Riding a motorcycle in Denver offers freedom and exhilaration—but it also means vulnerability.
Without the protective shell of a car, motorcyclists face severe injuries or death when negligent drivers fail to see them, misjudge their speed, or violate their right of way.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver, you’re not just dealing with physical pain and medical bills—you’re likely facing unfair bias from insurance companies who assume motorcyclists are reckless risk-takers.
At Eddington Law, our attorneys have over 35 years of experience representing injured motorcyclists throughout Denver and Colorado.
We understand the unique challenges riders face, from driver negligence to insurance company prejudice.
As passionate advocates for motorcyclists’ rights, we fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence—not diminished payouts based on stereotypes.
We know motorcyclists aren’t the problem—inattentive drivers are. And we’re here to prove it.
Why Choose Eddington Law for Your Denver Motorcycle Accident Case?
Motorcycle accident cases require attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the biases riders face:
Over 35 Years Fighting for Injured Coloradans
Our attorneys have spent more than three decades representing accident victims throughout Denver and Colorado.
We’ve handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases and know exactly how to counter the prejudices and tactics insurance companies use against riders.
This experience means we anticipate defense arguments, know how to present riders in a positive light, and understand how to build compelling cases that overcome bias.
Understanding of Motorcyclist Bias
Insurance companies and juries sometimes harbor negative stereotypes about motorcyclists.
They may assume riders are reckless, speed excessively, or take unnecessary risks.
These biases can unfairly reduce compensation—even when crashes were clearly caused by negligent drivers.
We combat these stereotypes by:
- Emphasizing the other driver’s negligence and violations
- Highlighting your safe riding practices and proper licensing
- Using accident reconstruction to prove fault scientifically
- Presenting you as a responsible individual, not a stereotype
- Educating juries about motorcyclists’ rights and vulnerabilities
Knowledge of Motorcycle Accident Dynamics
Motorcycle crashes differ from car accidents. We understand:
- How motorcycle physics affect crashes
- Proper riding techniques and safety practices
- Motorcycle traffic laws and right-of-way rules
- The severity of injuries riders sustain
- How protective gear affects injury patterns
- Common driver errors that cause motorcycle crashes
This specialized knowledge helps us build stronger cases and counter false narratives about how accidents occurred.
Experience with Catastrophic Injury Claims
Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, meaning accidents often result in severe injuries requiring substantial compensation.
We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully document your injuries and future needs, ensuring we seek appropriate compensation for lifetime care.
No Fees Unless We Win
After a serious motorcycle accident, medical bills and lost wages create financial stress.
We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
This means you can afford experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Personalized Service from Riders Who Understand
As a family-owned firm, we treat clients with the respect and compassion you deserve.
We understand the motorcycle community and culture, and we genuinely care about helping injured riders get back on their feet—and back on the road when possible.
Schedule Your Free Case Review Today
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver
Denver’s mix of highways, urban streets, and mountain access roads creates various motorcycle accident scenarios:
Left-Turn Collisions
The most common and deadly motorcycle accident occurs when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Drivers often misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or simply don’t see the rider.
These accidents typically occur at intersections and result in severe injuries.
Lane Change and Merge Accidents
Drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging onto highways strike motorcyclists they never saw.
These accidents are especially common on I-25, I-70, and other Denver highways where traffic moves at high speeds.
“Right Hook” Accidents
When a vehicle turns right across a motorcycle’s path—often from a right-turn lane or driveway—the motorcycle has little time to react.
The driver typically never checked for motorcycles before turning.
Rear-End Collisions
Distracted or inattentive drivers rear-end motorcycles at stoplights or in traffic.
These accidents can throw riders from their bikes, causing severe injuries even at relatively low speeds.
Door Opening Accidents (Dooring)
When drivers or passengers open car doors into a motorcycle’s path—particularly in downtown Denver—riders can be thrown from their bikes or swerve into traffic trying to avoid the door.
Highway Speed Accidents
High-speed crashes on I-25 or I-70 often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents may involve:
- Drivers changing lanes without seeing motorcycles
- Vehicles drifting across lane markers
- Debris or potholes causing loss of control
- Sudden traffic slowdowns
Intersection Collisions
Beyond left-turn accidents, intersections see many crashes where:
- Drivers run red lights or stop signs
- Vehicles fail to yield right of way
- Drivers make illegal turns
- Visibility is obstructed
Road Hazard Accidents
Hazards that barely affect cars can be deadly for motorcycles:
- Potholes
- Gravel or debris
- Oil slicks
- Uneven pavement
- Construction zone obstacles
- Railroad tracks
When municipalities or contractors fail to maintain roads properly, they may share liability for resulting accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Motorcycles caught in multi-vehicle crashes face danger from all sides.
These accidents often occur during rush hour on Denver’s congested highways.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver
Understanding what caused your accident helps establish liability:
Driver Failure to See Motorcycles
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is drivers simply not seeing riders.
