Many motorcycle riders in Colorado cite the feeling of freedom as one of the many reasons that they love riding. As winter gives way to spring and the weather grows warmer, more and more motorcyclists hit the road to enjoy that sense of wide open freedom. Sadly, as the number of riders on the road increases, so does the number of motorcycle accidents.
Not only do motorcycle accidents tend to rise with the temperature, but fatal accidents involving motorcycles have been rising since 2013. In that year, there were 87 fatalities related to motorcycles. By 2014, fatalities were at 97, and in 2015, that number had increased to 105. The Highway Safety Manager from the Colorado Department of Transportation pointed out that lower gas prices have also led to an increased number of motor vehicles on the road.
An area officer pointed out that motorcyclists must exercise far greater defensive driving strategies than drivers behind the wheel of larger motor vehicles. Although they do their best to remind drivers to ensure that all of their blind spots are clear before turning or changing lanes, one Colorado police department has already seen two recent motorcycle wrecks. One of those ended fatally.
The vast majority of motorcyclists practice defensive driving and wear necessary safety gear, but they are still at the mercy of other drivers. Motorcycle accidents can have life-altering outcomes on victims’ lives, including brain damage and other catastrophic injuries. When these injuries result in long-lasting pain and suffering, diminished earning capacities or even death, victims are not helpless. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Injured parties and their families can typically achieve compensation by holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions through personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Source: 9news.com, “Motorcycle fatalities climbing in Colorado”, Maya Rodriguez, April 5, 2016