How Not Wearing a Helmet Impacts a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and steep medical bills, meaning they are often stressful and confusing for anyone involved. But when another individual is responsible for your injuries, that person usually has some level of liability for your medical bills and other expenses they’ve caused you to suffer. However, is there a significant difference if you chose to not wear a helmet at the time of your motorcycle crash? How might this impact your claims surrounding your motorcycle accident?
Not wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle accident may affect the result of your overall case, but you don’t need to go through the legal process alone. Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer from Mintz Law Firm can positively affect your legal matters and the compensatory value you can collect. When we work together, we can give you access to helpful resources, proven strategies, and other valuable tools and information, all of which can benefit you.
How Can Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claims in Colorado?
If you get into an accident while riding a motorcycle, determining who is responsible for the crash can vary. For example, if Party A is speeding in their car and runs into Party B’s motorcycle, we might conclude that Party A is 100% responsible for the damages that occur due to the accident. However, if Party A is speeding and Party B is distracted and looking at construction work during the incident, both parties might share the blame.
In regards to not wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle, you may be partially to blame for some of the expenses. This is because a helmet may have significantly reduced or eliminated the possibility of bodily harm and serious injuries.
In general, however, if you chose to not wear a helmet and then got into an accident, you may receive reduced damages if the other party is able to show that your lack of protective equipment resulted in the severity of the accident or your injuries. These damages could include economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress.
How Is Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Calculated in Colorado?
In Colorado, the fault is determined based on comparative fault. This can impact your case in at least two ways: how much your compensation may be reduced, and whether you qualify for compensation.
If you are found partially responsible for your injuries because you didn’t wear your helmet, you will no longer qualify for that amount of compensatory value established for your case. For example, if you were found 10% liable for your case, your damages will be reduced by 10%.
However, Colorado’s comparative fault law clarifies you cannot collect compensation from the at-fault parties if you are more than 50% responsible. This means if you were breaking other laws, driving recklessly, distracted, or similar issues, you might no longer qualify for compensation at all.
Contact Mintz Law Firm for Help From Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you suffer from serious injuries after a motorcycle accident in Colorado, you can benefit from working with a lawyer from Mintz Law Firm. One of our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you through every step of the legal process, significantly reducing stress relating to these matters.
You can get in touch with us when you call (303) 462-2999 or complete the contact form on our website, whichever is more accessible and preferable to you. Once we begin working together, we can discuss your circumstances in great detail, answer your questions and concerns, and give you tailored strategic recommendations and options. Our team looks forward to hearing from you and holding the responsible parties accountable for your losses.