This “looked but didn’t see” phenomenon occurs because:
- Drivers aren’t actively looking for motorcycles
- Motorcycles have smaller visual profiles
- Drivers focus on larger vehicles
- Inattention blindness causes drivers to miss what they’re not expecting
Driver failure to look properly before turning, changing lanes, or merging establishes negligence.
Following Too Closely
Drivers who tailgate motorcycles don’t leave sufficient stopping distance. When traffic slows suddenly, these drivers rear-end motorcyclists who have no protection from behind.
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, using phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions don’t see motorcycles until it’s too late.
Colorado law prohibits texting while driving, and violators can be held liable for resulting accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Drivers exceeding speed limits or driving aggressively have less time to react to motorcycles. High speeds also increase accident severity.
Impaired Driving
Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them particularly dangerous to motorcyclists.
Colorado has strict DUI laws, and impaired drivers face both criminal and civil liability.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers who change lanes without checking blind spots, using turn signals, or ensuring adequate space often strike motorcycles in adjacent lanes.
Opening Doors Without Looking
Drivers and passengers who open doors without checking mirrors endanger passing motorcyclists, particularly on downtown Denver streets.
Road Rage
Some drivers deliberately harass or endanger motorcyclists due to anger or prejudice.
Intentional acts create enhanced liability and may support punitive damages.
Poor Road Maintenance
Government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable when potholes, uneven pavement, or other hazards cause motorcycle accidents.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case – Free Consultation
Injuries Common in Motorcycle Accidents
Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists suffer severe injuries even in “minor” accidents:
Road Rash
When riders slide across pavement, friction causes severe skin abrasions called road rash.
These injuries range from minor scrapes to third-degree burns requiring skin grafts.
Road rash often leaves permanent scarring and requires extensive wound care.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Motorcycle crashes commonly cause:
- Broken legs (tibia, fibula, femur)
- Broken arms (radius, ulna, humerus)
- Shattered wrists and hands
- Broken ribs
- Fractured pelvis
- Broken collarbone
Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries, metal hardware, and lengthy rehabilitation.
Head and Brain Injuries
Despite Colorado’s helmet law (required for riders under 18), many riders choose not to wear helmets. Head impacts can cause:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Skull fractures
- Bleeding in the brain
- Cognitive impairment
- Personality changes
Even helmeted riders can suffer serious brain injuries in high-impact crashes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of motorcycle crashes can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Paraplegia (lower body paralysis)
- Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
- Partial paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Chronic pain
Spinal cord injuries often require lifetime medical care and dramatically reduce quality of life.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing:
- Internal bleeding
- Ruptured organs (spleen, liver, kidneys)
- Lung injuries
- Abdominal injuries
Internal injuries require immediate medical attention and often emergency surgery.
Amputations
The crushing force of motorcycle accidents can sever limbs or cause injuries so severe that amputation becomes necessary.
Amputees face enormous challenges including prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Neck and Back Injuries
Beyond spinal cord damage, crashes cause:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, motorcycle accidents often cause:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety about riding again
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of confidence
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of financial support, companionship, and funeral expenses.
Colorado Motorcycle Laws
Understanding Colorado’s motorcycle-specific laws helps protect your rights:
Helmet Requirements
Colorado requires helmets for riders and passengers under age 18. While adults can legally ride without helmets, insurance companies often use this to argue comparative negligence—even when lack of a helmet didn’t cause the accident.
We counter these arguments by focusing on the driver’s negligence and using medical experts to show helmet use wouldn’t have prevented your specific injuries.
Lane Splitting
Colorado law prohibits lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic).
If you were lane splitting when injured, insurance companies will argue comparative negligence.
However, the other driver’s actions may still establish primary liability.
Licensing Requirements
Colorado requires motorcycle-specific licensing (Class M endorsement). Properly licensed riders demonstrate responsibility and safety consciousness—facts we emphasize to counter stereotypes.
Equipment Requirements
Colorado law requires:
- Working headlights and taillights
- Turn signals (on bikes manufactured after 1973)
- Mirrors
- Mufflers
Compliance with equipment requirements shows you were operating legally and safely.
Right-of-Way Rules
Motorcycles have the same right-of-way as any vehicle. Drivers who violate these rules—turning left in front of motorcycles, cutting off riders, or failing to yield—are liable for resulting accidents.
Overcoming Insurance Company Bias
Insurance adjusters often harbor prejudices against motorcyclists. Common tactics include:
Claiming Motorcyclists Are Inherently Reckless
Insurers may argue motorcycling itself is dangerous and you assumed the risk.
We counter by emphasizing the other driver’s specific negligent actions that caused your crash.
Inflating Your Share of Fault
Under Colorado’s comparative negligence law, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies try to inflate your fault to reduce their payout—arguing you were speeding, not visible, or operating unsafely even without evidence.
We use accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and physical evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the crash.
