Two Denver area motorcyclists were recently killed in two separate crashes on the same day, another unfortunate reminder of the risks for bikers.
Both fatal accidents involved motorcycles and cars, according to news reports. These kinds of crashes are all too common and often result in serious or even life-threatening injuries for motorcyclists.
The first biker killed was a man whose Kawasaki collided with a sport utility vehicle on Mexico Avenue in Aurora, The Denver Post reports. A woman reportedly was killed some three hours later after an accident with a car in Thornton.
The Aurora crash happened when the SUV turned in front of the motorcycle, local police said.
“The initial investigation revealed a Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling eastbound on E. Mexico Ave,” the Aurora Police Department said in a report posted to its website. “An Infiniti FX35 was turning left from westbound E. Mexico Ave to go southbound on S. Helena St. The motorcycle and SUV collided in the intersection, tragically killing the sole rider of the motorcycle.”
The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, police said. The 18-year-old behind the wheel of the SUV was not injured in the accident.
“Investigators do not believe alcohol was involved and will now work to determine speeds before the crash,” the police department said.
Less information has been made public about the Thornton accident. The woman was killed after her motorcycle collided with a car at East 104th Avenue and York Street, local police said.
Motorcycle Accidents Kill
These tragic accidents are a far too routine occurrence in Colorado and across the country.
More than 130 people are killed in Colorado motorcycle crashes each year, according to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Motorcyclists represent nearly a quarter of traffic fatalities statewide, even though they account for just 3% or so of all vehicle traffic.
Across the U.S., the fatalities among motorcycle riders continue to increase. That trend is happening as the total number of miles traveled by bikers falls.
When crashes happen, bikers are at particular risk of injury or death because they have little physical protection from oncoming vehicles. That is particularly true for motorcyclists who hit the road without a helmet.
Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. About half of the bikers killed each are not wearing helmets at the time of the accidents.
The truth is that helmets reduce the risk of death for motorcyclists by nearly 40 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motorcyclists who wear helmets are also nearly 70 percent less likely than others to suffer head injuries in the event of a crash.
For example, local police said a helmet may have saved a motorcycle rider’s life during an April crash in Colorado Springs. The man reportedly collided with a car in an intersection on Palmer Park Boulevard. He suffered serious injuries, but cops told KKTV that the rider “was, fortunately, wearing a helmet.”
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Know Your Rights
Anyone who gets hurt in a motorcycle crash in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the accident.
The money damages often available in these cases includes compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages during recuperation and any long-term impact on a person’s ability to work.
The more extensive the injuries, the higher the amount of monetary damages that may be available.
Medical costs are commonly a large portion of compensation in motorcycle collision cases. From treatment and medication to surgeries, therapy and rehabilitation, it is important to be able to detail the costs associated with your injuries. That includes the medical bills you have already incurred and those you expect to incur in the future.
Crashes can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including many outside the control of the motorcycle rider involved in the collision. Negligent car or truck drivers are often to blame, but bike and car manufacturers, road crews that leave driving surfaces in dangerous conditions, and government entities responsible for street design may also share some liability.
It is important to understand that an injured biker who is not wearing a helmet is likely to be deemed at least partly to blame for his or her injuries.
Colorado is a comparative negligence state. A person who is found to be less than 50% responsible for an accident will have his or her money damages reduced proportionately. A person who is found 50% or more at fault is barred from obtaining compensation for his or her injuries under state law.
Motorcyclists also are expected under the law to make reasonable efforts to protect themselves. A biker who opts to hit the road without a helmet may be considered to have assumed the risk.
Wrongful Death Actions
In the tragic event that a person dies in a motorcycle accident, his or her loved ones can seek similar compensation for wrongful death.
No lawsuit and no amount of money damages can ever allow you to go back in time, stop an accident from happening and bring back a loved one. A wrongful death action can, however, help ease the financial strain that often comes with the loss of a loved one. It can also provide a certain level of closure by getting justice and ensuring that those responsible are made accountable for their actions.
An experienced attorney can help you identify the person or entity responsible for an accident and seek compensation for wrongful death. A Denver personal injury lawyer at Levine Law can also help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurers and others to avoid a long, drawn-out court battle.
Speak With a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a skiing, sledding or other accident in Colorado, an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer at Levine Law can help. Our attorneys combine decades of experience and a strong track record of success in the courtroom and through negotiated settlements.
Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
