Motorcycle accidents happen suddenly, leaving riders with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and a long recovery. A careless driver who isn’t paying attention can cause life-changing injuries in an instant.
Dealing with insurance claims, medical treatments, and lost wages can feel overwhelming. You may be unsure about your rights or how to get the compensation you need for your recovery.
The good news is that help is available. By working with an experienced Orem motorcycle accident lawyer, you can take the right steps toward justice and financial support.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our Orem motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many injured riders secure fair settlements. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we’ll explain how motorcycle accidents happen, Utah’s laws for riders, and how we can help you build a strong case.
Orem is a thriving city in Utah County with a mix of residential, commercial, and educational areas. The streets can become busy, especially during peak commuting hours, and drivers in a rush might overlook motorcyclists who share the road.
When a motorcycle accident happens, the consequences often turn serious. Motorcycles do not offer the same protection as cars or trucks, leaving the rider vulnerable to severe injuries such as broken bones, road rash, or head trauma.
According to data from the Utah Department of Transportation, 53 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in Utah in 2024. These crashes can happen at intersections when drivers fail to yield, or on major roadways where speeding and lane changes occur rapidly.
Even a careful rider can become a victim if other drivers are not paying attention. The resulting injuries might require expensive treatments, including surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
One of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents involves left-turn collisions. A driver intending to make a left turn might fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed, cutting across its path.
Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, drivers sometimes overlook them, especially when distracted or rushing to beat traffic. The result can be a serious crash where the motorcycle collides head-on or broadsides the turning vehicle. Injuries can be severe because of the direct impact and lack of protective barriers for the rider.
Lane splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between two lanes of vehicles moving in the same direction. In some places, lane splitting is legal under specific conditions, but Utah’s laws are quite strict about it.
Many drivers do not expect a motorcycle to pass them in slowed or stopped traffic. They might open a door or shift lanes suddenly, leading to a collision. Even though lane splitting can help reduce traffic congestion, it also creates unique risks if other drivers are not alert or if the rider speeds.
Disputes over lane splitting can become complicated in an accident claim, making it crucial to understand local rules and how they might affect a case.
Motorcycles react differently to hazards on the road, such as potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, or debris. A minor bump that barely affects a car can cause a bike to lose balance, leading to a wipeout or collision.
Poor road maintenance is sometimes to blame, or construction zones might leave scattered debris in traffic lanes. In Orem, where construction projects can pop up as the city grows, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to face loose gravel, uneven lanes, or missing signage.
When a rider encounters these hazards, they have limited time to react, which can lead to falls or collisions with other vehicles.
Distracted driving is a general cause of many accidents, and motorcycles are often the most vulnerable. A driver who is texting, adjusting the radio, or otherwise not watching the road might drift into the path of a motorcycle or fail to stop in time.
Even a brief distraction can lead to a sudden impact. Similarly, reckless behavior such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or aggressive tailgating makes it harder for drivers to notice or respect motorcyclists’ space.
These choices can result in rear-end crashes or side-swipes, often leaving the rider with significant injuries.
Motorcycles’ smaller size makes them harder to see in a driver’s blind spot. Sometimes, weather conditions like fog or rain reduce visibility further, increasing the risk of collisions.
Even in clear conditions, drivers who do not make an effort to check mirrors and blind spots can merge or turn right into a motorcyclist. The rider may have no space to escape, leading to a crash.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a danger to everyone on the road, but motorcycles face the highest risk.
An impaired driver might swerve, make abrupt lane changes, or fail to react to traffic signals. Motorcyclists cannot predict such unpredictable moves and may be unable to avoid a collision.
Any combination of these factors can lead to an accident, causing serious harm to riders. Understanding what went wrong can help an injured motorcyclist seek accountability from those at fault. An Orem motorcycle accident attorney can investigate each aspect of the crash to build a strong case for compensation.
In Utah, motorcyclists must follow both general traffic laws and specific regulations aimed at safe riding. These rules are designed to protect everyone on the road. Knowing these laws can help you understand your responsibilities and your rights if you are involved in an accident in Orem.
