Were You a Motorcycle Passenger Injured in an Accident?
Motorcycles offer riders and their passengers a lot. They are convenient, they use less gas than cars, and they are simply more fun to operate. However, it’s no secret that motorcycles are dangerous. In fact, motorcycle riders are around 27 times more likely to die or be seriously injured in an accident than car drivers.
When an accident occurs due to someone’s negligent actions, it becomes extremely important to correctly determine liability so that responsible parties can be held responsible. Most often, the at-fault party is the car or truck driver who made a mistake and injured a motorcycle rider, or the motorcycle rider who made an error. Motorcycle passengers are rarely at fault. If you are a passenger injured in a Denver motorcycle accident, do everything you can to preserve the information related to you claim, meaning:
- File an accident report with the police and obtain a copy of this report.
- Collect insurance and license information from the drivers involved in the accident.
- Obtain a medical examination and keep note of your injuries.
- Save all receipts and photos associated with your accident and injuries
- Contact a Denver injury lawyer at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.
Motorcycle Passenger Laws in Colorado
Colorado has various legal requirements aimed at ensuring safety on the road. The Colorado Revised Statute 2-4-1502 outlines the laws relating to motorcycle passengers. These laws are wide-reaching, they govern age, equipment, and behavior requirements. To drive a motorcycle with a passenger:
- the motorcycle must have a seat specifically for the passenger that is firmly attached to the motorcycle
- the passenger must not interfere with the operation of the motorcycle
- all passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
- the rider must be able to reach the footrests and find an approved helmet that fits them. The passenger must also know how to be safe
- all passengers are required to wear glasses or goggles, even if the motorcycle has a windshield
- a passenger may not attach a motorcycle to another vehicle or grab onto another motor vehicle or another vehicle
- the passenger may sit behind the driver or in a sidecar. A passenger may not sit in front of the driver
- no additional license endorsement is required
Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating. The seven most common injuries are:
Lower Extremity injuries
Lower extremity injuries predominantly occur where the bike has fallen onto the driver, and where the motorcyclist is in contact with the road, causing road rash.
Upper Extremity
Motorcyclists naturally use their arms to brace when they fall off the motorcycle. This leads to shoulder injuries, broken arms, torn rotator cuffs, broken fingers, and potentially permanent nerve damage to the upper body.
Thorax
It is common for motorcyclists in an accident to suffer broken ribs, which can puncture a lung, or lacerate the spleen, kidney, or liver. Thorax injuries are very serious, as they may cause internal bleeding and damage to the vital organs.
Head/Brain
Motorcyclists are prone to skull fractures and head trauma which may lead to concussions, hemorrhaging, brain swelling, seizures, paralysis, and coma.
Face/Neck
These injuries may result in permanent movement damage, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
Abdomen
Injury may occur in the organs such as the spleen and liver, located in the abdomen. These often require surgical intervention and may not surface until time has passed.
Spine
Injuries to the spine and spinal cord can be life changing as they may result in paralysis, including quadriplegia, respiratory problems, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
Have a Denver Injury Attorney from Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. on Your Side
Motorcycle accidents are traumatic for those involved and can be life changing. Make sure that you have an experienced Denver motorcycle crash attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Please contact us at (303) 759-9945 so that we may take care of your case.