A motorcycle accident can change your life in the blink of an eye. Instead of hearing the roar of an engine, there’s the blare of ambulance sirens. And instead of riding on the open road, you’re stuck in a hospital room. The medical bills, the lost wages, the pain and suffering – it’s overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to handle it alone, especially when someone else caused the accident that harmed you.

At London Harker Injury Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Sandy, UT, understand how much your world can shift when you’ve suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle crash. Our attorneys have significant experience with motorcycle accident cases and will fight tooth and nail to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.

Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies, meticulously building your case, or advocating fiercely for your rights in the courtroom, we’ve got your back. Let us bear the legal burdens while you focus on what truly matters – your recovery. Call 77CARCRASH today or complete our online contact form for a free case evaluation.

Types of Sandy, UT, Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Motorcycle accidents can occur in various ways, each with its unique set of circumstances and challenges. Our law firm has the experience and knowledge to handle a wide range of motorcycle accident cases, including the following:

Left-Turn Accidents: These crashes often occur when another vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle and misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or does not see the motorcycle at all. These are among the most common types of motorcycle accidents we handle.
Rear-End Collisions: Even a low-speed rear-end collision can have serious consequences for motorcyclists. Such accidents can lead to severe injuries, especially if the motorcycle is stationary when hit by a larger vehicle.
Hit-and-Runs: Some drivers choose to flee the scene after causing a motorcycle crash. We can help victims of hit-and-run accidents seek compensation, even if the driver can’t be found.
Drunk Driving Accidents: Accidents caused by impaired drivers can be especially devastating. If a drunk driver hit you, we will fight to hold them accountable for their negligent behavior.
Speeding-Related Accidents: Speeding can reduce a vehicle’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extend the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increase the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. All these factors make a crash more likely.

Utah Motorcycle Laws

While motorcycle riders in Utah generally have to follow the same traffic laws as any other driver, there are a few regulations specific to motorcycles that can affect a personal injury claim. These laws include:

Motorcycle insurance
Utah is a no-fault insurance state for most traffic accidents, but motorcycle insurance policies do not have to include no-fault coverage. This makes a personal injury claim easier in some ways, as injured motorcyclists don’t have to work around the no-fault system to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, injured cyclists must prove someone else caused the crash before they can recover compensation through a personal injury claim.
Helmets
Utah law clearly states that anyone under age 21 must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. However, that same law also says that a rider’s failure to wear a helmet does not constitute negligence in a civil case. But even with that law on the books, insurance companies sometimes use a rider’s lack of a helmet as justification to reduce or deny a claim, which is why it’s crucial for injured motorcyclists to hire an attorney.
Lane-filtering
Heavy traffic puts motorcyclists in danger of rear-end collisions or other accidents, so they will sometimes try to maneuver through stopped traffic to reach a safer spot. This practice, sometimes called lane-filtering, is allowed according to the Utah Motorcycle Operator Manual. However, motorcyclists can only drive between lanes of traffic in specific circumstances and only through traffic moving in the same direction of travel. Lane-filtering is only legal if the rider is on a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, the vehicle the rider is overtaking is stopped in the rider’s lane, the rider is moving at 15 mph or less, and the rider can pass the stopped vehicle safely.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Sandy, UT

It’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure your health and protect your legal rights following a motorcycle accident. After leaving the scene to seek medical treatment, here are some additional actions you should take to safeguard your right to compensation:

Follow Through with Your Treatment Plan: Continue with all recommended medical treatments and keep all follow-up appointments. This not only aids in your recovery but also documents the extent of your injuries.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed account of your injuries and how they impact your daily life. Save all receipts and invoices related to medical expenses, property damage, and other accident-related costs.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be factual but keep the details minimal until you have legal representation.
Don’t Discuss the Accident Publicly: Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media or with anyone other than your attorney or your doctor. An insurance company can potentially use anything you say against you.
Avoid Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may attempt to settle your claim quickly and for less than it’s worth. Consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Engaging an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the most critical steps to take following a motorcycle accident. They can guide you through the legal process, handle discussions with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Compensation for a Sandy, UT, Motorcycle Accident

The worth of a motorcycle accident claim can vary significantly based on the specifics of each case. It’s impossible to specify an exact dollar value for your claim without knowing the details of your accident. Still, there are several categories of compensation that could be included in a motorcycle accident claim:

Medical Expenses: This can include current and future medical bills related to your injuries from the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to work, you might have the right to compensation for your lost income and future earnings.
Pain and Suffering: While these intangible losses can be challenging to quantify, you have the right to be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured due to an accident.
Property Damage: You could be compensated for the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and other intangible losses.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or negligent, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Statute of Limitations for Utah Motorcycle Accident Cases

In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years, meaning you typically have four years from your injury date to file a lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as in cases involving plaintiffs under 18 or cases where the defendant leaves the state. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to compensation, so don’t wait to speak to an attorney about which timelines apply to your claim.

How Our Sandy, UT, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a substantial difference in a motorcycle accident case. Here’s how our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you with your claim:

Case Evaluation: We’ll thoroughly review the details of your case, establish the full extent of your losses, and advise you on the best legal strategies to pursue.
Gathering Evidence: We’ll collect all relevant evidence to support your claim. This may include police reports, medical records, accident scene photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that helps build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We know insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will handle all communication with the insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and giving you the best chance to receive fair compensation.
Determining Liability: We’ll work tirelessly to identify all parties responsible for your accident and hold them accountable. This may involve reconstructing the accident scene, consulting with expert witnesses, and thorough legal analysis.
Estimating Fair Compensation: Our attorneys will calculate the full extent of your damages – including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the accident – to demand a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.
Litigation: If the insurance companies won’t agree to a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and passionately advocate on your behalf.

Contact a Seasoned London Harker Injury Lawyer Attorney Today

Having a motorcycle accident lawyer handle your claim increases your chances of securing appropriate compensation and allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal complexities. Let our experienced team fight for your rights while you focus on healing. Call 77CARCRASH today or reach out online for a complimentary case review.