Motorcycles are often associated with fun and freedom, but they also pose risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 100,000 Americans died in motorcycle crashes.
Facts
- The usual hours when motorcycle collisions in Utah occur are between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on the weekends, including Fridays.
- According to statistics, the highest at risk of becoming involved in a crash are motorcyclists aged 20-24.
- Motorcycle crashes are responsible for about 12% of all Utah accidents.
Definition Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents refer to collisions between two vehicles: motorcycles or cars. The most common types of collisions include:
- Crashes involving motorcycles and motorized bicycles
- Crashes involving cars and motorcycles
- Collisions involving motorcycles and pedestrians
- Collisions involving motorcyclists and animals
- Collisions involving bikes and non-vehicular objects
To determine if a particular incident qualifies as a motorcycle accident, it must meet the following criteria:
- It involves at least one motorcycle.
- It occurs on public roads.
- At least one person was injured.
When you ride a motorcycle, you assume certain risks. In addition to the apparent dangers of riding a bike, such as falling off or being hit by another vehicle, you should consider other potential hazards before taking to the road. One of these is the risk of an accident occurring while you’re going to work or school.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
The most common reason for motorcycle accidents is failing to yield the right of way. Another cause is following too closely or changing lanes improperly.
Here are other factors that lead to motorcycle accidents:
- Driving inattentively – A motorcyclist is texting while unknowingly driving into oncoming traffic. Some motorcycle riders love the freedom of the open road so much that they fail to notice traffic slowing ahead of them.
- Biking under the influence of alcohol – Even just a single drink can impair judgment, lowering reaction times.
- Speeding – Some motorcyclists are irresponsible, ignoring posted speed limits.
- Lacking experience – Motocycle riders should undergo hours of training to learn how to operate their bike, assess conditions, and approach situations. But many of them take to the road when they’re not fully prepared yet.
Based on a report by the Utah Highway Safety Office, 62,000 people were involved in motorcycle accidents in 2018, which led to 25,645 injuries and 260 deaths. Among these individuals, only a ratio of one out of every four was able to file a lawsuit against the one responsible for causing their injuries.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other expenses.
If you’re based in Utah and have experienced a motorcycle accident, knowing what steps to take next can be challenging. You may not even know whom to call for help. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine whether you qualify for such damages. Here’s a guide to finding the right Utah motorcycle accident lawyer.
Do I Need An Attorney?
Once you encounter a motorcycle accident, you might think that the insurance company will be able to help. However, that isn’t always the case since it won’t matter who caused the accident. In the eye of an insurance adjuster lies the company’s bottom line, and they want to resolve your claim for the least possible. On the other hand, a motorcycle injury lawyer will assist you by playing the level field between you and your insurance company.
If an insurance adjuster offers you a low settlement or attempts to blame you for your negligence, a motorcycle accident lawyer will use their knowledge and extensive training to negotiate for a correct legal record and a better settlement offer. If negotiations don’t work, they will take your case to trial in court.
Furthermore, an insurance company usually hires an investigator to acquire information from the application for compensation that will result in a lower amount of compensation. A lawyer who is aware of tricks that insurance investigators often pull will work against the insurance company, protecting you from being taken advantage of.
Expert lawyers who specialize in motorcycle injury cases influence the outcome of your claim or lawsuit. They know the language of the game and have a specific concern for injured motorcyclists, especially if they’re motorcyclists themselves too.
Accidents are expensive. A trustworthy motorcycle injury lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and medical bills. So, with a seasoned lawyer you can rely on, you can just focus on your recovery without worrying about legal procedures.
How To Find The Right Lawyer
Finding a reliable Utah motorcycle accident lawyer for your case is like finding a good doctor. You’ll come across a lot of experienced and qualified attorneys, so it’s essential to do your research. Here are some tips you can follow to search for the right motorcycle accident lawyer:
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Experience Matters
You want a professional whose experience matches yours. An experienced attorney has worked on thousands of similar cases and knows exactly how to navigate the court system. They can advise you on how to best proceed with your case and see to it that you’re compensated well.
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Take Your Time Choosing Someone
It takes time to build a relationship with an attorney. Don’t go for someone who charges you exorbitant fees but fails to pay attention. Look for an attorney who is willing to answer all of your questions and explain everything thoroughly.
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Check References
Reach out to friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else who might have hired an attorney and ask if they were satisfied with their lawyer’s services. Check reviews and testimonials as well. You’ll find helpful information about both positive and negative experiences of clients.
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Be Honest With Yourself
If you think an attorney isn’t right for you, don’t feel obligated to continue working with them. Avoid paying anything until you have decided to hire them. Once you sign the lines, you won’t be able to back out later.
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Ask About Insurance Policies
If you’re filing a lawsuit against another party for damages, you may need to work with an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury litigation. This type of lawyer works directly with insurance companies to negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients.
However, not all personal injury attorneys deal exclusively with insurance claims. Some also handle other cases, such as auto accident cases, slip and fall cases, dog bite cases, and even criminal defense.
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Know What You Want From Them
Before hiring an attorney, know what results you want to see. Do you want to win a large settlement? Or would you rather settle for less money but avoid going to trial? Consider your goals before choosing an attorney.
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Get In Touch With The Attorney
After you’ve narrowed down your choices, call the ones you’re interested in meeting with. Tell them why you’re contacting them and let them know what you expect from them.
They should schedule a free consultation with you within 24 hours. During a session, they must provide you with information about the different areas of law they specialize in. They will send you a retainer agreement outlining their representation terms if they agree to represent you.
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Follow Up
Once you’ve signed the retainer agreement, follow up with your new attorney regularly. Ensure they return your calls promptly and respond to any emails sent to them. If you aren’t getting satisfactory answers, look elsewhere.
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Stay On Top Of Things
Keep track of your progress through email to know when things move along. Have regular meetings with your attorney to discuss your case and keep each other updated. Remember, you hired an attorney to help you, and you owe yourself to stay involved.
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Pay Attention To Details
Lastly, keep in mind that there could be some minor issues that you might overlook while dealing with more important matters. One example is documents. Make sure that your attorney sends you copies of relevant documents.
Qualifications To Look For
When selecting a Utah motorcycle accident lawyer, you must ensure that they hold certain qualities. First, your attorney should have extensive knowledge of personal injury claims and be experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases. As mentioned earlier, they should be knowledgeable about motor vehicle accidents and medical malpractice cases. Second, they should represent you in all instances, such as in court or in an insurance company.
Additionally, a good motorcycle injury lawyer will ensure that you’re treated fairly throughout the legal process. To fulfill their duties and responsibilities, they may challenge inaccurate statements made by insurance companies or opposing parties in court and gather all necessary evidence for a favorable outcome.
The Roles Of A Personal Injury Attorney
There’s no question that personal injury lawyers play a vital role in the world of law. They represent clients who have suffered injuries from accidents and filed lawsuits against those responsible for causing them. These cases involve many legal issues, including medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, insurance disputes, and so on.
Personal injury attorneys assist their clients in navigating through complicated legal processes, helping them understand the rules and regulations that govern the legal system and providing guidance throughout this process.
Final Thoughts
The most ideal and safest way to defend yourself from being sued after an accident is to take control of the situation. Finding a good Utah motorcycle accident lawyer is the first step. With a lawyer you can trust and depend on, you’ll be protected legally and financially.
