Jefferson County · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Golden Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Golden motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Golden. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When the Insurer Blames the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Golden motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen.
After almost any motorcycle crash in Golden, the insurance company looks for a reason to blame the rider. They point to speed on Washington Avenue, lane position on West Colfax Avenue, or claim the rider simply wasn't visible to the driver who turned in front of them. These are arguments the adjuster makes to reduce what they owe, not established facts.
Colorado law does allow a rider's own negligence to affect a claim. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, any recovery is reduced by the rider's share of fault, and recovery is barred entirely if the rider's negligence is equal to or greater than the fault of the other party. That makes it important to push back on unsupported blame early, before it becomes the working theory of the case.
We investigate the insurer's claims rather than accept them. A crash on Colorado Highway 93 or through the interchanges near Arvada can look different once we examine the actual evidence instead of relying on assumptions written into an initial report.
Building the Real Picture of Fault
The responding officer's crash report is a starting point, not a verdict. We look at physical evidence at the scene, skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage, along with any available video from businesses or traffic cameras near Washington Avenue or West Colfax Avenue. Witness accounts often tell a different story than the report's summary of what happened.
We also review medical records tied to treatment at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood and any statements the rider gave at the scene or afterward, since these can be misread or used out of context by an adjuster building a comparative-fault argument. Careful documentation lets us respond to specific claims with specific facts, rather than arguing generally about who was careless.
- Get medical care and follow through on treatment
- Write down what you remember about speed, lane position, and visibility
- Photograph your bike, gear, and the crash scene if possible
- Get contact information for any witnesses nearby
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurer before speaking with us
Handling Fault Disputes in Golden and Jefferson County
Motorcycle crashes near Washington Avenue, West Colfax Avenue, and the Colorado Highway 93 corridor often bring fault disputes because of the mix of turning traffic, curves, and speed changes in those areas. Insurers use this terrain to argue riders were going too fast or positioned incorrectly, even when the deeper issue was a driver failing to check for a motorcycle before turning or merging.
When these disputes come down to a legal proceeding, they're handled through Jefferson County Courts. We prepare fault arguments with that forum in mind, whether the crash happened in Golden itself or nearby in Lakewood or Arvada.
What a Fault Dispute Can Affect
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost income during recovery
- Property damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term impact if injuries limit work or daily activities
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Golden — 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.
Golden Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Golden motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Golden 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.
Does the crash report decide who was at fault?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, not a final determination of fault. We often find physical evidence, video, or witness statements that contradict what an officer wrote down at the scene.
What happens if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Colorado law allows a reduced recovery based on your share of fault, but you are barred from recovering only if your fault is equal to or greater than the other party's. We look closely at the facts before accepting any fault percentage the insurer proposes.
The insurer says I wasn't visible to the driver. Is that a valid defense?
It can be argued, but it isn't automatically true. Visibility depends on lighting, weather, lane position, and the driver's own attentiveness, all of which we investigate rather than accept at face value.
Can lane position alone be used against me?
Insurers sometimes claim a rider's lane position caused or contributed to a crash. Whether that argument holds up depends on the specific road, traffic conditions, and what the other driver did, which we examine case by case.
Should I talk to the insurance company about fault before contacting a lawyer?
We recommend against giving statements about speed, lane position, or visibility before speaking with us. Early statements can be used to support a comparative-fault argument even when they weren't meant that way.
Discuss a Golden motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.