Being hit by a motorcycle can be a frightening and confusing experience. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries because motorcycles provide far less protection than other vehicles. Whether you were a pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver struck by a motorcycle in Salt Lake City, knowing what to do next can make a major difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injury victims throughout Salt Lake City, Utah, understand their legal options after serious accidents. If you were hit by a motorcycle, the steps you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your recovery and potential personal injury claim. To learn more, contact us at (385) 462-7630 for a free consultation with a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle accident cases can be complicated. Insurance companies often try to blame victims or minimize payouts. When this happens, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers is prepared to protect your rights.
Our knowledgeable Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers can help by:
Having legal representation allows you to focus on recovering while your attorney handles the legal process.
Your safety should always be the first priority after any accident. Call 911 immediately so emergency responders can arrive at the scene.
Even if your injuries appear minor, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries—such as internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates documentation that may later support your injury claim.
Medical records can serve as important evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident.
In Salt Lake City, accidents involving injuries should be reported to the police.
Officers will create an official crash report documenting important details such as:
This report can play a critical role in determining liability and supporting your claim if you pursue compensation.
If your injuries allow, try to collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. Evidence gathered immediately after the crash can be extremely valuable later.
Important information to collect includes:
Photographs and witness statements can help reconstruct what happened and establish who was responsible for the crash.
After a motorcycle accident, emotions can run high. However, it is important to avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Statements like “I’m sorry” or speculation about what happened may be used against you later by insurance companies. Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with police and other parties.
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident often requires a thorough investigation, and liability may not be clear immediately.
You should notify the insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic facts about what happened, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before speaking with an attorney.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when their policyholder caused the crash. Having legal representation can help protect your rights during this process.
Utah also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover compensation if you are less than 50% to blame. However, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your level of fault. If you are 50% or more to blame for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages.
Additionally, victims generally have four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Utah. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
Understanding how these laws apply to your situation can be complicated, which is why many accident victims choose to work with an experienced Salt Lake City personal injury attorney.
After the accident, keep detailed records of how your injuries affect your daily life. This documentation can strengthen your personal injury claim.
Important records include:
Maintaining a folder with this information helps demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your life.
If a motorcyclist’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim.
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses, including:
Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional suffering endured, including:
A skilled attorney can evaluate your case and determine what types of damages you may be eligible to pursue.
If you were hit by a motorcycle in Salt Lake City, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges that follow serious accidents and work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights.
Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.