Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney This Summer?
Reviewed by Kara H. North, Managing Attorney at Moxie Law Group. Reviewed November 9, 2023.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah, you can recover compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and the motorcycle accident attorneys at Moxie Law Group know how to counter the bias riders often face from insurers. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Insurance companies frequently assume the rider was at fault. We push back with real evidence, the crash scene, witness accounts, and accident reconstruction, to show what actually happened. Because motorcycle injuries tend to be severe, we build your claim around the full cost of your recovery, not the quick, low offer an adjuster wants you to accept.
Is Your Motorcycle Ready for the Road This Summer?
If you’re getting your motorcycle out for the first time this season, you need to make sure that everything is in good working order. Taking your bike around the block for a test run before getting on the freeway at high speeds may not be such a bad idea. Drivers may have a more difficult time retaining control of their vehicles when they’re driving at higher speeds. If your motorcycle isn’t working properly, you do not want to realize this while you’re on the freeway and driving at speeds where you’ve got less control. Before taking your motorcycle out on the road this summer, make sure it’s in good working condition. You don’t want to be involved in the worst motorcycle accident America has ever seen.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
There are also motorcycle safety courses you can take to make sure you’re up to date on the latest safety tips. Taking a motorcycle safety course can also help educate you about certain features your bike has, certain traffic laws that only pertain to motorcyclists, and how to respond to certain situations that affect motorcyclists disproportionately. Though any car can get caught in someone’s blind spot, it’s much easier to find yourself in a blind spot when you’re in a smaller vehicle or on a bike. Not only can a motorcycle course help you learn about your bike, but it can also help prevent you from getting into a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Utah
Motorcycle accidents in Utah can have life-altering consequences, often resulting in severe injuries, significant medical expenses, and even wrongful death claims. Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is essential for both motorcycle riders and their families, especially when it comes to protecting your rights and recovering fair compensation under Utah law.
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Utah is the failure of other drivers to see motorcycle riders. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, automobile drivers often overlook them, especially when distracted or failing to check blind spots. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield are all frequent contributors to motorcycle crashes, putting motorcycle riders at serious risk of injury.
Motorcycle riders are also particularly vulnerable to road hazards. Potholes, debris, and poor road conditions can cause a motorcycle accident in an instant, as motorcycles offer less stability and protection than other vehicles involved in motor vehicle accidents. As a result, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to other types of accidents, even when protective gear is used. Defective motorcycle parts and inclement weather can further increase the risk of a serious accident, sometimes leading to complex motorcycle accident claims involving multiple liable parties.
Another common issue is the failure of other drivers to respect the rights of motorcycle riders. This can include not giving enough space, cutting off motorcycles, or failing to yield at intersections. Such extreme negligence can result in devastating motorcycle injuries and complicated legal battles with insurance companies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Utah law sets a statute of limitations of four years for filing a motorcycle accident claim, but acting quickly ensures that important evidence, such as police reports and medical records, is preserved. An experienced attorney with a proven track record in handling motorcycle accident cases can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance providers, and help you recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Claims
Salt Lake City riders face left-turning drivers downtown, merge conflicts on I-15 and I-215, and canyon rides where a driver’s inattention becomes a rider’s catastrophe. Our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys know the bias riders face from adjusters and juries, and we counter it with scene evidence and reconstruction, not assumptions.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Utah motorcycle accident statistics paint a sobering picture of the risks faced by motorcycle riders on the state’s roads. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there were more than 1,100 motorcycle accidents reported in Utah in 2020 alone, resulting in 36 tragic fatalities. This upward trend in both accidents and fatalities highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and caution among all drivers, not just motorcycle riders. The data shows that most Utah motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error, speeding, and failure to yield, factors that can have devastating consequences for accident victims. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer severe injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, and road rash, which can lead to long-term medical expenses and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Utah motorcycle accident, consulting with an experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Protecting your rights and your future starts with understanding the risks and seeking the right legal support.
Most Common Injuries in Utah Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Utah can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are far more severe than those typically seen in car accidents. Among the most common injuries are head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and road rash. Head trauma is particularly concerning, as it is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in motorcycle accidents, making helmet use absolutely critical for every motorcycle rider. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent loss of sensation, while broken bones often require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Road rash, caused by sliding across pavement, can result in painful wounds, infection, and lasting scarring. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also provides crucial documentation for your claim. After seeking medical attention, reach out to a Utah motorcycle accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and recovery.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get a Free Consultation Today!
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, Moxie Law Group is here for you and can assist with your motorcycle injury case. At Moxie Law Group, we offer all our potential clients a free consultation because we want to make sure there’s no risk to finding out whether or not filing a claim is in their best interest. Also, we work on contingency. Working on contingency means that you don’t pay us until you get the compensation you deserve. If you don’t win any financial compensation, you don’t pay us anything. At Moxie Law Group, we’re committed to providing fair compensation to as many people as possible. If you’ve been injured in an accident, and you need compensation for your injuries, contact our motorcycle accident attorney at Moxie Law Group today for a free consultation. During your free consultation, we can answer any motorcycle accident questions you may have.
