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Scott O'Sullivan

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

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Motorcycle Safety Car Game Rider Up!
Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

It’s April! Already, warm days have peeked into our tumultuous Colorado weather, bringing 70s in March… then whomping us with a record-setting blizzard. From my law office on 6th Avenue and Ogden, I have already noticed an uptick in motorcycle traffic and, for me, it’s like a harbinger of spring!

Before I get into my spring “get-ready-to-ride-safely” checklist, I want to answer a question that I recently received from a rider buddy. He and I were chatting at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and I thought I should address it in an article. 

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Colorado?

Motorcycle Safety Car Game Rider Up!

I often get asked about the most dangerous intersections in Denver however, when analyzing where most motorcycle accidents happen, I have to say that it’s very similar to where most auto accidents occur: intersections. And the number-one cause of motorcycle accidents is left-hand turns in front of oncoming traffic.

All too often, cars underestimate how fast motorcycles are traveling and pull out in front of them when taking a left-hand turn. Or, auto drivers maintain that they never saw the motorcycle coming. Of course, in both of these types of accidents, the auto driver is at fault. But that does little to soothe the victims or the victims’ families, whose lives may have been completely ruined.

You need to ride defensively and behave as if you think no one can see you. When you are approaching an intersection, use caution.

Another place where most motorcycle accidents occur in Colorado is on highways and open roads. This is because of the high speeds. Motorcyclists get a bad rap for being speed demons (and we’ve all seen the riders who give us this reputation), but most of the riders I know are responsible and law-abiding. However, even when a motorcyclist is traveling at the speed limit, highway speeds are very high and crashes at those speeds are generally tragic for bikers.

As Mike Douglass of the Aurora Police Department said in a recent Westword article: 

“When you have highways or roadways that allow for higher speeds, a car does a better job of protecting people. You have seat belts, closed passenger compartments and a lot more body and weight to help protect the occupants. And with motorcyclists, you can have the unintended consequence of the rider coming off the bike.”

So, the two places that motorcycle accidents occur the most are intersections and highways. Please be vigilant and ride defensively anywhere you ride, but especially when approaching an intersection or on a highway.

Get Ready to Ride Your Motorcycle This Spring!

OK, now that the tough stuff is out of the way, let’s focus on the fun stuff: getting your bike out for the warm weather! I want to remind you to do one thing that is super important before you even ride around the block: turn your motorcycle insurance back on if you turned it off last fall.

All too often, I meet injured riders who “just took it out for a spin” on the first warm day and didn’t switch their insurance on. They are left with huge medical bills and sometimes can’t even work due to injuries.

What about the other guy’s insurance, you ask? Very often, the “other guy” doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured. You have to protect yourself.

So, before you ride… call your insurance agent and turn that policy on today. We’ve already had beautiful days and you know the itch to ride is growing. Do it now so that you can hop on your bike when those temps start climbing again.

Rider Up! Share This Video on Your Social Media Channels

Finally, let’s make sure the rest of the world is ready to SEE us and PROTECT us this spring! In 2019, Rider Justice launched a campaign that we call Rider Up! It’s a game that challenges car passengers to be the first to spot a motorcyclist and yell its location in relation to the car. The player who spots and yells first is the winner. The goal is to have auto passengers help drivers locate nearby bikers, and to also train future drivers to look for and see motorcyclists on the road.

Check it out at riderjustice.com. Please help us get the word out now that the daffodils are emerging and the motorcycle engines are revving.

Hope to see you soon at a Rider Justice event!

4 Ways to Know if Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney is an Ambulance Chaser

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Personal injury attorneys have a bad rap. That is no surprise to anyone. The slur “ambulance chaser” is applied to the entire profession because, well, it was earned. There was a time when personal injury attorneys showed up at disaster sites of all kinds and handed out their business cards, hunting for injured clients. I’ve never actually heard of an attorney chasing an ambulance, but I still think the profession has earned the term.

