Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident in Lakewood, CO? If it resulted from another party’s negligence or misconduct, they may be accountable for your damages.
Our Lakewood motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover the full extent of your losses. We have over 44 years of combined legal experience, and we’ve secured millions of dollars for our clients since opening our doors in 2016.
At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand everything that’s at stake after a devastating accident. Let us handle the legal issues so that you can focus on your health. Contact us online or call (720) 912 7274 for a free consultation with a compassionate personal injury attorney in Lakewood, Colorado.
How Matos Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Lakewood, CO
Motorcycle crashes can leave victims with long-term, debilitating injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, and multiple broken bones. You shouldn’t have to deal with legal claims and insurance adjusters while recovering from such injuries. Doing so can create immense stress and slow down your healing process.
Our experienced Lakewood personal injury attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to follow your treatment plan and get on the path to recovery.
If you hire Matos Personal Injury Lawyers after a motorcycle accident in Lakewood, CO, we’ll help by:
- Diligently investigating the crash to identify every potentially liable party
- Gathering crucial evidence to prove the elements of your claim
- Assessing your damages and putting an accurate dollar value on them
- Consulting experts, if necessary, to strengthen your case
- Negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies and at-fault parties
- Representing you in court proceedings if the other parties refuse to settle in good faith
Do you want to learn more about an attorney-client relationship? Contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Lakewood, CO.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Lakewood?
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), a record number of motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic collisions in 2022.
- 149 motorcycle riders died. This represented 20% of Colorado’s total crash fatalities but only 3% of the state’s registered vehicles.
- 75 of the 149 deaths involved people who weren’t wearing motorcycle helmets.
- Jefferson County, home to Lakewood, accounted for 19 of the 149 motorcycle fatalities – or about 13% of the state’s total motorcyclist deaths.
Colorado’s statistics match national trends. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that motorcyclist deaths continue to rise each year. In 2021, 5,932 riders were killed, representing 14% of all fatalities – the highest since at least 1975.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Crashes in Lakewood, CO?
According to CDOT and NHTSA, speeding and alcohol use are significant contributing factors in many motorcycle collisions. That means many of these crashes and fatalities could be prevented by not engaging in reckless behavior.
Some of the most common causes of Colorado motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for current weather or traffic conditions
- Distracted driving or riding
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dangerous turns
- Running red lights and traffic signs
- Tailgating, road rage, and other aggressive driving
- Inexperienced motorcycle riders
- Veering off the road
- Failing to follow Colorado traffic laws
Sometimes, outside factors other than driver error can cause or contribute to accidents. For example, faulty auto parts or road defects can lead to tragic motorcycle crashes. It’s essential to determine the cause(s) so that every liable party can be identified.
What Is the Value of My Lakewood Motorcycle Accident Claim?
No two motorcycle accidents or claims are exactly the same. Unique factors will determine what your personal injury case is worth.
That means we’ll need to evaluate the circumstances surrounding your crash, including:
- The severity of your motorcycle accident injuries
- Whether you’ve suffered a permanent disability or impairment
- The cost of your medical bills and other expenses
- Your lost income and whether you’re expected to return to work in the same capacity
- The physical and emotional impacts of your accident and injuries
- Whether you share any blame for causing the motorcycle collision
- The strength of your evidence
- The available insurance coverage
Our Lakewood personal injury lawyers will evaluate all aspects of your motorcycle accident case as we identify and calculate your damages.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident in Lakewood, Colorado?
Lakewood motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic losses.
Financial expenses related to the accident and injuries are known as economic damages, which might include:
- Medical expenses incurred, such as hospital bills and the cost of treatment
- Future medical costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are often overlooked but can make up a significant portion of your claim’s value. They might include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD
In some motorcycle accident cases, a Colorado court may award punitive damages – also known as exemplary damages. These aren’t meant to compensate you for a particular loss. Instead, they’re awarded to punish the defendant for malicious or willful conduct, such as operating a motor vehicle while drunk.
Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when they’re involved in accidents. They lack the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seat belts.
Though a helmet cannot prevent all types of harm, it can protect your head from immense trauma and save your life. Unfortunately, Colorado law only requires motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets.
Common injuries sustained by motorcycle riders in Colorado include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis and spinal cord damage
- Internal organ damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Injuries to the face
- Fractures and broken bones
- Wrongful death
Whether you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a crash, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Lakewood can help.
How Do I Prove My Lakewood Motorcycle Accident Case?
Most Lakewood motorcycle accidents are caused by an individual’s negligence.
The accident victim has the burden of proving the following elements of negligence in a Colorado personal injury claim:
- The at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care, such as to drive safely and follow state traffic regulations.
- The at-fault party breached their duty by failing to exercise reasonable caution. For example, a car driver failed to yield to a motorcyclist, leading to a car crash.
- The breach directly caused the accident and the victim’s harm.
- The victim sustained damages.
Our personal injury lawyers in Lakewood can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your motorcycle accident lawsuit, such as:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance and/or helmet camera footage, if available
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Physical evidence, such as damaged protective gear
- Expert witness opinions
- Payroll and employment records proving lost wages
Contact our Lakewood personal injury law firm today for help proving every element of your case.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Blamed for My Motorcycle Accident in Colorado?
The answer depends on the level of fault you share for the motorcycle collision. Colorado law implements a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar to financial recovery.
In simple terms, it means that you cannot receive compensation from another party if your percentage of responsibility exceeds 49%. However, if your portion of blame is 49% or less, you will receive a reduced amount of damages.
For example, say you’re 30% at fault for a motorcycle accident because you were speeding. The other party would be responsible for 70% of your damages. However, if you were 50% to blame, the other party wouldn’t owe you anything.
How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims – including those involving motorcycles – is three years. That means you’ll typically have three years from your motorcycle crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
There may be exceptions, so it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Lakewood personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline that applies to your claim, you’ll be unable to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Experienced Lakewood Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Lakewood, CO, Matos Personal Injury Lawyers is here to assist with your legal claim. We have over four decades of combined experience to use to your advantage. Our attorneys know how to battle insurance companies and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Contact us today for a free case consultation with a skilled Lakewood motorcycle accident attorney.
Lakewood Motorcycle Accident Review
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Local Emergency Rooms
- Emergency & Urgent Care Lakewood Centura Health – 3280 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227
- Lutheran Medical Center Emergency Room – 8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
- St. Anthony Hospital Emergency Room – 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228
- Swedish Belmar ER – 260 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80226
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Lakewood, CO
The Matos Law Firm, LLC
550 S Wadsworth Blvd STE 300
Lakewood, CO 80226
(720) 912 7274