A Call Away, and Ready to Help.
With over 5,000 fatalities in 2017, many people are finding themselves injured after a motorcycle crash. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on the road, Moxie Law Group is here for you. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands the intricacies of the insurance and traffic laws. At Moxie Law Group, we’re dedicated to fighting for our clients with empathy, integrity, and tenacity. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, Moxie Law Group is just a phone call away.
Why a Utah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer May Be a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Lawyers sound expensive. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to think about is interviewing motorcycle accident lawyers. However, some people unfortunately discover that, after speaking with the insurance company, a motorcycle accident lawyer is a need, not a want. Both the driver’s insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company may try to minimize payouts and are not on your side, so having legal representation is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation. Here’s what normally happens: a motorcycle rider sustains severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. The economic damages include lost wages, future medical treatment, costly medical bills, and more. They’ve also got non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The motorcycle accident victim files a claim with the insurance company, only to be offered a settlement that barely covers their medical bills! Not only does the settlement barely cover the medical malpractice bills, it doesn’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or any of the future medical expenses, like physical therapy, that resulted from the motorcycle accident. After a motorcycle accident, many people who have sustained serious injury are not helped by the insurance company. Often, this leaves motorcycle crash victims with no other choice than to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can help ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Affordable Legal Help for Injured Motorcyclists at Moxie Law Group
As previously mentioned, injured motorcyclists may not have many other options when they’re seeking a fair settlement for their medical expenses and future medical costs. At Moxie Law Group, we believe anyone can sustain motorcycle accident injuries, therefore everyone should be able to file a personal injury claim. At Moxie Law Group, you can afford an experienced motorcycle accident attorney no matter how much you make. Our law firm offers injury victims a free consultation to help them recover compensation for they’ve sustained. At our law firm, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you seek compensation without paying a hefty price. We guide our clients through every step of the claims process to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Not only do we offer a no-cost consultation, we also help those who have suffered injuries by working on contingency. This means that at our law firm, an injured motorcyclist won’t have to pay a motorcycle accident lawyer anything upfront. If you go all the way to trial and lose your case, you don’t have to pay us anything. This way, those involved in motorcycle accidents are able to have legal counsel without having to worry about how they’ll pay for medical treatment.
Why You Need a Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Fight for You
In most cases, motorcycle accident attorneys help motorcycle riders by standing up to the insurance companies. Motorcycle accidents are often more serious than regular car accidents. Since motorcycle crashes are often more serious than other traffic accidents, it would make sense that the injuries sustained by motorcycle riders also tend to be serious. If you were injured in a serious accident, having legal counsel can only benefit you, especially if you don’t have to pay a lot of money upfront. It is crucial to hire experienced motorcycle accident attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases and can effectively advocate for your rights and fair compensation. If you have significant injuries, or life threatening injuries, and the other driver is the at fault party, you may be eligible for compensation. If you believe you have a motorcycle accident claim, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation. This is because insurance companies don’t always offer motorcycle accident victims the compensation they deserve. When you hire a motorcycle accident attorney, you’re hiring someone to stand up to the insurance company on your behalf.
Here’s How Our Law Firm Stands up for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Even when the at fault party has insurance coverage, the insurance companies aren’t always willing to pay fair compensation to those who file a motorcycle accident claim. Insurance companies know that the average person doesn’t have thorough understanding of how motorcycle accident claims work, or how personal injury law works. The value of a motorcycle claim can depend on many factors, and having legal representation is essential to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Therefore, they try to pay the smallest amount they can on motorcycle accident claims. It’s not uncommon for a motorcycle accident case to involve pain and suffering. Since non-economic damages cannot be numerically quantified, insurance companies may try to pay less on non-economic damages. If you have a motorcycle accident case, and you hire a personal injury attorney, your attorney can stand up to the insurance company and advocate for you. When motorcycle riders don’t have a nuanced understanding of personal injury law, it’s up to a motorcycle accident lawyer to advocate for them.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Case
They don’t teach you how to pick the right motorcycle accident lawyer in school, that’s for sure. However, since more serious injuries often come out of motorcycle accidents, it’s important that an experienced lawyer is handling your case. When you’re choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer, you may want to pick someone who’s helped victims of motorcycle accidents before. Working with Utah motorcycle accident attorneys gives you the advantage of local expertise, as they are familiar with Utah laws and courts, which can be crucial for your case. You may also want to choose a personal injury lawyer who’s worked on motorcycle cases before. Though there may be many motorcycle lawyers, not all of them are dedicated enough to victims of motorcycle accidents: in fact, some personal injury lawyers are scared to go to trial. When you’re looking at personal injury lawyers, it’d be nice to hire someone with experience in motorcycle accident cases, however it’s even better to hire an attorney that isn’t afraid of a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
The Motorcycle Accident Claim Process Explained
Navigating the motorcycle accident claim process can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. The process typically begins with a free consultation with an experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyer, who will review the details of your case and explain your legal options. Your attorney will then gather important evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong foundation for your motorcycle accident claim. Once all the necessary documentation is collected, your motorcycle accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your case may proceed to trial, where your Utah motorcycle accident lawyer will advocate for your rights in court. Throughout every step of the claims process, your attorney will keep you informed and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward after a Utah motorcycle accident.
