Call this direct line and speak with Rob immediately: (801) 363-8500
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
in Salt Lake City UT
A motorcycle accident is always serious, but contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah, can help. Accidents are a risk that you’ll take whenever you ride, and the prospect of a bad spill always keeps riders on their toes. Motorcyclists need to be extra attentive, especially as cars become more and more modernized and drivers become more and more distracted.
Cars and motorcycles are completely different: A car provides a safety net in the event of accidents, and also numerous distractions that might lure drivers into a false sense of competence and security on the road. On a bike, the only thing keeping you from a major injury is your ability as a rider. Cars are becoming more and more loaded down with innovative safety features, but driver error is only becoming more and more of a hazard to motorcyclists. You might be the most attentive rider on the road, but that doesn’t account for everyone else.
The Severity of a Motorcycle Accident
Unfortunately, motorcyclists need to share the road with cars. If you ride a motorcycle, you understand that there’s never a guarantee that the other drivers on the road are as attentive as you are: There’s always the risk of someone texting and driving, drinking and driving, or engaged in one of the countless other distractions that can occur behind the wheel. You may be familiar with the old cliche: “Your safety isn’t about you, it’s about the other drivers,” but until you’ve been in an accident, you might not fully know what’s at risk.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the differences become even more transparent. Someone in a car might escape with minor bruises and whiplash, but a motorcyclist involved in an accident may be at immediate risk of permanent injury or death. People weren’t designed to withstand sudden impacts and spills off of vehicles traveling at the speed of traffic, and your hospital bill shows it.
You may have (barely) survived your motorcycle accident, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods yet. Chances are, you’ll be strapped with jaw-dropping medical bills and a long recovery process – if a full recovery is even possible. Between hospital stays, medical procedures, and physical therapy, you probably won’t be able to return to work and collect any paychecks either. So what can a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT do for you?
Getting Help from Rasmussen & Miner
At Rasmussen & Miner, we know that a motorcycle accident has the potential to ruin the rest of your life – but we also know that it doesn’t have to. We take steps to ensure our clients get the most compensation possible for their injuries, so they can afford the medical treatments and fresh start they deserve.
After a motorcycle accident, you may be left feeling lucky to be alive, but once the medical bills start stacking up, your life can become a lot more stressful. It can be difficult to focus on recovery when you have so much insurance hoops to jump through. Instead of struggling with bills and financial problems, reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, and see how Rasmussen & Miner can help you move on and get back on the road.
Motorcyclists who have been injured due to being hit by a car driver, may ask for help from a UT motorcycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City residents trust at Rasmussen & Miner to seek a sense of justice in the accident. Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating; however, it does not come without risks. In fact, because there is no protection around the 2-wheeled vehicle, riders are more vulnerable than the occupants of a car or truck. This lack of protection can result in severe injuries, if the motorcycle crashes. Even low speeds can cause catastrophic, if not deadly injuries.
Important Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Questions
It’s normal to have questions about your motorcycle accident case. At Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney, we always encourage our clients to ask all the questions they want. Doing that helps you make better decisions.
Should You Call the Police After a Motorcycle Accident?
Despite what the other driver may be telling you, you should always contact the police after a motorcycle crash. It’s the right thing for you and your case. Don’t let anybody talk you out of waiting for the police to arrive.
When a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT is putting together your lawsuit, having a police report of the accident is crucial for proving what happened. It can be the difference between winning and losing. Having a police report to back you up can even put pressure on insurance companies to give you a higher settlement.
Should You Go to the Hospital Even If You Feel OK?
It’s a smart idea to see a doctor after any motorcycle accident. Even though it may seem that you only have a few scratches and bruises, there could be serious internal bleeding or head injuries. Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT will want to see those medical records to use as evidence in your case.
Should I Contact My Insurance Company After the Crash?
