Richard J. Dehncke
Attorney at Law

Richard Dehncke has the distinct honor of being recognized as one of Colorado’s Super Lawyers. Injury Attorney Richard Dehncke has proudly represented seriously injured persons and their families confidently, competently, and compassionately for 30 years. His legal practice emphasizes traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, RSD, and wrongful death. A graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Denver College of Law, Mr. Dehncke has attended the prestigious Harvard Law School Center for Legal Negotiation. He is an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Memberships include the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, and Colorado Bar Association. He has been awarded the highest national AV rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

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As spring and summer approach, more and more drivers hit the road on motorcycles and scooters. With gasoline prices on the rise again, more and more automobile drivers are choosing motorcycles and scooters as a popular fuel efficient way to travel. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, Yamaha saw a 65% increase in their sales over a one year period. A recent 2008 Consumer Reports article cites that the popularity of both motorcycles and scooters have increased dramatically and with that, so have the number of reported motorcycle and scooter fatalities.

• Motorcycle fatalities make up more than 10% of all motor vehicle fatalities
• Almost 5000 motorcyclists were killed in 2006 throughout the U.S.
• 90 motorcyclists were killed in Colorado in 2007 (highest ever recorded)
• 402 motorcyclists were killed between 2003-2007 in Colorado
• Jefferson County and El Paso County hold more than 25% of the state's motorcycles
• While automobile deaths have decreased over the last several years, motorcycle deaths are actually on the rise
• Rocket bikes riders (supersport bikers) are 4x more likelyto die in an accident than regular motorcycle riders
• The cost for motorcycle injuries can range from $7200 - $30,400 for non helmet wearing riders
• Traumatic head injuries can cost an average of $43,214

The majority of motorcycle and scooter accidents are caused by other drivers simply not “seeing” the rider until it is too late. While safe motorcycle driving and wearing a helmet can reduce injuries significantly, if you are injured in a motorcycle or scooter accident, chances are that your injuries will still be overwhelming. Injuries to the head, neck and spine can cause significant life-altering injuries that can lead to a lifetime of disabilities. In addition, fractured bones, burns and lacerations can require years of plastic surgeries and physical therapy to overcome. Even if you believe that you have adequate insurance, many policies can be quickly exhausted after even a low speed motorcycle or scooter accident.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle or scooter accident, contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately to determine if you have reason to file a claim. Compensation may be needed to pay for medical bills, lost wages and lost quality of life. Your injury attorney may be able to help get you the medical attention you need to get your life back on track after a catastrophic motorcycle or scooter accident.

Resources:
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/motorcycle-accidents.shtml
http://www.dot.state.co.us/trafficsafety/most/stats.cfm