In my estimation, too many people pursue this field of law for pure financial gain. Luckily, there are some of us who pursue it as a calling, our vocation. But how can you tell the difference?

I have written extensively about the legal shops that I call “personal injury mills.” These are the personal injury firms that chew clients up and spit them out, usually with settlements well below what they could have (should have) received. The problem can be especially bad for motorcycle crash victims who often sustain significant injuries, are facing police bias just because they were on a motorcycle, are dealing with hospital bills and big medical decisions, and don’t have time to “babysit” motorcycle attorneys who aren’t doing their job properly.

So, I am going to share the top 4 ways to know if a motorcycle accident lawyer is an ambulance chaser. I’ll share the list and then I’ll take a deeper dive into each of the reasons I give.

Your personal injury attorney might be an ambulance chaser if he/she…

  1. Only speaks to you once and hands your case off to a paralegal, never or rarely speaking with you again.
  2. Charges you fees for anything at all before your case settles.
  3. Talks about settling before understanding your injuries completely. (Or tells you to stop medical treatment so that he/she can settle!)
  4. Tells you what your case is worth before considering all the sources of compensation available to you.

Now, let me break these down so that you understand why they are red flags.

1. Only speaks to you once and hands your case off to a paralegal, never or rarely speaking with you again.

Biker annoyed at phone call

Most ambulance chasers are playing a wicked numbers game. They need a very high number of motorcycle crash cases to pay for their marketing, so they churn clients in the door and lead them to settlement as quickly as possible. In their haste, these attorneys will generally do a very good dog-and-pony show prior to a prospect signing up – meeting with them, returning calls, etc. – but as soon as the client (read: injured victim of a motorcycle crash who probably needs some significant legal help) signs on the dotted line, their case is taken over by a paralegal.

While paralegals are fantastic supports to attorneys, they are not attorneys. If an attorney is not 100% in charge of your case, then you will not receive the representation you need. If only paralegals return your calls, it’s a good sign that the attorney has no idea who you are.

2. Charges you fees for anything at all before your case settles.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is MoneyEnvelope.jpg

The entire personal injury field works on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless you get paid. We must incur all of the costs to research your case, hire the experts to study the scene of the motorcycle accident, work with hospitals and doctors to reduce your medical bills, and (this is perhaps the most important) be willing to absorb all those charges for as long as your treatment takes. If a motorcycle crash victim is seriously injured, that could be years. 

I have heard of attorneys charging their clients for everything from expert witness testimonies to copier paper while they are still working on the case.

If your lawyer is trying to charge you for anything at all prior to your case’s completion, you are probably dealing with an ambulance chaser.

3. Talks about settling before understanding your injuries completely. (Or tells you to stop medical treatment so that he/she can settle!)

Many personal injury attorneys would rather “take the bird in hand” than wait for the two in the bush. By this, I mean that they would rather settle your case for less and do it quickly than wait (perhaps years) for a potentially higher settlement. 

However, motorcycle crash victims often need a lot of time to recover. In Colorado, a case cannot be closed until a victim ceases treatment, thereby putting an end to medical bills. Ambulance chasers would rather convince their clients that they are “fine” than take time to make sure that their recovery is truly headed in the right direction.

Ambulance chasers need the cash now, and they will get it from your case at your expense by encouraging you to quit medical treatment and settle early.

4. Tells you what your case is worth before considering all the sources of compensation available to you.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is LegalProcess.jpg

One of the most time-intensive (and rewarding!) aspects of being a motorcycle accident attorney is in taking a deep dive into the motorcycle victim’s insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, the many other “pots” that may be available for compensation, and putting together a complete picture for each client of what their case may be worth. This takes time. And it also takes a level of passion that you will only find in an attorney who does this work as a vocation.

I have worked with clients who have been told by other attorneys (before they even signed up, let alone researched the accident) that they can only get $25,000 from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Often, my deeper research reveals additional details, like perhaps the driver was in his mom’s car and her insurance is available, too. Or maybe the at-fault driver was in a rental, opening up another “pot” for compensation. You need an attorney who is willing to take the time (and who has the time) to investigate every aspect of your crash.