Minimizing Injury Severity
Because motorcyclists expect some risk, insurers may argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
We work with medical experts to fully document injury severity and demonstrate how your life has been affected.
Arguing Helmet Use Would Have Prevented Injuries
Even when helmet use wouldn’t have prevented your specific injuries, insurance companies raise this argument.
We retain medical experts who explain which injuries would have occurred regardless of helmet use.
Stereotyping Based on Appearance
Insurance companies may stereotype riders based on appearance, bike type, or clothing.
We present you as a responsible individual and focus on the negligent driver’s actions—not stereotypes.
Speak With a Motorcycle Injury Attorney Now
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Denver
Your actions after a motorcycle accident affect your health and legal rights:
Call 911
Always call police after a motorcycle accident. You need both medical evaluation and an official police report documenting what happened.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go to the emergency room even if you think you’re okay. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
Additionally, immediate medical treatment creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident—critical when insurance companies try to argue injuries weren’t that serious.
Document the Scene
If physically able, take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Your motorcycle and damage
- Your protective gear
- Road conditions
- Skid marks or debris
- Traffic signs and signals
- Visible injuries
Get witness contact information—their testimony can be crucial.
Get Driver Information
Obtain:
- Driver’s name, license, and contact information
- Insurance company and policy information
- Vehicle license plate number
- Make and model of vehicle
Preserve Your Gear
Keep your helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and other protective gear even if damaged.
This equipment provides evidence of impact severity and may help accident reconstruction.
Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault
Even polite apologies can be used as admissions of fault. Stick to facts when talking to police, and don’t speculate about what happened.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you quickly. They’ll seem sympathetic but are gathering evidence to minimize their payout. Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer them to your attorney.
Document Your Recovery
Keep a journal describing:
- Pain levels
- Limitations on activities
- Medical treatments
- Emotional impact
- How injuries affect daily life
This documentation supports claims for pain and suffering.
Avoid Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence to minimize claims. Photos of you engaged in activities could be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Avoid posting until your case resolves.
Contact Eddington Law
The sooner you have legal representation, the better we can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and counter insurance company bias.
Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Colorado law allows motorcycle accident victims to recover multiple types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Future medical care (ongoing treatment, therapy, equipment)
- Lost wages (income missed during recovery)
- Lost earning capacity (reduced ability to work in the future)
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Protective gear replacement
- Home modifications (if permanently disabled)
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, assistive devices)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to ride or participate in activities)
- Disfigurement (scarring, burns, amputations)
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless conduct—such as drunk driving or intentional acts—Colorado courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar behavior.
How Eddington Law Handles Your Case
When you hire us, we immediately begin building your case:
Comprehensive Investigation
We obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We photograph the accident scene and document road conditions.
For complex cases, we hire accident reconstruction experts who can scientifically prove how the crash occurred and establish the other driver’s fault.
Combating Bias
We anticipate and counter insurance company prejudices by:
- Emphasizing the other driver’s negligence
- Highlighting your responsible riding practices
- Presenting you as a sympathetic, responsible individual
- Using expert testimony to overcome stereotypes
- Focusing on specific violations and negligent acts
Medical Documentation
We work with your healthcare providers to fully document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis.
For serious injuries, we consult with specialists, life care planners, and economists to calculate lifetime medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength, using evidence and expert testimony to demand fair compensation. Our reputation motivates reasonable settlement offers.
Trial Preparation
If insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial experience is a powerful negotiating tool.
Compassionate Support
Throughout the process, we treat you with respect and compassion, keeping you informed and answering your questions. We understand the motorcycle community and genuinely care about helping injured riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Colorado doesn’t require helmets for adult riders. While insurance companies may argue this increases your fault, we focus on the other driver’s negligence and use medical experts to show which injuries would have occurred regardless.
What if the driver says they didn’t see me?
“I didn’t see them” isn’t a defense—it’s an admission of negligence. Drivers have a duty to look for all vehicles, including motorcycles, before turning, changing lanes, or merging.
Can I recover compensation if I was speeding?
Possibly. Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you were less than 50% at fault. Even if you were speeding, the other driver’s actions (turning left in front of you, changing lanes into you) may establish their primary fault.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary based on injury severity and liability disputes. Simple cases might settle in months; complex cases can take a year or more. We work efficiently while ensuring maximum recovery.
What if the driver was uninsured?
You may be able to recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We explore all available compensation sources.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent disability, and other factors. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a realistic assessment.
Contact Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver, don’t face insurance company bias alone. You need experienced advocates who understand motorcyclists’ rights and know how to fight stereotypes and prejudice.
At Eddington Law, we’ve spent over 35 years fighting for injured Coloradans, including motorcyclists who deserve fair compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers. We combine aggressive legal advocacy with genuine respect for the motorcycle community.
Call us today for your free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim based on stereotypes. Contact Eddington Law and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your recovery is our priority. Your rights are our mission. We’re ready to fight for you.