If you have a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City, you have the right to a lawyer. A Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer will provide you with support and assist you with the complicated aspects of your motorbike accident case. Our team at Esquire Law is firmly dedicated to fighting for people like you who have been in motorcycle accidents.
We understand how overwhelming it can be, so we want to make things easier for you. We start by scheduling a free consultation where we listen to your story and carefully evaluate your situation. We’re here to help you all the way and make sure you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.
What Are Some Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide spectrum of injuries, varying in severity and impact on your well-being. Some of the injuries commonly associated with motorbike accidents include:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Facial fractures
- Permanent disfigurement
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts, Burns, and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Mangling and amputation injuries
- Injuries to the back and neck
It’s crucial to have a comprehensive grasp of the range of injuries typically linked to these accidents. This understanding is vital in securing the required assistance and compensation for your recovery.
What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Salt Lake City
Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents is essential for prevention. In Utah, the most common causes include:
- Negligent drivers making left turns (28%)
- Speeding (11%)
- Tailgating (10%)
- Driving in the wrong lane (7%)
- Forcing a motorcyclist off the road with a vehicle (6%)
- Swerving to avoid a hazard (5%)
A person can feel the consequences of motorbike accidents throughout their lifetime. These enduring effects encompass both physical and emotional aspects.
People may have long-term injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These injuries require ongoing medical care, including medications, and can potentially result in permanent disability. After a motorcycle crash, individuals may face lasting emotional challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These difficulties can significantly impact their quality of life for an extended period, possibly even for their entire lifetime.
Also, the financial consequences, like increasing medical bills, lost earnings, and ongoing rehabilitation expenses, can cause long-term financial stress. Motorcycle crashes have long-lasting impacts, showing the need to seek legal help for compensation and support in the long term.
What Damages You Can Pursue in a Motorcycle Accident in Salt Lake City
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City, you have the right to seek compensation for a variety of damages. Utah law allows victims to pursue economic and non-economic damages, each designed to cover different aspects of your recovery.
- Economic damages include the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and any other expenses directly related to your accident. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may also claim compensation for lost future earnings. Keep every medical bill, treatment record, and receipt—these documents are crucial when building your case.
- Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological toll the accident has taken on your life. This can include damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. These damages are harder to quantify, but they recognize the deep impact that a serious injury can have on your day-to-day living.
In severe cases, where a motorbike accident results in permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of a limb, your compensation could increase to reflect the long-term consequences of your injuries.
If a loved one lost their life in a motorcycle accident, you may pursue wrongful death damages, which include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support they provided. Every case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of your claim and fight for the maximum settlement you deserve.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Laws You Need to Know
Utah Statute of Limitations
In Utah, you have four years to file a personal injury claim after a motorcycle crash. While this might seem like plenty of time, it’s critical to act quickly. Evidence fades, and insurance companies often look for ways to delay or deny claims. Taking prompt action will help you preserve your rights and ensure your best chance for compensation.
If your case involves the tragic loss of a loved one, the time limit is shorter—two years for filing a wrongful death claim. Acting swiftly not only protects your legal options but also helps you and your family move forward with the healing process while securing the justice your loved one deserves.
Modified comparative negligence
If you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident, knowing Utah’s motorcycle laws can help you protect your rights and strengthen your case. Utah operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation depends on your share of fault. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your payouts will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’ve found 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from receiving any payouts. This makes gathering solid evidence—like police reports and witness statements—essential for proving your case.
Helmet laws
Helmet laws in Utah are another critical factor. While helmets are only required for riders under 21, choosing to wear one could make a difference in your case, especially if you suffer a head injury. Insurance companies might argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially affecting the outcome of your claim.
Moreover, motorcycles must have functioning headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, brakes, safe tires, and exhaust systems that comply with noise regulations. A working horn and visible license plate are also required. Staying informed about these laws and adhering to them is crucial to prevent accidents, minimize risks, and ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience on Utah’s roads. Always prioritize safety and comply with local regulations to protect yourself and others while riding.
Lane filtering
Utah also allows lane filtering under specific conditions. Motorcyclists can move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, but only when the surrounding traffic is moving at 45 mph or less and the motorcyclist is traveling under 15 mph. This law can be helpful during congested traffic, but if an accident occurs while lane filtering, it could complicate fault determination. Make sure to follow this law carefully to avoid additional liability.
Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are a serious issue in Salt Lake City, as the latest statistics make clear. In Utah, there were 1,139 motorcycle-related crashes, with 77 of those occurring in Salt Lake City alone. Of these, 70 resulted in injuries and 1 in fatality in 2023 according to Utah Crash Summary. Alarmingly, motorcycle crashes are 9.4 times more likely to result in death compared to other types of accidents. These numbers underscore the urgent need for greater safety measures and highlight how crucial it is for motorcycle accident victims in Salt Lake City to seek legal support to protect their rights and pursue fair settlement.
Why Hire a Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorbike crashes are tough to handle as they cause both physical harm and emotional distress. Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City is crucial when dealing with these overwhelming challenges.
Experience
Our personal injury attorneys specialize in motorcycle wreck cases and deeply understand Utah’s motorcycle laws.
Maximum Compensation
We’ll fight for you to get the most money possible for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Insurance Negotiations
We have experience dealing with insurance companies and can handle negotiations on your behalf.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have a skilled Utah motorcycle accident attorney on your side can provide peace of mind. You can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
Legal Support
You’ll have a dedicated legal team by your side throughout the entire process, providing guidance and support.
At Esquire Law, a personal injury law firm, we know a lot about motorcycle accidents. Our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident. We understand all the rules and laws about motorcycle accident claims and will fight for your rights.
Having an Esquire Law motorbike accident attorney on your side makes dealing with the legal stuff easier and less stressful. We’re here to help you, so you can focus on getting better and not worry about the legal stuff. Contact us via telephone or at our office in Salt Lake City at the address: 310 S Main St, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 8410.
Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
Q: How Is a Motorcycle Accident Different from a Car Accident?
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the rider’s lack of protection compared to car drivers. Additionally, motorcyclists may face more biased assumptions about fault, and the laws governing lane filtering and helmet use can complicate legal claims in ways that don’t apply to car accidents.
Q: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be safety. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Call the police to report the accident and document the scene with photos if possible. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and gather witness statements. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Once you’re safe, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Q: Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you can still recover payoffs even if you’re partially blamed for your motorcycle accident, as long as you’re found to be less than 50% at fault. Under Utah’s modified comparative negligence rule, your payouts will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from receiving any damages.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents?
In Salt Lake City, Utah, you usually have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident. However, consult with a local Utah motorcycle accident lawyer for case-specific details.
Q: What is lane filtering and is it legal?
A: Lane filtering is when a motorcycle moves between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. It’s also known as white-lining or filtering.
Q: What equipment does a motorcycle need?
A: Essential motorcycle equipment in Utah includes helmets (required for certain motorcycle riders)
- functional lights
- turn signals
- mirrors
- brakes
- safe tires
- compliant exhaust systems
- a working horn
- a visible license plate
- proper safety gear
Ensure compliance with the latest local regulations for equipment requirements.