Helmet Laws and Their Impact on Motorcycle Accident Claims in Lehi

Need legal help after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Lehi, Utah? Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks to schedule a free consultation today.

Helmet laws play a crucial role in motorcycle safety and they can significantly impact the outcome of a motorcycle accident claim in Lehi. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a new motorcyclist, understanding these laws is essential for both your safety and your legal rights. In Utah, helmet requirements vary depending on the rider’s age and the circumstances surrounding the accident. 

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is a trusted personal injury law firm with offices in Provo and South Jordan, Utah. Known for their client-focused approach, the firm prioritizes personalized legal representation and works diligently to achieve the best possible results for those who have suffered injuries. With a wealth of experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims, their team is dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

We understand how helmet laws intersect with personal injury claims and the potential effect they can have on your case. Our experienced team will guide you through the complexities of helmet-related issues, from understanding the law to addressing how helmet use (or lack thereof) may influence your claim. 

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we are here to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Overview of Utah’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Utah’s motorcycle helmet laws are designed to enhance rider safety while also addressing legal considerations in the event of an accident. According to state law, all motorcycle riders under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet. This law is meant to reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes, as helmets provide essential protection against severe head trauma.

Wearing a helmet is not mandatory for riders over 21 Adults are only required to wear a helmet if they are carrying a passenger under the age of 21 or operating a motorcycle that is not equipped with specific safety features, such as a seatbelt or other protective measures. 

Additionally, riders over 21 may be exempt from the helmet requirement if they can show proof of completing a motorcycle safety course or carry sufficient health insurance to cover potential medical costs from motorcycle-related injuries.

While wearing a helmet is not mandatory for adult riders in certain circumstances, failure to wear a helmet can still affect a motorcycle accident claim.

 If the absence of a helmet contributes to the severity of the rider’s injuries, it may be considered in determining the degree of fault in the case.

How Helmet Use Affects Injury Claims and Compensation

Helmet use can significantly affect injury claims and compensation following a motorcycle accident in Utah. While the state’s helmet law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets, adult riders have more flexibility. However, wearing a helmet can impact how an injury claim is evaluated since it can greatly affect the severity of the injuries sustained.

If a rider is not wearing a helmet and sustains a head injury, it may influence the compensation awarded. Utah follows a comparative negligence system, meaning if the absence of a helmet is seen as contributing to the severity of the injury, the rider’s compensation may be reduced. For instance, if a head injury could have been less severe with helmet use, the rider may be partially at fault, resulting in a lower payout.

Factors influencing the reduction in compensation may include:

• The severity of the head injury and whether a helmet would have mitigated the damage.
• The degree of fault assigned to the rider for not wearing a helmet.
• The extent of the rider’s negligence in disregarding safety precautions.

Conversely, if the rider is wearing a helmet and still suffers a serious injury, it can help demonstrate that they took reasonable precautions, potentially strengthening their case. This can be crucial when seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Ultimately, while helmet use plays a role in motorcycle accident claims, it is only one factor among many. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that all elements of your case are thoroughly examined to help secure the compensation you deserve.

Legal Implications of Not Wearing a Helmet During an Accident

Not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident can have significant legal implications, particularly in Utah, where helmet use is mandatory for riders under the age of 21. While wearing a helmet is not legally required for adult riders, failing to do so can still affect their personal injury claim.

Under Utah’s comparative negligence laws, if a rider is not wearing a helmet and sustains a head injury, it could be argued that their failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of the injury. This could lead to a reduction in the compensation awarded. 

For example, if medical experts determine that the rider’s injuries would have been less severe had they been wearing a helmet, the rider may be found partially at fault for their injuries, reducing their claim’s value.

In addition, not wearing a helmet may be used against the rider in court to demonstrate a lack of reasonable caution, which could negatively impact the outcome of the case. However, it’s important to note that even if riders were not wearing helmets, they may still be entitled to compensation for their injuries. 

Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from our team can help mitigate the legal impact of not wearing a helmet and strengthen your claim for damages.

How Our Firm Addresses Helmet Use in Motorcycle Accident Cases

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the complexities surrounding helmet use in motorcycle accident cases and how it can affect the outcome of your claim. While helmet laws in Utah are clear for riders under 21, adult riders have more discretion in choosing whether to wear a helmet. However, not wearing a helmet can still have legal implications.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to thoroughly examining all aspects of your case, including helmet use, to ensure your rights are protected. If you were wearing a helmet during your accident, we will highlight how you took reasonable precautions to minimize your risk of injury. 

On the other hand, if you were not wearing a helmet, we will work diligently to minimize the impact of that decision on your claim. We will gather expert testimony and evidence to demonstrate that your injuries were caused by the accident itself, not the absence of a helmet.

We believe in providing personalized legal representation, ensuring that every detail, including helmet use, is addressed effectively. Whether your injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, unsafe road conditions, or other factors, we will fight for the full compensation you deserve, regardless of your helmet use.