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.

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:

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

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.