First Steps for a Successful Motorcycle Accident Claim
Taking the right steps immediately after a motorcycle accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. First and foremost, seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for your claim. At the accident scene, gather as much evidence as possible: take photos of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries; collect contact information from witnesses; and obtain a copy of the police report. As soon as you are able, contact an experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyer who can guide you through the claims process and help you avoid common pitfalls. Your motorcycle accident attorney will work with you to build a strong case, handle communications with the insurance company, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Acting quickly and following these steps can greatly improve your chances of a successful motorcycle accident claim.
Avoiding Common Mistakes After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation. One of the most common errors is delaying or skipping medical attention, which can not only worsen your injuries but also weaken your claim due to lack of documentation. Another frequent mistake is speaking with the insurance company before consulting a Utah motorcycle accident lawyer, insurance adjusters may try to get you to accept a low settlement or make statements that could be used against you. Avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media, as insurance companies often monitor these platforms for information that could undermine your claim. Be cautious when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company, as they may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of your injuries. To protect your rights and maximize your recovery, consult with an experienced Utah motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. With the right legal guidance, you can avoid these common pitfalls and ensure you receive the fair compensation you need to recover from your Utah motorcycle accident.
“Why Doesn’t Anyone Want a Personal Injury Lawsuit?”
Motorcycle accident cases often involve some of the most severe injuries. When recovering compensation, sometimes it’s necessary to go court in order to get the client the settlement they deserve. When it comes to personal injury cases, most don’t go to trial because going to court is expensive for both parties, and it usually takes the injured party longer to get their settlement. Therefore, most personal injury cases settle outside of court. Taking legal action promptly is crucial to preserving your rights and maximizing your chances of recovery. However, if your insurance company, or the other party’s insurance company, refuse to offer you a reasonable settlement even after attorneys get involved, it may be necessary to go to court. Unfortunately, not all who practice law have their clients’ best interests at heart. Some lawyers prefer to settle cases as quickly as possible, even if that means that the client doesn’t get all the compensation they need. At Moxie Law Group, that’s not how we do things; we don’t have any problem going to trial if that will get our clients the compensation they deserve.
Experience Matters
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it may be a good idea to start looking at experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. Many fatal accidents involve motorcycles. Our firm has extensive experience handling Salt Lake City motorcycle accident cases, which often present unique legal and insurance challenges specific to the area. If your loved one was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident, you need the best motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are filed by the surviving family members on behalf of the deceased. Wrongful death occurs when a person’s negligence contributes to the untimely demise of another. If you end up in a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s important that you have an attorney who fully understands and appreciates the delicate nature of these cases. If you, or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer with the knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you need to recover.
Proving Negligence
In many personal injury claims, a lawyer will need to prove that a defendant was negligent. In the most simple terms, a negligent person is someone who failed to take the precautions that a reasonable person would take, or conducted themselves in a particularly reckless manner, leading to the injury of another person. A motorcycle driver has specific legal responsibilities to operate their vehicle safely and may be found negligent if they fail to uphold these duties. In the vast majority of cases, negligence is unintentional. However, if you have injured someone, even unintentionally, you may still be liable for their injuries. In order for an attorney to win compensation for their clients, attorneys will need to prove that all four elements of negligence are included in the claim. These elements include duty, breach of duty, damages, and causation.
Duty
It may be helpful to think of duty the same way you’d think of a job, or a responsibility. For example, when you’re changing lanes, you likely have a duty to ensure there are no other vehicles in your blind spot, or that there are no other vehicles immediately to the side of your car. Duty can also be thought of as an obligation. When lawyers are trying to prove that a client had a duty, they’re trying to prove that the client had an obligation to take certain precautions. In the example listed above, a driver may very likely have a responsibility or obligation to check their blind spots when changing lanes. In the event of an accident, it is important to identify and gather information about every driver involved, as this is crucial for both legal responsibility and insurance purposes. However, duty isn’t always so easy to prove. For example, if someone sold you a motorcycle, did they have a duty to tell you that the brakes didn’t work? Maybe. What if they told you that they’d just barely inherited the bike and never actually rode it? If you purchased it anyway without test driving it, you may have assumed the risk of injury! Proving duty isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s not uncommon for the injured party to call in the experts.
