Lehi Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Getting Compensation After a Crash

A motorcycle accident can change your life in seconds. When a crash happens in Lehi, you face medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies that may not have your best interests in mind. You need someone who understands Utah motorcycle laws, knows Lehi’s roads, and handles cases in Utah County.

At London Harker Injury Law, we represent motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers. We know how these crashes happen, what goes into valuing a claim, and how to prove fault under Utah law.

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Lehi Are Different

Lehi sits at a crossroads of major highways and growing neighborhoods. The combination of high-speed corridors like I-15, commuter traffic heading to Silicon Slopes, and residential areas creates real hazards for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle riders face greater risks than drivers in cars. You have no airbags, no seatbelts, and no metal frame to protect you. When a driver fails to see you or misjudges your speed, the results are often catastrophic.

Utah law treats motorcycle accidents differently in some ways. Insurance coverage works differently for motorcyclists. Helmet laws and lane filtering laws can affect how claims are evaluated. These details matter when you try to recover compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Lehi

Many motorcycle accidents happen because a driver in a car or truck fails to notice the motorcyclist or misjudges their position. Common scenarios include:

• Left-turn collisions: A driver turning left across traffic fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns directly into the rider’s path.
• Lane change accidents: A driver changes lanes without checking blind spots and sideswipes or cuts off a motorcyclist.
• Rear-end crashes: A distracted or speeding driver fails to stop in time and hits a motorcycle from behind.
• Intersection accidents: A driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with a motorcyclist who has the right of way.
• Door strikes: Someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of a passing motorcycle.
• Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, debris, or uneven pavement cause a rider to lose control.

Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are frequent factors in these crashes. Many drivers simply do not look for motorcycles or underestimate how fast they are moving.

Roads Where Lehi Motorcyclists Face Extra Risk

Some Lehi roads combine high speeds, heavy traffic, or frequent turning in ways that put riders at risk. These include:

• I-15 corridor through Lehi: High speeds, heavy traffic, and frequent lane changes make this stretch dangerous for riders.
• SR-92 (Timpanogos Highway): This route connects Lehi to Highland and American Fork. Curves, elevation changes, and commuter traffic increase collision risk.
• Thanksgiving Point area: Visitor traffic, delivery vehicles, and congested intersections create hazards near this popular destination.
• Main Street and side streets: Stop-and-go traffic and frequent turns lead to crashes when drivers fail to check for motorcycles.

Knowing the road helps us investigate your crash and identify contributing factors like poor road design or inadequate signage.

Utah Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Utah has specific laws that apply to motorcyclists. Understanding these laws is important because they can affect your claim.

Helmet Laws

Riders and passengers under age 21 must wear a helmet. Riders age 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet, but choosing not to wear one can come up in your case if the insurance company argues your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet.

Lane Filtering

Utah allows lane filtering only in limited situations. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-704, a motorcyclist may filter between lanes only when the vehicles being passed are stopped, the road has two or more lanes in the same direction with a speed limit of 45 mph or less (or it is an off-ramp), the motorcycle is traveling 15 mph or less, and the movement can be made safely. Filtering is not allowed on on-ramps or between moving vehicles.

Improper lane filtering can be used against you in a claim. We help clarify whether you were following the law and whether the other driver’s actions were the true cause of the crash.

Insurance Requirements

Utah requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. These amounts are often not enough to cover serious motorcycle accident injuries. That is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is so important.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lehi

The steps you take immediately after a crash can affect your ability to recover compensation. Here is what to do:

• Call 911: Report the accident. Depending on where the crash happened, Lehi Police or the Utah Highway Patrol will respond. A police report documents what happened and establishes a record of the crash.
• Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Delaying treatment gives the insurance company a reason to question your injuries.
• Document the scene: If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the road, your injuries, and any visible damage. Get contact information from witnesses.
• Do not admit fault: Do not apologize or say the accident was your fault. Let the investigation determine what happened.
• Notify your insurance company: Report the accident, but be careful what you say. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you.
• Contact a lawyer before giving a recorded statement: Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements shortly after a crash. What you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Once you have taken these steps, reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Lehi, Utah who can protect your rights and begin building your case.

Understanding Utah’s Comparative Fault Rule

Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist. They may claim you were speeding, weaving, or not visible. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, and challenge these arguments to protect your recovery.

Compensation Available After a Lehi Motorcycle Accident

If another driver caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering and future earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Permanent impairment: Compensation for lasting disabilities or disfigurement.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and riding gear.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and how the accident has affected your life. We review your medical records, consult with experts, and calculate the full cost of your injuries to demand fair compensation.

How Insurance Works for Utah Motorcycle Accidents

Insurance coverage can be complicated after a motorcycle crash. Utah law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but motorcyclists face unique challenges.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Utah requires PIP coverage on auto policies, and PIP pays certain medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Motorcycles are not always treated the same way as cars for PIP purposes. Whether PIP benefits are available after a motorcycle crash depends on your policy and the circumstances, so it is worth having your coverage reviewed.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the driver who hit you has no insurance or not enough insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can provide compensation. Utah insurers must offer this coverage, but you can decline it in writing. For motorcyclists, who face a higher risk of serious injury, it is especially valuable.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick settlement that does not cover your full damages. They may delay your claim or request unnecessary documentation. Having an experienced lawyer for accident insurance claims helps level the playing field.

Proving Fault in a Lehi Motorcycle Crash

To recover compensation, you must prove the other driver was negligent. This means showing:

• The driver owed you a duty of care (to drive safely and follow traffic laws).
• The driver breached that duty (by speeding, failing to yield, driving distracted, and so on).
• The breach caused the accident.
• You suffered damages as a result.

