Arapahoe County · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Centennial Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Centennial motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Centennial. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When Insurers Blame the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Centennial motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen. We file in Arapahoe County Justice Center.
After a crash on Arapahoe Road, University Boulevard, or near the I-25 and E-470 interchange, the insurance company's first move is often to argue the rider caused it. Speed, lane position, and visibility are the usual targets. These are claims to be tested against the facts, not conclusions to accept.
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, allows a rider's recovery to be reduced by their own share of fault. If a rider's negligence is found to be equal to or greater than the other driver's, recovery can be barred entirely. That makes it critical to push back on inflated fault arguments early, before they shape the insurer's file.
We investigate these claims rather than accept an insurer's framing. A rider who was riding legally and got hit by a driver who failed to see them still has a claim, even if the insurer tries to shift blame onto lane position or speed.
Building the Fault Picture
The police report is a starting point, not the final word. We look at skid marks, debris fields, vehicle damage, traffic signal timing, and roadway design at the crash site, whether that's a busy stretch of Arapahoe Road or a Greenwood Village intersection, to see whether the report matches what actually happened.
Witness accounts and any available video, from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dash cams, can directly contradict an officer's initial assessment. Medical records from providers like AdventHealth Littleton can also help establish how the impact occurred and support the rider's version of events.
- Photos of the bike, the other vehicle, and the full scene
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Your own written account of events while memory is fresh
- Gear worn at the time, including helmet and jacket
- Any dash cam, helmet cam, or nearby surveillance footage
Handling Fault Disputes in Arapahoe County
Motorcycle crashes tied to fault disputes in Centennial often arise on higher-speed corridors like I-25, E-470, and Arapahoe Road, where insurers are quick to argue a rider was going too fast or positioned poorly in the lane. We know how these roads are used and how crashes typically unfold there, which helps us push back on assumptions.
When a case proceeds through the legal system, it's typically handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. We prepare comparative-negligence disputes with that venue in mind, building a record that holds up whether the case settles or moves further.
What Recovery May Include
- Medical treatment and follow-up care
- Lost income from time away from work
- Damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Pain and physical limitations from the injury
- Ongoing care needs tied to the crash
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Centennial — 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.
Centennial Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Centennial motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Centennial 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.
The police report says I was at fault. Is that final?
No. A police report is one piece of evidence, not a final determination of fault. We regularly find that physical evidence, video, or witness statements tell a different story than the initial report.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Colorado's comparative negligence law allows recovery to be reduced by your share of fault, but you can still recover if your fault is less than the other party's. If your fault is equal to or greater than theirs, recovery can be barred. Our comparative-negligence guide explains this shared-fault rule in more detail.
Why does the insurance company focus on my speed or lane position?
Insurers know that shifting blame to the rider reduces or eliminates what they owe under Colorado's comparative negligence rule. Raising these arguments early, whether or not they're supported by the facts, is a common tactic.
What if there were no witnesses to the crash?
We look beyond witness statements to physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions. Video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras along corridors like Arapahoe Road can also help fill in gaps.
Does riding without full gear affect my claim?
Gear choices can come up in an insurer's fault argument, but they don't automatically bar a claim. Each situation depends on the specific facts of the crash and how the injury occurred.
Discuss a Centennial motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.