Motorcycle accident attorneys who ride

On two wheels for more than two decades

With more than two decades of personal injury experience—and equal time riding motorcycles and dirt bikes—attorney Peter M. Anderson understands the dangers motorcyclists face on the road. Motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable than other types of motorists (due to the lack of additional protection afforded with motor vehicles) and suffer more severe injuries or death when accidents occur. 

The U.S. government compiled statistics that demonstrated this fact: in 2013, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in U.S. traffic accidents and nearly 5,000 proved fatal. Much of this was due to the inattentiveness of car and truck drivers, and their failure to properly recognize or yield to motorcyclists’ rights on the road. Motorcycle injury lawyer Peter Anderson has seen this in action through the course of his motorcycle travels across the U.S., Canada and crossing both the Andes and Alps on sport tourers. Every country has different challenges, but the inherent need for safety and caution is universal.

In our home state of Colorado, motorcyclists are omnipresent on the roads in the summer months (we have nearly 100,000 registered motorcycles and scooters in Colorado). Colorado is the ultimate motorcycle destination for amazing mountainous and desert views with the likes of the Rocky Mountain National Park, Independence Pass and the Mesa Verde National Park as some popular spots. Those of us lucky to live in Colorado take advantage of the winding roads, cool switchbacks and steep climbs for most the year, while visitors are equally awed by a week long trip or two. Check out this great resource for trips… 

But the sobering truth is that Colorado has far too many motorcycle crashes each year. Fatalities were up to over 100 in 2020 alone, and that doesn’t take into consideration the thousands of injured rider crashes each year in the state. While we hope you never need a motorcycle accident injury lawyer, we are here to help. Our team has a unique understanding of Colorado motorcycle laws, as well as “negligent party” (at-fault) statutes and insurance company claims. We seek to hold the at-fault driver’s insurance company accountable for their insured, asking for fair and reasonable compensation for the full accident claim. This may cover medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, property damage, pain and suffering as well as permanent impairments (physical limitations) stemming from a crash.  

FAQs about Colorado motorcycle laws

For motorcyclists: A few safety measures 

• Machine maintenance: Make sure you test your lights, turn signals and brakes before each ride. You should also make sure your bike’s oil and fuel levels are good and that your mirrors are positioned correctly.
• Good gear: Although not required by law if you are over the age of 18, we still recommend you wear a helmet, one that fits well and does not affect your visibility. You should also wear bright clothing that increases your visibility. Consider investing in PIAA lights that are on day/night, which also increase your visibility on the road.
• Safety habits: Employ consistent safety habits on the road, from following the speed limit to using turn signals. Never enter an intersection until you are sure that nearby drivers see you. Use your horn if you don’t think a driver sees you. The distracted motorist will almost always be at fault, but that is little solace when you are injured. The more you can do to protect yourself on the road, the better!
• Match speed with traction: If it starts to rain, be most careful right away as the oils rise before being washed away.
• Visibility: Make your gear as visible as possible. My wife and I wear white full face helmets and bright yellow Aerostich suits with reflective patches; it isn’t stylish, but it increases visibility making for a much more enjoyable riding experience. 

For drivers: LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE

• Look twice: When making lane changes, turns, merging and other traffic changes, check twice to save a life. Do everything you can to avoid a car accident.
• Look ahead: Crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents. Nearly 75% of the time, the vehicle strikes the motorcycle head-on. These types of crashes often prove fatal for the rider and any pillion rider (passenger).
• Use caution turning left: When making lefthand turns, look carefully for motorcyclists and then take the time to more accurately gauge the motorcycle’s speed before entering an intersection and making that turn.
• Don’t tailgate: Never follow motorcyclists too closely, as motorcycles and their riders can slow down quicker than cars. Giving riders more space than a car ensures that drivers have enough time to slow or stop.
• Avoid distractions: Be mindful and aware of driving situations, changes on roadways and other unexpected incidents. Don’t give in to distraction (cell phones, texting, changing music, etc.) that may prove dangerous for both drivers and motorcyclists.
• Slow down: Speed can be deadly for everyone on the road, but especially motorcyclists.

From one motorcyclist to another

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, and need a motorcycle accident lawyer, consider a lawyer who has firsthand knowledge as a fellow rider (total motorhead), and member of the broader motorcycling community in Colorado, such as riding at The Colorado 600, The South Dakota 600, The Nevada 200, CORCS 12-hour race overall winner and ten years as a Board Member of a local non-profit Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit. We live for a great ride, but also understand the inherent dangers of the road, with cars, SUVs and trucks barreling down behind or in the opposite direction. We advocate for personal safety and visibility as motorcyclists, but realize that most crashes can’t be prevented by the rider. More frequently inattentive motorists are at fault; as a result, we also support the efforts of the Colorado Department of Transportation in its LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE campaign to alert motorists to be more aware on local roadways. Yet, we are here to help if such an unfortunate crash occurs. As personal injury attorneys specializing in motorcycle accidents, we are keenly aware of the devastating impact of a crash and do everything in our power to secure a financial and physical recovery for you and your family. We always offer free consultations to determine if our legal representation is right for you.