If you have any questions about your motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact me today! You can call or text me at 303-388-5304.

Scott O’Sullivan is the founder of Rider Justice and the O’Sullivan Law Firm.

4 Ways to Know if Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney is an Ambulance Chaser

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan, founder of Rider Justice

Personal injury attorneys have a bad rap. That is no surprise to anyone. The slur “ambulance chaser” is applied to the entire profession because, well, it was earned. There was a time when personal injury attorneys showed up at disaster sites of all kinds and handed out their business cards, hunting for injured clients. I’ve never actually heard of an attorney chasing an ambulance, but I still think the profession has earned the term.

In my estimation, too many people pursue this field of law for pure financial gain. Luckily, there are some of us who pursue it as a calling, our vocation. But how can you tell the difference?

I have written extensively about the legal shops that I call “personal injury mills.” These are the personal injury firms that chew clients up and spit them out, usually with settlements well below what they could have (should have) received. The problem can be especially bad for motorcycle crash victims who often sustain significant injuries, are facing police bias just because they were on a motorcycle, are dealing with hospital bills and big medical decisions, and don’t have time to “babysit” motorcycle attorneys who aren’t doing their job properly.

So, I am going to share the top 4 ways to know if a motorcycle accident lawyer is an ambulance chaser. I’ll share the list and then I’ll take a deeper dive into each of the reasons I give.

Your personal injury attorney might be an ambulance chaser if he/she…

  1. Only speaks to you once and hands your case off to a paralegal, never or rarely speaking with you again.
  2. Charges you fees for anything at all before your case settles.
  3. Talks about settling before understanding your injuries completely. (Or tells you to stop medical treatment so that he/she can settle!)
  4. Tells you what your case is worth before considering all the sources of compensation available to you.

Now, let me break these down so that you understand why they are red flags.

1. Only speaks to you once and hands your case off to a paralegal, never or rarely speaking with you again.

Biker annoyed at phone call

Most ambulance chasers are playing a wicked numbers game. They need a very high number of motorcycle crash cases to pay for their marketing, so they churn clients in the door and lead them to settlement as quickly as possible. In their haste, these attorneys will generally do a very good dog-and-pony show prior to a prospect signing up – meeting with them, returning calls, etc. – but as soon as the client (read: injured victim of a motorcycle crash who probably needs some significant legal help) signs on the dotted line, their case is taken over by a paralegal.

While paralegals are fantastic supports to attorneys, they are not attorneys. If an attorney is not 100% in charge of your case, then you will not receive the representation you need. If only paralegals return your calls, it’s a good sign that the attorney has no idea who you are.

2. Charges you fees for anything at all before your case settles.

The entire personal injury field works on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless you get paid. We must incur all of the costs to research your case, hire the experts to study the scene of the motorcycle accident, work with hospitals and doctors to reduce your medical bills, and (this is perhaps the most important) be willing to absorb all those charges for as long as your treatment takes. If a motorcycle crash victim is seriously injured, that could be years. 

I have heard of attorneys charging their clients for everything from expert witness testimonies to copier paper while they are still working on the case.

If your lawyer is trying to charge you for anything at all prior to your case’s completion, you are probably dealing with an ambulance chaser.

3. Talks about settling before understanding your injuries completely. (Or tells you to stop medical treatment so that he/she can settle!)

Many personal injury attorneys would rather “take the bird in hand” than wait for the two in the bush. By this, I mean that they would rather settle your case for less and do it quickly than wait (perhaps years) for a potentially higher settlement. 

However, motorcycle crash victims often need a lot of time to recover. In Colorado, a case cannot be closed until a victim ceases treatment, thereby putting an end to medical bills. Ambulance chasers would rather convince their clients that they are “fine” than take time to make sure that their recovery is truly headed in the right direction.

Ambulance chasers need the cash now, and they will get it from your case at your expense by encouraging you to quit medical treatment and settle early.

