Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Helping Injured Riders Throughout Utah

Motorcycle riders are subjected to catastrophic injury after most crashes, which amasses a steep amount of medical costs and other damages. At Lowe Law Group, our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyers do not think it is right for a victim of a motorcycle accident to have to pay for their own damages if they did not cause the crash. If you were struck by another motorist while riding your motorcycle, allow our team to represent you as your injury claim develops.

In your motorcycle accident claim, we may be able to secure damages for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property repair or replacement

The severity of the average motorcycle accident has a higher-than-average chance of causing a motorcyclist fatality. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, then we can help you file a wrongful death claim, which may collect additional damages like funeral costs. We use a genuinely compassionate approach to representation to help you feel comfortable and confident with the path ahead.

Call (801) 762-6808 or send us a message online to find out how our motorcycle accident lawyers in Salt Lake City can help you.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident refers to a collision or incident involving a motorcycle, often resulting in damage to the motorcycle and potentially causing injuries or fatalities to the rider or passengers. These accidents can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, road design, and the behavior of other motor vehicle operators.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents involving other motor vehicles include:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving, where the driver of a car or truck is not fully focused on the road due to activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems.
• Failure to yield right of way: Motorcycles are sometimes not given the right of way by other vehicles at intersections, during lane changes, or while merging onto highways.
• Speeding: When motor vehicle operators exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road and weather conditions, they may not have enough time to react to motorcycles or accurately judge their speed.
• Unsafe lane changes: Motorists may change lanes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling, potentially causing collisions with motorcycles in adjacent lanes.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it more likely for them to be involved in accidents with motorcycles.
• Failure to see motorcycles: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars and trucks, which can lead to instances where motor vehicle operators don't notice them until it's too late to avoid a collision.
• Improper turning: Left-hand turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle are a significant cause of accidents. Drivers might misjudge the speed of the motorcycle or fail to yield while making a left turn.
• Dooring accidents: When a motorist or passenger in a parked car opens their door without checking for approaching motorcycles, it can lead to a dangerous collision.
• Following too closely: Tailgating motorcycles can be particularly hazardous because motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, and rear-end collisions can result in severe injuries.
• Sudden stops: Abrupt stops by motor vehicles, often due to traffic congestion or road hazards, can catch motorcycle riders off guard.
• Inexperienced drivers: Inexperienced or novice drivers may struggle to anticipate the movements of motorcycles and may make errors that lead to accidents.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or road rage can increase the risk of accidents involving motorcycles.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Catastrophic Damage

Motorcycle accidents often lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries due to several inherent factors that make motorcycles more vulnerable compared to other motor vehicles. These factors include:

• Limited protection: Motorcycles offer very little protection to riders and passengers. Unlike cars and trucks, which have protective shells and safety features like airbags and seatbelts, motorcycles lack these safeguards. In a collision, riders are directly exposed to impact forces.
• High risk of ejection: When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, riders can be thrown from the bike. Ejection can lead to severe injuries upon impact with the ground, other vehicles, or objects.
• Instability: Motorcycles are inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. They require constant balance and coordination to stay upright. Sudden evasive maneuvers or environmental factors like gravel or wet roads can lead to loss of control and crashes.

Injuries Commonly Suffered by Motorcyclists

Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. These injuries often have severe and long-lasting consequences, impacting the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of the individuals involved. Injuries commonly suffered in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries are a significant risk in motorcycle accidents, even when riders wear helmets. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and motor deficits. Severe TBIs can result in permanent disability or even death.
• Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents frequently cause spinal cord injuries due to the impact forces involved. SCI can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Depending on the level and severity of the injury, individuals may require lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.
• Amputations: Severe limb injuries in motorcycle accidents may necessitate surgical amputation of limbs or extremities. Amputations can have profound physical, psychological, and emotional effects on individuals, impacting their mobility, independence, and quality of life.
• Multiple fractures: Motorcycle accidents often result in multiple fractures, including fractures of the arms, legs, pelvis, ribs, and facial bones. Fractures may require surgical intervention, immobilization with casts or braces, and extensive rehabilitation to regain function and mobility.
• Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma in motorcycle accidents can cause internal organ injuries such as lacerations, contusions, and internal bleeding. Damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery to repair.
• Road rash and abrasions: Motorcycle riders are at risk of road rash and abrasions when they make contact with the road surface during a crash. Road rash injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to deep lacerations and tissue loss, often requiring skin grafts and cosmetic surgery to repair.
• Crush injuries: Motorcycle accidents involving collisions with larger vehicles or fixed objects can result in crush injuries to the rider's body. Crush injuries may cause severe tissue damage, compartment syndrome, and nerve injuries, leading to long-term disability and chronic pain.
• Psychological trauma: In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can cause significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Individuals may experience emotional distress, nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty returning to normal activities after a traumatic accident.

Why You Should Seek Medical Attention After a Crash

Seeking medical attention after a motorcycle accident is crucial for several reasons.

First, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries. A prompt medical evaluation can detect these injuries early, preventing them from worsening. Additionally, receiving timely treatment can help prevent complications associated with injuries, such as infections or excessive bleeding.

Secondly, seeking medical attention ensures that your injuries are properly documented in your medical records. This documentation is vital for filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action related to the accident. Medical records serve as crucial evidence to support your case and establish the extent of your damages.

Overall, seeing a doctor after a motorcycle accident is essential for your health, well-being, and legal protection. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, undergoing a thorough medical evaluation ensures that you receive the necessary treatment and support for your recovery after a motorcycle collision.

If I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet, Will It Affect My Case?

According to Utah Code Section 41-6a-1505, all riders under the age of 21 are required to wear protective headgear (i.e., a helmet) when operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

However, the law specifically states that:

“The failure to wear protective headgear (a) does not constitute contributory or comparative negligence on the part of a person seeking recovery for injuries; and (b) may not be introduced as evidence in any civil litigation on the issue of negligence, injuries, or the mitigation of damages.”

Overcoming Obstacles for Our Clients

Motorcycle accident survivors are placed in an unfair situation when seeking compensation. Insurance companies tend to automatically place the blame on them, regardless of the evidence at hand. A pervasive social expectation of recklessness in motorcyclists is the driving force behind this one-sided thinking.

Staffed by a legal team operating out of offices across the country, Lowe Law Group can think creatively to deflect and defeat most any argument brought forth by the opposition in your claim. When a settlement cannot be reached, we have the experience needed to litigate in court on your behalf.

Contact our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys today at (801) 762-6808 for a FREE consultation.