El Paso County · Motorcycle passenger injuries
Colorado Springs Motorcycle Passenger Lawyers
A motorcycle passenger hurt in a Colorado Springs crash can pursue a claim. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Passenger's Injuries
When another driver causes a crash that hurts a motorcycle passenger, that driver can be held responsible through a negligence claim, just as if the passenger had been in a car. The passenger was not operating the bike and did not create the risk that caused the wreck.
In some cases, the operator of the motorcycle also bears some responsibility, if the operator's own negligence contributed to the crash or to the severity of the passenger's injuries. This is not automatic. It depends on what the operator did or failed to do, and the facts of each case decide whether that claim exists.
Riding as a passenger does not waive a legal claim. Accepting a ride is not, by itself, a reason a passenger would be barred from recovering for injuries caused by someone else's negligence. We look at the full picture, the other driver's conduct, road conditions, and the operator's actions, before deciding who should be pursued.
Building the Passenger's Case
Passenger injuries from a motorcycle crash can include being thrown from the bike, road rash, fractures, and head injury. We gather medical records, photos of the scene, and witness accounts to document how the passenger was hurt and connect those injuries to the crash itself.
We also look at where the passenger was seated, what protective gear was worn, and how the impact happened, since these details help show how the injuries occurred and who was involved in causing them. Police reports and any available video from nearby traffic cameras or businesses can help fill in the sequence of events.
- Get medical care and follow through on treatment
- Keep copies of medical records and bills
- Write down what you remember about the ride and the impact
- Photograph injuries, torn clothing, and gear
- Get contact information for the operator and any witnesses
Colorado Springs Passenger Crashes
Motorcycle passengers get hurt in crashes along Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, Woodmen Road, I-25, and in older parts of town like Old Colorado City, where narrow streets and heavy cross-traffic increase collision risk. Passengers often absorb the worst of the impact in a side collision or a sudden stop, and injuries can be severe even when the operator is largely unharmed.
Passengers treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital should keep all records tied to their care. If a claim requires filing suit, it would proceed in El Paso County District Court. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, and we meet with passengers and their families to go over what happened and who may be responsible.
What Passengers Can Pursue
- Medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income if injuries kept you from work
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or permanent impairment
- Out-of-pocket costs tied to recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Colorado Springs — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Colorado Springs Motorcycle passenger injuries FAQ
Can I sue the driver who hit the motorcycle I was riding on?
Yes, a passenger can bring a negligence claim against the other driver whose conduct caused the crash. You were not in control of the motorcycle, so the same claim available to any injured passenger generally applies to you.
Can I have a claim against the person who was driving the motorcycle?
It depends on the facts. If the operator's own negligence contributed to the crash or to your injuries, a claim involving the operator may exist, but that is not automatic in every case.
Does accepting a ride mean I gave up my right to make a claim?
No. Simply agreeing to ride as a passenger does not bar you from pursuing a claim against a negligent driver or, where applicable, the operator.
What injuries are common for motorcycle passengers?
Passengers can be thrown from the bike and suffer road rash, fractures, or head injury. The severity varies by crash, and passenger injuries are not always lighter or heavier than the operator's.
What should I do after being hurt as a passenger?
Get medical treatment, keep your records, and write down what you remember about the ride and the crash while it's fresh. Reach out so we can review the details and explain your options.
Discuss a Colorado Springs motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.