Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle crash can leave you with painful, serious injuries, and it stings even more when the insurer treats you like the reckless “biker” instead of the rider who got hurt. With no steel cage or airbag, you took the full force of a driver’s mistake — and you deserve to be heard. A personal injury lawyer can push back on that bias and carry the fight for you while you heal.

• 20+ Years of Experience: Levine Law has been advocating for injured Coloradans for over two decades. Led by founder Jordan S. Levine, our Denver injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to guide clients through challenging injury claims.
• Proven Case Results: Our firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for injured clients. These results, along with client testimonials, reflect our commitment to providing personalized and effective legal representation.
• Handles All Types of Crash Cases: Whether you were injured in a motorcycle collision, car accident, truck crash, or another type of roadway incident, Levine Law has experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases.
• Personalized Legal Support: Your claim is handled by a dedicated team of Denver injury attorneys and legal professionals who keep you informed throughout the process and work to protect your interests.
• No Upfront Fees: Levine Law handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless the firm successfully recovers compensation for you. Contact the Denver office at 303-333-8000 for a free consultation and learn how the firm can help with your injury claim, and see the awards and recognition our attorneys have earned.

Colorado usually gives you three years to file a truck crash claim under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. For claims filed in 2025 or later, the cap on pain-and-suffering damages rose to $1.5 million — and truck evidence like the “black box” can vanish much sooner, so acting early protects your claim.

What should you do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Denver?

Call 911 and get medical care right away. Then document the scene and road conditions before anything is moved. In Denver, a Denver Police officer will fill out a Colorado Traffic Crash Report (DR 3447). On the interstates and canyon routes, Colorado State Patrol handles it. You can request a copy later from the DPD Records Unit at 720-913-6029.

What you do in the first hour can make or break your claim. The other driver’s “I never saw the bike” story often hardens fast. To protect yourself:

• Report the crash. C.R.S. § 42-4-1606 requires a prompt report of any crash with injury, death, or property damage. On the I-70 canyon or C-470, Colorado State Patrol usually investigates and files the DR 3447.
• Get checked by a doctor, even if adrenaline hides the pain. Denver Health is the only Level I trauma center in the City of Denver. Early records tie your injuries to the crash.
• Photograph the scene and get witness contact information. Take photos of road hazards, the driver’s turn angle, and skid marks, since they disappear fast. Also collect the names and numbers of any independent witnesses. Their accounts matter most when the drivers’ stories conflict later, which is common in the “I never saw the bike” dispute.
• Preserve your gear. Do not throw out your helmet, jacket, or boots. Damage to your gear can show the force and direction of the impact.
  

What actually happens after a motorcycle crash in Denver?

The process moves slower for you and faster for the insurer. Your crash report from the Denver Police or Colorado State Patrol can take several days to close. A busy trauma center can also delay the medical records you need.

The other driver’s insurance adjuster might call you within a day or two. In motorcycle accidents, they often have a bias against riders right away. Insurance agents and juries sometimes assume the rider was speeding or driving recklessly just because they were on a motorcycle. Do not say much before you know how badly you are hurt, because your words could be used against you. It is a good idea to only give basic information. Do not give a recorded statement until you have talked to a lawyer.

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Denver?

Most motorcycle accidents in Denver happen because other drivers don’t see the motorcyclist or fail to give them the right of way. Usually, it isn’t the rider’s fault. Common accidents include drivers turning left into a rider’s path, changing lanes without checking, or opening a car door into the rider. Bad roads and weather can also make riding in the canyons more dangerous.

• Left-turn and failure-to-yield crashes — a driver turns across a rider’s path at an intersection. This is the most common and deadly type.
• Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot merges — drivers change lanes into a motorcycle they never checked for on I-25 and C-470.
• Dooring — a parked driver opens a door into a rider’s path. This is common on busy streets like Colfax Avenue and in Cherry Creek.
• Road hazards — gravel, potholes, and debris on Lookout Mountain and the Golden approaches can throw a rider who would be fine in a car.
• Impaired, distracted, and speeding drivers — the same careless driving that causes car crashes, but far deadlier for a rider. In 2024, 165 motorcyclists died on Colorado roads — about 24% of all traffic deaths in the state, even though motorcyclists make up only a small share of road users, according to the  IIHS state fatality data. Alcohol was a factor in 40% of all these motor vehicle crashes, and speeding played a role in 34%.

Denver Vision Zero data shows the city’s crashes are not spread out evenly. A small set of streets, known as the High Injury Network, is about 5% of city streets but accounts for a large share of serious crashes.

What types of injuries are common in Denver motorcycle accidents?

