Police Bias Against Motorcycle Riders in Colorado: It’s Real—and Dangerous

After more than 25 years representing injured motorcycle riders across Colorado, I’ve developed a deep respect for the riding community—and a deep frustration with how they’re often treated after a crash. One of the most consistent and harmful patterns I’ve seen is police bias against motorcyclists.

This isn’t just anecdotal. Studies and crash report data consistently show that motorcyclists are more likely to be assumed at fault in multi-vehicle crashes, even when the facts don’t support that conclusion. In my experience, many police officers arrive at a crash scene with preconceived notions about motorcycle riders: that they’re reckless, speeding, or somehow “asking for it.”

These assumptions lead to skewed accident reports, and those reports form the foundation for everything that follows—insurance investigations, compensation negotiations, and even courtroom proceedings.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in roughly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, it’s the other driver—not the motorcyclist—who violates the rider’s right of way. Despite this, riders are still frequently blamed, and that bias starts at the scene of the crash.

In Colorado, I’ve worked with clients who were rear-ended while stopped at a red light, only to have the initial police report describe them as “possibly contributing to the accident” due to “road positioning” or other vague justifications.

I’ve seen reports that failed to document clear signs of driver distraction or impairment from the car driver, while detailing every scratch on the rider’s helmet or every aftermarket part on the bike—as if that’s somehow proof of recklessness.

This kind of bias doesn’t just hurt the claim—it hurts people. When police reports are inaccurate or unfair, insurance companies use them to deny or devalue legitimate injury claims. It forces injured riders to fight even harder for compensation they rightfully deserve, while they’re already trying to recover physically and emotionally.

At The O’Sullivan Law Firm, we take this issue seriously. We conduct our own investigations, gather evidence the police may have overlooked, and bring in expert witnesses when necessary to reconstruct the crash accurately. We believe that riders deserve the same fair and unbiased treatment as anyone else on the road, and we’re committed to holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

If you’re a motorcyclist in Colorado, know this: you have rights. And if you’re ever involved in an accident, don’t assume that the police report will tell your side of the story. Call us. We’ll make sure your voice is heard, your evidence is presented clearly, and your case gets the attention it deserves.

Ride smart. Ride safe. And if something happens, call or text us at 303-388-5304 for free legal advice.