Evidence used to prove fault includes:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos from the scene
• Traffic camera footage
• Cell phone records (if distracted driving is suspected)
• Accident reconstruction expert analysis
• Medical records linking your injuries to the crash

We gather and preserve this evidence quickly. Memories fade, witnesses move, and physical evidence disappears. Acting fast protects your claim.

Why You Need a Lehi Motorcycle Accident Attorney

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can help you pursue a fair outcome. Here is what we do for you:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Identify all sources of insurance coverage
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary

Insurance companies tend to take claims more seriously when you have legal representation, because they know we are prepared to go to trial if they refuse to offer fair compensation. You can learn more about our Lehi motorcycle accident lawyers and our Utah motorcycle accident practice.

Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident claims face unique obstacles. These include:

• Bias against motorcyclists: Some people assume riders are reckless. We counter these stereotypes with facts and evidence.
• Severe injuries: Motorcycle crashes often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. These injuries require extensive treatment and long-term care.
• Disputed liability: The other driver may deny fault or claim you were at fault. We use evidence to establish the truth.
• Inadequate insurance: The at-fault driver may not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. We pursue all available sources of compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Utah?

Utah law generally gives you four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.

Four years may sound like a long time, but you should not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Starting early also gives us time to investigate thoroughly and build a strong case.

If the accident resulted in a death, a shorter deadline generally applies: two years from the date of death. If a government entity was involved, you generally must file a notice of claim within one year. You can learn more about proving negligence in a Utah wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us promptly to protect your rights.

What Our Lehi Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Do for You

We represent injured motorcyclists throughout Lehi and Utah County. Our process includes:

• Free consultation: We listen to your story, review the facts, and explain your options. There is no cost and no obligation.
• Thorough investigation: We visit the accident scene, review police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts.
• Medical documentation: We work with your medical providers to document your injuries and treatment needs.
• Settlement negotiation: We demand full compensation and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Trial representation: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we take your case to court.

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Example Scenario: How a Lehi Motorcycle Crash Case Can Unfold

The following is a hypothetical example, not a real case. A motorcyclist is riding north on Main Street in Lehi. A driver in an SUV is stopped at a side street waiting to turn left. The driver looks but does not see the motorcycle, pulls out, and the motorcycle collides with the side of the SUV.

The motorcyclist suffers a broken leg, road rash, and a concussion. The driver’s insurance company makes a low early offer, claiming the motorcyclist was speeding and hard to see.

The motorcyclist hires a lawyer. The lawyer reviews the police report, interviews the driver and a witness, and obtains surveillance footage from a nearby business. The footage shows the motorcyclist was traveling at the speed limit and the driver pulled out without yielding.

With that evidence, the lawyer documents the rider’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and negotiates from a much stronger position than the rider had alone.

This example shows why it matters to investigate fully and not accept the first offer.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Many injured motorcyclists make mistakes that reduce their compensation. Avoid these errors:

• Not calling the police: Without a police report, it is harder to prove what happened.
• Admitting fault at the scene: Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
• Delaying medical treatment: Gaps in treatment give the insurance company a reason to question your injuries.
• Posting on social media: Photos and comments can be used to argue you are not as injured as you claim.
• Giving a recorded statement without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters may ask leading questions that hurt your claim.
• Accepting the first settlement offer: Initial offers are often too low.

Working with an attorney from the start helps you avoid these pitfalls and protects your right to full compensation.

Additional Motorcycle Accident Resources in Utah

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in a nearby area, we can help. We also represent riders in Provo and Sandy.

You can also find helpful information from Utah state agencies:

• Utah Department of Public Safety: crash reports and traffic safety data
• Utah Insurance Department: consumer resources for insurance claims
• Utah State Courts: information on filing a lawsuit and court procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for my motorcycle accident in Lehi?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can help you recover fair compensation. Lawyers investigate your crash, handle negotiations, and protect your rights against insurance company tactics.

How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?

The value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the severity of your injuries. Every case is different. We review your situation and explain what your claim may be worth under Utah law.

What if I was not wearing a helmet when I crashed?

If you are 21 or older, you are not required to wear a helmet in Utah. However, the insurance company may argue your injuries would have been less severe if you had worn one. We respond to these arguments with medical evidence and focus on the other driver’s fault.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Utah?

You generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should not wait. Starting your claim early protects evidence and improves your chances of a fair settlement.

What if the other driver says I was at fault?

Fault is determined by the evidence, not by what either driver says. We investigate the crash, gather witness statements, review police reports, and use expert analysis to show what really happened.

Will my case go to trial?

Many motorcycle accident cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court.

How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.

What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We help identify all available sources of compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Utah’s comparative fault rule reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

What damages can I recover after a motorcycle crash?

You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and property damage. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life.

How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case?

Some cases settle in a few months. Others take a year or more, especially if your injuries are severe or liability is disputed. We work efficiently but never rush a settlement that is not in your best interest.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Usually not. First offers are often well below what a claim is worth. Insurance companies may hope you will accept quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.

What is Utah’s lane filtering law and how does it affect my case?

Utah allows motorcyclists to filter between lanes only when traffic is stopped, on roads with a speed limit of 45 mph or less (or on off-ramps), at 15 mph or less, and only when it is safe. If you were filtering legally and the other driver caused the crash, you can still recover compensation.

Do I have to report my motorcycle accident to the police?

Yes, in many cases. Utah law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount. A police report is important evidence for your claim.

What if my injuries did not appear until days after the crash?

Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, do not show symptoms right away. See a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms and explain that they are related to the crash. Delayed injuries are common and can still be part of your claim.