Breach of Duty
Attorneys will also have to prove that a person has breached their duty. A breach of duty occurs when a person has a duty, but fails to fulfill their duty. So let’s go back to that example of the driver: when you’re driving a car, you likely have a duty to check for vehicles in your blind spot. If you fail to check your blind spots while you change lanes, you may have breached your duty. As we’ve previously mentioned with duty, breach of duty isn’t always so easy to prove. In some states, liability can be apportioned. This means that multiple parties can share fault for one person’s injuries. Let’s say that you’re seriously injured when the brakes failed the first time you rode the used bike that you purchased. We’ll say that the person who sold it to you inherited it, and never rode it. He didn’t mention this to you, but he told you it was in good working condition. The mechanic who last worked on the bike somehow messed up the brakes. These two parties may both be liable for your injuries. If a judge awards you $100,000 for your injuries, and decides that the seller and mechanic are both liable, the judge may order that both parties pay for your injuries. A judge may decide that the mechanic is 60% liable, and the seller is 40% liable. This will mean that the seller will pay 40% of your settlement and the mechanic will pay 60%. Determining who breached their duty can be quite a process depending on how many parties have liability. In a motor vehicle accident, proper documentation and timely legal action are essential to establishing liability and securing compensation.
Damages
Damages can refer to the economic and non-economic damages that a person has sustained due to the defendant’s breach of duty. Medical records are often used to prove damages. Obtaining prompt and comprehensive medical care is essential to support a personal injury claim. Economic damages are damages that have a set economic value. Lost income due to time away from work is a significant economic damage in many motorcycle accident cases. If you were taken to the hospital from the accident scene by an ambulance, that ambulance ride has a set monetary value. Medical records can prove that a person was economically damaged. Documenting property damage is also important to support a compensation claim. Non-economic damages include damages such as pain and suffering, or emotional distress. Compensation can also be sought for physical pain resulting from the accident. These damages do not have an objective monetary value. However, it’s possible to win compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Causation
Lastly, your attorney will need to prove that the breach of duty directly caused the client to sustain the aforementioned damages. Sometimes this isn’t so difficult, however, in other cases, this can be very difficult. If you have questions about who may be liable for the injuries you’ve sustained, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion. It is also important to review your insurance policies, including personal injury protection, to understand what coverage you have after an accident. At Moxie Law Group, our qualified legal team will give you a free case review at no cost to you. If you have been injured, and you need legal advice, don’t wait to contact Moxie Law Group today for an initial consultation. Call today and speak with a top rated Motorcycle Accident Attorney. From Salt Lake City to Dallas, we have you covered.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Moxie Law Group today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Utah Motorcycle Accident FAQs
The summer months are considered the most dangerous season for motorcyclists in Utah. What specific factors contribute to this spike in serious traffic collisions?
The roughly 100 days between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend experience a sharp increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Warmer weather prompts a significant influx of riders onto scenic byways and freeways, particularly over weekends. Statistics show these collisions occur most frequently at intersections and urban roads during the late afternoon and evening, when heavy traffic congestion combines with reduced visibility, making it harder for passenger vehicle drivers to spot smaller motorcycles.
I was thrown from my bike after hitting a deep pothole on a public road. Can a motorcyclist pursue legal damages for injuries caused by poor road conditions in Utah?
Yes, road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and neglected debris pose a severe risk to motorcycles due to their reduced stability compared to passenger cars. If a public or private entity fails to properly maintain a safe roadway or warn of known dangers, they can be held liable under Utah personal injury law. Filing a civil claim allows an injured rider to seek fair compensation for severe medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, and lost wages resulting from the entity’s negligence.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim in Utah, and why is it risky to wait to hire legal counsel?
Under Utah law, the standard statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is four years from the date of the crash. However, waiting to seek legal representation introduces substantial risk to your civil case. Critical evidence, such as traffic camera recordings, police reports, and eyewitness statements, can quickly become lost or corrupted, and memories fade over time. Acting immediately ensures your legal team can preserve vital medical records and construct a robust foundation for settlement negotiations.
MOXIE LAW GROUP’S EMPATHY, INTEGRITY, TENACITY
A Call Away, and Ready to Help.
With over 5,000 fatalities in 2017, many people are finding themselves injured after a motorcycle crash. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on the road, Moxie Law Group is here for you. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands the intricacies of the insurance and traffic laws. At Moxie Law Group, we’re dedicated to fighting for our clients with empathy, integrity, and tenacity. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, Moxie Law Group is just a phone call away.
Most Importantly, Our Experience Speaks for Itself




