Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users who can suffer catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. Understanding how to drive safely around motorcycles is not just courteous—it’s a critical part of preventing accidents. In this article, we’ll share practical tips to help you become a more aware and responsible driver when motorcyclists are nearby.
If you have been in an accident involving a motorcycle in Salt Lake City, UT, you deserve high-quality legal representation. At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyers can guide you through every step of the legal process. We have over 40 years of experience and have recovered over $500 million for our clients.
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If you’ve been in a crash involving a motorcycle, whether you were riding it or you were the other party, filing a claim is an important step to take to recover your losses. At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys can do the following for you:
If someone was driving unsafely, you need a powerful legal team on your side to hold them accountable. Our Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers will be there for you every step of the way.
Contact our law office in Salt Lake City, Utah, to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Although you may not be able to prevent all motorcycle accidents, there are key tips that can help you keep yourself and others safe while on the road.
Distracted driving is a problem that can impact all road users, and it’s something that everyone operating a motor vehicle must be aware of. Bikes are much harder to spot than other road users because of their size, so it’s already a challenge to notice them. If a driver looks down at their phone or reaches for an item under the seat, they are putting nearby bikers in danger.
Tailgating is a type of reckless driving behavior that can cause significant damage, especially when involving a biker. A simple miscalculation could cause the motorcyclist to lose their balance and tip over. As the operator of a larger vehicle, provide plenty of space for the bike. This protects them as well as you.
Before making any kind of maneuver, even attempting to change lanes, check your blind spots to ensure that there aren’t any bikes in the way. It’s common for motorcycles to fall into these spots, so keeping an eye out is vital.
Even parked cars can be dangerous for bikers. Forcefully opening your door without checking can knock a passing motorcycle over, potentially throwing the operator onto the road. By quickly looking to ensure that you can safely open the door, you can prevent serious accidents.
Many motorcycle accidents occur because cars attempt to swerve around them or try to push them off the road. Bikers have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as you do, which means that they are entitled to a full lane.
Keep in mind that lane filtering is allowed in Utah. By giving the biker space and proceeding with patience, it’s easier to avoid collisions on all fronts.
When passing a motorcycle, it is essential to give them significantly more space than you would another car. Due to their smaller size, wind turbulence from a larger vehicle can affect a motorcyclist’s stability.
Pass quickly and maintain a sufficient lateral distance to prevent destabilizing the bike or forcing the rider into the shoulder or an adjacent lane. Remember, they are more susceptible to being knocked off course by changes in air pressure.
Utah is a no-fault state for collisions, but if you sustain serious injuries, you may be entitled to begin a claim against the other party. To succeed, you need to demonstrate that the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully.
This involves gathering a substantial amount of evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. You should never do this alone because you risk walking away with a low settlement.
Even among the safest drivers, motorcycle accidents can still occur. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to hire an attorney to assist you. At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can craft a comprehensive strategy to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free case assessment with a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney.
