Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Salt Lake City

Utah is a beautiful state, full of rivers, canyons, and breathtaking rock formations. You may enjoy taking in these spectacular views from the back of a motorcycle. While a motorcycle is a thrilling means of transportation, though, it comes with certain dangers. 

Sadly, motorcycle accidents occur even when motorcyclists wear their helmets and protective gear, obey all traffic laws, follow the legal speed limit, and do everything else right. Often, other motorists, perhaps drivers of cars or trucks, are to blame for catastrophic motorcycle accidents.  

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers at Fielding Law are here to help. We have assisted many motorcycle accident victims and their families obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. Call us today to set up a free consultation, or fill out the online evaluation form. 

Utah Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a motorcyclist is 28 times more likely to die in an accident than a passenger in a standard vehicle, per mile traveled. The danger is all too real and close to home. Right here in Salt Lake City, reports show that motorcycle-related deaths are on the rise. 

Consider the following statistics from a report done by the Utah Department of Public Safety Highway office and NHTSA data:

• Motorcycle accidents were 9.9 percent more likely to result in fatalities than other crashes
• Motorcycle deaths have been on the rise in Utah since the 1990s
• The highest number of motorcycle accidents occur on weekends after 6 p.m.
• Of motorcyclists involved in crashes, only 61 percent were wearing a helmet
• Speeding is the lead contributing factor in all motorcycle crashes
• 28 percent of drivers who hit motorcycles were turning left

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, your emotions will be running high, and it will likely be difficult to remain calm and make sense of what just happened. However, the steps you take immediately following the accident can be crucial to your case. 

First of all, avoid saying or doing anything that may be considered an admission of guilt. 

Adherence to the following steps will safeguard you against further injuries and protect your legal rights:

• Check yourself and others involved for injuries. The first step you should take after an accident is to make sure that you haven’t been injured. Remember: After an accident, your body is going to experience a rush of adrenaline. This can mask your pain and make you think that you’re fine. After checking yourself, ask the others involved in the accident if they have been injured. 

• Contact the police. You should call 911 and report the accident even if an ambulance isn’t required at the scene. Ask any police present for their full name, badge number, and a copy of the accident report. When you file a claim later, this information could be necessary.

• Take photos. If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene of the accident and all vehicles involved before anything is moved. Try to get different angles of the scene, document debris in the road, weather conditions, or anything else you think might be pertinent to your case

• Move your motorcycle out of the way of traffic. As soon as you’re safely able to do so, you should move your motorcycle off the road. Approaching drivers may be unaware of the crash, and leaving your bike in the way of traffic could cause another accident.

• Gather contact information and witness statements. Write down the names, phone numbers, insurance information and license plate numbers of all involved in the accident. Speak to anyone else who witnessed the accident, and gather their contact information as well. 

• Contact your insurance agent. As soon as possible, let your insurance agent know about the accident. Be ready to relate the details of the accident, but remember not to admit guilt. Stick to the basic facts. 
• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. There are various reasons why you may need an attorney after your accident. For example, you may be innocent while the other party claims the accident was your fault. Your insurance company may deny your claim, or you may have severe injuries and medical bills that you deserve compensation for. An experienced attorney can help you navigate all of these situations.

Common Injuries Associated With Motorcycle Accidents

Standard vehicles protect passengers with two tons of metal, seat belts, and airbags. Motorcycles, on the other hand, offer little protection against the surrounding elements. It is easy to understand why motorcyclists often sustain traumatic injuries in accidents, including the following.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

A TBI occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. Many times, these types of injuries are devastating, leaving victims permanently disabled and in need of rehabilitation. A study recently conducted by the NHTSA reported that out of 104,472 motorcyclists injured in crashes, 15 percent of rides wearing a helmet and 21 percent of riders not wearing a helmet suffered a TBI. 

