Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Though motorcycle accidents are almost always blamed on motorcyclist, statistics show that they are usually not the ones at fault. Aggressive Utah motorcycle accident attorneys at Handy & Handy will get you the compensation you deserve.
A Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Will Represent You
Statistics indicate that the motorcyclist is usually not the individual at fault in an accident, but they are almost always blamed by the other driver. No matter who is at fault for an accident involving a motorcycle, the person on the motorcycle often suffers the greatest injuries.
Injured bikers and their families need aggressive legal representation to help them with their motorcycle accident claim. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, or if your loved one was a biker who was killed in an accident while riding a motorcycle, contact the experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyers at Handy & Handy today.
Bikers engage in an activity that has a seriously high risk of injury or death during a crash. However, this lack of protection does not excuse the negligence of a driver who did not see, hear or notice a motorcyclist changing lanes, accelerating, making a turn or doing any other legal driving maneuver.
When you or your loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, there are usually serious injuries, a loss of income, huge medical bills, and serious physical, emotional and psychological harm. You may be entitled to compensation for your injury or loss, with the help of a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer.
Has Someone You Love Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If your husband or wife was recently injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah, we are sorry for your loss. Our Salt Lake City personal injury attorney knows you have a lot to think about.
Foremost on your mind is the injury or even the possible loss of your loved one. But you are probably also worried about how to pay the bills, and the other driver’s insurance company could even be pushing you to settle your claim.
Here is what you need to know about Utah motorcycle accident claims—you may be entitled to more compensation than you are aware of.
Spouses of those injured in motorcycle accidents suffer their own losses. Along with compensation for the victim’s physical injuries, a husband or wife of an accident victim also has a loss of a consortium claim.
Loss of consortium is the term that refers to the loss of a relationship. This can include loss of companionship or emotional support, loss of intimacy, loss of help with household chores or caring for the children, or even the loss of the advice of your loved one.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
It’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your well-being, gather crucial evidence, and ensure you have the support needed to pursue a motorcycle accident claim effectively. Here are the essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident:
Prioritize Your Safety: Immediately after the accident, assess yourself for a personal injury and check on the well-being of others involved. If you or anyone else requires medical attention, call for help right away. Move to a safe location if possible to avoid further hazards on the road.
Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to the scene of the accident, even if the injuries appear to be minor. A police report is essential for documenting the details of the accident, including statements from witnesses and parties involved. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and provide accurate information.
Document the Accident Scene: If you are physically able, gather evidence from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles’ positions, damage to the motorcycle, and any visible injuries. Note the location, weather conditions, and traffic signals or signs at the scene. This documentation can be valuable evidence for your motorcycle accident claim.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Obtain their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident unfold.
Refrain from Admitting Fault: Avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than the police and your motorcycle accident attorney. Refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later during the claims process.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can help detect any hidden injuries or internal trauma. Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident.
Preserve Evidence: Preserve all evidence related to the accident, including medical records, bills, repair estimates for your motorcycle, and any other documents relevant to your claim. Keep a detailed record of the impact the accident has on your daily life and ability to work.
How Long Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
The duration of a motorcycle accident claim can vary depending on several factors. Each personal injury case is unique, and it’s challenging to provide a precise timeline. Some cases may be resolved within a few months through negotiations with insurance companies, while others may require litigation and take significantly longer.
Several factors influence the timeline, including the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, the willingness of the insurance companies to settle, and the need for extensive investigation and evidence gathering. Additionally, if liability is disputed or there are multiple parties involved, it may extend the length of the claim process. Consulting with an experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney can provide you with a better estimate of the expected timeline based on the specifics of your personal injury case.
Where and when are motorcycle collisions most likely to occur?
Motorcycle collisions can occur in various locations and at different times, but certain patterns are noteworthy. Intersections are common sites for motorcycle accidents, where other drivers may fail to see motorcyclists or make left turns in front of them. High-speed roads and highways also pose significant risks, particularly when motorcycles are surrounded by larger vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents are more likely during peak traffic hours, including mornings and evenings, when congestion and distractions are prevalent. Additionally, factors like adverse weather conditions and impaired driving increase the likelihood of motorcycle collisions. Being aware of these high-risk situations can help motorcyclists and drivers take extra precautions to prevent accidents.
