Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Provo
A Provo motorcycle accident can be life-altering. Although motorcycles give riders an unmatched sense of freedom and exhilaration, the results can be deadly when a car collides with a motorcycle. The Utah Department of Public Safety recorded 1,037 motorcycle accident crashes in one year. Those crashes left 966 motorcyclists injured and 47 riders deceased. Unfortunately, Utah statistics show that motorcycle accident fatalities have steadily increased over the past ten years. Protecting yourself and recovering the compensation you need following a Utah motorcycle accident can be challenging. There may be numerous hurdles to overcome, and the task can seem daunting for someone struggling to cope with catastrophic or life-altering injuries. At London Harker Injury Law, our Provo motorcycle accident lawyers care about you and want to help you pursue the money you need to recover from the physical and financial damage caused by a motorcycle accident.
Individuals hurt in motorcycle accidents caused by careless drivers need to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for help. At London Harker Injury Law, we review your situation, advise you of your legal rights, and outline your options for pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait. Contact us online today or call us at 77CARCRASH to set up a free initial consultation with a Provo personal injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Provo Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents can happen for several reasons. However, in the case of motorcycle accidents, careless or reckless driving behavior tends to be the most common reason accidents occur. The Utah Department of Public Safety cites speeding, following too closely, and failing to yield the right of way as a few of the leading contributing factors in motorcycle crashes in the state. The most common causes of motorcycle collisions involving careless drivers also tend to include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving maneuvers
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe turns
Although less common, mechanical defects, poor road conditions, and poor visibility can also contribute to tragic motorcycle accidents.
Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle collisions can cause devastating physical injuries that can impact a person for the rest of their life and may even prevent them from returning to work or getting back on their motorcycle. Some of the most common types of injuries that are common in significant motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Other neck and spine injuries
- Road rash
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Coping with significant motorcycle injuries mentally and financially can be challenging. Accident victims may have to undergo extensive and invasive medical procedures such as surgeries and skin grafts. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can take months or even years to get an accident victim back to baseline. Some individuals face permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term health complications. These issues can take a toll on a person’s mental health and may lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Motorcycle Accidents and Utah’s No-Fault System
Motorcycle accident victims often feel isolated and alone as they attempt to navigate daily life. At London Harker Injury Law, we understand and want to help. Our Provo motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to offering support and valuable legal advice to those involved in traumatic motorcycle accidents involving careless motorists. That includes helping motorcycle riders recover the compensation they deserve.
Understanding insurance coverage for motorcyclists in Utah can be challenging. Utah is only one of a handful of states that subscribes to a no-fault auto insurance system. In a no-fault system, you turn to your insurance provider and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other financial losses after an accident, no matter whose fault the accident was.
However, these rules don’t apply to motorcyclists. Although available to riders, motorcyclists are the exception to Utah’s no-fault insurance requirements. You must maintain minimum insurance coverage but are not required to carry PIP coverage.
This no-fault exception can make it easier for a motorcycle accident victim to file a personal injury lawsuit against a motorist. However, it can also mean preparing for the stress of going to trial and proving the other driver was unequivocally at fault to recover maximum compensation.
The state’s modified comparative negligence system means your compensation can decrease by the same amount as your responsibility for causing a collision. If you are found by the court to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover compensation for your losses. This rule binds court decisions and influences how an adjuster values your claim.
Do you need clarification about the no-fault system and motorcycle accident claims? You need to talk to an experienced Provo motorcycle accident attorney who can review your situation and direct you toward the best options for your circumstances.
Compensation for Provo Motorcycle Accidents
Provo motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, expensive medical bills, and numerous financial losses. How much money can you expect from a motorcycle accident settlement or lawsuit? The answer depends on several factors, including the cause of the accident, who is to blame, and the severity of your injuries. Insurers want to offer as little money as possible to keep their bottom line in check and profits high. It pays to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can accurately calculate the fair value of your losses and negotiate for the money you deserve.
Although all accident claims vary, most individuals can attempt to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Only accept money from someone once you consult with a knowledgeable Provo motorcycle accident lawyer about your situation. Individuals working with skilled lawyers tend to recover more money for their financial losses than people who navigate the system solo.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Laws
Utah has numerous motorcycle laws all riders should know before they hit the pavement. First, all riders under 21 must wear protective headgear in the form of a DOT-certified helmet. Helmets are not mandatory for adults. However, riders should remember that helmets save lives. The Utah Department of Public Safety estimates that over one-third of motorcyclists involved in collisions were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Those without helmets were 1.6 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries.
One of Utah’s more unique motorcycle laws involves “lane filtering.” The law allows motorcyclists to ride in between lanes of stopped traffic. This maneuver is also sometimes called lane splitting. However, lane splitting can also refer to motorcyclists traveling between stopped and slow-moving vehicles.
Lane splitting is prohibited in most of the U.S. Utah allows riders to engage in lane filtering, but there are some rules motorcyclists must follow. Riders can only engage in lane filtering when:
- The speed limit on the roadway is 45 miles per hour or less
- The road is not a freeway
- Vehicles are stopped
- The road has at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction
It’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself before heading onto the open road. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing such as sturdy boots, leather gear, and gloves, which can help prevent road rash. It is also an excellent idea to take a motorcycle safety course whether you are new to riding or an experienced biker who needs a refresher. You may not always be able to avoid careless motorists, but you can take proactive steps to decrease the chances of suffering a severe or fatal injury.
How Can a Provo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help After an Accident?
How can a Provo motorcycle accident lawyer help you after a collision? Unfortunately, in some areas, there remains a stigma against motorcycle riders. Some people subscribe to the popular media notion that all bikers are thugs, troublemakers, or hooligans. This bias can sometimes color an insurance adjuster’s view of your claim, causing them to look for ways to blame you for the accident, meaning they can justify diminishing the value of your claim. A motorcycle accident lawyer doesn’t work that way.
At London Harker Injury Law, we build a compelling accident claim based on evidence, demonstrating why our client deserves maximum compensation for their injuries and financial losses. You can always count on our legal team to:
- Thoroughly review your situation and complete an independent investigation into the cause of the accident
- Gather and preserve evidence vital to your claim
- Help manage communication between you and the insurer
- Accurately calculate the fair value of your claim
- Negotiate aggressively for the money you deserve
- Prepare a case for court when necessary
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Let a Provo motorcycle accident lawyer help you navigate the claim process.
Contact a Seasoned Provo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Recovering from a significant motorcycle accident takes time and energy. Don’t waste more precious time and energy fighting for the money you need. Let an experienced Provo motorcycle accident lawyer do the work for you.
Call our office at 77CARCRASH today. We can arrange a free legal consultation to help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
