As experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys, we understand the unique challenges riders face on Utah’s roads. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and secure fair compensation:
- Higher Risk of Severe Injuries Motorcyclists often suffer more severe injuries than car occupants. This can lead to higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and greater long-term impacts. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and severe abrasions
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Bias Against Motorcyclists Unfortunately, there’s often a bias against motorcyclists. Insurance companies and juries may unfairly assume riders are reckless. Overcoming this bias is crucial to your case.
- Utah’s Helmet Law Utah requires helmets for riders under 21. However, even if you weren’t legally required to wear a helmet, not wearing one could affect your compensation due to comparative negligence rules.
- Lane Splitting As of 2019, lane filtering (moving between stopped vehicles) is legal in Utah under certain conditions. Understanding these laws is crucial if your accident involves lane filtering.
- Importance of Evidence Strong evidence is vital in motorcycle accident cases. This can include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Your damaged gear and motorcycle
- Medical records
- Dealing with Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Be cautious when speaking with them and consider having an attorney handle these communications.
- Potential for Roadway Defects Poor road conditions can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. If a road defect contributed to your accident, government entities might be liable.
- The Role of Expert Witnesses Expert witnesses can be crucial in motorcycle accident cases:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Motorcycle safety experts
- Medical experts
- Economic loss experts
- Utah’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
At Christian Burridge Law Firm, we’re passionate about protecting the rights of motorcyclists in Utah. We understand the unique aspects of motorcycle accident cases and how to build strong arguments that overcome potential biases.
Don’t let insurance companies or biased perceptions rob you of the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah, contact Christian Burridge Law Firm today at 877-BURRIDGE or click here for a free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight tirelessly to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.
With Utah’s four-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, time is of the essence. Don’t wait – reach out to us today and let our experienced legal team protect your rights as a rider while you focus on recovery. As fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, we’re committed to ensuring justice for injured riders in Utah.
