Traveling on Colorado roads can be hazardous. Any crash can have devastating consequences, but chances of catastrophic or fatal injuries are higher in car vs. motorcycle accidents. While occupants of passenger cars have seat belts, airbags and the body of the car as protection, motorcyclists have no protection against the impact of a collision.
Highway 160 was closed for several hours on a recent Saturday following a fatal crash. According to the state patrol, a 75-year-old driver of a westbound SUV made a left turn without yielding for an oncoming motorcycle. She allegedly put her vehicle directly into the path of a Harley Davidson.
Authorities say the resulting collision caused the 48-year-old rider and his 53-year-old passenger to be ejected from the bike. The driver of the motorcycle died at the crash scene, and his passenger was transported to a regional medical center. Her injuries were reported to be life-threatening. Reportedly, both riders on the motorcycle were without crash helmets as is allowed in Colorado for motorcyclists over the age of 18 years.
When lives are lost in motorcycle accidents in Colorado, the surviving family members might have grounds for filing wrongful death lawsuits to seek recovery of economic and non-economic damages. Similarly, injured victims may pursue financial relief by filing personal injury claims. However, for any of these claims to be successful, negligence on the part of the other driver must be established. This challenging task is typically best left to an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout ensuing legal proceedings.
Source: durangoherald.com, “Motorcyclist killed in crash on U.S. Highway 160“, Mary Shinn, March 17, 2018