West Valley City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders face unique risks on the road, and collisions can be devastating. For the legal help you need, contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 and take the first step toward recovery.

You’re out for a simple motorcycle ride, expecting to enjoy the busy streets and shopping areas of West Valley City. Suddenly, a car swerves into your lane, and you have to slam on your brakes.

Before you know it, you’re on the ground, hurt, in pain, and unsure how to handle expensive hospital bills or frustrating insurance issues. Things get even worse if the driver tries to blame you or if the insurance company offers a small payout that doesn’t cover your real costs.

These worries can quickly take over your mind, affecting both your health and finances. But there’s a way to fight back. In Utah, motorcycle riders have legal rights to hold careless drivers responsible. With the help of our West Valley City motorcycle accident lawyers, you can get money for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional stress caused by the crash.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we have helped injured riders get the compensation they deserve. In this article, we’ll explain how these accidents happen, the laws that protect you, and the key steps to take for a fair outcome.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes in West Valley City can happen for many reasons, but some common causes include:

Left-Turn Accidents

One of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists is when a car makes a left turn in front of them. Many drivers say they didn’t see the motorcycle. Since bikes are smaller than cars, they can be easy to miss, especially if the driver isn’t paying close attention before turning. These crashes can cause serious injuries because motorcycles don’t have the same protection as cars.

Road Hazards

Things like potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel can be dangerous for motorcycles. While a car might just feel a small bump, a motorcycle can lose balance and crash. Even though West Valley City tries to keep roads in good shape, riders still have to watch out for these dangers, which can cause skidding or flipping.

Distracted Drivers

Some drivers focus on their phones, GPS, or other distractions instead of the road. If they don’t see a motorcycle, the rider may have to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid a crash. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists because sudden movements can make them lose control.

Other dangers, like speeding or running red lights, also put bikers at risk. Figuring out exactly how an accident happened is important when proving who was at fault.

Utah Motorcycle Laws and How They Apply to West Valley City Riders

If you ride a motorcycle in Utah, there are important rules you need to follow. These laws help keep you safe and protect your legal rights if you ever get into an accident. In West Valley City, these rules apply just like anywhere else in the state.

Helmet Rules

• If you’re under 21, you must wear a helmet.
• If you’re 21 or older, you don’t have to wear one, but it’s still a good idea. Helmets reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
• If you don’t wear a helmet and get injured in an accident, insurance companies or lawyers might argue that you made your injuries worse. This doesn’t mean you won’t get compensation, but it could be used against you in court or negotiations.

Lane Filtering

In Utah, lane filtering is allowed but only in certain situations. For example, you can do it when traffic is stopped on low-speed roads. This rule helps riders avoid getting hit from behind or overheating in traffic. If you filter lanes when you’re not supposed to, insurance companies might say the accident was your fault. Knowing when and how to do it legally can help you avoid trouble.

License and Endorsements

You must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally ride. If you don’t have one and get into an accident, it could be harder to prove that you were riding safely. Not having the right license doesn’t mean you can’t get compensation, but it may make your case more difficult.

Traffic Laws

Motorcycles must follow the same rules as other vehicles, including obeying speed limits and traffic signals. If a rider runs a red light or weaves aggressively among lanes, that behavior might reduce or eliminate their damages under Utah’s comparative negligence system.

Being aware of these regulations helps you ride more confidently and fortifies your claim should a crash occur. Insurers or defendants who try to portray you as reckless can be countered with proof of your compliance, mitigating any blame shift attempts.

Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Accidents often happen because of another driver’s mistake, but proving fault can be tricky.

Proof of Driver Negligence

To get compensation, you need strong evidence. This could include:

• Witnesses who saw the driver cross into your lane.
• Traffic camera footage showing the driver ran a red light.

Lawyers also look at skid marks, vehicle damage, and even data from the other driver’s car (if available) to prove that their mistake directly caused your injuries.

Shared Fault

Utah follows comparative negligence rules. This means if you were partly responsible, your compensation gets reduced.

• If you were 20% at fault, your settlement drops by 20%.
• If you were more than 50% at fault, you will not be allowed to recover any compensation.