The Statute of Limitations For A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit In Utah
In Salt Lake City, Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is generally four years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited timeframe to initiate legal action and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s essential to be mindful of this time constraint, as failing to file within the stipulated period may result in the court dismissing your case. Consulting with a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney promptly after the accident will ensure that your rights are protected, and the lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations.
What Are the Lifelong Effects of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can have severe and long-lasting effects on victims. Injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes can range from fractures and internal injuries to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. The physical and emotional toll of such accidents can lead to lifelong disabilities and chronic pain, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Furthermore, the financial burden of medical expenses, rehabilitation, and ongoing care can be overwhelming for the victim and their family. Loss of income and potential future earnings can exacerbate the financial strain.
In addition to physical and financial consequences, motorcycle accidents can also cause emotional trauma, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Seeking compensation through a motorcycle accident claim can help victims and their families cope with these lifelong effects by providing financial support and holding the at-fault parties accountable.
How many motorcycle crashes happen in Utah each year?
According to data from the Utah Department of Public Safety, motorcycle crashes occur regularly in the state. In 2022, Utah witnessed approximately 50 motorcyclist fatalities, which highlights the importance of promoting motorcycle safety and awareness on the roads.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, and their lack of protection puts them at higher risk of severe injuries in accidents. Understanding the frequency of motorcycle crashes in Utah emphasizes the need for comprehensive safety measures, responsible driving habits, and awareness campaigns to reduce the number of accidents and protect motorcyclists.
Never Settle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Too Soon
It is likely that you or your loved one are still healing from your serious motorcycle accident injuries. Meanwhile, bills are coming in, and you have not been able to work.
So money is tight, and you may be tempted to settle the claim so that you can pay your bills and move on with your life. But that is exactly what the other driver’s insurance company wants you to do—settle before you know how much your claim is worth.
But, here are a few reasons why you should never settle a motorcycle accident claim too soon:
- You could be on the hook for any outstanding medical bills
If you settle your case before you are completely healed, or as healed as much as the doctor says you are going to heal, any medical bills you receive after the settlement will still need to be paid out of your own pockets.This could mean that your settlement money will all go to paying for unpaid medical expenses. The insurance company should have covered all of your medical expenses, but no longer has to cover them because you settled your case too soon. - You have four years to settle your case or file a lawsuit
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Utah is four years from the date of the accident. That means you have four years to gather and document all of the evidence you need, and negotiate a fair settlement from the insurance companies or get your lawsuit on file. So, there is no reason to settle your case a month or two after the accident. Especially if you are still healing from your injuries and do not know the full value of your claim. - You could get Less than you deserve
Medical bills and lost wages are not the only damages that could be claimed in a personal injury lawsuit. We already discussed loss of consortium that should be factored into any settlement, but other damages need time to be evaluated as well.For example, if you can no longer work and do the same job that you did before the accident, it should be factored into any settlement amount you consider. However, vocational experts will need to be hired and given the time to properly evaluate and testify to your loss of future earning capacity and vocational prospects.
Hire The Right Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Most attorneys in Utah don’t deal specifically with motorcycle accident cases. But it is important that you hire one that is an expert in these types of cases.
Motorcycle accident claims are different from normal car accident claims. A motorcycle accident reconstruction expert needs to be hired to analyze the crash site and give their findings to your attorney.
Furthermore, if your husband or wife has died in the accident, you will need to find a Salt Lake City attorney who is also experienced in wrongful death cases. Wrongful death claims differ from regular personal injury claims, and you will need a lawyer who can navigate those differences for you.
Discuss Your Claim With Experienced Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys at Handy & Handy understand the unique issues that bikers and victims in motorcycle accidents face. They have settled and litigated numerous Utah personal injury cases, and can help you deal with the at-fault driver, the insurance companies and other aspects of this process. Do not go through this alone; call the experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer at Handy & Handy at (801) 264-6677 to discuss your claim today and to schedule a free consultation.