Riders have no protection, so motorcycle crashes often cause severe, life-changing injuries. How serious the injury is usually drives both the medical timeline and the value of the claim.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even when a helmet is worn. These range from a concussion to lasting harm.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from a direct hit or being thrown.
• Road rash and degloving injuries, which can need skin grafts and leave lasting scars.
• Broken bones in the legs, pelvis, wrists, and collarbone.
• Internal injuries and bleeding, which may not show symptoms right away and need urgent care at a Level I trauma center like Denver Health.

Some injuries don’t show up until hours or days after the accident. Getting medical care right away protects both your health and your legal claim.

Who is liable for a motorcycle accident in Denver?

Liability comes down to negligence. A driver who fails to drive with reasonable care is responsible for the harm they cause. This includes turning across a rider’s path, merging without looking, or driving drunk. Depending on the crash, more than one party may share fault.

• Negligent drivers — the most common at-fault party, especially in left-turn and lane-change crashes.
• Employers — through vicarious liability (an employer being responsible for its worker) when a delivery or work driver causes the crash on the job.
• Government agencies — the City and County of Denver may be responsible for a dangerous road defect. These claims fall under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, which requires written notice within 182 days.
• Vehicle or parts makers — when a defect helped cause the crash.

Colorado uses modified comparative negligence. If you are 49% or less at fault, the money you receive will be reduced by your share of the blame. If you are 50% or more at fault, you get nothing. Insurance companies often have a bias against motorcycle riders, so they may try to blame you for the accident. A key part of your case will be fighting to prove what really happened.

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Attorney insight: what makes Denver car accident cases complex?

Motorcycle crash cases are about more than just the physics of the accident. They are also about how people view them. If a car is hit, it is usually a simple case of determining who broke the rules. However, with a motorcycle, the fight is often about proving the rider was not driving recklessly. 

What makes Denver motorcycle claims complex:

• Rider bias can skew how fault is assigned under C.R.S. § 13-21-111.
• The helmet law (under-18 only) and the lane-filtering law (legal since August 2024) are often misstated by insurers.
• Left-turn and lane-change crashes often come down to competing stories and camera evidence.
• Hit-and-run cases may route recovery through UM/UIM coverage.
• Government road-defect claims carry a 182-day notice deadline.

Trial readiness means saving physical and digital evidence, working with medical and accident-reconstruction experts, documenting long-term effects and scarring, and preparing every case as if it may go to trial.

What are the consequences of not reporting a car accident in Colorado?

Failing to report a crash or leaving the scene is a crime that can lead to fines, jail time, or license suspension under C.R.S. § 42-4-1601. Colorado law requires you to stop, exchange information, and notify police after any crash involving injury, death, or property damage. If police do not come to the scene, you must file a report yourself through the Colorado DMV. 

Without an official record, you risk your license, and insurance companies are more likely to deny your claim.

What are Colorado’s helmet and lane-filtering laws — and how do they affect your claim?

Colorado does not require adult riders to wear helmets. It now also allows limited lane filtering. Insurers often misstate both facts to shift blame onto riders. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1502, only riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection is required for all riders.

This matters for your money. Since Colorado law does not require an adult to wear a helmet, an insurer generally cannot treat your choice not to wear one as an automatic fault. Still, this point must be argued with care. Two more Colorado rules shape these cases:

• Lane filtering is legal, within limits. Under SB 24-079, effective August 7, 2024, a rider may pass stopped traffic on the left at no more than 15 mph. The lane must be wide enough, and the rider must not enter oncoming traffic. The rider then moves back over when traffic starts again. This law is set to end September 1, 2027, pending a safety study.
• Lane splitting is still illegal. Moving between lanes of traffic that are still flowing is not allowed. Doing so can support a comparative negligence argument against you.

Even a traffic violation does not automatically block your recovery in Colorado. It is just one thing a jury weighs. A good lawyer frames these facts so they are not used against you unfairly.

What damages can you recover after a Denver motorcycle accident?

Colorado injury victims can recover two kinds of damages– economic damages (measurable financial losses) and non-economic damages (human losses like pain and suffering). Non-economic damages are limited by statute C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5 meanwhile, economic damages have no cap.

Economic damages typically include:

• Current and future medical expenses, from the ER to rehabilitation.
• Lost income and reduced future earning capacity.
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket costs (rental car, home or vehicle modifications).

Non-economic damages include:

• Emotional distress, for the anxiety, fear, and psychological trauma caused by your crash.
• Pain and suffering, for your physical discomfort and pain due to your injuries.
• Scarring and disfigurement, for your permanent marks resulting from injuries or surgeries.
• Loss of companionship, for the negative impact on your relationships with family.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, for the inability to participate in hobbies or daily routines you enjoyed before the accident.

While non-economic damages are personal, they often create real bills. Therapy for trauma and medicine for pain cost money. Also, permanent scarring can make it hard to work again.

In Colorado, you can seek economic damages for these costs, plus non-economic damages for the human toll of the crash.