Anyone riding a motorcycle in Utah must have the correct license endorsement. Typically, you start with a learner permit, which allows you to ride under certain conditions, such as no passengers and limited hours.
To get a full endorsement, you must pass written and skills tests. Riding without the proper license is illegal and can affect your case if you are in an accident, since insurers might question whether you had the necessary training.
Utah mandates certain equipment on motorcycles. Mirrors, working headlights, and functioning turn signals are crucial, especially for maintaining visibility. The law also requires a muffler to limit noise levels. Failing to keep your motorcycle in proper working order can lead to citations and potentially affect liability in a crash.
Utah law requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21. Even though older riders are not legally required to wear helmets, many experts strongly recommend them. Helmets greatly reduce the risk of severe head injuries or fatalities.
If you are in a crash without wearing a helmet and you sustain head injuries, insurance companies might argue that your choice contributed to the extent of your injuries, which can complicate your claim. However, Utah’s comparative negligence rule still applies, meaning you might still recover some compensation even if you are partly responsible.
Utah has a specific law about lane filtering, which is a form of lane splitting at low speeds. Under certain conditions, motorcyclists can move between lanes of stopped vehicles.
This is not the same as high-speed lane splitting, which remains illegal in many scenarios. Failing to follow the rules for lane filtering could lead to a traffic violation and potentially complicate fault determination if there is a crash.
To carry a passenger, you need a motorcycle equipped with a passenger seat and footrests. The passenger must be able to place their feet on the footrests, or else it is not legal to have them ride along. This rule aims to ensure passenger safety, since they are particularly vulnerable in case of a crash.
Orem, like many cities, enforces speed limits, traffic signals, and other safety rules on local roads. Paying attention to changes in speed limits and posted signs is vital, as the city can impose fines for violations. If an accident happens in a zone with unique restrictions, like a school zone, it can factor into how fault is determined.
A motorcycle accident can leave you disoriented and in pain. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash helps you protect your safety and your legal interests. Here are some simple steps to consider if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Orem.
These steps provide a starting point, but every situation is unique. Consulting a lawyer soon after your accident ensures you have personalized advice and advocacy as you begin the road to recovery.
Figuring out who is at fault after a motorcycle accident is not always straightforward. Multiple factors can contribute to a crash, and different people may see the events from different perspectives.
Yet determining fault is crucial, because it influences who pays for damages and how much compensation is available. Below are some key considerations when establishing fault in a motorcycle accident.
One of the first sources of information is the police report. The responding officer typically documents the scene, interviews witnesses, and may issue citations if they believe a traffic law was violated.
Although this report does not always determine fault definitively, insurance companies and courts often give it substantial weight. Eyewitnesses who saw the crash can also provide firsthand accounts that clarify the timeline of events or confirm a driver’s reckless behavior.
If a driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or otherwise broke traffic regulations, that can strongly indicate fault. For instance, a driver making a left turn who collides with an oncoming motorcycle is often presumed to be at least partially responsible.
However, there are exceptions, such as if the motorcycle was speeding excessively or ignoring signals. The situation can become more complex when both parties accuse each other of violations.
Even if no specific traffic law was broken, negligence can still apply. Negligence means a party failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. For example, a driver who was heavily distracted by a phone might not have been paying attention to the road.
If that distraction led to the accident, it could prove the driver’s negligence. Likewise, a motorcyclist weaving in and out of lanes might share some blame if they contributed to the crash.
Utah uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means each party’s percentage of fault is assessed, and damages are reduced by that percentage. However, if you are found 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot collect compensation.
For instance, if you are found 20 percent at fault, you can still recover 80 percent of the damages. This rule underscores the importance of accurately assigning fault. Insurance companies might argue you share a large portion of blame to reduce the payout.
Skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions can offer clues about how the accident happened. An accident reconstruction expert might look at the angles of impact and vehicle speeds to figure out who likely caused the crash.
This kind of professional analysis is often valuable in disputes with insurance companies, especially if multiple vehicles or complicated factors are involved.
Because fault plays a critical role in your financial recovery, working with an attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents can be essential. They can gather and analyze evidence, consult experts, and help you argue for a fair distribution of fault if the other side tries to blame you.
