Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on Denver’s roads. Riders face a much higher risk of serious injury compared to car occupants, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, knowing what to do next can protect your health, your rights, and your financial recovery.
At Fisher & Associates P.C., we’ve helped countless Colorado riders navigate the aftermath of serious motorcycle accidents. Our founder, Attorney Paul Fisher, is not only a seasoned Denver personal injury lawyer but also a seasoned rider and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified riding instructor in the state of Colorado. He is also the founder of Safe Ride Motorcycle Lawyers, the motorcycle arm of Fisher & Associates dedicated to protecting riders rights, built by riders for riders. Through Safe Ride Law, Paul not only advocates for injured riders in the courtroom, but also for safety education and awareness for all riders on the roads. His experience—as both a legal advocate, a seasoned rider, and a rider educator—gives him rare insight into the unique risks riders face and the legal strategies that can make or break a case. Paul has successfully represented injured riders for over 15 years and is a passionate motorcyclist himself. His firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to ride Colorado’s highways adds depth, empathy, and credibility to every case he handles.
This guide outlines the 7 essential steps you should take after a motorcycle accident in Denver to safeguard your well-being and strengthen your legal claim.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority after any motorcycle accident is your safety. If you’re able, move yourself out of harm’s way—away from traffic and further danger. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately.
Motorcycle injuries can be deceptive. Internal bleeding, head trauma, or soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting evaluated by a medical professional prevents you from acting in ways that could worsen your injuries, documents your condition and establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
Why it matters: Insurance companies often question the severity of injuries if there’s a delay in seeking care and receiving treatment. Prompt treatment protects both your health and your claim.
Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Under Colorado law, you’re required to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Call 911 right away to report the accident and request emergency services.
A responding police officer will create an official accident report, which can serve as a key piece of evidence for your case. Be honest and clear when speaking to law enforcement, but avoid admitting fault or making assumptions about what happened.
Pro tip: Always ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report. This document may include witness names, officer observations, and initial fault assessments.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can)
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, begin collecting evidence while you’re still at the scene:
- Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange insurance and license information with the other driver(s).
- Record your own observations of what happened while they are still fresh in your mind.
Tip: Use your phone’s voice memo or notes app to record details quickly.
Why it matters: Memories fade and evidence can disappear. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.
Step 4: Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Shortly after the crash, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything. Their goal is to minimize payouts—and they may use your words against you.
Instead, refer them to your attorney. Your legal team can handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure that you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your claim.
Key point: You are not legally required to speak with the other driver’s insurer without legal representation.
Step 5: Notify Your Own Insurance Company
While you shouldn’t speak with the at-fault party’s insurer, you are required to notify your own insurance company of the accident. Provide only the basic facts:
- Time and location of the crash
- Type of accident (motorcycle vs. car, etc.)
- Injuries sustained (if any)
Do not speculate or admit fault. Stick to the facts and let your attorney provide more detailed follow-up if necessary.
Important: Even if you weren’t at fault, your policy may include MedPay coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits that could help with medical bills or losses.
Step 6: Keep Track of Medical Treatment and Expenses
Create a dedicated file or folder to track everything related to your treatment:
- Hospital visits, surgeries, and follow-up appointments
- Prescriptions and medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical bills, copays, and insurance statements
Also document any missed work, emotional distress, or lifestyle changes caused by your injuries. This information will help establish the full value of your claim.
Why this matters: Motorcycle accidents often result in long-term consequences. Comprehensive documentation ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Step 7: Contact a Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accident claims are complex. From dealing with biased insurers to proving fault and damages, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the crash
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File a personal injury lawsuit if needed
At Fisher & Associates P.C., we don’t just handle your claim—we help you reclaim control. Attorney Paul Fisher’s background as a MSF certified riding instructor and his work through Safe Ride Law give our firm a unique edge.
Paul has spent years teaching riders how to stay safe on the road, and he applies that same expertise to prove what went wrong when crashes occur. That insight is especially powerful in cases where insurance companies try to blame the motorcyclist—often unfairly. Paul’s understanding of how motorcycle dynamics, rider behavior, and safety protocols play into crash causation and liability allows him to protect riders against bias and manipulation. If you were not at fault, he won’t let the insurance companies twist the facts and place the blame on you.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different (and What That Means for Your Case)
Motorcyclists involved in accidents not only face far more severe injuries than car occupants, but they also face bias—from insurance companies, law enforcement, and juries. Assumptions that riders are reckless can unfairly affect your case.
An attorney who understands these dynamics can counteract these biases and present your case clearly and compassionately. Paul Fisher’s experience in the courtroom, on the road and on the training range gives him an in-depth understanding of:
- Road positioning and lane usage
- Evasive maneuvers and rider reaction time
- Helmet use, braking distance, and mechanical factors
- Visual limitations of drivers who “just didn’t see” the rider
This knowledge helps him dismantle unfair stereotypes and prove how the other driver—not the rider—was at fault.
Common injuries in Denver motorcycle crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage and may affect memory, mood, cognitive function, and quality of life for years or even permanently.
- Spinal cord damage: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims may face a lifetime of rehabilitation, assistive devices, or even home modifications for accessibility.
