Driver and passenger injured in Colorado motorcycle accident

Motorcycle riders in Colorado and across the nation are aware of the dangers of riding their bikes on the American roadways. Statistics are sobering, and the unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists have far less of a chance of surviving an accident unscathed than drivers of enclosed vehicles. One recent accident involving a car versus motorcycle accident demonstrates just how unbalanced the playing field can be.

Earlier this month, a 52-year-old motorcycle driver and his 52-year-old female passenger were at the intersection of U.S 24 and 31st Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado, when their Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with a vehicle. Both riders were thrown from the bike as a result of the crash. They were transported to Penrose Hospital, where it was determined that the man suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident and his passenger sustained moderate injuries.

The preliminary investigation by the Colorado State Patrol suggests that the car was headed eastbound on U.S. 24 when the driver merged into the left turn lane for an anticipated turn onto 31st Street. At that time, the Harley Davidson that was behind the car is believed to have struck the right rear of the car. The 32-year-old woman who was driving the vehicle had three passengers with her at the time of the incident; all four were unharmed in the crash.

At present, Colorado investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol as a factor in the motorcycle accident. The investigation is ongoing, as the motorcycle riders continue to recover from the crash. It is unknown whether the investigation will determine which party was at fault for the incident, nor whether the injured riders will file one or more lawsuits in an effort to recover damages for their injuries and property loss that resulted from the crash. If the motorcycle operator is found to have been negligent in a manner that caused or contributed to the collision, his passenger retains the right to assess the evidence to determine if she wishes to pursue a personal injury claim.

Source: The Gazette, “Motorcycle driver seriously injured in Highway 24 crash,” Andrew Gibson, July 15, 2012