4. Tells you what your case is worth before considering all the sources of compensation available to you.

One of the most time-intensive (and rewarding!) aspects of being a motorcycle accident attorney is in taking a deep dive into the motorcycle victim’s insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, the many other “pots” that may be available for compensation, and putting together a complete picture for each client of what their case may be worth. This takes time. And it also takes a level of passion that you will only find in an attorney who does this work as a vocation.

I have worked with clients who have been told by other attorneys (before they even signed up, let alone researched the accident) that they can only get $25,000 from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Often, my deeper research reveals additional details, like perhaps the driver was in his mom’s car and her insurance is available, too. Or maybe the at-fault driver was in a rental, opening up another “pot” for compensation. You need an attorney who is willing to take the time (and who has the time) to investigate every aspect of your crash.

If you have any questions about your motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact me today! You can call or text me at 303-388-5304.

Scott O’Sullivan is the founder of Rider Justice and the O’Sullivan Law Firm.

Why Motorcycle Accidents are Different from Auto Accidents

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As my Rider Justice friends know, I’m not just a huge advocate for Colorado motorcycle rights and safety, I’m also a motorcycle and car accident attorney. I’ve been a Denver personal injury attorney for more than 20 years. It is my vocation – my calling in life – because I can’t stand when a victim’s rights are violated by negligent drivers and insurance companies.

Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan, Founder of Rider Justice

But I digress.

Accident Reconstruction

Recently, I worked with a company called Knott Laboratory, which performs accident reconstruction investigations. As Ricky L. Nguyen said to me, Knott Lab provides forensic reports on every type of machine you can imagine.

“If it’s got moving parts, we get it,” said Ricky, who added that they also perform fire event investigations. You can check out their demo reel here. Caution: even though the images are computer-generated, it can be pretty alarming to see the types of accidents they investigate. (One word: woodchipper.)

As he and I were talking, I started sharing stories of some of my past cases, explaining why some of them were so upsetting or surprising. While there may be common types of accidents (such as left-hand turns in front of oncoming traffic), I do often find myself so concerned for victims that I ask, “Why?!” Sometimes, we never get the answer to that question. But Ricky can answer “how,” which can help me get the proper compensation for victims from insurance companies.

How Motorcycle Crashes are Different

Ricky and I began discussing the differences between motorcycle crashes and auto crashes, and he said, “motorcycles do funny things in accidents.” (I’m sure that he meant “strange” when he said “funny.”)

I have seen a lot of images from motorcycle crashes in the Denver metro area and I can tell you that they are definitely different from car accident scenes. Sadly, they are usually much more tragic.

Of course, motorcycles are smaller than cars, so they don’t stand much chance in a collision with a vehicle that outweighs them by many factors. However, Ricky, who is an engineer, said that there are some other issues that make motorcycles behave strangely in crash situations.

Ricky explained that, “Motorcycles are smaller and they act erratically in accidents. They aren’t like cars, which tend to be like smooth boxes. Motorcycles have parts sticking out that catch on the road and cause them to do funny things, curve around other objects, land funny. Also, the weight difference between motorcycles and cars is significant. Motorcycles change trajectory more easily.”

I have hired accident reconstruction engineers in the past to help me prove that the other driver is at fault, causing my client’s injuries. In some cases, I observe the reconstruction process like a great episode of CSI. It takes a ton of investigative work to discern the cause of an accident.

Ricky said that the engineers at Knott Lab gather police reports, witness statements, visit the accident site for remaining evidence such as skid marks, talk to the district attorneys that may be involved, collect photos that may have been taken at the accident, and assemble pretty much anything else that they can get their hands on.

They also use high-tech to assess the vehicles’ damage as well as the scene of the accident.

“We do a laser scan of the vehicles so that we can recreate the vehicle visually and do a 3D image,” said Ricky. “We also do a scan of the accident site so that we can assess slope, geometry, heights of nearby obstacles, etc.”