- Fractures and road rash: Broken bones are frequent in high-impact crashes. Road rash can require skin grafts, carry infection risks, and often leaves lasting scars or disfigurement.
- Internal organ injuries: Blunt-force trauma can damage organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys. These injuries may require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening.
- Permanent disfigurement or disability: Facial injuries, limb loss, or nerve damage can affect a person’s appearance, mobility, and independence for the rest of their lives.
Each of these injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
If you have been severely injured in a motorcycle accident, your legal strategy must account for:
- Long-term and future medical care
- Potential surgeries or specialized treatment
- Pain and suffering—both physical and psychological
- Loss of enjoyment of life and changes to lifestyle
- Loss of income and diminished future earning capacity
- Need for ongoing therapy or in-home assistance
Attorney Paul Fisher works closely with medical experts and life care planners to build a detailed, forward-looking case. His goal isn’t just to recover compensation for what you’ve already been through—but also to prepare you for what lies ahead.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denver
Understanding how motorcycle accidents typically occur can also strengthen your claim. These are not just statistics—they’re real scenarios that Attorney Paul Fisher has seen time and again in Denver crash cases.
Left-turn collisions: One of the most dangerous scenarios for riders. These happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often misjudging the bike’s speed or distance. Even when the rider has the right of way, drivers often claim, “I didn’t see them.”
Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots or use their mirrors may sideswipe a motorcyclist during a lane change. This is especially dangerous at highway speeds and can send a rider into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely.
Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, adjusting music, or even eating behind the wheel has become alarmingly common. A distracted driver only needs a second to miss a motorcyclist in their path.
Impaired or drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment. Impaired drivers are more likely to speed, swerve, or ignore road signs—putting motorcyclists at severe risk.
Dooring accidents: Common in Denver’s dense urban areas, these accidents happen when a parked driver opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Riders often have little time to swerve or stop to avoid impact.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, gravel, debris, or poorly maintained roads can destabilize a motorcycle far more easily than a car. Municipal negligence may be a contributing factor in these cases.
Speeding and aggressive driving: When drivers exceed speed limits or weave through traffic, they often fail to give motorcyclists the space and respect they need. This is a leading cause of fatal accidents.
Weather-related visibility issues: Sudden rain, snow, or even glaring sunlight can reduce visibility. Motorcycles are already smaller and harder to spot, making bad weather an added danger.
Attorney Paul Fisher uses his experience as a MSF certified riding instructor to reconstruct these scenarios with precision. He understands how a rider can and should react under pressure and can explain to a jury or insurance adjuster exactly how the crash unfolded—and why the motorcyclist wasn’t at fault. His goal is always to tell your side of the story accurately, powerfully, and with undeniable clarity.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
When you hire Fisher & Associates, we guide you through every stage of your case:
- Free consultation: We learn your story, review the facts, and explain your options.
- Investigation: We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene evidence.
- Claim preparation: We calculate your damages and present a detailed demand to the insurance company.
- Negotiation: We fight for a fair settlement. If they lowball you, we’re ready to go to trial.
- Resolution: Whether through settlement or court verdict, we work to get you justice and to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Throughout the process, you’ll get clear updates and honest advice. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
Support for Riders Beyond Legal Help
Paul Fisher doesn’t just represent injured riders—he advocates for rider safety and education across Colorado. He actively supports community initiatives, teaches safe riding practices, and works to raise awareness about motorcycle visibility and rights on the road.
If you’re recovering from an accident, we can help you:
- Connect with trusted medical specialists and physical therapists
- Deal with unpaid medical bills and insurance claims
- Explore long-term care and disability resources
Your recovery isn’t just about the courtroom—it’s about restoring your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I feel fine after a motorcycle accident?
Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation can uncover hidden injuries and strengthen your injury claim.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Colorado?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, exceptions can apply. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Colorado law does not require adult riders over 18 to wear a helmet. While not wearing one may impact the damages you can recover for certain head injuries, it does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim.
What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your motorcycle
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
What makes motorcycle accident cases more complicated than car accidents?
Motorcyclists often face bias from insurance companies and juries, as well as more severe injuries. These cases require an attorney—like Paul Fisher—who understands motorcycle dynamics, rider safety, and how to counter unfair assumptions about motorcyclists.
Why should I hire an attorney with motorcycle experience?
Attorney Paul Fisher is not only a Denver personal injury lawyer—he’s also a MSF certified motorcycle instructor. His hands-on experience gives him deep insight into motorcycle handling, road safety, and crash dynamics—making him uniquely equipped to investigate and win motorcycle accident cases.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Fighter Who Understands What It Means to Ride
Motorcycle accidents can change lives in an instant. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Fisher & Associates, we believe every rider deserves to be heard, supported, and fully compensated.
We’re not just your legal team—we’re your advocates, your guide, and your support system every step of the way.
Speak to a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today?
Call us now for a 100% free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, advise, and fight for what you’re owed. 📞 (303) 779-5300
Paul Fisher founded Fisher & Associates P.C. in order to fight for justice and ensure accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. He is licensed to practice law in both the State of Colorado and the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and focuses on all aspects of personal injury law, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and insurance bad faith.