Jefferson and Adams counties · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Arvada Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Arvada motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Arvada. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When the Insurer Blames the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Arvada motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen.
After a motorcycle crash in Arvada, the insurance company often points at the rider first. They argue the rider was speeding, riding in a poor lane position, or hard to see. These claims are things to investigate, not conclusions to accept.
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, allows a rider to recover even if partly at fault, but the recovery is reduced by the rider's share of negligence. If the rider's negligence is judged equal to or greater than the other driver's, recovery is barred. That makes the fault fight the whole case, not a side issue.
We push back on fault claims by digging into the actual facts of the crash near Olde Town, Wheat Ridge, or along Wadsworth Boulevard and Ralston Road. A police narrative or an insurer's early theory is a starting point, not the final word.
Building the Real Fault Picture
The crash report written at the scene does not decide who is liable. Officers work from limited information and sometimes from statements that later prove wrong. We look at skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, roadway conditions, and traffic signal timing to see whether the report matches what actually happened.
Video from nearby businesses, doorbell cameras, and traffic cameras along corridors like Wadsworth Boulevard can show lane position and speed more accurately than memory. Independent witnesses who saw the crash unfold are often more reliable than the drivers involved. We gather this evidence early, before it disappears, to build an accurate account of fault.
- Get contact information for any witnesses at the scene
- Photograph your bike, gear, and the roadway before anything moves
- Avoid guessing about speed or fault when speaking with police or insurers
- Keep your damaged helmet and riding gear as physical evidence
- Seek medical evaluation promptly so injuries are documented close to the crash
Arvada Crashes and Comparative Fault
Motorcycle crashes near Olde Town, Wheat Ridge, or on busy stretches of Wadsworth Boulevard and Ralston Road often involve disputed lane changes or turning vehicles. These are exactly the situations where insurers try to shift blame onto the rider for supposed lane splitting or speed, even when the evidence does not support it.
Cases arising from these crashes are typically handled in Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and injured riders are frequently treated at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge. We work with records and evidence from both to build an accurate fault picture for Arvada riders.
What Riders Can Pursue
- Medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Future medical care tied to ongoing injuries
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Arvada Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Arvada motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Arvada motorcycle rider fault lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
Can I still recover if the insurer says I was speeding?
Yes, unless your share of fault is found equal to or greater than the other driver's. Colorado's comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault rather than barring it outright in most cases. We investigate the speeding claim rather than accepting it.
Does the police report decide who was at fault in my Arvada crash?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, but it is often based on limited information gathered at the scene. Physical evidence, video, and witness accounts can tell a more complete story.
What if the insurer claims I wasn't visible to the other driver?
Visibility arguments are common but are questions of fact, not settled conclusions. Lighting conditions, gear color, and sightlines at the crash location all matter and can be examined.
How is fault split under Colorado law?
Colorado uses a comparative negligence system where your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. See our comparative-negligence guide for a full explanation of how this rule works and how percentages are determined.
What should I avoid saying after a crash near Wadsworth Boulevard?
Avoid guessing about speed, distance, or who had the right of way. Statements made in the moment are often used later to argue rider fault, even when they are not accurate.
Discuss a Arvada motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.