Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Loveland

As enjoyable as riding a motorcycle may be, these vehicles come with significant risks for injury. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents in Loveland are not uncommon.

If you are facing the loss of a loved one after a highway tragedy, you might have a viable case for pursuing legal remedies. Colorado allows for wrongful death actions, and a dedicated motorcycle crash attorney could help you seek justice on behalf of your lost family member. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn more.

Why Are Motorcycle Wrecks Often Fatal?

Any collision between motor vehicles has the potential to cause permanent or life-threatening injuries. However, motorcycle crashes in Loveland are more likely to lead to fatality for various reasons.

Lack of Protection

Motorcycles offer little in the way of impact absorption. While vehicle safety technology continues to advance for passenger cars, bikers are primarily on their own in a wreck. There are no restraints or airbags that can cushion the blow or lessen the impact.

Being Thrown From the Bike

Riders also face the additional risk of fatal injury when they are thrown from their bike. Striking the ground or falling into the path of oncoming traffic can have devastating consequences. When another party’s negligence leads to a loss of life, a wrongful death action may be appropriate.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Certain family members have the power to file a lawsuit against a negligent person or entity when they cause the death of their loved one. These suits are commonly known as wrongful death actions. Because the claims are civil in nature, a successful outcome involves a monetary award for the surviving relatives.

Only specific parties have the right to pursue damages following another person’s death, and the law is complex in determining these rights.

In the year following a fatal motorcycle crash in Loveland, any surviving spouse has the sole power to bring this type of legal action. In the second year, additional family members can bring a suit in court, including the following:

• Spouses
• Children
• Eligible designated beneficiaries
• A combination of the three

A husband or wife has 90 days to join a suit filed by the surviving children. If none of the above-mentioned parties are available or willing to file, surviving parents have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

The Deadline to Seek Compensation

Like personal injury cases, there is a time limit to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline, commonly referred to as the statute of limitations, expires two years after a person’s death.

There is a crucial exception to be aware of when it comes to traffic fatalities. An individual whose death is attributed to a hit-and-run collision receives additional time. In that scenario, the surviving family generally has four years to bring legal action. A Loveland legal professional who handles fatal motorcycle crash cases could determine the deadlines for a particular case.

Talk to an Attorney in Loveland About a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Case

If you are dealing with the unexpected death of a family member, a civil suit might provide you with a path toward justice. A monetary award cannot undo what you have lost, but it could be the first step in holding the at-fault party accountable.

Call us today to discuss fatal motorcycle accidents in Loveland during an initial consultation. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys are here to help with your case.