Motorcycles are vehicles that are often admired for their speed, maneuverability, and thrills. Many enthusiasts enjoy motorbikes as both a hobby and an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Unfortunately, the same features that make motorcycles thrilling to ride also make them highly susceptible to dangerous accidents.
The smaller size of the motorcycle’s frame can easily be overlooked by drivers who do not pay full attention. Their maneuverability and speed can make their movements difficult for some drivers to anticipate. The open design and lack of structure also present additional opportunities for motorbike riders to sustain injury.
If you have suffered injuries due to a motorcycle collision, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced injury attorney. A Longmont motorcycle accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your losses and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
During a collision, a motorcycle rider often suffers more injuries than the passengers in the other vehicle. A car’s frame generally provides protection from projectiles, and vehicles are usually equipped with additional safety equipment such as airbags and seatbelts. A motorcycle lacks these features, leaving the rider exposed to much greater risk in the event of a crash.
Another contributing factor that leads to an increased risk of injury in a motorcycle wreck is limited steering capacity. Compared to a car, motorcycles have very sensitive steering, making them easy to swerve off the road or into something nearby. Even when the brakes, which have much less stopping power than a standard car, are applied, a motorbike can quickly spin out of the rider’s control.
The lack of protection and well-known risks associated with operating motorcycles is openly acknowledged by protective laws regulating motorcycle operation. Colorado law does not require riders age 18 and over to wear a helmet. However, even with additional safety equipment, a rider can suffer injury in a motorbike accident. A dedicated attorney could help a motorcycle rider in Longmont seek compensation for injuries caused by another party.
Due to the reduced control and lack of structural protection afforded by the motorcycle, bikers often suffer from severe injuries. These injuries can include burns, road rash, and soft tissue injuries from motorbike sliding scenarios. Additionally, riders can easily be thrown from the motorcycle and suffer injuries such as broken bones, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.
Many of the injuries related to a motorcycle accident require extensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation. In some scenarios, a collision may result in paralysis or death. The consequences can be life-altering and have long-reaching effects for both the injured rider and their family. An experienced Longmont attorney could help an individual and their family pursue legal action that accounts for these long-term damages sustained from a motorbike wreck.
Motorcycle accident claims, like all personal injury claims, have a definite and strictly enforced time limit in which to file, known as the statute of limitations. For motorcycle accident injuries, claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident.
While three years may seem like plenty of time, it is important to consult with a local attorney early on in the motorcycle injury claim process. Acting in a timely manner gives an attorney time to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and file all necessary paperwork within the state’s required timeframe.
If you have suffered injuries in a wreck caused by a negligent party, a Longmont motorcycle accident lawyer could provide instrumental help with your claim. You do not have to juggle your job, medical bills, injuries, and a lawsuit all on your own. Call our office to schedule a consultation. Our hands-on legal team could provide you with the guidance you need and ensure that your best interests are protected.