Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Salt Lake City, Utah?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Salt Lake City police station is (801) 799-3000.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Salt Lake City, Utah?

  You can obtain a copy of the police accident report by filing a request at Salt Lake City Police Department. You will need to provide the following information:

  • Report number
  • Your name
  • Name of party(s) involved
  • Vehicle plate number
  • Drivers license number
  • Date, time, and location of the accident

• What are the reasons why motorcycle accidents usually happen in Salt Lake City?

  Motorcycle riders in Salt Lake City are more prone to accidents because of the following factors:

  • Motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs.
  • DUI and other drunk driving-related incidents.
  • Motorcycle operation needs to have greater attention to environmental hazards.
  • Riders have less stability in an emergency situation.

• Who can you sue for a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City?

  Injured individuals together with their personal injury lawyers need to prove that another party caused the motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City. They can file lawsuits against liable parties, including another passenger, car or truck drivers, a mechanic who worked on their vehicle, and the motorcycle's manufacturer. If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, plaintiffs can sue the entity in charge of road maintenance.

• Is it possible for an injured passenger in a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident to file a claim?

  Yes, passengers who sustained severe injuries in a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident can file a claim. They may recover compensation from the motorcycle driver or other parties involved. They are encouraged to seek medical care and coordinate with a personal injury attorney to help them recover full and fair compensation from the insurance company.

• How long can you file a motorcycle accident claim in Salt Lake City?

  Salt Lake City motorcycle accident victims are given four years to file for a personal injury claim. Under Utah's statute of limitations, plaintiffs should bring a claim four years from the date of the accident. The timeline must seem long, but wronged individuals are encouraged to talk to an attorney right away so that witnesses will not forget the accident details and pieces of evidence will not disappear.

• If you are partially at fault in a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident, can you still recover compensation?

  Yes, Salt Lake City follows Utah's modified comparative negligence rules, which means the law requires courts to consider the fault of both parties in a motorcycle accident. If your contribution to the accident is 50% or less, you can still recover compensation. However, the amount you will receive is equal to the damages awarded minus your fault percentage. If you are more than 50% liable, you do not have the right to recover your damages.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.