Spinal cord or neck injuries

Just as in a standard vehicle, a motorcyclist can suffer whiplash when the motorcycle is struck from behind. In more severe cases, the impact of a collision can damage a motorcyclist’s spinal cord, leaving them paralyzed. These types of injuries are devastating and leave victims with not only physical but also emotional distress. A person with a spinal cord injury will often need therapy and rehabilitation for the rest of his or her life. 

Road rash

This occurs when a driver is thrown from the motorcycle and slides across the pavement. The extent of a person’s injuries may depend on what type of riding gear he or she was wearing at the time of the accident. Mild cases of road rash consist of scrapes and bruises, while more severe road rash injuries include gashes and abrasions that require skin grafts to prevent infection and nerve damage. 

Broken bones

In collisions, drivers can be thrown from their bikes and onto the pavement. This fall can result in broken feet, legs, arms, and wrists as the rider tries to brace themselves for impact. 

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

If you are a new motorcycle driver, it is recommended that you take a motorcycle safety training course. Make sure to get plenty of practice learning how to handle the bike in various weather conditions before taking to the open road. Don’t underestimate the importance of wearing safety gear. 

The following safety gear may prevent serious injury or even save your life:

• Well-fitting helmets
• Leather pants and jackets
• Riding boots
• Elbow and knee pads
• Leather gloves
• Chest, hip, and back armor

When you’re riding, remember that you may not be visible to the cars and trucks on the road. This is especially the case with semis and tractor-trailers; since they have larger blind spots, make sure to maintain a safe following distance. When approaching a side-street, you must assume that other drivers are going to pull out. Be prepared to slow down or even stop if necessary. 

Compensation for Victims of Motorcycle Injuries

When you file a personal injury lawsuit in Utah, you may be eligible for different types of compensation depending on the extent of the injuries you suffered. As your attorneys, we will fully investigate your case and determine what compensation to seek on your behalf. 

You may be due to receive damages for:

• Medical bills: After an accident, you may incur medical costs for ambulance rides, emergency room service, surgery, hospital stays, and medications. Some accidents leave victims with severe or permanent disabilities requiring therapy, rehabilitation, and other assistance. These expenses can put a severe financial burden on victims and their families. 

• Loss of wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be able to seek compensation for your lost income. You may seek compensation for future loss of wages, as in cases of head or spinal cord injuries, the victim cannot return to work and is left without a source of income.

• Property damage: We may be able to seek compensation for damage to your motorcycle or other personal property.  

• Pain and suffering: Motorcycle accidents can be traumatizing for those involved; they may face mental and emotional anguish for months or years to come. 
• Punitive damages: These are brought against the other at-fault motorist to punish him or her and deter future negligent behavior. 

How an Attorney Can Help You After Your Motorcycle Accident?

After your motorcycle accident, your focus should be on healing rather than on dealing with insurance companies and worrying about financial matters. The legal team at Fielding Law has years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases. We are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and ensuring that our clients get the financial compensation they are due. 

During your initial consultation, we will carefully listen as you relate to us the details of the accident. We will then develop a plan specific to your case to ensure that you get proper compensation for your injuries. At Fielding Law, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case. Not to mention that we have access to experts including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals. 

Don’t let greedy insurance companies take advantage of you after your accident. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Fielding Law will fight to get you just and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us at our Salt Lake City office today, or fill out a free online consultation form. 

Read what clients are saying about us:

“My husband and I were in a horrific motorcycle accident… I suffered a spinal cord injury and spent almost three months…away from my home and family. My husband hired Mitch to represent us! Mitch immediately came to visit at the hospital and our journey began. Mitch went above and beyond in every aspect…from offering support while I was away from my family to answering each and every question possible! Mitch was extremely compassionate, responsive and effective in handling our case. He is easy to talk to and shows great compassion in dealing with each issue. Mitch poured his heart and his soul into our family and offered a piece of himself to us! We are forever grateful for all of the help that Mitch offered our family! He is one of a kind! We would highly recommend him and would be happy to speak with anyone who would like to inquire about the quality of his services!” – Jane and John Lacasse