Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accidents: Understanding the Main Causes

The National Safety Council reports that fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased by 11% between 2019 and 2020, while the rate of non-fatal injuries increased by 10% in the same time frame. In fact, statistics from the last 10 years reveal that motorcycle-related deaths have increased by 20% while death rates have increased by 27%.

As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we find this alarming!

If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Salt Lake City due to someone else’s fault, be sure to connect with a competent attorney for a motorcycle accident. At Henriksen & Henriksen, we help victims recover the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries. Depending on your case facts, our motorcycle accident injury attorney will take a personalized approach to protect your rights.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

More often than not, motorcycle accidents are a result of negligence. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Salt Lake City.

1. Not Looking before Turning or Changing Lanes

Many crashes between motorcycles and cars occur when the car driver makes a left turn without checking for the presence of other vehicles around them. For instance, if a car driver fails to see a biker when turning, they might collide with the motorcycle at high speed. This may result in severe injuries or even death.

2. Speeding

Motorcycle accident attorneys in Salt Lake City will vouch that speeding is a leading cause of bike crashes. Driving at a high speed can decrease the driver’s control over the car and they may not be able to hit the brake at the right time, resulting in grave injuries or fatalities.

3. Driving under Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can delay the driver’s reaction time and hamper their ability to make timely judgments. They may spot motorcyclists too late and might not be able to swerve the car immediately because of their impairment. If you were injured by an inebriated driver, contact a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney immediately. You may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

4. Blocked Vision

The chances of accidents increase when drivers cut off motorcyclists on their way. This commonly happens at intersections – usually when the motorcyclist is driving on a straight route but gets cut off midway by a turning car. The driver may not see the motorcyclist as they may be distracted or blinded by the sunlight. However, it is imperative to slow down at intersections to ensure overall road safety.

5. Poor Road Conditions

Bad weather or poor road construction can give rise to a number of hazards for motorcycles and other vehicles. For instance, heavy rain can make roads slippery, fog can affect visibility, and potholes can result in falls and other mishaps.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash because of any of the above-mentioned reasons, contact a proven motorcycle accident attorney in Salt Lake City immediately.

How a Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

A qualified motorcycle accident injury attorney can become your most reliable ally in your fight for justice. Here’s how a lawyer can help you.

1. Explain Your Rights and Options

Victims of motorcycle accidents are usually unaware of their legal rights and the remedies at their disposal. If you’re in this situation for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions too. This is where a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney comes in.

Your lawyer will guide you through the entire legal process. They’ll make sure you understand your rights, options, and other important details of your case. For instance, a motorcycle accident victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and demand compensation. In Utah, victims have four years to file a case in court after an injury or accident.

2. Provide Sound Advice

Legal claims often include law and insurance jargon, which may be difficult for the layman to understand. Owing to this, it might become tricky for you to deal with insurance companies, who will use every trick in the book to minimize (or even deny) your claim for compensation. They might use your own words against you to do this.

However, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help you navigate the legal waters smoothly while protecting your best interests. They’ll make sure insurance companies don’t take you for a ride and you can obtain what’s fair. To this end, they might advise you to refrain from:

Making a statement
Accepting the first settlement offer they make
Signing any documents

3. Solidify Your Case

To win your accident claim, you’ll need to prove that the crash was caused because of the other driver’s fault. You’ll need valid evidence to show that:

The motorcycle accident did occur and cause your injuries
The crash happened to the other party’s negligence
You suffered damages because of the motorcycle crash

An experienced attorney will know what evidence to gather to build a strong motorcycle accident claim for you. They’ll visit the accident site and take pictures, get eyewitness statements, and obtain relevant medical records. They’ll also calculate the total damages, including past and future medical costs. Accordingly, they’ll work to establish fault and help you obtain compensation.

4. Communicate with Insurers

Once you file an insurance claim, the insurance company will review it. They might then respond with a settlement offer and ask you to close the case. However, this amount is usually low – it won’t come close to covering your damages.

Your Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney will know exactly how to deal with the insurance company and their tactics. They’ll likely ask you to turn down the offer and work to negotiate a fair settlement amount that covers your damages.

5. Provide Strong Representation in Court

Most accident cases conclude with a settlement, especially when the victim works with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney. However, your lawyer might advise you to file a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement.

The right Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney with ample trial experience will stand by your side throughout the legal process. They’ll fight to uphold your rights and always prioritize your best interest over everything else.

Consult a Seasoned Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City Today

Victims of motorcycle accidents often wonder if hiring a lawyer will prove worthwhile. The simple answer is, a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident attorney will take a huge load off of your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer will answer all of your legal queries, investigate your case to gather evidence, determine the liability and the worth of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and file the right paperwork, among other things. Most importantly, they’ll complete all the legal formalities within the applicable time frame.

Do contact our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney at the earliest to improve your chances of obtaining positive outcomes in your case. Reach Henriksen & Henriksen at (801) 521-4145 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.