Based on that information, the engineers can often create a written report that explains what happened and who was at fault. But for more complex cases, Ricky said they create the computer simulations like what you see in their demo video.

Advice for Bikers

I asked Ricky if he had any advice for motorcycle riders who are in accidents, things that they can do to help prove their innocence. Gratifyingly, he said something that I say all the time: take pictures!

“Everybody has smart phones today; take pictures!” he said. “As many as possible! Also, try not to touch or move the vehicle. Typically, police officers want you to move the vehicle, but take pictures first. And take pictures of the damage on the road, your motorcycle, the other driver’s car, everything. The more we can see of the accident scene, the more it helps.”

Finally, as someone who fights for motorcyclist rights, I want you to know that, just because the police give YOU the ticket after an accident (because they normally assume it was the biker’s fault), don’t assume that you don’t have a good case. I have won cases for motorcyclists even after the cop gave them the ticket. I can find witnesses and even hire a company like Knott Lab to prove your innocence. I’d love to help you.

How to Insure Your Motorcycle Without Going Broke

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Insurance is so important. As an avid biker, you embrace the risks as part of the freedom you experience. You also need to embrace insurance.

Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

The good news is that, by taking a little time to do some research, you might be able to reduce your insurance premiums. It’s important to understand what Colorado insurance companies take into account when determining the premium on your motorcycle and how to keep your insurance costs down.

The more expensive the bike, the more expensive the insurance

Like most car insurance policies, motorcycle insurance costs vary from bike to bike. Insuring a small or commuter motorcycle will be much less expensive than insurance for a high-end bike that has high horsepower. Therefore, when you’re purchasing your motorcycle, don’t get captivated by the most expensive bike you can possibly afford because you need to leave money in the bank for the high insurance rates you’ll pay on that bad boy.

Consider your budget not only for what you’re willing to pay for the bike up front, but also for how much you can afford when you have to pay the insurance premium every month. 

Also, the bigger the engine, the more it will be to insure. Big engines mean big speed, which generally means big crashes. Along these lines, sport bikes tend to come with much higher insurance premiums than cruisers. It’s important to remember that the safer your motorcycle is, the less expensive your policy will be.

See what insurance Rider Justice recommends for motorcyclists.

Drive Safely

Are you an extremely safe and meticulous driver in your automobile? Some insurance companies will give you a discount on your motorcycle insurance if you’re a good auto driver. The same is often true for motorcycles. Obviously, nobody wants to get in an accident, but if you play it extra safe and always stick to the rules, you’ll have a greater chance of being accident-free. Having no accidents may entitle you to a no-claims bonus. The qualifications for this bonus vary between insurance companies and states so be sure to do your research.

Ride Alone

“Guest passenger” coverage is a category of insurance that only pertains to motorcycles. This is different from automobile policies, which generally cover all other passengers in the vehicle without any extra costs. If you’re a fan of being one—and only one—with your motorcycle, or if you’re willing to become a fan of solo riding, this might be a good way to save some money on your insurance coverage.

Here’s the catch, and it’s important: If you don’t have guest passenger coverage because you’ve decided to be an exclusively solo rider, you should never, EVER let another person ride with you.

If you should get into a motorcycle accident, the financial impact to you could be catastrophic. Imagine your friend with severe or life-threatening injuries and your insurance company saying to you, “We owe you nothing.”

That friend of yours (or their family) could actually sue you (I’ve seen it happen over and over again between people who were the tightest of friends) for help paying their medical bills. You could lose your home and all your other possessions. Never let another rider on your bike unless you’re insured to cover them.

Cap Your Mileage

For a lot of people, their motorcycles aren’t their primary mode of transportation. Some riders just use their motorcycles during spring and summer months, while others tend to take them out only on the weekends. If your motorcycle is more like a toy or a hobby, you may want to consider capping your mileage. Some insurance companies may offer a lower premium for lower annual mileage.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in most states, “insurers can use your credit-based insurance score to determine your premiums.” For example, they reason that if you seem responsible with your money, you’ll be responsible for your own safety.