Insurance companies often try to put more blame on motorcyclists, claiming they were speeding or changing lanes unsafely.

Mechanical or Road Factors

Sometimes, an accident happens because of a mechanical issue or a dangerous road. In that case:

• A faulty part might mean the manufacturer is responsible.
• A big pothole might mean the city or state is responsible.

Figuring out all the people or companies that might be at fault can increase the total amount of your settlement.

Burden of Evidence

The stronger your evidence, the better your case. That includes medical evaluations, photos from the crash site, and official accident reports.

An attorney can coordinate with experts like accident reconstruction professionals to present a thorough account of how negligence caused your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in West Valley City

Your actions immediately following a serious motorcycle accident can protect both your health and future legal claim. Here are the steps you should takel:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your well-being is paramount. Even if injuries do not feel serious, see a doctor because issues like internal injuries or concussions may emerge later when the adrenaline has worn off. Records of emergency care and follow-up treatments create a clear medical paper trail.
• Contact the Police: Dial 911 so officers can gather statements and document the scene. Their written report often becomes important evidence if disputes arise about who caused the collision. You can request a copy to confirm details were recorded accurately.
• Document the Scene: Use your phone’s camera if you can. Capture any damage to your bike, the position of vehicles, and the condition of the road. Photos or notes about the weather, lighting, or visibility can also help explain how the accident played out.
• Exchange Information: Obtain the driver’s contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. If witnesses stop to help, record their names and phone numbers. Their accounts might back up your side of the story, especially if the other driver tries to distort events.
• Alert Your Insurance: Call your insurance provider, but keep descriptions of the incident brief. Do not accept fault or guess about speed or signals until speaking with an attorney. They can help ensure you speak accurately and avoid statements an insurer might twist.
• Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: A seasoned attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through medical or legal steps. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can assess whether the at-fault driver’s insurer is offering a fair settlement or trying to exploit common biases against riders.

These initial actions preserve evidence, prevent legal missteps, and build a foundation for pursuing a settlement that fully addresses your damages.

Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims

If someone else’s careless or reckless behavior caused your motorcycle accident, Utah law allows you to claim financial compensation for the ways your life has been disrupted. Whether your injuries heal quickly or require lifelong care, understanding potential damages can help you and your attorney build a fair demand.

Medical Expenses

You can pursue reimbursement for all accident-related treatments, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and even counseling if you face emotional distress.

For severe injuries requiring ongoing rehabilitation or the use of mobility aids, projected future medical costs also become part of the calculation.

Lost Earnings

A broken leg, back injury, or head trauma might prevent you from working full time. You can include current missed pay in your claim.

If you face long-term impacts that force a career change or permanent reduction in hours, you might seek damages reflecting that future loss of earning capacity. These calculations typically involve expert opinions on what you could have earned if you had not been hurt.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment in daily life are considered under non-economic damages.

West Valley City courts recognize that an injury can cause more than just medical bills, especially for motorcycle riders who may need time to rebuild confidence or adapt to new physical limitations. A thorough claim documents these intangible effects through your personal accounts and possibly mental health professional input.

Property Damage

Your motorcycle might be totaled or need costly repairs. You can claim the amount necessary to restore or replace it, along with riding equipment such as helmets or protective gear destroyed in the crash.

Retaining repair estimates or receipts helps verify the cost of returning you to where you were before the accident.

Loss of Consortium

In catastrophic cases, spouses or family members might argue they lost the companionship and assistance you once provided. If an injury prevents you from fully taking part in your family’s emotional or physical life, a claim for loss of consortium might apply.

Punitive Damages

Reserved for cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages aim to punish a driver who acted extremely recklessly, perhaps driving under the influence or ignoring repeated safety warnings. They are not always awarded, but if the facts show serious wrongdoing, punitive damages can substantially increase the final sum.

Obtaining adequate compensation often depends on gathering detailed documentation. Medical records, pay stubs, therapy notes, or even journals describing your pain can convince insurers or a court that you deserve more than a minimal payout. With an experienced attorney’s help, you can pursue every category of damages that fairly reflects your trauma and financial burdens.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident

Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may find yourself negotiating with adjusters who appear sympathetic but aim to cut expenses. Understanding how to respond can spare you from settling too quickly or being unfairly blamed.

