Motorcyclists across Colorado love the freedom and thrill of riding throughout our beautiful state. Whether you’re exploring the mountains or the bustling streets of downtown Denver, there’s so much to see from the back of your bike. But when riding your motorcycle, you also need to be cautious. Thousands of motorcycle accidents yearly lead to injury, property damage, and fatalities. Suppose you’re involved in a Colorado motorcycle accident. In that case, you shouldn’t wait to call a personal injury lawyer in Denver who can help you understand your case, assess its actual value, and fight for you in court.
In this blog, we’re looking at motorcycle accidents and offering some helpful tips to help you avoid Denver motorcycle accidents and stay safer on the road. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road on your motorcycle. However, nothing can take that thrill away faster than a motorcycle accident. Read on to stay safe on your next ride.
Here at the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, our entire legal team is dedicated to defending the rights of anyone involved in a personal injury accident. Whether it’s a motorcycle accident, car accident, truck accident, bad faith insurance claim, or more, we can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Give us a call even if you think you’re partially at fault. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys will do whatever it takes to ensure you receive fair compensation for your accident.
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What Are the Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Each motorcycle accident has unique circumstances. However, data shows that there are certain factors that contribute to the majority of motorcycle accidents. By identifying these primary causes, we can raise the awareness of both motorcyclists and motorists to keep our roads safer.
Take a look at some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Speeding: we have speed limits for a reason. Anytime a driver or motorcyclist exceeds the posted speed limit, they make the entire road less safe. When you’re speeding on your motorcycle, you give yourself less time to react to changing road conditions. It may not seem like much of a difference, but when you’re going down the highway at 60 miles per hour or faster, you only have a split second to react. Even if you’re running late, speeding is never worth the risk.
- Lack of experience: inexperience is a leading factor for many motorcycle accidents in Denver and across the United States. Ideally, every motorcyclist should spend dozens of hours training and practicing in an enclosed space (like a parking lot) before hitting the open road. But this doesn’t always happen. Lack of experience can make it that much more challenging to make the right decisions when you’re on your bike. Additionally, you may have to account for the poor choices made by inexperienced motorists.
- Riding under the influence: riding your motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Just one or two drinks can impact your ability to safely operate your motorcycle and respond to changing road conditions.
- Distracted driving: according to a 2019 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all highway collisions, including motorcycle accidents and car accidents. Changing your music, reading a passing billboard, using your cell phone, or simply daydreaming, are all different forms of distracted driving. No matter how you get distracted, it can be dangerous when your full attention isn’t on the act of driving. Always keep your full focus on the road.
- Left-hand turns: left-hand turns account for a large percentage of all fatal motorcycle accidents. Whether this action occurs when passing, overtaking another vehicle, or traveling straight ahead, always be cautious when making left-hand turns, and never assume that another driver is able to see you.
Tips for How to Avoid Denver Motorcycle Accidents
We can never fully predict what will happen when we hop on our bikes and hit the road. Even if you’re going around the block, there’s always the potential for an accident because of the actions and behaviors of other drivers. Thus, even the safest motorcyclists may be involved in an accident.
But there are also ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Read on to learn some tips for avoiding Denver motorcycle accidents and staying safe no matter where the road takes you.
- Slow down: slowing down a little bit can dramatically reduce your chance of getting in an accident. Speeding reduces the time you have to make split decisions and respond safely to changing road conditions. If an accident does occur, those at higher speeds often result in worse injuries and more damage. Why not enjoy your ride and just slow down a bit?
- Never ride between traffic: known as “lane splitting,” this common practice occurs when motorcyclists ride between lanes of traffic. Motorcyclists often do this during heavy traffic as a way to keep moving, but this practice can also be dangerous. Cars won’t be able to see you if they merge lanes. Lane splitting is also illegal. You should also never share a lane with a car as the driver won’t expect this, and chances are they won’t see you.
- Always ride sober: riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly affect your ability to operate your motorcycle safely. Even just a few drinks can slow your reaction, affect your motor skills, and impair your critical thinking. If you’ve been drinking, always find an alternate way home.
- Never assume a driver can see you: this rule is especially important whenever you’re stopped at an intersection or making a left-hand turn. Never assume a motorist can see you and ride cautiously, keeping your full attention on the road and the actions of other drivers.
- Perform regular maintenance: you should always keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance for your motorcycle. A blown tire or faulty light can quickly lead to a motorcycle accident. While no one loves going to the mechanic, these regular maintenance visits will help you avoid major costly repairs in the future.
Conclusion – Tips for How to Avoid Denver Motorcycle Accidents
If you’re ever involved in a motorcycle or any other type of personal injury accident, don’t wait to call on an experienced personal injury attorney. After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is paying your medical bills, recovering lost wages, or facing off against insurance companies or other attorneys. You’ll need someone in your corner with the experience and expertise to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. And since the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm works on contingency fees, this means that we only get paid if you do. That’s how confident we are.
Contact the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and discover the best options available for you and your case. Together, following a personal injury accident, we can get you on the road to recovery.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.
