Motorcycle Accidents

Safe riding starts with awareness. Knowing what causes most motorcycle accidents makes them easier to avoid. Many motorcycle accidents in Denver happen on busy roads like Colfax Avenue, I-25, and Federal Boulevard. Riders passing through areas such as Capitol Hill or heading into downtown face higher risks because of heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and sudden lane changes. Staying alert in these spots can greatly reduce your chances of a crash. Whether you’re new to riding or have years of experience, understanding the biggest risks on Denver roads can help you stay safer on the road. Key Summary:   In 2024, 165 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, up 23 percent from 2023, according to CDOT. In Denver, most crashes involve distracted driving, speeding, impaired riders, or drivers who fail to see motorcycles. About one-third happen without another vehicle. Knowing these risks can help you ride more safely, and legal help is available if you are injured. 5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver While not every crash is preventable, many of the most serious motorcycle accidents are linked to common patterns and behaviors.   Driver Distraction About one in three motorcycle accidents are caused by careless driving and drivers failing to notice motorcycle riders on the road. Because motorcycles are much smaller than the average vehicle, they can easily get lost in a driver’s blind spot. Drivers who switch lanes or make turns without noticing a motorcycle rider can cause serious accidents. Left-turn accidents are especially common in motorcycle cases.   Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Accidents Almost half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol impairment in the motorcycle rider. Motorcyclists riding under the influence have significantly slower reaction times and a higher tendency to drive recklessly.   Speeding The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that more than one third of all fatal motorcycle accidents were due to speeding in 2022. Speeding is a predominant factor in car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. The impact of an accident is greatly exaggerated when one or more of the vehicles involved were speeding.   Distracted Driving Distracted driving, which includes behavior like eating, texting, talking on the phone, or using your in-car entertainment system, is a leading cause of all auto accidents. Taking your eyes off the road for even a split second can lead to a life-changing accident. Drivers and motorcyclists who drive distracted pose a serious threat to themselves and those on the road around them.   Single-Vehicle Accidents Whether a motorcycle rider is inexperienced, driving recklessly, or dealing with poor conditions on the road, single-vehicle accidents are incredibly common among motorcycle riders. In fact, one third of motorcycle accidents do not involve another vehicle in the nation. How a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help After a motorcycle crash in Denver, it is common to feel stressed and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills, insurance calls, and missed work can pile up quickly. A local motorcycle accident lawyer can take on the legal and insurance issues so you can focus on recovery. They can:   Investigate the crash and collect evidence such as traffic camera footage, photos, and the police report.   Handle all communication with the insurance company and challenge unfair settlement offers.   Work with your doctors and accident experts to show the full extent of your injuries and future needs.   Prepare a strong case for maximum compensation and take it to court if needed. At Fiedler Trial Lawyers, our Denver team has handled complex motorcycle accident cases across Colorado. We know the local roads, court systems, and insurance tactics, and we are ready to fight for you.   What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, getting legal support can make the recovery process much smoother. From handling insurance negotiations to helping you understand your rights, an experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process with less stress. Want to know if you have a case? Contact our team at Fiedler Trial Lawyers for a free case review. FAQs What is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Denver? Driver inattention is one of the top causes. Many accidents happen because drivers fail to see motorcycles in blind spots or during turns, especially at intersections. How often is alcohol involved in motorcycle crashes? Impaired riders have slower reaction times and a higher risk of crashing. About 29% of riders killed nationwide were alcohol-impaired in 2022; the figure rises to 42 % in single-vehicle crashes. Are speeding accidents more dangerous for motorcycles? Yes. Speeding increases both the chance of crashing and the severity of injuries. 35% of riders in fatal crashes were speeding, and higher speed sharply increases injury severity. Do most motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle? Not always. Nearly 38% of fatal crashes involve only the motorcycle. These often happen due to rider error, poor road conditions, or sharp turns. What should I do after a motorcycle accident? Seek medical care immediately, even if you do not notice any injuries. File a police report and get the DR number for your records. If possible, take photos of the crash scene and gather contact and insurance information from everyone involved. Before speaking with any insurance company, consult a motorcycle accident lawyer who can protect your rights and guide you through each step. More Frequently Asked Questions What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident? What to do after a car accident? If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage

Motorcycle accidents don’t just happen. In many cases, they’re caused by driver inattention, unsafe maneuvers, or poor visibility. If you ride in Denver, knowing the most dangerous types of crashes can help you stay alert and avoid risky situations. Key Summary:   Motorcycle riders in Denver face serious risks from head-on crashes, left-turn accidents, lane splitting, and rear-end collisions. These crashes often lead to severe injuries or death. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, a local attorney can help you pursue fair compensation. Most Dangerous Types of Motorcycle Accidents Some types of accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or death, especially when a motorcycle is involved. Below are the crash scenarios that carry the highest risk for riders in Colorado. Head-on Collisions In any auto accident, head-on collisions are the most costly and dangerous type of accident to be involved in. A motorcycle rider who collides with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction can be sent flying from their bike and suffer serious, life-altering injuries. Head-on collisions are the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders involved in an accident with another vehicle. Left-Hand Turns Earlier, we touched on how left-hand turns are a common scenario in which motorcycle accidents occur. Intersections are perhaps some of the most dangerous places for motorcycle riders. A 2023 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study found that one in four fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States involve a driver turning left across the rider’s path. Lane Splitting Accidents In Colorado, lane splitting at highway speeds is illegal. Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of moving traffic. The state now allows limited lane filtering, which lets riders pass between stopped vehicles at 15 mph or less if the lane is wide enough. Even with this change, crashes can occur if a driver changes lanes suddenly or fails to notice a motorcycle alongside them. Rear-End Collisions When these accidents happen with two vehicles, they are known for giving the front driver whiplash and potential neck injuries. However, when rear-end collisions involve a motorcycle, they can launch the rider off of their bike, resulting in serious injury or possibly even death. What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Denver If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance calls, and time off work can pile up fast. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Denver can help you understand your rights and take the pressure off your shoulders. You deserve support, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Learn more about how we help injured motorcycle riders in Denver. FAQs What is the deadliest type of motorcycle accident? Head-on collisions are considered the most fatal type of motorcycle accident. These crashes often throw the rider from the bike, leading to life-threatening injuries or death. Why are left-turn accidents so common for motorcycles? Most left-turn accidents happen when a driver fails to see a motorcycle coming through an intersection or misjudges its speed. This often leads to the car turning directly into the rider’s path. Is lane splitting legal in Colorado? No. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Riders who attempt it face a higher risk of accidents because drivers often don’t expect a motorcycle between lanes. What makes rear-end collisions dangerous for motorcyclists? Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a metal frame. A rear-end crash can throw the rider off the bike, causing serious injuries even at low speeds. Are most motorcycle crashes caused by other drivers? Yes, many motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. Common causes include left-hand turns, failure to yield, distracted driving, and unsafe lane changes. How can motorcyclists avoid the most dangerous types of accidents? Riders can reduce risk by wearing visible gear, following speed limits, avoiding blind spots, and staying extra alert at intersections. Defensive riding is key to avoiding crashes caused by other drivers. More Frequently Asked Questions What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident? What to do after a car accident? If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE… When should I hire a personal injury lawyer? When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE… How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer for my case? After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation. Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE… How much will a personal injury lawyer cost me? The cost of

Victims may wonder if they can sue the trucking company for negligence, and the answer often depends on several factors related to the company’s role in the crash.