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If you are a motorcyclist in Colorado, one of the last things you want to do is to lay down your motorcycle. There are certain circumstances, however, where this may be unavoidable. Understanding what this phrase means and how you can avoid laying down your motorcycle as a rider can help you prevent this accident risk.
Laying down a motorcycle refers to a rider deliberately tipping a motorcycle onto one side, typically in an attempt to avoid a more serious kind of motorcycle accident. Laying down a motorcycle is generally a last resort for a motorcyclist who believes he or she cannot stop the motorcycle in time to avoid a collision with a motor vehicle, a fixed object or an obstacle in the road.
Laying down a motorcycle is generally viewed as less risky than a collision since it allows the motorcyclist to slide along the ground as opposed to crashing head-on. However, it is a widely misunderstood practice that can still cause serious physical injuries. Common types of injuries suffered include:
Even with the proper gear, laying down a motorcycle can result in significant injuries. When a bike is sliding on its side, the rider has no traction or control. In addition, the rider may still collide with something, causing further damage. Laying down a motorcycle should be used only as a last resort in an emergency.
Laying down a motorcycle can happen when a motorcyclist makes a mistake or panics and brakes too hard, tipping the motorcycle onto its side. However, it can also be the best or only option in a dangerous situation. If someone else puts you in this situation, you may have grounds to file a claim against this person or party in pursuit of financial compensation. If a motor vehicle driver breaks a law and you have to lay your bike down to avoid a collision, for example, the driver’s auto insurance company can be held responsible (liable) for paying for your losses. If a road defect or hazard such as a pothole made you lay down your motorcycle, the government agency in charge of road maintenance could be held liable. Another possibility is holding a motorcycle manufacturer liable for an accident that occurred due to faulty or defective brakes or other defective parts. An investigation of your accident can be completed – even if no one else was involved – to determine if another party bears a degree of fault for the crash. If so, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
To find out whether you have grounds to file a motorcycle accident suit for laying your bike down in Denver, schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver from Dormer Harpring, LLC can review your case, answer your questions and give you legal advice on how to move forward. You may have grounds to file a claim against one or more at-fault parties.