UDOT and DPS reports that motorcyclist fatalities hit a 15-year high in 2024, with data showing a steady increase in the years prior. These concerning statistics show it is more dangerous than ever for those who just want the freedom and thrill of riding a motorcycle. With greater risk for severe or fatal injuries, the aftermath can be costly and complicated.
Nelson Jones' dedicated team of motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to helping riders who have been injured by others on the road. We bring our knowledge of Utah traffic laws and motorcycle regulations to advocate for your rights, ensuring there is no unfair blame for accidents and securing the compensation you deserve.
Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our focus is on minimizing your stress and maximizing your recovery.
Because motorcycle crashes can involve collisions with larger vehicles and potentially more severe harm to the rider, safety and medical attention always takes top priority. Here's our recommended approach to dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash in Utah:
IMPORTANT: do not admit to or suggest fault when talking to anyone. Stick to the facts when recalling the events that took place. It is also not recommended to post about the crash on social media and divulge information without discretion.
The appropriate amount of compensation for injuries in a motorcycle accident depends on a number of factors. The most common would be:
While in many cases it's ideal to secure fair compensation for a motorcycle accident out of court, it may not always be possible. That's why the team at Nelson Jones is committed to push for the maximum settlement value we can attain, leveraging our knowledge and expertise of personal injury court cases as deterrence.
Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the decision-making process, keeping you informed every step of the way so you can make the decision that best suits your interests.
In motorcycle accident cases it's crucial to address any biases that may influence jurors and adjusters. This involves the education and demonstration of these key points:
In Utah there are some specific laws in regards to motorcycles on the road, including some that treat them differently than most other vehicles. The following are important things to remember about Utah's laws, especially before making your case:
Insured car drivers in Utah follow a 'no-fault' system, meaning either party can reach out to their insurance for compensation. Motorcyclists are excluded from this and therefore must go out of their way to make a case that the other party is at fault for a crash.
Riders under the age of 21 are legally required to wear a DOT-complaint helmet; riders age 21 or older are not as long as they either-
For safety's sake, wearing a helmet when driving a motorcycle is always encouraged. Regardless, it is crucial to know and follow helmet laws in Utah as it could affect your case.
Lane splitting, the driving of a motorcycle between two lanes of moving traffic, is illegal in all cases for the state of Utah.
On the other hand, driving a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or slowed traffic, AKA 'lane filtering', is allowed in Utah under these conditions:
Knowing this difference will not only keep you out of trouble on the road, but in some cases could be a make-or-break factor for your motorcycle accident claim.
Motorcycle accidents in Utah are often caused by factors that uniquely impact motorcyclists, including those related to the environment, road conditions, and actions of other drivers in larger vehicles.
Lane change collisions occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots or misjudge the speed of a motorcycle. Our firm focuses on educating juries and insurance adjusters about the responsibilities of drivers to watch for motorcycles.
Many motorcycle accidents occur in the blind spots of other vehicles. Our firm emphasizes responsibility other drivers have to look for blind spots, using properly adjusted mirrors and signaling.
In 28% of cases where motorcyclists were hit by other drivers it was when a left turn was attempted. This is likely because distracted drivers would be focusing on the oncoming traffic. Proving liability when a driver should have otherwise been more attentive is key in a motorcycle accident claim.
Riding at night significantly increases the risk of motorcycle accidents due to reduced visibility. Our legal team emphasizes the need for drivers to be particularly cautious after dark and advocates for enhanced street lighting and reflective gear for riders.
Bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice disproportionately affect motorcyclists. We argue for more considerations from everyone driving through adverse weather conditions, especially for those driving near motorcycles.
Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris can be disastrous for motorcyclists. Our firm works to hold the responsible parties accountable for maintaining safe road conditions and seek compensation for accidents caused by negligence.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to injuries on the road with an even greater range of severity due to the lack of protection offered with cars. Here are some of the common injuries that motorcyclists may experience:
You have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but it's best to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Yes, Utah follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault, though your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you after the accident you should refer them to your attorney and avoid discussing the details of the accident or your injuries to protect your claim.
A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, using detailed evidence and legal knowledge to argue for a higher settlement.
Yes, emotional distress is considered non-economic damage, and you may seek compensation for this along with other damages.
The most common are motorcycles moving at unsafe speeds, then being followed too closely or not staying in their lane. It is important for motorcyclists to follow the rules of the road to help their claim.
Yes, helmet covers are legal and will not hurt your case as long as they do not impact UDOT compliance.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Utah, don't face the legal process alone. Motorcycle accidents are too serious a matter to try and work through yourself.
Contact Nelson Jones today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.
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We recognize that no two personal injury cases are the same, with a different impact and set of circumstances every time. That's why our attorneys craft a personalized plan for each of our clients.
We will aggressively pursue fair compensation for you, meaning we're not afraid to go to court if necessary. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
We make the legal process of resolving your personal injury case as stress-free as possible. You'll get one-on-one contact with an attorney as your guide, answering your questions and keeping you informed as needed.
As a part of the Utah community, we are committed not just to our clients but to the betterment of our community as a whole. We take pride in our ethical approach to law and our role in ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.
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