What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Denver?
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
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…
Our Client’s Say It Best
directly from our own clients.
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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Phone: 720-996-6000
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Denver, CO 80202
77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-788-2600
KEN FIEDLER | 303.CALL.KEN