Ogden Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Let Our Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys Help You

While riding a motorcycle can be enjoyable and exhilarating, motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of being injured or killed when involved in a traffic accident. That’s because a motorcyclist is more exposed than a person in a passenger vehicle. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 88,000 motorcycle injuries in 2015, and 5,286 fatalities in 2016.

Our Ogden motorcycle attorneys have the skill and knowledge to fight for the highest compensation for you if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident.

To see if you have a case, call Lowe Law Group now at (801) 900-4681.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident refers to any collision or mishap involving a motorcycle. These accidents can vary in severity from minor incidents to catastrophic crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are often caused by negligent drivers.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Left Turn Accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles is when a car or truck makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This often happens at intersections when the motorcyclist has the right of way but the driver fails to yield or misjudges the motorcyclist's speed.
• Failure to Yield: Motor vehicle drivers sometimes fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists, whether at intersections, when merging onto highways, or when changing lanes. This can result in collisions if the motorcyclist is not given sufficient space or warning.
• Lane Changes: Collisions can occur when drivers change lanes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling, leading to the motorcyclist being struck or forced off the road.
• Rear-End Collisions: Motor vehicle drivers may fail to maintain a safe following distance, leading to rear-end collisions with motorcycles that are stopped or slowing down.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause drivers to overlook motorcyclists on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed by motor vehicle drivers reduces reaction time and makes it more difficult to avoid collisions with motorcyclists, especially in situations where sudden maneuvers are necessary.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving motorcyclists.
• Right-of-Way Violations: Motor vehicle drivers may violate the motorcyclist's right of way at intersections, roundabouts, or when turning onto or off of roads, leading to collisions.
• Opening Doors: Collisions can occur when occupants of parked vehicles open their doors without checking for approaching motorcycles, causing the motorcyclist to collide with the door or swerve to avoid it.
• Sudden Stops: Motor vehicle drivers making sudden stops without warning, such as for traffic congestion or road hazards, can catch motorcyclists off guard and lead to rear-end collisions.
• Driving in Blind Spots: Motorcycles are often smaller and less visible than other vehicles, leading to situations where motor vehicle drivers overlook them in their blind spots, resulting in collisions during lane changes or merging.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Violating traffic signals or signs, such as running red lights or stop signs, can lead to collisions with motorcyclists who have the right of way.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Many motorcycle accidents involve frontal collisions, causing the rider to be thrown from the bike, striking objects in their path and then landing on the ground.

As a result of these accidents, motorcyclists can suffer a number of serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Road rash
• Loss of limbs or appendages

Tips to Avoid Accidents

Due to the dangerous nature of motorcycles, all riders should take care to avoid any potentially dangerous situations.

The following lists a few ways motorcyclists can avoid being involved in an accident:

• Use headlamps during the day
• Wear reflective gear
• Look out for road hazards
• Obey all traffic laws
• Always wear a helmet

While motorcyclists can take precautions to safeguard themselves when riding their bikes, they share the road with millions of other drivers who may not be so vigilant. Many motorcycle crashes are the result of collisions with other motor vehicles, usually because drivers do not see the motorcyclists. Many of these accidents occur when cars make left turns in front of motorcycles.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you will want a lawyer who can provide helpful counsel for your case. Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Lowe Law Group have experience conducting thorough investigations for these types of cases. In serious injury cases, our goal is to recover maximum compensation for damages incurred as a result of an accident.

Common Legal Challenges Motorcyclists Face

Motorcyclists often face unique legal challenges when seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident. Some of these challenges include:

• Bias and Prejudice: There can be a bias against motorcyclists among insurance adjusters, jurors, and even law enforcement personnel. This bias can affect how the accident is investigated, how fault is assigned, and the amount of compensation awarded.
• Limited Insurance Coverage: Motorcycle insurance policies may have lower coverage limits compared to those for automobiles. If the at-fault driver's insurance policy does not provide sufficient coverage to fully compensate for the damages, it can be challenging for the motorcyclist to recover the remaining costs.
• Lack of Protective Equipment: Insurance companies may argue that the motorcyclist's injuries could have been less severe if they had been wearing appropriate safety gear such as helmets, jackets, or gloves. In Utah, failure to wear a helmet may affect the motorcyclist's ability to recover compensation.
• Contributory Negligence: Some states follow contributory negligence laws, which bar a plaintiff from recovering compensation if they are found even partially at fault for the accident. Even in states with comparative negligence laws, the motorcyclist's recovery may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.
• Difficulty Proving Damages: Motorcyclists may face challenges in proving the extent of their injuries and damages, especially if they have suffered internal injuries or long-term disabilities that are not immediately apparent. This can lead to disputes over the value of the claim.
• Complex Accident Reconstruction: Motorcycle accidents often involve complex dynamics, especially if multiple vehicles are involved or if the accident occurred at high speeds. Proving liability may require detailed accident reconstruction and expert testimony, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Underinsured or Uninsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, recovering compensation may be more challenging. In such cases, the motorcyclist may need to rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if available.

Contact a Skilled Ogden Motorcycle Attorney

If you or your loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to contact a skilled and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers for help. Our Ogden motorcycle accident attorneys at Lowe Law Group have experience handling cases like yours and we can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. We use a personalized approach with each case we handle, and we take the time to find the right strategy for your case.

To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Ogden motorcycle attorneys, call Lowe Law Group today at (801) 900-4681, or contact us online.