Riding a motorcycle in Colorado means you get to enjoy beautiful views and open roads. But riding a bike can be risky. In the first half of 2024 alone, Colorado state troopers investigated 135 fatal crashes, with 15.5% of them involving motorcycles.
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by anything, from road hazards to distracted driving. But did you know that wildlife is also a real risk? Deer, elk, and even smaller animals can run out with no warning, especially in the countryside.
If you crash your bike because of an animal, you might have a lot of questions. Who is responsible? Will insurance pay for the damage or your medical bills? You need direct, clear answers, and only a skilled Colorado motorcycle accidents lawyer can guide you.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Wildlife Is a Major Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado
When you think of a motorcycle crash, what comes to your mind is reckless or distracted driving, road hazards, or bad weather. Wild animals are probably the last thing on your mind. But wildlife collisions happen round the clock throughout the year.
Over the past ten years, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has seen an average of 3,300 reported wildlife hits each year, and that’s only the ones reported. The actual number could be much higher.
Many of these wrecks involve motorcycles, typically resulting in deadly injuries, because bikers have little protection. These crashes generally happen at dawn or dusk when animals are most active.
While deer and elk are the biggest dangers on mountain roads in Colorado, small animals like rabbits, raccoons, and even birds can cause riders to lose control or swerve. The question is who is responsible when these accidents happen, and will your insurance pay for it?
Who is Responsible for a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Caused by Wildlife?
Most people think, “If I hit a deer, is anyone really at fault?” Usually, no one is at fault except the animal. In legal terms, no person or company is responsible for wild animal crashes. Colorado does not treat wild animals as property.
But there are some rare cases where another party might be at fault:
- If a livestock owner lets cows or horses roam onto the road, they may be responsible.
- If a driver swerves to avoid an animal and hits you, that driver could be at fault.
But you need to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll look at all the facts of your case and tell you if another person may be responsible.
What Kind of Insurance Covers Animal-Related Motorcycle Accidents?
Bike accidents can be fatal and may even lead to PTSD in some cases. Immediately after the accident, you might need surgery, and the cost of a long, slow recovery can really put a dent in your savings. So, what kind of insurance pays for your damages and injuries is probably the first thought on your mind.
In Colorado, you can use one of the following insurance policies to cover some, if not all, of the costs associated with your accident.
1. Comprehensive Coverage
If you’ve only basic motorcycle insurance, it will NOT pay for animal crashes. You need “comprehensive” coverage. This pays for damage to your bike from anything but a collision with another vehicle, including wildlife hits. But most riders in the US don’t buy this coverage.
2. Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays for your injuries, no matter who caused the crash. It is always a smart add-on, especially if you ride your bike to work daily or love taking weekend trips to the nearby mountains.
3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage pays when another driver causes your crash but has no insurance. It does not kick in if only an animal is involved. But if another driver was involved in the crash, who is underinsured or not insured, this coverage can help you.
If you are not sure what your policy covers, speak with a motorcycle accident attorney, or your insurance agent can review it with you.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer regardless, because insurance claims can be tough. Typically, the insurance company will try to deny your claim or send you a lowball offer. But a motorcycle accident attorney knows the rules and can help you:
- Understand your legal rights.
- Find every way to recover money for your injuries and your bike.
- Deal with your insurance company if you are stuck.
- Take care of all your paperwork.
- Go to trial if no settlement is reached.
Crashed Your Bike Because of a Wild Animal? Know What You Can Do
Getting hit by a wild deer is the last thing you want when you’re out riding. A crash like this can leave you with serious injuries and your bike totaled. But knowing your insurance covers and what to do next can help you get paid for your losses and medical bills. That’s why you should speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer as early as possible.
Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys handle all types of motorcycle accident claims, even those involving wildlife collisions. We will review your case and see what money you may get for your injuries or bike.
Call 720-649-4747 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
