Motorcyclist killed in multiple-vehicle crash in Denver
Denver, CO – A motorcyclist was killed in a multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Denver on Saturday. According to the police, the accident occurred around 3 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near the Sheridan exit. Eastbound I-70 was shut down for three hours. The causes of the crash are still under investigation.
If you or someone you love were recently involved in such a crash, you need to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver. Multiple-vehicle accidents are notoriously difficult to investigate and it will be hard to determine who may be liable for damages. Also, whenever there’s a motorcyclist involved both authorities and insurance representatives tend to blame them for what happened, although that is not always the case. On the contrary, many times it is the car or truck driver who was responsible for the crash, not the biker.
Main causes of motorcycle accidents in Colorado
Let’s have a quick look at the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Colorado and who may be responsible for damages in each case.
Speeding: Excessive speed is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. If a biker travels at high speeds they are more likely to lose control of their bikes and crash. In such a situation, they will have to seek damages under their own insurance, which is mandatory in Colorado.
Driver Inattention: Drivers of cars and trucks often fail to see motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions. Distracted driving, such as using a phone or other device while driving, is a major contributor to driver inattention. Seasoned Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers can help you prove that the driver was distracted, which constitutes negligence. This allows you to file a personal injury claim against their insurance. If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, you may be able to recover damages under your own policy if you have this type of coverage.
Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Colorado. If that’s what caused the crash, the motorcyclist can be held accountable for all the damages the accident caused.
Impaired Driving: Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. It is also illegal so the biker may face criminal charges, especially if the crash results in injury or death.
Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes and crash. Knowledgeable accident lawyers may be able to build a case against local authorities or those responsible for littering the road with hazardous items.
Weather Conditions: Rain, wind, and other adverse weather conditions can make it more difficult to control a motorcycle and can lead to accidents. Same as car drivers, bikers are required to reduce speed during inclement weather episodes.
Improper Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal when changing lanes can collide with motorcyclists who are in their path. Make sure the police report mentions that the driver did not signal the turn, as this is essential when you file a claim based on negligence.
Inexperienced Riders: Inexperienced motorcyclists are more likely to make errors that can lead to accidents, such as braking or cornering too hard.
Mechanical Failure: Defective parts or poor maintenance can cause a motorcycle to malfunction and lead to accidents. You may have a case against the manufacturer of the defective part, for instance, but your lawyers will have to look for similar cases and contact all sorts of experts to prove that the part had a design or manufacturing defect.
It’s important to note that many motorcycle accidents are caused by a combination of factors and that drivers of other vehicles on the road often bear some responsibility for these accidents.
If you have been recently involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm right away if you want to get the damages you are entitled to.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
Source: Motorcyclist killed in crash involving several vehicles on I-70 in Denver