Insurance companies also figure that you will pay your premiums on time if you have no history of being delinquent on a bill. Each insurance company uses different criteria to determine how you would manage your risk exposure, so make sure to do your research.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Class

I saved the best for last. For many reasons, you should take a motorcycle safety course. The best reason is because it could save your life, and even help you save other lives. Another good reason is because your insurance company may reduce your premium when you give them proof that you passed the course.

My favorite place to take a motorcycle training class in Colorado is at the Motorcycle Training Academy, which has schools in Colorado Springs and Aurora. The instructors there have huge hearts and they understand the passion people have for their bikes. That’s why they are passionate about keeping you safe.

Once you’ve taken that basic safety class and you’ve got some miles under your belt, go back to MTA and take advanced rider courses to keep your skills sharp and learn advanced skills. If you’re willing to invest in new equipment for your bike, be willing to invest in yourself.

There are other ways to reduce your motorcycle insurance premiums, but I don’t necessarily recommend them. For example, don’t increase your deductible just to save a few bucks every month. Also, you NEED to get underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), which will add to your premium, but since Colorado has so many uninsured or underinsured drivers, you need to protect yourself from them. 

As always, if you have any questions at all about this topic, call or text me at 303-388-5304.

Rider Justice Giveaway Winner

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Rider Justice is constantly looking for ways to engage riders and celebrate the biker lifestyle. We gave away a Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide in 2015 as well as a Triumph Bonneville in 2017. So, when I suggested that we give away a 2020 Honda Monkey, everyone thought I was crazy. But once I laid eyes on that 125ccs of throwback fun, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. And many have felt the same way when seeing it in person.

We launched the contest in January at the International Motorcycle Show and the last large event we were able to register people was the Motorcycle Expo in February. Our intentions were to give away the Monkey at the BikerDown annual Look Twice Save a Life Ride, however, COVID forced that event to be postponed.

Since Spring, we’ve been keeping our fingers crossed that BikerDown could safely reschedule the Look Twice Ride sometime during the 2020 riding season because we were committed to combining the Honda giveaway with that event. It’s a crucial fundraiser for our favorite local non-profit, and we wanted as many people to attend as possible. On September 5th, we finally had our day.

A Winner is Chosen

With almost 2,000 entries we drew 10 names and those people were called to the Rider Justice stage at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse. Each of those 10 people selected a BikerDown pack filled with swag (some even had $100 Visa gift cards) and a key. In turn, each person opened their pack to see if their key was the key to start the bike!

Finally, our winner emerged: Joel McCoy! Congratulations Joel! We can’t wait to see you at bike night on the Monkey. *beep* *beep*

On the Road Again

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

The whole world may be exhausted from stay-at-home orders and social distancing, but none have the advantage that bikers possess to escape the lock-down blues. 

One recent Saturday morning, driving back towards Denver on highway 285, I saw hundreds of riders, going in the opposite direction headed into the hills. From what I could tell, they seemed to all be smaller groups going out on individual adventures. It was a beautiful sight! It made me think about how riders must all be laughing to themselves that they can continue doing what they love while mostly maintaining COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

Yes, there are recent setbacks that are, again, straining our favorite restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, but the spirit of motorcyclists continuing to enjoy the freedom that the open road offers is pretty special. And together, we’ve all reached the end of our ropes and are ready to get back to events that let us celebrate the brotherhood and sisterhood that bikers hold so dear. So, let me share a few things that we have to look forward to for the rest of the summer.

8/22: On The Wings of Angels Poker Run

This is our second year sponsoring this event for Angel Eyes. Angel Eyes is a non-profit that helps Colorado families cope with the sudden, unexpected death of an infant or toddler, miscarriage, and stillbirth loss. They offer professional bereavement counseling, a support group, peer connections, and community referrals to those who are grieving.

