Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road compared to other motorists. One of the greatest factors that can influence the severity of a motorcycle accident is whether the rider is wearing a helmet. However, despite how crucial helmets are, not every rider wears them in Colorado.
With that in mind, if you’re looking to enjoy a ride through an area like Lakewood, CO, it’s important to understand the state’s helmet laws before you hit the road. And if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in the region that has led to you suffering injuries, contact Matos Personal Injury Lawyers for help at (720) 912 7274. We offer a free consultation.
How Matos Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Lakewood, CO
Since 2016, our Lakewood motorcycle accident lawyers have been working diligently to provide our clients with the tenacious and reliable legal representation they deserve.
When you turn to us after an accident, you’ll receive help in the following areas:
- Assessing your claim
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurers and others
- Taking your case to court (if talks fall through)
You should never have to go through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident without help. Turn to Matos Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with our motorcycle accident lawyers in Lakewood, Colorado.
What Are the Helmet Laws in Colorado?
According to Colorado state law, a motorcycle rider who is older than 18 can decide whether they want to wear a helmet. Those under 18 must wear helmets that have been approved by the state’s Department of Transportation, as must any motorcycle passengers.
Although helmets are not required of a majority of riders, wearing them any time you’re out riding is often what stands between your safety and something like a traumatic brain injury. This is because motorcyclists are much more exposed than other drivers. Even a minor accident has the potential to fling you from your bike and onto the pavement with extreme force.
The safest helmets are those that enclose your entire head and have a facemask. In fact, Colorado law requires that you wear protective eyewear to prevent debris from damaging your eyes.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lakewood, CO
The first thing you need to do is assess your injuries. If you see that you’re bleeding, have hit your head, or are experiencing severe pain, don’t try to move. Call emergency services or ask someone to do so for you. It’s crucial to do this even if you don’t think you’ve suffered injuries because the adrenaline and shock of the accident can often mask pain.
The next thing you need to do is call the police. By law, you must report any accident that results in bodily harm or property damage. Besides ensuring you obey the law, contacting the police also works to ensure that there’s an official record of the accident.
If you’re well enough, you then need to exchange information with the other party. Remember not to discuss who was at fault, and keep the conversation brief to avoid saying anything that can be used against you later on.
You should also take pictures or videos of the vehicles involved, the street, your injuries, and anything else that you think could be helpful.
From there, contact a Lakewood personal injury attorney to help you with the process of filing a claim if the accident was someone else’s fault.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash
Colorado is an at-fault state, which means that the person responsible for an accident is the one who will have to pay for the other party’s losses. However, Colorado law complicates things by following a modified comparative negligence statute. If you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, but only if your fault doesn’t exceed 50%.
Given the risk of being deemed the most at fault for the accident, you need to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. They will do everything possible to gather the evidence you need to prove you were not to blame.
Often, insurance companies will try to pin the blame on the biker if they weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. They’ll try to say that the rider was negligent despite the law allowing the individual to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Having a lawyer in such a case means ensuring the best possible chance at fair compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lakewood Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
A motorcycle accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, including those that could leave you with lasting disabilities. To be able to claim damages if the accident was someone else’s fault, you must turn to personal injury lawyers who are well-versed in traffic accidents.
At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Contact our Lakewood, CO, motorcycle accident lawyers today.