Establishing fault with clarity and precision is a key step in obtaining the compensation you need for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Orem can make sure fault is well established.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can result in physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If another party’s negligence caused the crash, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Understanding the types of damages you can pursue helps ensure you recover enough to address both immediate and future needs. Below are some common forms of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims.
A serious motorcycle crash often leads to steep healthcare expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and physical therapy. You may need ongoing care if you sustain injuries like traumatic brain damage or spinal cord issues.
Compensation can cover these current and future medical bills. It is important to include all potential treatments you might need, because once a settlement is reached, you generally cannot ask for more.
If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery. In more severe cases, the accident might leave you unable to return to the same job or work at all.
If that happens, you can also seek damages for the loss of future earning potential. This allows you to account for the money you would have earned had the accident never happened.
Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced enjoyment of life are intangible but very real effects of a motorcycle accident. The law allows you to seek compensation for this suffering. The amount can vary depending on factors like the severity of your injuries, the length of recovery, and how the accident impacts your day-to-day life.
For instance, if you experience ongoing back pain that prevents you from enjoying activities you once loved, that can be factored into your claim.
Your motorcycle might be heavily damaged or totaled in a collision. You can request reimbursement for repair costs or the market value of the bike if it is beyond repair. If any personal items, like riding gear or a phone, were damaged, those losses can be included as well.
Motorcycle accidents can cause road rash, burns, or lacerations that leave permanent scars. Severe cases may involve disfigurement or loss of a limb. Compensation can cover reconstructive surgery or prosthetics, as well as the emotional toll of living with visible scarring.
Tragically, some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. This provides some measure of support as they grieve and rebuild their lives.
Punitive damages are less common but may be available if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or malice.
Their purpose is to punish the offender and discourage similar actions in the future. While not every case qualifies, it is something to discuss with a lawyer if the driver’s behavior was extremely reckless.
When pursuing these types of damages, it is wise to have legal representation. An experienced Orem motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure you claim all applicable forms of compensation, improving your chances of a fair recovery.
Dealing with insurance companies is often one of the most stressful aspects of a motorcycle accident.
While insurers promise coverage, they also aim to protect their bottom line, which can lead to disputes or low settlement offers. Understanding how to approach insurance interactions can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Most motorcycle insurance policies require you to report an accident quickly. Provide basic facts: the date, time, and location of the crash, as well as the identities of the involved parties.
Avoid making detailed statements about fault or your injuries at this stage. It is better to consult with a lawyer before giving recorded statements, because insurers might use your words against you.
You might get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They could sound friendly and eager to help, but remember their main goal is to minimize payouts. They might ask you to sign a release of medical records or offer a quick settlement.
Do not rush into any agreements without legal advice. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot seek additional compensation, even if new symptoms appear later.
Collect all bills, receipts, and documentation related to the accident. This includes medical treatments, prescription costs, and repair estimates for your motorcycle.
Notes about your pain levels, doctor visits, and the ways the accident affects your life can also be useful. Insurance adjusters rely on evidence to evaluate claims, and the more organized you are, the stronger your position.
Insurance companies might propose a quick settlement that seems helpful at first, but it might not cover all your expenses, especially if you have ongoing medical needs.
An offer that only accounts for immediate hospital bills ignores future surgeries or prolonged therapy. By consulting a lawyer, you can better gauge whether the offer is fair based on the severity of your injuries and other losses.
Negotiating with insurers can be challenging if you are not familiar with legal or medical terms. An adjuster might argue your injuries are pre-existing or your treatment is unnecessary. They could also claim you bear partial fault to reduce the payout.
An experienced attorney can counter these tactics by presenting evidence like medical records, expert opinions, or witness statements.
Having an attorney handle communications with insurers can alleviate stress and prevent costly mistakes.
The lawyer can draft demand letters, gather supporting documents, and push for a settlement that meets your needs. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, legal counsel can prepare for litigation, showing the insurer you are serious about fair compensation.
