Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Salt Lake City, UT? McMinn Law Firm can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us today at (385) 462-7630 for a free consultation with our experienced Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyers.
For over 20 years, we’ve helped injured victims and their families seek justice from the parties who caused them harm. We have won millions of dollars for our clients in jury verdicts and personal injury settlements. With decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys are equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.
If you or your child were hit by a car while riding a bicycle, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for damages. Call now to take the first step.
How Our Salt Lake City Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Seek Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents in Salt Lake City can be devastating for riders and their families, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and even wrongful deaths. Receiving maximum compensation may be necessary to afford long-term care and expenses.
At McMinn Law Firm, we will diligently track down all parties who could be liable for your injuries. Then, our legal team will vigorously pursue all sources of compensation for your bicycle accident claim.
When you hire our top-rated Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers, we can handle all matters related to your case. We will:
- Conduct a thorough accident investigation to determine how your bicycle accident occurred
- Identify all parties who contributed to the cause of the accident
- Gather evidence proving causation and fault, including working with leading expert witnesses as necessary
- Document your damages to determine how much your bicycle accident claim is worth
- File insurance claims and handle all matters with the company
- Negotiate a fair settlement based on the value of your damages
- Take your case to court and advocate for your right to damages if necessary
At McMinn Law Firm, our attorneys are tenacious trial lawyers and skilled negotiators. They are highly rated and respected by clients and peers. Prestigious legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and Expertise.com, have recognized our attorneys for their legal services.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay any upfront fees to hire our law firm. Instead, we only receive payment for our services if we recover money for your injury claim.
Call McMinn Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Salt Lake City, UT
Bicycle accidents commonly occur due to driver negligence. Motorists don’t always keep a lookout for bicycles on the road.
Examples of negligent behaviors that can lead to a bicycle crash include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
Weather and road conditions could also contribute to the cause of a bicycle accident. Determining the cause of the accident is a crucial step in the claims process. Even though Utah is a modified no-fault insurance state, you may be able to pursue a liability claim in some situations.
Bicyclists Can Sustain Serious Injuries in Accidents in Salt Lake City
Bicyclists can sustain life-threatening injuries in an accident even though they take precautions to reduce the risk of injury. Wearing a helmet and protective gear can reduce the risk of some injuries or prevent severe injuries. However, a rider may still sustain a traumatic injury.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Ankle, elbow, wrist, and knee injuries
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lacerations and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
It is imperative to seek immediate medical treatment for injuries after a bicycle accident. Even if you feel okay after the crash, you could have injuries that have not presented symptoms.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Bicycle Accident Claim in Salt Lake City, UT?
Utah’s modified no-fault insurance laws require all drivers to have a minimum of $3,000 in insurance coverage. Thus, you can file a claim with your insurance provider regardless of who caused the accident.
Unfortunately, modified no-fault insurance does not cover all damages. However, you may be able to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver if you meet the threshold. The threshold for filing a liability claim is:
- $3,000 or more in medical expenses;
- Permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement; or
- Bodily dismemberment.
If you file a liability claim with the driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the driver, you can seek compensation for economic damages such as:
- Present and future medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Long-term nursing and/or personal care
- Rehabilitative therapy and care
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
Modified no-fault insurance does not compensate you for all financial losses or non-economic damages. However, you can recover non-economic damages in a liability claim. Examples include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Physical discomfort
- Disability and impairments
The value of your bicycle accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, monetary losses, and other factors. Comparative fault may be a significant factor that might impact the value of your claim.
Does Comparative Fault Apply in Bicycle Accident Cases in Utah?
A defense often used in liability claims is comparative fault. The insurance company may allege that you are partially at fault for causing the accident and should not receive compensation for your total damages.
Utah has adopted a modified comparative negligence law. Victims are barred from receiving damages if their level of fault for the accident is 50% or higher.
Suppose a jury awards you $500,000 for damages but finds you are 55% to blame for the crash. In that case, you would receive no money for your claim. However, suppose the jury finds you are 10% to blame for the bicycle accident. You can receive damages in that case, but the judge reduces the amount by 10% or $50,000.
Insurance companies often use comparative fault to avoid liability for claims. Our attorneys are aware of this tactic and are prepared to defend you against these allegations.
How Much Is My Salt Lake City Bicycle Accident Worth?
Many factors could impact how much your claim is worth. Some could increase its value, while others could decrease it.
Factors that may affect the value of your claim include:
- The type of injuries sustained in the bicycle accident
- The medical treatments required for your injuries
- The severity of impairments and disabilities caused by your injuries
- The level of scarring and disfigurement
- Whether you can return to work or earn income
- The parties involved in the case
- The strength of your evidence
- The availability of insurance coverage
- How your injuries impact your quality of life and daily activities
We will evaluate each factor in your case to assess how they impact the value of your damages. Our attorneys will use all available resources and strategies to maximize the value of your damages.
What Is the Deadline to File a Lawsuit for a Bicycle Accident in Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is four years from the accident date. Judges can dismiss lawsuits filed after the statute of limitations without considering whether you have a valid lawsuit.
However, exceptions to the law and factors in your case could change the deadline. For example, accidents involving government liability have very short notice periods. Cases involving children may have an extended deadline to file a lawsuit.
It is in your best interest to seek legal advice as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. You do not want to lose your chance to file a lawsuit against the party who caused your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Salt Lake City Bicycle Accident Attorneys
McMinn Law Firm is here to help you pursue a legal claim after a bicycle accident. We stand by injured cyclists and fight to hold negligent parties fully accountable. Call our Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyers today for a free case review.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Salt Lake City, UT
McMinn Law Firm
650 S 500 W Suite 290,
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
Open 24/7
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