Despite it being against the law, many motor vehicle operators in Colorado drive without the required amounts of automobile insurance. If one of these motorists is a motorcyclist who causes your accident in Denver, you may not know who will pay for your bills and losses. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact Dormer Harpring for a free legal consultation. Our experienced uninsured and underinsured motorcyclist accident lawyers can help you protect your legal rights.
Working with an attorney on your accident claim can come with many important benefits, especially when you’re dealing with a case involving an uninsured or underinsured motorcyclist. An attorney can take over your claim from the beginning, investigating the crash, determining who is at fault and collecting evidence to support your case.
You can trust your attorney to build a compelling case on your behalf, whether you must seek financial compensation from your own insurance provider or a third party. Most importantly, you and your family can improve your peace of mind when you allow a skilled professional to handle the claims process for you.
All motor vehicle operators in Colorado, including motorcyclists, must maintain the required amounts of insurance under state law. Currently, these amounts are:
Operating any type of vehicle with less than these amounts – or no insurance at all – is against the law. Unfortunately, many motorcyclists and others in Colorado break this law every day.
Colorado uses a fault-based system to determine financial responsibility, or liability, in a car accident case. If you get into an accident, the person who is most at fault for causing the collision will be liable for your medical bills and property damage. If you caused the crash, for example, you would use your own car insurance coverage to pay for the injured motorcyclist’s bills. If the motorcyclist caused the crash, however, he or she will be responsible for paying – typically through his or her insurance.
If a motorcyclist was unlawfully riding while uninsured or underinsured, you may have to seek financial compensation from your own insurance company instead. Call your own car insurance provider after this type of accident and ask if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. This specific type of coverage will pay for your losses and damages after getting into a collision with an uninsured motorcyclist. It is an optional type of coverage in Colorado, however, that may not be part of your policy. If you don’t have this type of insurance, work with an attorney to examine your other options, such as holding a party other than the motorcyclist financially responsible.
Do not admit fault or apologize for an accident involving a motorcyclist, even if the rider suffered more severe injuries in the crash than you did. As soon as you find out that the motorcyclist does not have automobile insurance, contact the police to report the collision. The police can document the crash with an official accident report, as well as punish the motorcyclist for unlawfully driving while uninsured or underinsured. Request your police report number before you go.
Visit a hospital in Denver without delay to receive professional medical care for any injuries that you suffered in the accident. Keep copies of your medical records and bills for your insurance claim later. Once you are on the mend, call your own car insurance company to report the wreck.
Explain that the motorcyclist involved in the collision does not have insurance. Be careful when speaking to an insurance claims adjuster about your accident, even if it is your own insurance provider. The insurance company may try to take advantage of you to protect its profits. Before accepting a settlement for your accident, discuss all of your legal options with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
Although you will not have the motorcyclist’s auto insurance available to pay for your expenses, there may be other options that can help you pay for your property repairs, medical bills, lost wages and other expenses:
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Dormer Harpring can carefully analyze your auto accident case to determine the best possible legal remedy based on the circumstances. We have years of experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Colorado. Then, our lawyers can help you handle the legal process so that you can rest, relax and focus on recovering from the accident.
A collision involving an uninsured or underinsured motorcyclist can be overwhelming. Recovering fair financial compensation for your property damage, medical bills and other losses may require assistance from an attorney in Denver. Without the at-fault party’s insurance available, your attorney may have to rely on other sources for your monetary recovery. Discuss your specific case and legal options with our lawyers at Dormer Harpring today. Contact us online or call (303) 747-4404 to request a free accident case consultation.