Insurance claims do not always resolve quickly, particularly when there are disputes about fault or the extent of your injuries. While patience is necessary, Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically four years. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing compensation in court, emphasizing the importance of timely negotiations and legal action.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we recognize that a motorcycle accident can create physical, emotional, and financial hardships. You may face hospital stays, months of therapy, and constant worry about bills piling up.
Our team aims to support you throughout this difficult period, offering personalized attention and strong advocacy. Here is how we help motorcycle accident victims in Orem.
We start by learning about you. We want to understand how the accident happened, what injuries you sustained, and how these injuries affect your everyday life. During this initial consultation, we will also talk about your goals.
Some clients focus on covering medical costs, while others are most worried about lost income or the long-term stability of their families. By hearing your concerns, we can develop a plan that meets your specific needs.
Once you hire us, we begin investigating every detail of your crash. We collect police reports, accident scene photos, and any eyewitness accounts. We may also retrieve security camera footage if available.
If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts who can pinpoint issues like vehicle speeds or whether a driver failed to yield. This meticulous approach helps us build a factual foundation that strengthens your case and counters any blame insurers might try to place on you.
Your medical records and bills form a significant part of your claim. Our attorneys compile all relevant documents to show exactly how the accident affected your health.
We also consult with medical professionals to understand future treatment needs, such as surgeries or long-term rehabilitation. This allows us to project the true cost of your recovery.
Additionally, we include lost wages or reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working as before. By presenting a detailed account of your financial losses, we make a strong case for full compensation.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be intimidating and time-consuming. Adjusters might offer quick settlements that barely cover your initial hospital bill. They might also question your injuries or claim you share blame for the crash.
Our job is to manage these conversations so you can focus on healing. We provide evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injuries and the other party’s responsibility. If the insurer still refuses a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the matter to court.
No two motorcycle accident cases are the same. Some accidents involve a straightforward left-turn collision with clear evidence. Others might include disputed lane splitting or complicated multiple-vehicle scenarios.
Our attorneys consider the specifics of your case, local traffic laws, and potential defenses the other side might use. We then tailor our legal strategy to pursue the best possible outcome.
We see clients as people, not just case numbers. You might feel overwhelmed, worried, or upset after a traumatic motorcycle accident. Our team offers empathy and guidance as you navigate the legal process.
We keep you informed about developments, explain complex procedures in plain language, and advise you on important decisions. By focusing on personal service, we aim to relieve as much of your stress as possible.
While many personal injury claims settle out of court, some insurance companies refuse to pay what you deserve. In these cases, we are fully prepared to take your claim before a judge or jury.
We present evidence, call witnesses, and build a persuasive argument that demonstrates the other party’s negligence and the full extent of your losses. Our litigation experience encourages insurance adjusters to offer fair settlements to avoid the risk of trial.
Our goal is not just to win a case but to help you rebuild your life. A fair settlement or court award can cover your medical bills, replace lost earnings, and even provide for future care if your injuries require ongoing attention.
This financial security allows you to concentrate on physical recovery and emotional healing. We believe everyone deserves a chance to return to a fulfilling life after a serious accident, and we dedicate ourselves to making that possible.
In Utah, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, some exceptions can shorten or extend this period, so consulting a lawyer promptly is wise.
Utah follows a comparative negligence system. You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Riders under 21 must wear helmets by law. If you did not wear a helmet, you can still file a claim, although not wearing one might affect how damages for head injuries are viewed. Talk to an attorney about your specific situation.
You can, but the process involves complex negotiations with insurers and potential court actions. An Orem motorcycle accident lawyer understands these steps and can protect your interests, often leading to higher compensation.
You may be able to use your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Orem, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to offer skilled and compassionate legal support. Call our office at (801) 500-4000 to set up a free consultation with an Orem motorcycle accident lawyer. During our meeting, we will listen to your story, explain your rights, and discuss the most effective next steps for seeking compensation.
Our firm has a proud history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for individuals hurt in various personal injury cases, including serious motorcycle crashes. We will handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and, if needed, fight for you in court.
Let us take on the legal burdens so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Contact us today to begin the path toward the financial stability and peace of mind you deserve after a traumatic motorcycle accident.
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