If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Utah. The lawyers at Harris, Preston, & Chambers will fight to protect you against unfair practices by insurance companies. They will investigate your case and help you build a winning claim.
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Utah. Unfortunately, severe injuries often accompany motorcycle accidents. Because of the difference in size between automobiles and motorcycles, the motorcyclist is usually the one left with devastating injuries. Although public perception unfairly views motorcyclists as risky drivers, the fact is that most motorcycle accidents in Utah are caused by the driver of the automobile.
What should you do if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Utah? Read on to learn everything you need to know about Utah motorcycle accident law.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Utah
After a motorcycle accident, you might assume that the other driver’s insurance will cover your medical bills. That’s supposed to be their responsibility, after all. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Utah can help you with that. Many insurance companies try to get out of paying as much as they should. Some even outright deny their responsibility to pay. They blame the motorcyclist, relying on unfair bias to avoid paying.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Utah works to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. They will investigate your case, compile medical records, and help you get a fair settlement. And if the insurance company still refuses to pay a fair amount, an experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyer can help you litigate your case. With an attorney, you may be awarded up to five times more compensation than without one. That’s because motorcycle accident attorneys understand how to navigate the system. They understand the ways in which insurance companies use public perception against motorcyclists.
A motorcycle accident attorney will do the following for you:
- Investigate your case
- Build a solid claim
- Negotiate the best settlement for you
- Keep track of medical files and paperwork
- Litigate if necessary
Utah Motorcycle Accident Laws
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be wondering about Utah’s motorcycle accident laws. In the state of Utah, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is four years. After that, you won’t be able to file a claim, except in the case of very few exceptions.
When filing a claim, you may be legally entitled to the following compensation:
- Medical bills, including future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative treatments
- Expenses related to fixing your motorcycle
- Emotional therapy for the psychological trauma that accompanies a motorcycle accident
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
Another law that affects motorcycle accidents is Utah’s comparative negligence law. This law states that if you are forty-nine percent at fault for the accident or less, you can still be compensated. A Utah motorcycle accident attorney will do their best to prove that you are not at fault in the case. However, should the judge determine you are partially at fault, you will still receive a portion of compensation. For example, if you are deemed to be twenty-five percent at fault, you would receive twenty-five percent less of the compensation you are awarded.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Utah
You’re driving along I-15, following the speed limit, and staying a safe distance behind the car ahead of you. But even with the best driving habits, you might be in danger if you’re a motorcyclist. One driver’s moment of inattention, changing lanes without seeing you, can lead to severe injuries and even death. After a motorcycle accident, you’ll want to take the following steps to ensure the best outcome.
- The most important step is seeking medical care. Motorcycle accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries. Even if you feel physically fine, you’ll still want to make an appointment with your doctor. Some injuries take longer to show up than others.
- Call the police. A police officer will come to the scene of the accident and investigate what happened. Make sure you get a copy of the police report. This will help you when you file your claim.
- Get the other driver’s information, including name, phone number, and insurance. If you are well enough, don’t leave the scene of the accident without this information. If not, you can usually find the other driver’s info on the police report.
- Keep records of everything. When building a claim for a motorcycle accident, the more you have documented, the better. Take pictures of your injuries as they heal. Keep track of medical records and the police report. Take pictures of the scene of the accident. All of this will help with your claim.
- Talk with a Utah motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to tell you if you have a case. They will advise you on important steps to take to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because of the difference in size between a car and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is usually the one left with the worst injuries. Every accident is different, but the most common injuries seen after a motorcycle accident are:
- Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs happen when the head is struck with force. TBIs vary in their scope, from mild to fatal. The effects of a TBI aren’t always immediately apparent. That’s why it’s so important to get evaluated by a doctor following a motorcycle crash. TBIs can cause nausea, memory problems, headaches, fatigue, loss of concentration, slurred speech, and blurry vision, among other symptoms. Some TBIs resolve, while others leave the victim with symptoms for years.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord are not easily repaired and can cause permanent disability. Even if the victim isn’t paralyzed, they may need months to recover from their injuries.
- Broken bones and soft tissue injury: These injuries might require surgery and months of physical therapy.
- Road rash: Ranging from mild to severe, road rash can cause major scarring and leave a victim vulnerable to infection.
- Amputations: Some motorcyclists lose limbs during the accident or as a result of injuries. Surgery, physical therapy, and prosthetics are just some of the physical costs of losing a limb. Amputation can also cause major emotional distress.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Utah
Unfortunately, even the safest motorcyclists can be involved in serious motorcycle accidents. Many accidents are caused by negligence by the other driver or by those in charge of maintenance. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Utah:
- Not paying attention at intersections: About forty-two percent of motorcycle accidents happen when a driver turns left and doesn’t see the motorcycle coming. Inattention means the driver doesn’t see the motorcyclist until it’s too late.
- Poorly maintained roads: Potholes and debris in the road pose major risks for motorcyclists.
- Tailgating: Motorcyclists have a shorter stopping distance than cars. If a driver is following too closely behind a motorcyclist, they may not be able to stop in time.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t go it alone. You need an experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyer. Call Harris, Preston, & Chambers today for a free consultation. We’ll tell you if you have a case and work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.