Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, UT

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with more than just recovering from your injuries. You may also be dealing with financial hardship as a result of the accident. Getting the compensation you deserve after an accident may take the help of an experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer.

The Garner Law Firm is a results-driven firm. Our founding attorney has over a decade of experience helping clients recover compensation in personal injury claims. He and his team work closely with their clients to understand their needs, and they make sure their clients clearly understand all their legal options.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing city. This growth is bringing a surge in population and an increase in traffic. Congested roads and busy intersections, such as 1700 South & State Street or 900 East & 2100 South in Salt Lake City, have high accident rates.

Some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents in Salt Lake and other areas of Utah include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers in other vehicles who are on their phone or distracted in other ways can fail to see a motorcyclist.
• Left-turn accidents. Collisions are common when vehicles make a left turn in front of a motorcycle.
• Unsafe lane changes. Motorcycles are often hard to see in a car or SUV’s blind spot.
• Excessive speed. Speeding increases the risk of an accident on any road. In 2021, 33% of motorcycle-related deaths were caused by speeding.
• Failure to Yield. When a driver fails to yield to a motorcyclist, it can lead to a serious collision.
• Driving under the influence. Drunk driving is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. In 2021, 28% of fatal motorcycle accidents had an operator with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.
  
• Sudden stops. Motorcycles often don’t have the same stopping distances as cars and trucks. Motorcyclists can be caught off guard when a motorist makes a sudden stop in front of them.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists died in accidents. In addition to the high fatality rate, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Utah law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets, but riders over 21 are not required to wear one. Regardless of age, riders do not have the same level of protection in a crash as drivers.

Some of the more common injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Road rash and lacerations
• Loss of limb

Proving Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident requires analysis by an experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle attorney. They will look at the rider’s responsibility, the passenger’s responsibility, and the possibility of a third party’s responsibility. The third party could be:

• The driver of another vehicle involved in the accident
• A vehicle manufacturer
• The government or municipal agency responsible for the road conditions

Establishing liability is a complex process. Since Utah operates under a modified comparative negligence system, it means that a victim may be eligible to recover damages from the accident as long as they are less than 50% at fault. An experienced attorney familiar with Utah motorcycle accident laws can look at the details of the accident and help determine who should be held responsible.

Possible Damages Available After a Motorcycle Accident

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Some of the damages you can claim include:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long-term disability
• Loss of income

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accident claims are different than most other vehicle accidents because riders are more vulnerable to severe injury, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney will understand these unique challenges and advocate for you to obtain the compensation you deserve.

An attorney can help you file your claim within the correct timeline. Utah Code Section 78B-2-307 states the statute of limitations in a personal injury case is four years from the date of the injury. If you don’t file the claim within the statute of limitations, you may not be able to recover damages.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

The amount of a motorcycle accident settlement depends on the circumstances of the motorcycle accident claim. The severity of the injuries, the responsible party, and the medical expenses are all taken into consideration. Insurance limits and whether the victim requires long-term care are also considered when determining the amount of a settlement.

How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Settlements Take?

The length of time it takes for a motorcycle accident settlement depends on the details of the case. If there were a clear liable party, it would be much shorter than if the liability is contested. Complex cases with severe injuries or death and the involvement of multiple parties can take years to resolve.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident?

It is generally worth it to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, especially if the crash resulted in severe injuries, property damage, or liability disputes. Motorcycle drivers are often blamed for accidents, but an attorney can help to prove who was at fault. They can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf, help to obtain full compensation for victims, and represent the victim in court.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?

The cost of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can vary. Often, their fee will be taken as a percentage of the final settlement or court-ordered compensation. This is known as a contingency fee. Many personal injury firms will offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and they often don’t require any up-front fee. If the case goes to court, you may have to pay fees for expert witnesses, document fees, and court filings.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for damages after a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to contact an attorney. The team at The Garner Law Firm is ready to help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today for compassionate legal support.