What Are the Most Dangerous Types of Motorcycle Accidents
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
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 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…
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…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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Car accidents are not fun. However, Ken and his team took great care of our family EVERY STEP of the way. From chiropractic car, probate court, insurance negotiations with multiple companies, advice for our family, and collaboration on action items, Ken & team were awesome. I will be sending family and friends to Ken in the future. Thank you for taking great care of my family!
If I could give 10 stars I would! Ken and his team were there for me during the worst time of my life, every step of the way. I had 3 different friends recommend Ken after my car accident and I’m so grateful they did! He always explained everything clearly, walked me through every step, and gave me clear expectations. I was nervous, never having entered into the legal world before, but he made sure I felt safe and supported through the entire process, sending me flowers before surgery, checking in and giving me updates frequently. I never wish anyone to be in a situation like I was but if you find yourself in need of representation Ken and his team are the ones you want! Thank you to Ginger, James and Jahieda as well for always being there for me!
I suffered a spine injury as the result of a T-bone car crash, the other driver at fault. We got nothing but gutter-ball offers from her insurance company. What you hear on the radio is true – the insurance companies simply will not take your case seriously until you file a suit. This is where I was glad to have Ken and his team on my side. The burden to convince a jury of my losses lies with me the plaintiff, which then requires conducting extensive research, gathering and organizing supporting documents. After Ken submitted all of this material during the pre-trial discovery the insurance company decided to make a reasonable settlement offer.
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