Jefferson County · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Lakewood Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Lakewood motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Lakewood. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When the Insurer Blames the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Lakewood motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen.
After a motorcycle crash on West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, or Kipling Street, the insurance company almost always looks for a reason to shift blame to the rider. Speed, lane position, and visibility are the usual arguments. Those are claims to investigate, not facts to accept.
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, allows a rider to recover even if partly at fault. Recovery is reduced by the rider's share of negligence, and it is barred only when the rider's negligence is as great as or greater than the other driver's. That means partial fault does not end a case, it changes the math.
We do not let an insurer's first version of events stand unchallenged. We investigate the crash on its own facts before agreeing to any share of blame assigned to our client.
Building the Real Picture of Fault
A police report is a starting point, not the final word. Officers responding to a crash near Golden or Wheat Ridge often write a report based on limited information at the scene, sometimes without input from the rider if injuries prevented a statement. Physical evidence, skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage can tell a different story.
Traffic camera footage, dashcam or helmet-cam video, and witness accounts from the area can confirm or contradict the initial report. We gather this evidence early, while it is still available, so an unfair fault determination does not stand unchallenged.
- Photos of the crash scene, skid marks, and vehicle positions
- Contact information for any witnesses nearby
- Helmet-cam or dashcam footage if available
- Your own written account of the crash while details are fresh
- Copies of the police report and any statements you gave
Handling Fault Disputes in Jefferson County
Motorcycle crash claims tied to Lakewood are often litigated in Jefferson County Courts in Golden when a case cannot be resolved with the insurer directly. Local familiarity with how these cases are evaluated in this venue helps us push back on an inflated fault percentage.
Riders treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital or elsewhere after a crash should know that medical records documenting injury severity can also support a clearer account of how the crash happened. We work to make sure the full picture, not just the insurer's early narrative, guides the outcome.
What a Fault Dispute Affects
- Total compensation available after a comparative-negligence reduction
- Medical expenses tied to the crash
- Lost income during recovery
- Property damage to the motorcycle
- Pain and suffering tied to the severity of injuries
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Lakewood motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Lakewood 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?
Possibly. Colorado's comparative negligence rule allows recovery reduced by your share of fault, as long as your fault is not equal to or greater than the other driver's. Speed alone does not automatically bar a claim.
Does the police report decide who was at fault?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, not a final determination. Physical evidence, video, and witness statements can support a different account of how the crash happened.
What if the insurer says I wasn't visible to the other driver?
That is an argument to test, not accept. We look at lighting, sight lines, and any available video to see whether that claim holds up.
How does shared fault affect what I can recover?
Under Colorado law, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We do not estimate a percentage here since it depends entirely on the facts of your crash.
What should I do if I think I'm being unfairly blamed?
Preserve any evidence you have, including photos, witness names, and video, and avoid agreeing to a fault percentage before speaking with us. We can review the crash details in a free consultation.
Discuss a Lakewood motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.