Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, UT
Riding a bicycle is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to get around. However, riding a bicycle in close proximity to motor vehicles is dangerous, and unfortunately, many bicyclists are injured in car vs. bicycle accidents each year. If you have been injured by a motorist as a bicyclist, you can seek compensation for the damages you suffered. Contact an experienced Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer to help you pursue the settlement you need.
Choose Garner Law Firm
At Garner Law Firm, we represent our clients like they are people, not just case numbers. We keep our caseloads low so we can provide the service and advocacy that you deserve, and we are willing to go as far as litigation to help you recover what you need to rebuild your life.
no risk to you,
no fee unless we win.
Insurance companies have lawyers you should have them too.
Our office is located in South Jordan at 406 South Jordan Parkway West, making it very convenient for our Salt Lake City clients to stop in and see us. We are also always a phone call or a text message away.
Bicycle vs. Car Accidents
As of 2024, 2% of active commuters in Salt Lake City were biking to work. Although this seems like a very small percentage, it far exceeds the percentage for the entire United States, which was 0.6% as of 2023. With this many bicycles on the road during regular commute hours, accidents are, unfortunately, inevitable.
When a bicyclist is hit by a car, they have a very high chance of injury, and a far higher chance of catastrophic injury or death than they would if they were also in a car. Many different factors contribute to bicycle vs. auto accidents. Some of these include the following:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Speeding
- Failure to stay out of the designated bike lane
- Lack of visibility on the part of the cyclist
This is by no means an exhaustive list of factors that contribute to bicycle accidents involving cars, and these accidents are more common than one might think. In Salt Lake City itself, the police reported 86 car versus bicycle accidents in 2024.
How to Recover Damages for Injuries from a Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you should first seek immediate medical attention. After that, you should exchange insurance information with the driver, report the accident to the police, take photos and videos of the scene, and get contact information for any witnesses.
The driver of the car should carry liability insurance, and you can call their insurance company to make a claim. However, it is likely that any settlement the insurance company offers will not fully offset your losses. In that situation, the next course of action is to file a personal injury claim against the driver.
Compensation for Personal Injury Claims
When you seek compensation for a personal injury claim, you can ask for damages in the following categories:
- Medical expenses. Medical care is expensive, and bills can stack up quickly after an injury. Your personal injury settlement should take care of all of your medical costs.
- Lost wages. If you are seriously injured, there is a good chance you’ll be out of work, possibly for a long time. Lost wages or even job loss related to your injury can put a lot of financial strain on your family.
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering cover both physical pain related to the injury and psychological pain and suffering associated with the trauma of the accident and the mental anguish of being injured.
Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you need to pursue damages for an injury resulting from a bicycle accident, you should hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you seek justice. Your attorney can begin by reviewing the details of the accident and helping you understand your legal position. Your lawyer can also communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate for a fair settlement. If you do need to file a personal injury claim, your attorney can do that for you, work toward a settlement, and represent you in court.
FAQs
In Salt Lake City, How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim, including for injuries related to a bicycle accident, in Salt Lake City is four years. After four years have passed from the date that the accident occurred, an injury victim can no longer file a legal action to recover compensation. This is why it is imperative that you hire a lawyer and file a claim as soon as you are able.
Do I Have to Pay an Attorney Up Front?
Attorneys usually set their own rates and fee structures, but there are various ways that lawyers handle personal injury cases. At Garner Law Firm, we charge for personal injury cases using contingency fees, meaning that we do not ask for a fee to work on your case. Instead, we are paid a percentage of your settlement when the case is successful.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is an injury that permanently affects a person’s quality of life. An injury may be considered catastrophic if someone loses the ability to walk, loses a limb, loses the ability to do their job, or experiences any other permanent loss of capacity that permanently alters their life situation and earning potential.
Are Motorists Always Considered to Be at Fault in Accidents Involving Bicycles?
No, there are many circumstances under which a bicyclist could be found to be at fault for an accident with a car. Cyclists must follow the rules of the road, just the same as motorists, and when they fail to do so, the consequences can be severe. For example, if a cyclist fails to yield to a car and there is an accident, the cyclist may be found at least partially liable.
Contact Garner Law Firm Today
An injury resulting from a bicycle accident can have a profound effect on your life and your financial situation. As medical bills mount and workdays pass, you may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and worried about the future. The good news is that you can pursue compensation, and you do not have to navigate this situation alone. Contact Garner Law Firm today to find out how we can help you.