Legal note on Colorado’s damage caps

Starting January 1, 2025, Colorado increased the limit on non-economic damages to $1.5 million under law HB 24-1472. This is a large increase from the older limits you might still see mentioned elsewhere. There is no limit on economic damages, which cover things like your medical bills and lost pay. If the other driver was extremely reckless—like driving drunk—you might also be able to get punitive damages under C.R.S. § 13-21-102. This is extra money intended to punish bad behavior. Keeping careful records is the best way to make sure your claim is worth its full value.

How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Colorado?

You generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Colorado under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. That is longer than the two-year limit for most other injury claims, but it is not unlimited.

If the crash caused a death, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years. Deadlines can change in special cases, such as an injured minor or a driver who fled. So it is important to confirm your exact deadline early.

Pitfall alert: don’t let a government or hit-and-run deadline surprise you

If a road problem caused by the City of Denver played a role in your crash, you must send a written notice of your claim within 182 days. If you miss this deadline, you cannot sue, even though the usual lawsuit deadline is three years.

Hit-and-run crashes are also common, and riders are often the victims. You might be able to get payment through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This is your personal insurance that pays when the other driver has no insurance or not enough. Remember, these policies also have their own specific deadlines.

Why do you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver?

A lawyer levels the field against insurers built to pay as little as possible. In motorcycle cases, that means fighting the assumption that the rider was at fault. This matters most when injuries are serious or fault is disputed.

• Insurance companies protect their profits. They often lean on rider stereotypes to dispute fault or downplay injuries.
• Adjusters may push you toward a fast, low settlement before your treatment is done.
• Left-turn and lane-change crashes often come down to competing stories, where independent evidence decides the case.

A motorcycle accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash: Gathering police reports, photos, witness statements, traffic-camera footage, and other evidence to determine who was responsible.
• Protecting you from unfair fault claims: Challenging stereotypes and insurance tactics that attempt to blame the rider for the accident.
• Handling insurance negotiations: Communicating with adjusters and fighting against low settlement offers that may not cover your full losses.
• Proving liability in disputed crashes: Working with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals when necessary to show how the collision occurred.
• Calculating the full value of your claim: Considering medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering to pursue fair compensation.
• Explaining your legal rights: Helping you understand Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule and how your percentage of fault may affect your recovery.

Opponent playbook

In left-turn crashes at busy Denver intersections along Colfax Avenue or Colorado Boulevard, insurers often argue the rider was speeding or “came out of nowhere.” Under Colorado’s 50% bar rule, pushing enough fault onto you can cut or erase your recovery. They may also misstate the helmet and lane-filtering laws to suggest you broke a rule you did not. A lawyer fights back by securing the DR 3447 report, scene photos, traffic-camera footage, and independent-witness statements. When needed, an accident-reconstruction expert helps prove the driver failed to yield.

What does the motorcycle accident claim process look like?

Most personal injury claims generally move through several stages, starting with an initial consultation, followed by investigation, settlement negotiations, and, if a fair resolution cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit in Denver District Court. 

1. Free consultation and case review — we go over the crash, your injuries, and your coverage.
2. Investigation and evidence — we gather the DR 3447 report, medical records, scene and gear photos, witness statements, and any camera footage.
3. Demand and negotiation — we send a documented demand and negotiate with the insurer.
4. Settlement or lawsuit — if talks stall, we file suit in the Second Judicial District (Denver District Court, 1437 Bannock St) and prepare for trial.

Timelines vary with how serious the injuries are and the court’s schedule.

How do you choose the right Denver motorcycle accident lawyer?

Look for real experience with injury cases, a firm grasp of Colorado’s rider laws and Denver courts, comfort facing rider bias, and true trial readiness. Skip the marketing slogans.

• Do they have relevant experience?

For more than 20 years, Levine Law has represented injured people across the Denver metro, including motorcycle riders. Our motor-vehicle results include a $1.3 million settlement and a $256,000 verdict (see our case results). We also understand how juries perceive riders. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

• Do they know Colorado’s rider laws?

The helmet rule C.R.S. § 42-4-1502 and the lane-filtering rule (SB 24-079) must be argued correctly to protect your recovery. Insurance companies may use alleged violations to shift blame onto riders, so having a trusted lawyer who can properly interpret these laws helps protect your right to pursue compensation. Other relevant rules, such as requirements for motorcycle operation, right-of-way laws, and driver duties when sharing the road with motorcyclists, may also affect how fault is determined. 

• Do they know the local courts and insurers?

Founder Jordan S. Levine helped set Colorado precedent on holding insurers accountable in Crowell v. ICAO. An attorney who knows the Second Judicial District (Denver District Court) and local insurers brings a real edge.

• Are they ready to go to trial?

Levine Law’s attorneys hold an AV Preeminent rating, which is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating for a lawyer’s legal ability and ethical standards. They have also been recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. These recognitions reflect each organization’s own selection criteria.