This is their 4th Annual Motorcycle Poker Run and what a great event to support! The ride starts and ends at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and entry fees include breakfast, lunch, swag bag and door prize ticket! Other fundraising takes place through their silent auction and 50/50 drawing.

We’ll be there to cheer on riders and give away more prizes. You can find out more details and register at angeleyes.org.

8/29: Colorado Women’s Day of Rock

Rider Justice was all set to sponsor the Women’s World Record Ride on 8/29 but organizers were recently denied necessary permits due to COVID-19. This may limit the number of out-of-state lady riders for that date, but the rest of us are still here and desperate for entertainment. We decided to keep the national act Lez Zeppelin, an all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band, booked and plan for next year’s world record attempt.

The show will be free with in-kind donations going to local non-profit, BikerDown.

Mark your calendars and join us on 8/29. There will be vendors and live music all day. Join us early to grab a picnic table with a great view and celebrate the women who will beat that world record in 2021! 

9/5: Honda Monkey Contest Drawing/ Look Twice Save a Life Ride

The bad news is that we were originally going to give away this fiery little 125cc beast at the Look Twice Save a Life Ride in May. The good news is that you still have time to register because the BikerDown annual ride is now scheduled for September 5th.

Because of all the uncontrollable issues with events so far this year, we’ve adjusted the contest where there will be five pre-qualifiers drawn before the event and another five will be drawn on the day of to offer more chances at winning. We will have keys and each qualifier will have a chance to see if their key starts the bike! 

Remember, you can register once online and every time you see Rider Justice or BikerDown at an event. The day of the event will be your last chance to register so plan on spending the day with us after the BikerDown ride.

Register now for the Look Twice Save a Life Ride at BikerDown.org as early registration guarantees a ride t-shirt. Day of registrations are welcome and appreciated but shirts may be limited at that point.

Gaiter survey

We have a small giveaway we’re doing with your voluntary help with a very short survey. It’s three questions only and at least the first 50 people will receive a customized Rider Justice gaiter in the mail.

You may participate in the survey giveaway here.

What to do

There was this blissfully brief time this spring when motorcycle accidents were extremely low. Unfortunately, the trend is swinging back hard. If you or someone you care about has been in an accident that wasn’t their fault, encourage them to take the time to speak with me. People seem to be eternally optimistic that if they have medical and motorcycle insurance, everything will work out, but I am here to tell you that you want someone who knows their tricks on your side. I will happily meet with anyone to discuss their case for free and help them figure out next steps. Call or text me anytime at 303-388-5304

New Rider: Making All the Right Moves

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan, Founder of Rider Justice and The O’Sullivan Law Firm

No one needs to tell a biker how dangerous it can be on the road. Every rider can give a laundry list of close encounters without batting an eye and those who haven’t been lucky enough to avoid collisions have battle scars to tell their story.

My goal with Rider Justice, is to always focus on how to keep riders as safe as possible while celebrating the biker lifestyle that brings them joy. As a law firm, of course we are here to help riders that have been injured in an accident, but what if we could do more to be proactive? This question is always top of mind for me and my team.

So, when I met Tamara, someone who wanted to begin riding but hadn’t just yet, I knew I had a golden opportunity to help make sure this person got started on the right foot. Moreover, we developed a plan to document her journey as a way to help other new riders. 

Meet Tamara

I met Tamara a couple years ago as she worked in a restaurant I frequented in my neighborhood, and over time we’ve become friends. It was with great surprise when one day, she announced to me that she wanted to ride a motorcycle. After some very serious conversations filled with my best fatherly advice, she was undaunted and more determined than ever to get on 2-wheels. Knowing the potential dangers that lie ahead, I asked if she would let me guide her journey and she agreed. 

Tamara moved to Colorado from Southern California. You should also know that she has been horseback riding since she was ten years old. Her parents signed her up for riding lessons before sending her to a summer camp that had a horse program. Once she was riding, she was hooked.

That camp was in Buena Vista, Colorado and when she got into high school, Tamara began working at that same camp each summer teaching other kids how to ride. Now, with lots of years riding, and even competing with horses, she’s ready to move on to something new.

