Riding a motorcycle through the scenic landscapes of Utah offers freedom, adrenaline, and breathtaking views, but it also comes with serious risks. When accidents happen, motorcyclists often suffer the most severe injuries. And unfortunately, the law isn’t always on their side.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, what you do next can affect your recovery physically, financially, and legally. While you can’t undo what happened on the road, you can avoid costly legal mistakes that could jeopardize your right to compensation.
Here are five of the most common mistakes injured riders make in Utah, and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you walk away from the crash, that doesn’t mean you’re uninjured. Many motorcycle accident injuries (like internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or concussions) don’t show symptoms right away. Some injuries can worsen quickly if left untreated.
Delaying medical care also gives insurance companies an excuse to question your injuries. They might argue your pain came from something else, or that your condition isn’t as serious as you claim.
What to do instead:
Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel “fine.” Keep all records of your visits, treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments. This medical documentation can become powerful evidence in your injury claim.
2. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Without Legal Advice
After a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company might call you within days (or even hours) asking for a statement. They may sound friendly, but their goal is to minimize what they pay. These recorded statements can be twisted, taken out of context, or used to downplay your injuries.
Even something innocent like “I didn’t see them coming” can be turned against you.
What to do instead:
Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a motorcycle accident lawyer. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help clients understand what to say (and what not to say) so they don’t get trapped by tricky insurance tactics.
3. Admitting Fault or Apologizing at the Scene
Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for accidents due to persistent (and wrong) stereotypes about reckless riding. Saying “I’m sorry” at the scene might feel like the right thing to do, but it can be interpreted as an admission of guilt, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
Utah follows a modified comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation at all.
What to do instead:
Stick to the facts. Exchange information, check for injuries, and cooperate with the police, but avoid speculating about who caused the crash. Let the investigation (and your lawyer) sort out the details.
4. Settling Too Quickly
After a motorcycle accident, medical bills pile up fast, and you may be unable to work while you recover. Insurance companies know this, and they often offer quick settlements that seem helpful in the moment. But those first offers are usually far below what your case is actually worth.
Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if your condition worsens or you need additional treatment.
What to do instead:
Wait until you understand the full extent of your injuries, the cost of your care, and your future needs. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will help you calculate the real value of your case, including lost income, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
5. Not Hiring a Lawyer Who Understands Motorcycle Accidents
Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. Motorcycle accident cases are unique, and they require a lawyer who understands the riding culture, the mechanics of bikes, and the biases riders face in court and insurance claims.
A lawyer without this experience may miss key details or fail to push back against unfair assumptions.
What to do instead:
Choose a legal team with specific experience handling motorcycle accident cases in Utah. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we’ve represented countless injured riders. We understand the laws, the injuries, and the real-life impact of motorcycle crashes, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long
In Utah, you generally have four years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim. But that doesn’t mean you should delay. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, track down witnesses, and build a strong case.
Calling a lawyer as soon as possible gives you the best chance at recovering the compensation you deserve.
How a Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims
When you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need is more stress. We’re here to handle the legal side of things, so you can focus on healing. Our attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Collect evidence and build a strong case
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Fight for maximum compensation on your behalf
- Keep you informed and supported every step of the way
And the best part? You don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Now for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Utah, don’t let a legal misstep cost you the compensation you need. Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today at 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next step forward.
Protect your ride. Protect your future. Let us help you get back on the road.
