Preventing motorcycle accidents: What you need to know
- Continued motorcycle safety training keeps riders current on changing laws and riding techniques.
- Regular maintenance and proper protective gear reduce both accident risk and injury severity.
- Knowing what to do after an accident, including not admitting fault and not signing anything you have not read, protects your legal rights.
The freedom of the open road and the thrill of the wind in your hair are two of the most common reasons why people ride motorcycles. Although it is a great pastime, it is essential to be safe while you are riding.
The motorcycle accident rate is creeping higher every year. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to prevent them.
Go back to school
Even if you pass the elementary motorcycle training course, you should continue your education. Laws, circumstances and methods can change. Additional training can keep you up-to-date on the latest in motorcycle safety.
For a detailed overview of Colorado-specific motorcycle rules that affect every ride, see CGH's guide to Colorado's motorcycle laws.
Maintain your ride
Keeping your motorcycle properly maintained can prevent accidents. Regular check-ups and oil changes are vital to keeping your bike running right and prevent accidents due to equipment malfunction.
Wear protective clothing
While protective clothing will not prevent an accident, it can keep you from being severely injured during one. Colorado requires helmets only for riders under 18 (C.R.S. 42-4-1502), but gear choices matter beyond that: insurers and defense attorneys routinely argue that riding without adequate protection worsened your injuries, which can reduce your compensation under Colorado's comparative negligence rules.
Know what to do after an accident
Knowing what to do and not to do after an accident can be crucial, particularly if you suffer an injury. Remember to call your insurance company, never sign anything until you are sure what it says and not to admit fault.
If you were hurt in a crash, CGH's motorcycle accident practice area explains your legal options and how an attorney can help protect your claim from the start.
Be aware of what is around you
Defensive driving is important, but so are road conditions and awareness of other drivers. Keep in mind that just because you see them, doesn't mean that they see you.
Even if you've been riding for years, motorcycle accidents still happen. Help prevent them by taking a few precautions before riding.
When another driver's inattention causes a crash, understanding how Colorado handles shared fault matters. Read CGH's overview of comparative negligence laws for motorcycle accidents to see how fault percentage affects your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need more motorcycle training after passing my basic course?
Yes. Continuing education helps riders stay current as laws, road conditions, and safety techniques change. Additional training beyond the basic course is one of the most effective ways to reduce accident risk over a riding career.
Can proper maintenance actually prevent motorcycle accidents?
Yes. Equipment malfunction is a documented cause of crashes. Regular check-ups and oil changes keep critical systems working and reduce the chance that a mechanical failure contributes to an accident.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Call your insurance company, do not admit fault, and do not sign anything until you have read and understood it. If you were injured, contact a personal injury attorney before making statements or accepting any offer from another party's insurer.
Does protective riding gear reduce injury risk?
Yes. Protective clothing will not prevent every accident, but it reduces the severity of injuries when a crash does occur. Colorado requires helmets only for riders under 18 (C.R.S. 42-4-1502). Adult riders are not required by law to wear full protective gear, but choosing not to can create legal complications if you are in an accident, because insurers and defense lawyers argue that inadequate gear worsened your injuries.
This article is general information for Colorado riders and injury readers. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not promise that any rule or outcome applies to your situation. Motorcycle accident and personal injury questions require case-specific legal review.
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