Motorcycle crashes are often misunderstood, and victims don’t always get the support they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and to understand your rights. Schedule your free consultation today at 801-500-4000.
Motorcycle Accidents: Common and Often Severe
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in Utah. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, riders are exposed to far greater risk of serious injuries or fatalities in a crash.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, motorcycles make up only a small percentage of registered vehicles, yet they are involved in disproportionately high numbers of fatal accidents. In recent years, motorcycle crashes have accounted for over 15% of Utah’s traffic fatalities, even though motorcycles represent just 3% of vehicles on the road.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Utah include:
- Left-turn collisions where other drivers fail to yield
- Speeding, either by the motorcyclist or another driver
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Poor road conditions or debris
- Driving under the influence
Dispelling the Myth of Rider Fault
One of the most persistent and harmful misconceptions about motorcycle accidents is that riders are usually to blame. The stereotype of the “reckless biker” often influences how insurance companies, police, and even the public perceive these crashes.
In reality, most motorcycle accidents are caused by the drivers of other vehicles, not the motorcyclist. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in multi-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, the other driver was at fault two-thirds of the time.
Victims should never assume they’re automatically at fault, or allow insurers to treat them as such. That’s why getting legal help early is so important.
The Unique Dangers Riders Face
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, even at relatively low speeds. Riders are especially prone to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash and scarring
- Amputations
The recovery process is typically long and costly, involving surgeries, physical therapy, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Many riders are unable to return to work or resume their normal life.
Utah Motorcycle Laws and Liability
Utah has specific laws governing motorcycles and motorcycle accidents, and understanding them can help clarify liability in a crash. Some of the key points include:
- Helmet Laws: Riders under 21 must wear a helmet, but it’s optional for adults. Not wearing one doesn’t bar you from recovering damages.
- Lane Filtering: Legal under certain conditions in Utah, but often misunderstood by drivers.
- Comparative Fault: Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover compensation. Below that, your damages are reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Because these rules can impact your case, it’s important to work with an attorney who understands how Utah courts interpret motorcycle accident claims.
Fighting Insurance Company Bias
Insurance companies don’t always treat motorcycle accident claims fairly. They may try to:
- Downplay the seriousness of your injuries
- Claim that you were speeding or riding recklessly
- Offer quick, lowball settlements
- Delay processing your claim
- Deny liability altogether
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to push back against these tactics and protect your rights. The earlier you involve legal representation, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
How to Strengthen Your Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re able, taking the right steps after an accident can protect your claim:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything, including photos of the scene, your motorcycle, your injuries, and road conditions
- Collect contact info from witnesses and the other driver
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
- Keep a record of how the injuries affect your life, physically, emotionally, and financially
The evidence you gather can be crucial in building a strong case.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Crash Victims
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and how the accident has impacted your life.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Fatalities
Sadly, motorcycle crashes are more likely to be fatal than other vehicle accidents. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can undo such a loss, financial compensation can ease the burden and help your family move forward.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
A motorcycle accident can change everything in an instant, your health, your finances, and your future. At this difficult time, you deserve support from professionals who understand what you’re facing and know how to help.
You shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation while dealing with physical pain and emotional trauma. That’s where we come in.
Speak With a Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we have decades of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases across Utah. We understand the unique challenges riders face and have a long history of helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today at 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal battle, so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
