & Associates for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, we understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys has extensive experience in handling motorcycle accident cases and is committed to fighting for the rights of injured riders in Littleton, Colorado. 

We know the Littleton community and the specific roads, traffic patterns, and local laws that may impact your case. This local knowledge allows us to build a strong case tailored to your specific situation. We are committed to providing personalized legal services addressing your needs and concerns. 

At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, we don’t just see you as another case file. We understand that a motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down, and we’re here to provide the compassionate legal support you need during this difficult time. 

Our motorcycle accident attorneys will listen to your story, understand your struggles, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Understanding Colorado Motorcycle Crashes

According to the most recent data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT), 149 motorcyclists lost their lives on Colorado roads, accounting for 20% of the state’s total traffic fatalities, despite motorcycles making up only 3% of vehicle registrations in the state. 

Motorcycle fatalities in Colorado fluctuate yearly, with a low of 70 recorded in 2003 and a peak of 149 in 2022. Over time, the number of fatalities has generally been on the rise.

Arapahoe County, which includes Littleton, ranks among the top five counties in Colorado for motorcycle fatalities, reporting 11 deaths in the most recent data.

National Statistics 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that speed and alcohol significantly contribute to motorcycle crashes. In one recent year, NHTSA data indicated that 34% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were speeding, compared to 22% for passenger cars, 16% for light trucks, and 7% for large trucks. Motorcyclists aged 25 to 29 had the highest involvement in speeding-related fatal crashes at 45%. 

Alcohol impairment is also a critical factor in motorcycle crash fatalities. In 2020, 41% of the 2,158 motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes across the U.S. were alcohol-impaired. 

Motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in 2020 exhibited higher rates of alcohol impairment than drivers of other vehicles, with 27% of motorcycle riders impaired, compared to 23% for passenger car drivers, 19% for light-truck drivers, and 3% for large-truck drivers.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Littleton, Colorado

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents highlights the importance of being vigilant on the road and helps emphasize the responsibility motorists have in ensuring the safety of motorcyclists.

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted pose a significant risk to motorcyclists.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the time a driver has to react to a motorcycle and increases the severity of an accident.
• Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist, often at intersections.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes frequently result in more serious injuries than car accidents, primarily because motorcycles offer far less protection. Without the enclosed structure, airbags, and seatbelts that cars provide, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to the full impact of a collision.

This vulnerability often leads to catastrophic injuries that can profoundly affect every aspect of a rider’s life.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at high risk for traumatic brain injuries in an accident. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in personality or behavior. These effects can be permanent, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a motorcycle crash can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries can severely limit mobility, necessitating extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments. The emotional and financial toll of living with a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a collision can easily cause multiple fractures or broken bones. Common areas affected include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgery, long-term immobilization, and physical therapy, all of which can hinder a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcycle rider’s skin is dragged across the pavement, causing severe abrasions. While often perceived as a minor injury, road rash can be extremely painful and lead to serious complications such as infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. In severe cases, skin grafts may be necessary to repair the damaged tissue.
• Internal Injuries: Motorcyclists are also at risk of internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident, but they can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, motorcycle collisions can also cause significant emotional and psychological trauma. Crash victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a diminished quality of life. The mental health impact of such an event can be as challenging to overcome as the physical injuries. 

These injuries not only result in intense physical pain but also emotional distress and financial strain. The recovery process can be long and demanding, often involving extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and a lengthy absence from work.

The combination of medical bills, lost income, and the need for ongoing care can create a significant financial burden, making it difficult to focus on healing and moving forward.

Wrongful Death in Motorcycle Accidents

Tragically, some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the devastating loss of a loved one. When another party’s negligence or reckless behavior takes a motorcyclist’s life, they may have caused a wrongful death. 

This situation compounds the emotional grief with the burden of financial strain, as the deceased may have been the primary breadwinner or caretaker in the family. In such cases, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and the emotional pain caused by their untimely loss. 

The Colorado legislature recently passed a bill permitting siblings and their heirs to file wrongful death claims if the deceased has no surviving spouse, parent, or child. In this context, heirs refer to the deceased’s children or parents. 

The damages that may be awarded include compensation for grief, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Additionally, individuals can claim solatium as a fixed amount for noneconomic damages. 

While no legal action can compensate for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide the financial support needed to navigate life after such a tragic event and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims and Compensation

When pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, a lawyer can explain the different types of compensation you may recover. Compensation in motorcycle accident cases can include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, both current and future.
• Pain and Suffering: This non-economic compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: This covers repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy activities you once loved, you may be compensated for this loss.

Motorcycle Accident Laws in Colorado

Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning that the party responsible for the motorcycle accident must pay for the damages. You must prove the other party’s negligence to recover compensation.

Helmet Laws

In Colorado, motorcyclists older than 18 are not required to wear helmets. However, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in an accident and may affect your claim.

While not wearing a helmet does not disqualify you from compensation, the defense may argue that wearing one could have lessened your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation.

Comparative Negligence

Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule, so if you partially caused the accident, your compensation may decrease by your percentage of fault. You may not recover any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault.

How Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Navigating the legal complexities after a motorcycle accident can be a daunting task. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, offering settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. Without the guidance of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, you might accept a settlement that barely scratches the surface of your needs. 

A knowledgeable attorney can explain your rights and the compensation you deserve. They can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing. At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, we approach every motorcycle accident case with meticulous attention to detail. 

We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Our personal injury attorneys work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists to build a strong case that accurately represents the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. 

Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your losses. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we fully prepare to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Timely Action

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim under Colorado law is generally two years from the accident date. However, in Colorado, the statute of limitations is three years for all tort actions for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle.

If you miss the filing deadline, you may not file a personal injury lawsuit. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. However, exceptions or specific circumstances could affect this time frame, so consult a lawyer promptly to file the claim within the appropriate period.

Contact Franklin D. Azar & Associates Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Littleton, Colorado, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Littleton personal injury attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. 

With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, our team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims. We have the resources and skills to take on even the most challenging cases, and we’re not afraid to challenge large insurance companies to get the results you deserve. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice. Call our Littleton, CO, office at (720) 821-5545 or contact us online.

Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers – Littleton Office

8 W Dry Creek Cir Suite 203B
Littleton, CO 80120
P: (303) 562-1442