Motorcycling offers a thrilling way to explore Colorado’s scenic roads and mountainous landscapes. But along with the freedom comes risk. Motorcycle accidents in Colorado remain a serious concern, with thousands of riders injured or killed every year. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents is critical not just for prevention but for knowing your legal rights should the worst happen.
In this article, we’ll break down the most frequent causes of crashes involving motorcycles, how Colorado law affects your claim, what role insurance companies play, and why having the right legal assistance can make all the difference.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on Colorado Roads
Colorado’s natural beauty and challenging terrain make it a popular destination for motorcyclists. However, the combination of unpredictable weather, winding roads, and distracted drivers creates a perfect storm for crashes. Here are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Colorado:
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading contributors to motorcycle crashes is distracted driving—when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road. This can involve texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers.
Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than passenger vehicles, and when drivers are distracted, they often fail to notice motorcyclists until it’s too late. This lack of visibility increases the likelihood of devastating collisions, especially at intersections.
2. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. This often happens during left turns at intersections, where a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, misjudging its speed or failing to see it altogether.
According to Colorado traffic data, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles are especially deadly due to the angle and speed of impact.
3. Speeding on Colorado Roads
Speeding remains a persistent issue across Colorado roads, particularly in the Front Range and mountainous regions. When either a motorcyclist or another driver exceeds the speed limit, the chance of a collision—and the severity of injuries—increases dramatically.
High-speed crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists, who lack the protective shell of a vehicle.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, making them a major threat to motorcyclists.
DUI-related motorcycle crashes are tragically common, especially on weekends and holidays. If you were hit by an impaired driver, legal help is crucial to holding them accountable.
5. Road Hazards and Poor Infrastructure
Uneven pavement, gravel, potholes, and inadequate signage are more than just nuisances—they’re dangerous for motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more sensitive to changes in road surface, which can lead to loss of control.
Many crashes on rural and mountainous Colorado roads are directly linked to poorly maintained infrastructure or unmarked hazards.
6. Inexperienced Drivers
New or untrained drivers are less likely to spot motorcycles or know how to react to them. They may follow too closely, pass unsafely, or misjudge distances.
When inexperience meets distracted behavior, the risk for riders skyrockets.
How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims
After a motorcycle crash, victims quickly find themselves dealing with insurance companies—often without a clear understanding of their rights. While insurers may present themselves as helpful, their goal is to minimize payouts, not protect you.
Insurance companies may:
- Claim you were partially at fault to reduce your compensation.
- Offer quick, lowball settlements before the full extent of your injuries is known.
- Delay or deny legitimate claims through fine print or policy loopholes.
This is why consulting with an experienced attorney is so important. A firm that provides real legal assistance will help level the playing field against aggressive insurance tactics.
What Colorado Law Says About Motorcycle Accidents
Colorado law follows a system of modified comparative negligence. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the crash—but only if your share of the fault is less than 50%.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’re 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
- If you’re 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Because fault affects the outcome so significantly, insurers often try to shift blame. That’s where solid evidence, accident reconstruction, and skilled legal help become essential.
In Colorado, only motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 are legally required to wear helmets. However, wearing a helmet—regardless of age—can impact how a personal injury claim is evaluated, especially if head injuries are involved.
While adults are not legally required to wear a helmet, insurance companies may argue that not wearing one contributed to the severity of injuries, which can affect how damages are assessed. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney who understands how these factors may influence your claim.
Why You Need Legal Assistance After a Motorcycle Crash — Backed by Real Rider Experience
Many riders hesitate to get legal assistance after an accident, thinking they can handle it on their own or worrying about attorney costs. But here’s the truth: motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than they seem.
Led by Paul Fisher—a Colorado Certified Motorcycle Instructor and passionate rider advocate—Fisher & Associates offers a perspective that few firms can match. Paul’s extensive experience training riders and understanding crash mechanics gives our team a practical edge in both negotiation and litigation.
We also operate SafeRide Law, the motorcycle arm of Fisher & Associates is a statewide initiative that promotes motorcycle safety education and legal rights for riders. Through SafeRide Law, we offer community workshops, legal clinics, and support for accident prevention efforts across Colorado.
When you work with Fisher & Associates, you’re choosing a team that not only understands motorcycle law—but lives the lifestyle, teaches the safety, and stands up for riders.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Prove the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take the case to court if necessary.
At Fisher & Associates, we offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your rights under Colorado law. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Free Consultation with Fisher & Associates: Protect Your Rights Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident on Colorado roads, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
At Fisher & Associates, we understand what you’re going through—and we’re here to help. With over 15 years of experience representing injured riders across Colorado, we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight back against powerful insurance companies.
Call today for your free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation and support you deserve.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Colorado?
The most common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, impaired driving, and road hazards.
How can I prove the other driver was at fault?
Gathering evidence such as photos, witness statements, police reports, and expert analysis can help prove fault under Colorado law.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Speak to a lawyer before accepting. Many initial offers from insurance companies are far lower than what you may actually deserve.
Do I need legal assistance if the accident was minor?
Even seemingly minor crashes can result in hidden injuries and insurance complications. It’s best to get a free consultation to know your options.
Is lane splitting legal in Colorado?
No. Lane splitting is currently illegal under Colorado law, and doing so may impact your ability to recover compensation if you’re in a crash.
How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident? You generally have three years to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, but acting quickly gives you the best chance of building a strong case.
Your Road to Recovery Starts with the Right Legal Help. Call Fisher & Associates at (303) 622-3876 Today.
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.