Larimer County · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Fort Collins Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Fort Collins motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Fort Collins. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When the Insurer Says the Rider Was at Fault
McCormick & Murphy are Fort Collins motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen.
If you were hurt on a motorcycle in Fort Collins, expect the insurance company to raise questions about your speed, your lane position, or whether other drivers could see you. These are arguments insurers make to reduce or deny a payout. They are not conclusions, and they are not automatically true just because an adjuster says so.
Colorado law, under 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 found to be as great as or greater than the other driver's, recovery can be barred entirely. That makes it important to push back on unsupported fault claims early, before they get built into the insurer's file.
We look closely at how the crash actually happened, not just how it was described afterward. Blaming the motorcyclist is often the fastest way for an insurer to close a claim cheaply, and we do not accept that framing without a real investigation.
Building the Real Picture of Fault
The initial crash report is a starting point, not the final word. Officers responding to a wreck on College Avenue, Harmony Road, or Mulberry Street may not have seen the collision happen and may rely heavily on statements from the other driver. We look for physical evidence, roadway markings, vehicle damage patterns, and available video that can tell a more complete story.
Witness accounts matter too, especially from drivers or pedestrians near busy corridors or intersections. In areas like Loveland and Wellington, where riders often travel at higher speeds between town centers, evidence about actual speed and positioning can directly contradict an insurer's assumptions. We work to gather that evidence before it disappears.
- Photos of the crash scene, skid marks, and vehicle positions
- Contact information for any witnesses nearby
- Any available dashcam, doorbell, or traffic camera footage
- Your own account of speed, lane position, and visibility written down soon
- Medical records connecting your injuries to the collision
Fort Collins Roads and Local Fault Disputes
Motorcycle crashes near College Avenue and Harmony Road often involve disputes over lane changes, turning vehicles, and whether the rider was visible in traffic. These are exactly the situations where insurers try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist rather than the driver who turned or merged unsafely.
Crashes closer to Loveland and Wellington sometimes happen on faster, more open roads, where insurers may argue the rider was traveling too fast for conditions. If you were treated at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital after a crash in the Fort Collins area, your medical records combined with scene evidence can help counter these fault arguments.
What a Fault Dispute Can Affect
- Medical expenses tied to the crash
- Lost income during recovery
- Property damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Pain and physical limitations from injuries
- Overall compensation reduced by any assigned share of fault
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — 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.
Fort Collins Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Fort Collins motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Fort Collins 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 damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes, Colorado law allows recovery even when a rider shares some fault, but the amount is reduced by that percentage. If your share of fault is found equal to or greater than the other driver's, recovery can be barred. That is why disputing an unfair fault assessment matters.
Does the police report decide who was at fault?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, but it is not binding on an insurance claim or a court. Physical evidence, witness statements, and video can all contradict what is written in the initial report.
Why do insurers focus on rider visibility so often?
Blaming visibility shifts responsibility onto the motorcyclist and can reduce what the insurer has to pay. It is a common argument, but it has to be supported by real evidence about lighting, gear, and road conditions, not just assumption.
What if the other driver claims I was speeding?
That claim needs to be tested against actual evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, or witness accounts. Speed claims are often exaggerated by drivers trying to explain why they didn't see a motorcycle.
How does comparative negligence affect my settlement?
Your compensation can be reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you. We do not estimate specific percentages without a full review of the facts, but disputing an inflated fault claim can directly affect the value of your case.
Discuss a Fort Collins motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.