Stick to the Facts

When you speak to insurance representatives, limit your statements to the bare basics: date, location, and a short outline of what happened. Refrain from lengthy explanations or apologizing for anything. Innocent remarks might be twisted into admissions of partial fault or used to imply your injuries are minor.

Keep Records

If the insurance adjuster asks for proof of your medical bills or property damage, send it quickly. Detailed bills and repair estimates help show the true cost of the accident. However, don’t give them full access to your medical history without first consulting an attorney, because they might try to use unrelated past health issues to downplay your current injuries.

Be Careful with Initial Settlement Offers

Some insurance companies will offer you money soon after the accident, hoping you’ll take it without thinking about future medical costs or emotional stress. Don’t rush to sign anything. You may need more treatment later. An attorney can help make sure you don’t settle for less than you will actually need.

Stand Up Against Unfair Assumptions

Insurance adjusters may say things like “motorcyclists take more risks” to lower your payout. If they try to blame you or reduce your compensation just because you were riding a motorcycle, your lawyer can challenge them. Providing police reports, witness statements, or even proof of your safe riding skills can help defend your case.

Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting an Offer

Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and claim more expenses later, so you need to be sure before you make a decision. If you’re unsure whether the offer is fair, a lawyer can help figure out if it covers your medical needs, pain, and other losses like missing out on activities you enjoy.

By staying thoughtful and firm, you can navigate these negotiations and safeguard your ability to recover fair compensation for all you have lost.

How Our Firm Assists Motorcycle Accident Victims in West Valley City

A motorcycle crash can turn your life upside down. Beyond the injuries, dealing with insurance companies and unfair biases against bikers can be frustrating. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we’re here to ease your stress with caring guidance and a strong legal plan to get the results you deserve.

Listening to Your Story

When you contact us, we take the time to understand what happened. We ask about the crash, any witnesses, and the medical care you’ve received. By learning every detail, how you got hurt and how it’s affecting your daily life, we create a plan that fits your needs and goals.

Gathering Strong Evidence

We collect police reports, photos from the crash scene, and statements from witnesses to prove the other driver was at fault. If there’s a chance that a road hazard or a faulty vehicle part played a role, we investigate that too.

For more complex crashes, we work with accident experts who help us figure out speeds, angles of impact, and how the vehicles moved. Combining this technical evidence with your story helps us build a strong case that stands up to insurance companies.

Fighting Unfair Insurance Tactics

Some insurance companies assume motorcyclists are reckless. We push back against these unfair claims by showing that you followed safety rules, wore a helmet (if required), and obeyed licensing laws. Most importantly, we prove that the other driver caused the crash, not you.

With solid evidence and smart legal strategies, we fight to make sure you’re treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating a Fair Settlement

When negotiations begin, we provide strong evidence of your injuries and the financial strain you face. We break down your medical bills, project how a permanent disability might restrict future earnings, and ensure intangible losses like pain, anxiety, or limitations on your hobbies are valued properly.

Because we have handled many serious personal injury cases, including those leading to multi-million dollar settlements, insurers realize we will not settle for a weak offer. We keep you updated on progress, consulting you before any major decisions.

Taking Legal Action If Needed

If the insurance company’s final offer is too low or they refuse to admit fault, filing a lawsuit might be the next step. Our lawyers, including Mark T. Flickinger and Brett Boulton, have decades of experience in the courtroom. They know how to explain complicated issues clearly to judges and juries.

We gather expert opinions, use visual aids, and carefully prepare witness statements to show how the accident has affected your life. Many cases settle before going to trial because insurance companies realize we are ready to fight for you in court.

Support Every Step of the Way

We do more than handle legal matters. We’re here to support you during this tough time. Dealing with injuries and months of medical treatment can be exhausting, and we don’t want you to go through it alone.

We check in on your recovery and help with legal paperwork so you can focus on healing. By combining legal expertise with personal care, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here for West Valley City motorcycle riders. Our goal is to let you focus on getting better while we take care of the legal battle and fight for your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in West Valley City

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