• Are the fees transparent?

Levine Law works on contingency, which means no attorney’s fee unless we recover for you, plus free consultations.

Client testimonials

Levine Law’s clients often describe steady communication and close attention after a serious crash.

“I just wanted to say thank you for all of your assistance in bringing a resolution to this matter. This injury has impacted my life in ways that I never could have imagined and to have some closure to at least the legal end of things brings me and my family great peace. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated all of the times you answered my questions in a speedy manner or took the time to explain things I was confused about. It really did make a very scary and intimidating process seem manageable. From the moment we met I felt you thought I deserved justice and that gave me hope throughout a very difficult time in my life so again, thank you for that. I wish you all the best in your career and life.” — Kim M., five-star review

You can read more verified reviews on our Levine Law Reviews page

Disclaimer: Client reviews are individual experiences and are not a guarantee of any particular result.

Case results that reflect real experience

Motorcycle riders often suffer the worst injuries in a crash, including broken bones, neck and back trauma, and long recovery times. Levine Law has helped many riders in this position, along with other clients who had similar injuries in vehicle accidents.

• $545,000 settlement (motorcycle/auto) — a driver pulled out in front of our client’s motorcycle, throwing him over the car’s hood. He broke his left leg, which took several surgeries to repair.
• $1.3 million settlement — a driver ran a red light and struck the client, breaking his leg.
• $770,000 verdict — a truck accident that caused neck, back, and abdominal injuries.

More outcomes are listed on our Cases & Verdicts page.

Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case is decided on its own facts.

Areas served

Levine Law represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the Denver metro and Front Range, including:

• Aurora
• Lakewood
• Arvada
• Glendale
• Boulder
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Collins
• Loveland

We also handle related motor vehicle matters, including car accidents, truck accidents, rideshare accidents, and hit-and-run accidents.

Local resources

Hospitals & Emergency Care in Denver

• Denver Health Medical Center — the only Level I trauma center in the City of Denver; 777 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
• Saint Joseph Hospital — 1375 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
• HCA HealthONE Rose Medical Center — 4567 E 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80220
• HCA HealthONE Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center — 1719 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

Crash reports & agencies

• Denver Police Department Records — accident reports; records line 720-913-6029
• Colorado State Patrol — interstate and canyon crash investigation
• Colorado State Patrol — Lane Filtering in Colorado
• Colorado DMV — Report a Crash —- request your Colorado Traffic Crash Report (DR 3447). Denver Police Records line: 720-913-6029
• Colorado Department of Transportation

Courts

• Denver District Court (Second Judicial District) — City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202

Disclaimer: We provide these resources for convenience only; we do not endorse or profit from them.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Colorado?

You generally have three years from the crash date under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. But claims against a public agency like the City of Denver for a road defect require a written notice within 182 days. So your real deadline can be much shorter than three years.

Does not wearing a helmet hurt my Colorado motorcycle claim?

In Colorado, only riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Adults do not have to wear one. Because of this, insurance companies usually cannot blame you for not wearing a helmet. Even so, this is a point that needs to be handled carefully. Getting medical records quickly after the accident helps prove your injuries were caused by the crash.

Is lane filtering legal in Colorado?

Yes, within limits. Under SB 24-079, a rider may pass fully stopped traffic on the left at up to 15 mph under set conditions. Lane splitting through moving traffic is still illegal. Insurers sometimes blur the two, which can unfairly shift fault onto a rider.

What if the driver who hit my motorcycle fled the scene?

Hit-and-run crashes are common in Denver. Recovery often runs through your own UM/UIM coverage (your own insurance for when the at-fault driver has no coverage or too little). Report the crash to the Denver Police Records Unit (720-913-6029), save any evidence, and talk to a lawyer. These claims have their own deadlines and proof rules.

How much does a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

Levine Law works on contingency, so there is no upfront cost to hire us. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery. You owe it only if we win a settlement or verdict for you. That is our “No Win, No Fee” promise.

Contact a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer today

If you or a family member was hurt in a Denver-area motorcycle crash, Levine Law is available 24/7 to review your claim and explain your options at no cost.

Call 303-333-8000 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Attorney Review Disclosure

This content has been reviewed by the attorneys at Levine Law to help ensure its accuracy and compliance with applicable Colorado law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Colorado.

Denver Office
Levine Law LLC
4500 Cherry Creek S Dr #400
Denver, CO 80246
24/7 Hotline: (303) 333-8000

Other Cases We Take On

Beyond motorcycle accidents, Levine Law helps injured Coloradans across many practice areas:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber & Lyft / Rideshare Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Slip & Fall Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Catastrophic Injury

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; every case is evaluated on its own facts. This content has been prepared for review by Colorado-licensed attorneys at Levine Law.