Boulder County · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Lafayette Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Lafayette motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Lafayette. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When the Insurer Blames the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Lafayette motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen. We file in Boulder County Justice Center.
After a motorcycle crash on Baseline Road or South Boulder Road, the insurance company often points to the rider first. They argue the rider was speeding, riding in the wrong part of the lane, or hard to see. These are arguments the insurer makes to reduce what they pay. They are not established facts, and we do not treat them as such.
Colorado law, under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, allows a rider's recovery to be reduced by their own share of fault. If the rider's negligence is found equal to or greater than the fault of the other driver, recovery can be barred entirely. This makes the fight over percentages central to any claim, and it is why we investigate fault carefully rather than accept the insurer's framing.
A police report from a crash near U.S. Highway 287 or in the Louisville or Boulder area is a starting point, not the final word. Officers write reports quickly and sometimes without full information. We look at what actually happened before accepting any fault allocation an insurer proposes.
Proving What Really Happened
Physical evidence often tells a different story than the initial report. Skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, debris fields, and the motorcycle's final resting position can show speed and lane position more accurately than an officer's assumptions made at the scene. We also look for traffic camera footage, dash cam video from other drivers, and business surveillance near intersections along Baseline Road or South Boulder Road.
Witness statements matter too, especially from people who saw the crash unfold rather than just its aftermath. We track down witnesses early, before memories fade, and we compare their accounts against the physical evidence and any available video. This combined picture is what we use to push back against a fault allocation that unfairly shifts blame to the rider.
- Get contact information for any witnesses at the scene
- Photograph your bike's position, damage, and the roadway
- Avoid agreeing to any fault percentage the insurer suggests
- Keep a copy of the police report but don't assume it's final
- Get medical care at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital or another facility promptly
Handling Fault Disputes in Lafayette and Boulder County
Motorcycle crashes near Baseline Road, South Boulder Road, and U.S. Highway 287 often involve visibility disputes, especially where traffic merges or turns across a rider's path. Insurers use these road configurations to argue the rider should have been more visible or should have anticipated another driver's move. We know these roads and use that knowledge to evaluate whether the insurer's fault argument holds up.
If a claim proceeds to litigation, it may be filed at the Boulder County Justice Center. Comparative negligence findings can be contested there, and having solid evidence gathered early makes a real difference. Our office is in Denver, and we work throughout Boulder County, including Lafayette, Louisville, and Boulder, to build these cases from the ground up.
What May Be Recoverable
- Medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Property damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical or rehabilitation costs, where applicable
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lafayette — 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.
Lafayette Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Lafayette motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Lafayette 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.
Will I lose my case if the insurer says I was speeding?
Not necessarily. An insurer's claim about speed is an argument, not proof. We investigate the physical evidence and any available video to see whether that argument actually holds up.
What happens if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Colorado's comparative negligence law allows recovery to be reduced by your share of fault, but it doesn't automatically bar your claim. Recovery is only barred if your fault is equal to or greater than the other driver's fault. See our comparative-negligence guide for more on how this rule works.
Does the police report decide who was at fault?
No. The police report is one piece of evidence, but it isn't the final word on fault. We often find that physical evidence, witness accounts, or video contradict the initial report.
How do you challenge an insurer's fault argument?
We gather physical evidence from the scene, look for video footage, and speak with witnesses before accepting any fault allocation. This lets us build a fuller picture than what the insurer initially presents.
What should I avoid saying after a crash near Lafayette?
Avoid agreeing to any percentage of fault or making statements about speed or lane position before you've spoken with an attorney. These statements can be used against you later, even if they aren't fully accurate.
Discuss a Lafayette motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.