Choosing A Law Firm That Knows Motorcycles Makes A Big Difference
Unless your Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer has staff that rides, they can never fully understand the specialized physics and risks that go with riding a motorcycle. At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, we have real-world, hands-on knowledge of how motorcycles run, stop, slide, and crash — allowing you to talk through your recollection of the accident with confidence that we will truly understand what you experienced. That knowledge also enables us to build and pursue your case armed with insight that an opposing attorney likely does not have. Being riders allows us to better serve our clients.
With our personal experience on the road, we understand how other vehicles often respond to motorcycles, how motorcycle riders check for safety before and during a ride, and how riders respond to dangerous situations in real time. In our experience, this inside knowledge is often the difference between a case that is fully understood and one that gets minimized by an insurer or opposing counsel who has never thrown a leg over a bike.
Motorcycle Collisions Are Rarely True Accidents
This is why you need a specialized motorcycle accident attorney. Many collisions involving motorcycles are not accidents in the true sense of the word. They are the direct result of inattentive drivers who were distracted by passengers, phones, music, eating, or any number of other things. The most common explanation offered by at-fault drivers after striking a motorcyclist is that they simply “did not see” the rider. That phrase — “I didn’t see them” — is not an excuse. It is an admission of inattention, and it is exactly the kind of negligence that gives injured riders the right to pursue full compensation.
Despite motorcyclists’ efforts to protect themselves with helmets, protective clothing, and careful, defensive riding habits, these precautions rarely provide full protection when a collision occurs. When motorcycle accidents happen, the injuries are often severe and life-changing. Many serious injury victims will never walk again, work again, or enjoy the same activities they did before the crash.
The Prejudice Riders Face When Making A Claim
Most motorcycle enthusiasts ride far more defensively and alertly than the average motorist. Yet riders who do more to avoid a collision than the drivers around them often face unfair prejudice when making an insurance claim. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys sometimes try to paint motorcyclists as inherently reckless, regardless of the actual facts of the crash. Having an attorney who rides — and who can speak credibly and knowledgeably about motorcycle operation, safety practices, and rider behavior — is a powerful counter to that narrative.
We know that even the most experienced rider, wearing full protective gear, must constantly be vigilant for the negligent driver or dangerous road hazard. That vigilance deserves respect, not suspicion, and we make sure decision-makers understand that distinction.
What You Can Recover After A Motorcycle Accident
A successful motorcycle accident claim can recover compensation for a wide range of losses, including lost wages during recovery and reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, all medical costs including future treatment and rehabilitation, motorcycle damage and repair or replacement costs, and non-economic damages like loss of enjoyment of life. Understanding the full range of damages you may be entitled to recover is an important first step in knowing the true value of your case.
Five Guidelines For Choosing A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle motorcycle cases. Here are five questions to ask when selecting legal representation after a motorcycle crash:
- Has this attorney specifically handled motorcycle accident cases similar to yours in the past? General personal injury experience alone is not enough.
- Can they provide references or examples of motorcycle accident cases in which they have represented injured riders? Past results speak volumes about an attorney’s familiarity with these cases.
- Have they personally tried motorcycle crash cases before a jury? Settlement experience is valuable, but an attorney who has never taken a motorcycle case to trial may lack the full picture of what it takes to win.
- What is their appellate record? If a case does not go the way it should at the trial level, you want an attorney with the experience to appeal effectively.
- Do they fully understand motorcycle insurance law in Colorado, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, and the specific ways in which Colorado law applies to motorcycle claims?
You can also review our guide on how to choose the right personal injury attorney for additional guidance on what to look for before making your decision.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
We have handled many high-value motorcycle accident cases in Colorado Springs, working with trusted experts when needed and going the distance to prove the full extent of our clients’ injuries and other damages. When you have done everything you possibly could to avoid a collision but it still finds you, you need someone who truly understands what happened on that road. You can relate to us, trust us, and count on focused, knowledgeable attention to your case.
Be aware that Colorado’s statute of limitations puts a deadline on when you can take legal action, so do not wait to get legal counsel involved. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to ride to bat for you. 🏍️
