Adams and Jefferson counties · Rider fault and comparative negligence
Westminster Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers
Westminster motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders hurt in Westminster. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
When Insurers Blame the Rider
McCormick & Murphy are Westminster motorcycle rider fault lawyers for riders blamed for speed, lane position, or not being seen. We file in Adams County Justice Center.
After a motorcycle crash in Westminster, the insurance company for the other driver often looks for a reason to blame the rider first. Speed, lane position, and visibility are the usual arguments. These are claims that require investigation, not assumptions the insurer gets to make and walk away with.
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑111, allows an insurer to reduce what a rider recovers by the rider's share of fault. If the rider's share of negligence is found to be as great as or greater than the fault of the other driver, recovery can be barred entirely. That makes it important to push back early on any fault argument the insurer raises, rather than letting it go unanswered.
We look at what actually happened on the road, not just what the insurance adjuster or the initial police narrative assumes. A rider's lane choice or speed at the time of a crash is often defensible once the full picture is examined, and that picture can change how much an insurer owes.
Building the Real Picture of the Crash
The crash report is a starting point, not the final word on fault. Officers responding to a scene on U.S. Highway 36, I-25, Federal Boulevard, or 120th Avenue often did not witness the collision themselves and may rely on statements from the other driver. Physical evidence at the scene, roadway markings, debris patterns, and vehicle damage can tell a different story than the initial report.
Video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or a following vehicle's dash cam can settle disputes about lane position or speed. Independent witnesses who saw the crash unfold, separate from the drivers involved, often provide the clearest account. We work to gather this evidence before it disappears, because insurers rely on gaps in the record to shift blame onto the rider.
- Get contact information for any witnesses at the scene
- Photograph the roadway, skid marks, and final position of both vehicles
- Request footage from nearby cameras before it is deleted
- Keep your own account of speed, lane position, and visibility written down while fresh
- Avoid agreeing to any fault percentage before speaking with a lawyer
Westminster Roads and Local Handling
Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, and crashes along corridors like Federal Boulevard, 120th Avenue, or near the Broomfield line can raise questions about which county's court handles the case. Depending on where the crash occurred, a claim may proceed through the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts. Riders treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital often have medical records that help establish the timeline of injuries alongside the crash investigation.
Fault disputes tend to be sharper on higher-speed roads like U.S. Highway 36 and I-25, where insurers argue that motorcycle speed contributed to the crash. On surface streets like Federal Boulevard, insurers more often argue about lane position or visibility at intersections. Knowing the road and the county where the crash happened helps us anticipate the argument the insurer is likely to make.
What a Fair Recovery Should Account For
- Medical treatment connected to the crash
- Lost income during recovery
- Damage to the motorcycle and gear
- Pain and physical limitation from the injuries
- Ongoing care needs tied to the crash
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Westminster — 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.
Westminster Motorcycle Rider Fault Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Westminster motorcycle rider fault lawyers after a crash?
Call Westminster 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 a police report that blames me end my claim?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, not a final ruling on fault. We can gather additional evidence, video, and witness statements that may contradict the officer's initial conclusion.
What happens if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Colorado's comparative negligence law allows your recovery to be reduced by your share of fault, but you can still recover if your share is less than the other driver's. Our comparative-negligence guide explains the shared-fault rule in more detail.
Can lane position alone be used to blame me?
Insurers often raise lane position as an argument, but where a motorcycle rider positions in a lane is frequently a reasonable and legal choice. We look at road conditions, sightlines, and traffic to evaluate whether that argument holds up.
Does the county where the crash happened matter?
Yes. Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties, and the county where the crash occurred can affect which court handles the case. We account for this when building your claim.
What if the other driver claims they never saw me?
A claim that a driver did not see the motorcycle is not proof the rider did anything wrong. We examine visibility, lighting, and the other driver's actions before the crash to determine whether that argument is supported by the facts.
Discuss a Westminster motorcycle crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.