Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
At Good Guys Injury Law, our experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, fight for your rights, and maximize your recovery. Of course, you must put safety at the top of your priority list whenever you get behind the wheel of a motorcycle. However, even if you take all appropriate precautions, you could still end up in a serious motorcycle accident that leads to catastrophic injuries.
Check out our helpful post below to learn more about how our team can help you, the common causes and injuries associated with motorcycle accidents, and the steps to take after an accident.
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How Our Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the legal assistance you need after a motorcycle accident. You deserve to focus all of your attention on your medical recovery, and that is why we will handle all of the legal issues for you.
There are plenty of ways that a Utah motorcycle accident attorney can assist you following a motorcycle accident in the local area. We can help you with the following:
- Investigate the accident to determine its cause and identify the responsible parties.
- Gather crucial evidence to support your claims, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
We understand that every case is different and are here to provide you with the compassion and support you need. The best way to do so is by relentlessly fighting for your rights and corner while pursuing appropriate compensation for your injuries. We will free you up to focus on your medical recovery while we pursue a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are common in Utah and often result in severe injuries and fatalities. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, 1,168 motorcycle accidents in 2016 resulted in 41 fatalities and 1,014 injuries. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury or death in an accident due to the lack of protection than other vehicles.
For this reason, motorcyclists must ensure that they wear a helmet every time they mount up. At the same time, it is also the responsibility of other drivers on the road to keep an eye out for motorcyclists.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, our Utah motorcycle accident attorneys are here to represent you. We can use our experience to help you recover compensation for motorcycle accident injuries.
Common Reasons That Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Salt Lake City
There are several common causes of motorcycle accidents in Salt Lake City. Understanding these factors can help you avoid dangerous situations and stay safe on the road. Some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen in the local area include the following:
Error With the Driver
Driver error is a frequent cause of motorcycle collisions in the local area. This can include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to yield the right of way, or simply not paying attention to the road.
Drivers could make plenty of mistakes that result in a motorcycle accident. It will help if you rely on our Utah motorcycle accident lawyers to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to figure out what happened.
Equipment With Flaws
Motorcycle accidents can also be caused by faulty equipment or mechanical issues. This can include problems with the brakes, tires, or other essential motorcycle components.
In some cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty equipment may be held liable for the accident. You expect to purchase a motorcycle that has been manufactured properly. If we believe mistakes are made during manufacturing, we can launch a full investigation on your behalf.
Hazardous Road Situation
Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or wet surfaces, can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. In some cases, the government entity responsible for the road may be liable for the accident.
While this is not always the case, our experienced team can look at the accident scene and see if there was an intrinsic defect in the road that contributed to your accident.
Most Common Injuries That Utah Motorcycle Accident Victims Suffer
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries in various motorcycle accident cases. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are a common and potentially devastating consequence of motorcycle accidents. Even wearing a helmet, motorcyclists can still suffer from TBIs, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent complications, resulting in major medical bills and expenses. We may be able to help you seek compensation for those expenses.
Spinal Cord or Neck Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can also cause spinal cord or neck injuries, resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and other severe complications.
These complications can have an adverse impact on your overall quality of life, and we may be able to pursue additional compensation for those complications.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin comes into contact with the road surface during an accident. This can result in painful abrasions, lacerations, and even permanent scarring.
Road rash can also dramatically increase your chances of developing complications, and we may be able to pursue compensation for those injuries.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury in motorcycle accidents. The force of the impact can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some bone fractures could even require emergency surgeries, leading to significant medical bills.
Even with health insurance, these medical expenses can still be significant. We encourage you to ask for a copy of your medical records so that we can tie your injuries to the accident. Then, based on your medical expenses, we can pursue compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Utah
In Utah, the statute of limitations on a motorcycle collision personal injury lawsuit or claim is four years from the accident. Therefore, you have four years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you file within this time frame, your claim may be allowed, and you may retain your right to recover compensation.
It is crucial to consult with a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner. We need to make sure that we file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some steps to follow if you are involved in a motorcycle accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately and could worsen if left untreated.
- Call the police and file an accident report. This report will serve as important documentation for your case.
- Gather contact information from witnesses and other parties involved in the accident.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle or other property.
- Contact an experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
There will probably be a lot of thoughts and emotions going through your head in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident. If you take a deep breath, calm down, and follow the steps above, you should be able to put yourself in a solid position when you file a motorcycle accident claim.
Assigning Liability for Your Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may be responsible. These parties can include other drivers, manufacturers of defective equipment, or government entities responsible for maintaining the roads.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident, identify the responsible parties, and build a strong case to hold them accountable.
Compensation for Victims of Motorcycle Injuries
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Every case is different, and we can pursue different forms of compensation on your behalf.
A few of the most common examples of compensation we may be able to recover for you include:
Medical Bills
Compensation for medical expenses is a crucial aspect of recovering damages after a motorcycle accident. This can include the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments or therapies. Additionally, compensation may cover the cost of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or prosthetic devices, and modifications to your home to accommodate your injuries.
The goal is to ensure that you receive the proper medical care and support necessary for your recovery without being burdened by the financial stress of medical expenses.
Loss of Wages
Motorcycle accidents can significantly impact your ability to work and earn a living. If your injuries have caused you to miss work, reduce your hours, or even change your profession, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include the wages lost during your recovery period and the loss of potential future earnings if you cannot return to your previous job or work in the same capacity.
Your Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you calculate and pursue compensation for these financial losses.
Property Damage
Property damage compensation covers repairing or replacing your damaged motorcycle or other property, such as riding gear and personal belongings. This can include the cost of towing your motorcycle from the accident scene, storage fees, and the expenses related to obtaining a replacement vehicle or repairing your motorcycle.
Keeping detailed records of these expenses, including receipts and estimates, is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation for your property damage.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation seeks to address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This can include the immediate pain experienced after the accident and the ongoing discomfort, emotional trauma, and psychological effects that may persist long after your physical injuries have healed.
Pain and suffering damages can be challenging to quantify, as they are subjective and vary from person to person. Your Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, such as medical records and personal journals, to support your claim for pain and suffering compensation.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages punish the defendant for particularly reckless or negligent behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
Examples of situations where punitive damages may be appropriate include drunk driving, excessive speeding, or intentionally causing harm. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim directly but rather to hold the defendant accountable for their actions and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
It is essential to work with an experienced Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you determine if punitive damages may be appropriate in your case and build a strong argument to support your claim.
Call Our Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Good Guys Injury Law Today
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City, contact our experienced team of Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyers at Good Guys Injury Law today.
We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us now to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case.