Motorcycle Accidents in Lehi: Protecting Riders’ Rights in Utah County

Motorcycle crashes in Lehi often cause serious injuries. Riders face real risks on Utah County roads, from distracted drivers on I-15 to busy intersections along Redwood Road. After a crash, riders frequently run into a second problem: insurers and other drivers who assume the rider was to blame.

This guide explains the Utah laws that matter most after a motorcycle crash in Lehi, what riders can recover, and how to protect a claim from the start. For our Lehi motorcycle practice, visit our Lehi motorcycle accident lawyer page.

Why Motorcycle Crash Claims Are Different in Utah

Riders have no protective shell, so injuries are often more severe than in a car crash at the same speed. Head injuries, spinal injuries, road rash, and broken bones are common even in moderate-speed collisions.

Utah law also treats motorcycles differently in a few important ways. Utah Code § 31A-22-302 does not require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on motorcycle policies. That means many injured riders do not have PIP benefits to fall back on and must look to the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, their own optional coverage, or health insurance. Showing that the other driver caused the crash becomes the central issue.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Lehi

Most motorcycle crashes happen because another driver fails to see or yield to the rider. Common causes include:

• Left-turn collisions: A driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, misjudging its speed or not seeing it at all
• Unsafe lane changes: A vehicle merges into a lane already occupied by a motorcycle
• Rear-end crashes: A driver following too closely hits a motorcycle stopped at a light or stop sign
• Distracted driving: Phone use and other distractions keep drivers from noticing riders
• Door crashes: A parked car door opens into a rider’s path
• Road hazards: Gravel, potholes, and debris that a car handles easily can cause a rider to lose control

Drivers often say they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. Utah drivers still have a legal duty to look carefully before turning, merging, or changing lanes.

Busy Roads for Riders in Lehi

Riders in Lehi regularly deal with heavy traffic on I-15, especially around construction zones and interchanges. Redwood Road, Main Street, SR-92 (Timpanogos Highway), and 2100 North all carry significant commuter traffic and have busy intersections where left-turn and lane-change crashes can happen.

Road conditions matter too. When poor road maintenance contributes to a crash, a government entity may share responsibility, and claims against government entities have their own notice deadlines.

Utah Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Helmet Law

Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1505, riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet that meets federal standards. Riders 21 and older can choose whether to wear one.

Importantly, the same statute says that not wearing a helmet does not count as comparative negligence and may not be introduced as evidence in a civil case on negligence, injuries, or the mitigation of damages. An insurer cannot lawfully use the absence of a helmet to reduce your recovery in court.

Lane Filtering

Utah allows lane filtering under limited conditions in Utah Code § 41-6a-704. A motorcyclist may pass between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction on a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, at 15 mph or less. Lane splitting between lanes of moving traffic is not allowed. Disputes over whether a rider was filtering legally can come up in fault arguments after a crash.

Insurance Requirements

Utah requires motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. Those minimums often fall short in serious motorcycle crashes. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help when the at-fault driver has too little or no insurance.

Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash in Lehi

• The right to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses
• The right to hold a negligent driver accountable
• The right to turn down settlement offers that do not cover your damages
• The right to talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to an insurer
• The right to pursue claims against more than one party if more than one caused the crash

Utah’s Comparative Fault Rule and Motorcycle Claims

Utah follows modified comparative fault under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. You can recover if your share of fault is less than 50%, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. At 50% or more, you cannot recover.

Insurers often try to inflate a rider’s share of fault with claims like “the motorcycle was speeding,” “the rider was weaving,” or “the bike was hard to see.” Evidence such as scene photos, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can answer those claims with facts. For more, see our guide to Utah’s modified comparative fault law.

Compensation Available to Injured Riders

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, therapy, medication, and future treatment
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior work
• Property damage: Motorcycle repair or replacement, and damaged gear
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Permanent injury: Lasting impairment, scarring, or loss of function
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities you can no longer do

Utah does not cap non-economic damages in ordinary injury cases like these.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work to limit what the company pays. Common tactics include asking for a recorded statement, making a quick offer before you know the full extent of your injuries, blaming pre-existing conditions, delaying the claim, and assigning fault to the rider without evidence.

Having a lawyer handle insurer communications keeps your words from being twisted and keeps pressure on the claim.

When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured

If the driver who hit you has no insurance or too little, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may pay. Your own insurer handles that claim, but it will still try to limit what it pays. Learn more about filing a Utah uninsured motorist claim.

How a Lawyer Helps After a Lehi Motorcycle Crash

• Investigation: Police reports, medical records, witness statements, and scene evidence
• Accident reconstruction: Experts who analyze how the crash happened
• Medical documentation: Connecting your injuries to the crash
• Damage valuation: Including future losses
• Negotiation: Pressing insurers for fair compensation
• Litigation: Filing suit and going to trial if needed

Motorcycle injury cases arising in Lehi are typically filed in Utah’s Fourth District Court, which serves Utah County.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in Utah County

1. Call 911: Report the crash and get medical help. A police report creates an official record.
2. Get medical care: Adrenaline can mask injuries that show up hours or days later.
3. Document the scene: If you can, photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and injuries.
4. Collect information: Names, phone numbers, and insurance details from drivers and witnesses.
5. Keep statements brief: Tell police what happened, but save detailed discussions for your lawyer.
6. Preserve evidence: Keep your motorcycle, helmet, and gear. Do not repair or discard anything yet.
7. Notify your insurer: Report the crash, but avoid recorded statements without legal advice.
8. Talk to a lawyer: Get advice before dealing with adjusters.

Good records make a difference. See the medical records you need for a Utah injury claim.

Time Limits for a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Utah generally gives you four years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Utah Code § 78B-2-307. Claims against government entities, such as for dangerous road conditions, require a written notice of claim within one year. Waiting also lets evidence disappear and memories fade.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Motorcycle Claims

• Giving recorded statements to insurers
• Posting about the crash or your activities on social media
• Accepting the first settlement offer
• Missing medical appointments or ignoring treatment advice
• Waiting too long to get legal help
• Signing releases without legal review

Resources for Utah Riders

• Utah Department of Public Safety: crash reports and Highway Patrol information
• Utah Insurance Department: insurance rules and consumer help
• Utah Highway Safety Office: safety programs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You are not required to hire one. Motorcycle cases often involve disputed fault, serious injuries, and insurers who assume the rider was to blame, so many riders find legal help valuable.

What is my motorcycle accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, future care needs, and how the crash affects your life. An attorney can give a realistic assessment after reviewing the details.

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

Generally four years from the date of injury, with a one-year notice of claim requirement for claims against government entities.

Can not wearing a helmet reduce my claim?

Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1505, not wearing a helmet is not comparative negligence and cannot be introduced as evidence in a civil case on negligence, injuries, or mitigation of damages.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes, if your share of fault is less than 50%. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Do I have PIP coverage after a motorcycle crash?

Not necessarily. Utah does not require PIP on motorcycle policies, so check whether your policy includes optional medical coverage.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may pay. A lawyer can help you get the full coverage your policy provides.

Do I have to pay upfront to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

London Harker handles injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees. We explain our fee structure during your consultation.

Talk to London Harker Injury Law

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Lehi or anywhere in Utah County, London Harker Injury Law can review your case and explain your options. Learn more on our Lehi motorcycle accident lawyer page or our statewide Utah motorcycle accident lawyer page.