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Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

How to Mitigate the Devastation Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

You may not realize how many motorcycle crashes occur every year in the United States, what the leading causes are, or how to use this kind of information to prove negligence. We do.

At Doehling Law, our experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers can help you with all these aspects of your claim and more if you or a loved one is a victim in a motorcycle crash because of someone else's negligence.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Grand Junction, it is essential to:

  • Preserve evidence and conduct an independent investigation of the crash
  • File a lawsuit before the deadline imposed by the Colorado statute of limitations

Doing so will allow you to protect your claim by proving you were not at fault for the crash.

After an accident, do not hesitate to send us a message to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. We can also be reached by calling (970) 292-7171.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

You can take measures to avoid being in a Colorado motorcycle accident. By following as many of the steps below as you can, you will not only reduce the odds of being in a crash but also decrease your liability and help you maximize your compensation opportunities if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

Important steps to follow when riding include:

  • Get licensed. All states currently require a separate motorcycle license to operate this type of motor vehicle on the road.
  • Take a motorcycle riders' course. This course can provide valuable safety instruction. To locate a class near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
  • Never drink alcohol before or while operating a motorcycle.
  • Wear a helmet (preferably with a built-in visor or other face guards for added visibility and safety measures). Wearing a helmet is your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries if a motorcycle crash does occur. In addition to your helmet, wear long pants, gloves, boots, and a durable long-sleeved jacket. This can help prevent road rash in the event of being involved in an accident.
  • Make sure your headlight is on every time you ride. This is a law in most states.
  • Follow all the rules of the road: Do not speed, swerve between cars, or take other unnecessary risks. Keep an eye out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets.
  • Watch for hazards on the road such as large cracks, holes, and bumps. Dangerous conditions caused by weather or construction can also present bigger risks for motorcyclists than people in other automobiles.
  • Do not let anyone ride with you until you are skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.

Additionally, if you have a passenger riding with you, please be sure to:

  • Insist they sit behind you on the motorcycle.
  • Make sure passengers' feet can reach the footrests.
  • Insist that they always keep their feet on the footrests, even when you stop.
  • Do not let passengers get on the motorcycle until after you start it.
  • Tell your passengers to lean with you when you turn.
  • Insist that passengers always hold onto your waist.
  • Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
  • Request passengers to limit their movement and talking.

National Crash Resources

The National Crash Analysis Center Library is the most comprehensive source of crash test data and vehicle safety reports in the nation, including motorcycle charts and information collected and distributed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

Our attorneys may use information from these sources to help build a strong personal injury case involving a motorcycle accident:

  • Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS): Contains traffic crash data for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
  • National Automotive Sampling System (NASS): Provides nationally representative data on vehicle crashes for understanding the vehicle-trauma experience and to determine national crash trends
  • FHWA's Roadside Safety Library (RSL): Compilation of information related to the complex interactions between automobiles, the occupants, and roadside objects during a collision
  • NHTSA's Office of Crashworthiness research series: Collections of NHTSA's extensive research and development, testing, investigation, data collection, and analysis activities
  • NHTSA Compliance series: Houses' independent test results of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
  • NHTSA Defect Investigations: Extensive data related to various investigations
  • NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (TRD/Docket): Provides consumers with a measure of vehicles' relative safety potential so they can make more informed purchase decisions
  • NHTSA's Biomechanics Test Database: Includes research and vehicle testing information to examine issues related to biomechanics, occupant protection, and crash dummy research, development and evaluation
  • NHTSA's Intelligent Cruise Control Field Operational Tests: NHTSA's crash avoidance research findings to help develop a broad understanding of how advanced technology can be used to help avoid collisions

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced team member from Doehling Law, call (970) 292-7171 or contact us online. We have offices located in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen for your convenience.

Get an Experienced & Fast-Acting Lawyer on Your Side

Even if you take all these precautions, you may still be involved in a motorcycle accident because of someone else's negligence. We understand the pain, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties you may face after the crash. Our attorneys are ready to help you seek compensation for your injuries.

When we represent you in a motor vehicle accident case, we aggressively defend your rights at each step in the process. We offer experienced and candid legal counsel, so you can make knowledgeable decisions.

We also work on a contingent-fee basis, which means we only get paid for our services if we recover monetary award or recovery of funds for you.

Hear It From Our Clients

  • “Gary made sure that all avenues were explored for getting me the highest award possible, kept me informed of the status of the claims, and expressed great empathy and kindness during my painful recovery.”

    - Denise M.

  • “They are helping with a legal issue. Very professional and caring. Recommend this firm.”

    - Rudi M.

  • “Did a very good job of communicating. Very professional and truly worked in my best interest all along.”

    - Chris B.

  • “We felt well represented by Doehling Law, our interests and concerns were taken care of and we appreciate everything that was done for us.”

    - Roxie K.

  • “They resolved my claim in a timely matter and gave closure to an uncertain future, I cannot thank them enough for their persistence to detail and dedication to do what is right.”

    - Carl C.
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