Tamara says, comparing riding a horse to what she thinks riding will be like. “It is kind of nice to be able to travel from point A to point B having the wind on you and being out in the open as opposed to riding in a car.”

Motorcycle Endorsement

First things first, Tamara needed to take a riding class. Not only would the class teach her how to ride and best practices, she would have a chance to actually ride a bike that she didn’t have to purchase first. 

Those who know me, know that I have a history of riding, but that I stopped after losing a friend many years ago. It doesn’t change that I miss riding a LOT! So, I took the class with Tamara, just for grins. And man, it was so fun!

We worked with Dave Tolbert who owns Motorcycle Training Academy in Aurora. He pointed out to us that excited new riders often go buy a new bike before knowing how to ride and then end up laying it down or knocking it over by accident and damaging it right away. So, in addition to waiving the DMV test by getting your endorsement in a class, a benefit of taking a class is using someone else’s bike to practice with. Moreover, they have a number of bikes for you to try. 

I’m pleased to report that on March 5, 2020, Tamara and I both passed the Basic Rider Course and got our endorsements!

Gear & The Bike

Knowing that Tamara had her eye on adventure riding as well as street riding, we brought her to work with our friends at Erico Motorsports. There, she worked with Stevie, the apparel specialist who is also a female rider and Nick who showed her all kinds of bikes.

Stevie had lots of great tips for Tamara regarding gear and how to evaluate gear for on- and off-road riding. Tamara left with a great helmet, jacket, and gloves!

Tamara had her eye on a Ducati Scrambler but she also liked the look of some of the Triumphs, too. Nick helped answer all of her questions. In the end, Tamara found the ride she’s been dreaming of: a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer. 

Follow the Journey

Even though Tamara is off to a great start, we’re not done yet! You can follow her journey by following her on Instagram, by following us on either Facebook or Instagram where we will share updates or go directly to the videos documenting her progress so far at RiderJustice.com/features. We are continually adding new videos showing what she’s up to in her learning process.

If you have suggestions for new riders, I’d love to hear your recommendations. Call or text me at 303.388.5304 or email: Scott@RiderJustice.com.

#2Wheels4Meals Supports Community, Rider Businesses

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

It was early March when the Rider Justice team started to understand that COVID-19 was about to turn life as we know it on its head. Talk of stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures were running rampant. We could see the uncertainty in the road ahead and the challenge this brought to the local businesses that play an integral role in the motorcycle world we love. Our concern was primarily for the restaurants and bars that cater to riders. They serve as community meeting points for individual and group rides every single day. A home away from home for many. These are locally owned businesses at the core of our riding community and there was no way we could just sit back while owners and staff closed and braced for an unknown fate.

It was time for us to get creative and refocus our energy. Within days we hosted several video calls that brought in leaders in the Colorado riding community and who are like minded when it comes to rolling up your sleeves and helping others. We worked with the team from META, Colorado Rider News, and BikerDown Foundation. Each of us were determined to do whatever we could to make an impact within the community and industry alike.

Within a few days #2Wheels4Meals was born. The program would raise money through donations to buy meals from one of our local favorites, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden, CO. Our team and volunteers then distributed those meals to homeless kitchens, hospitals, first responders, and to staff at nursing homes. As of this writing, #2Wheels4Meals has purchased and distributed over 1800 meals.

The joy of making this happen – of helping local entrepreneurs and people hit hard by the pandemic – has allowed us to feed our souls and put smiles on many in need. However, the experience of locking arms with like-minded people and getting the work done, is deeply fulfilling as well. Existing relationships grew stronger and new bonds were cemented, laying the foundation for lasting partnerships.

Rider Justice is founded on contributing real value to our riding community. That truth allowed us to shift quickly and become something very different when the world needed us to be. We will continue to shift and move and do the work to stand up for bikers and the Colorado community every single day. 

Thank you to everyone who helped us, help others.