You need to call your insurance company to report the accident so you receive coverage. That said, be very careful what you say to the adjuster. Keep in mind that your insurer isn’t on your side for accident lawsuits — it’s primarily looking to protect itself.
Don’t admit to causing the crash or say anything that sounds like an admission of guilt. Keep your comments short. Call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT right away.
If the insurer pushes you for more information, perhaps asking questions such as “Who do you think was responsible?” just mention that your lawyer will be in touch to answer any further questions. At Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney, we can represent you in all negotiations with your insurer and the other driver’s insurance company.
Should I Agree to a Settlement Instead of Going to Court?
There’s nothing wrong with settlements per se — they can save you money on court costs — but you shouldn’t agree to them yourself. Don’t accept any offers until your motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT has had a chance to review the terms. Otherwise, you can get tricked by hidden terms.
Reasons Why Motorcycle Riders Need an Attorney After a Crash
There is no doubt that the act of riding a motorcycle is associated with certain risks. But simply because bikers assume a relative degree of risk when they hop on their motorcycles doesn’t mean that they can’t hold others responsible if they are harmed while riding. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner will allow you to clarify your legal situation and evaluate your options in the wake of a crash.
You may understandably be wondering what the benefit of working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is, especially if the insurance provider of the individual who harmed you has already offered you a settlement. There are many reasons why it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer before making any assumptions about your case and/or accepting an insurance settlement offer. Some of the most pressing reasons to seek counsel include:
► Determining who is at fault
Motorcyclists frequently get a bad rap. People accuse them of being reckless, speeding, frequent lane changes to navigate around traffic, and more. Consequently, bystanders and authorities may immediately place the blame on the motorcyclist if an accident happens. However, motorcycle accident lawyers don’t rely on such assumptions. Seasoned lawyers can gather evidence and conduct an independent investigation aimed at uncovering the truth.
You may be surprised by what your knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle attorney discovers. Many factors, such as distracted driving, speeding cars, traffic offenses, improper use of turn signals, defective parts, and more, can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Depending on the existing evidence, a lawyer may be better able to identify who is responsible for your accident.
► Filing a lawsuit
A motorcycle crash can be devastating and debilitating, leaving riders with critical and even life-altering injuries. These injuries place a burden on bikers and their families who must pay medical expenses while shouldering the burden of lost wages and income. A motorcycle accident attorney can help bikers and their families manage this challenge.
By filing a lawsuit against the liable parties, your lawyer may be able to help motorcycle accident victims recover monetary damage awards to cover any physical, mental, and financial challenges. Reviewing accident reports, handling court filings, and building a strategic case is just the beginning of a motorcycle lawyer’s job.
► Dealing with and fighting insurance companies
Although you, as a motorcycle rider, and the other driver involved in an accident, may both have insurance policies, getting those companies to compensate you fairly could be challenging. Insurance companies are businesses that are concerned for their bottom lines, which are threatened if payouts are too large. They may go to great lengths to settle quickly and cheaply. Some insurance providers may even try to avoid paying.
Having a seasoned motorcycle attorney on your side can strengthen your position at the negotiating table. Our team has experience dealing with insurance companies and can work to get you a fair settlement. If push comes to shove, you can be confident that your lawyer knows how to properly file a lawsuit and go to trial.
3 Common Mistakes To Avoid in Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Letting the Other Driver Convince You Not To Call the Police
When you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may not be thinking clearly. It’s hard to concentrate with the rush of adrenaline and pain you may have. In this situation, other drivers sometimes attempt to convince you to avoid involving the police. They may threaten you or try to blame you for causing the crash.
Ignore those things. Call the police right away, especially if anyone was injured. Not only can this help you avoid getting into trouble from hit-and-run charges, but it can also help you have a stronger case.
The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence your motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, can use for your case. This report includes names of witnesses who saw the crash, information about traffic citations and details relating to the cause of the accident.
Accepting Money From the Other Driver in Exchange for Not Pressing Charges
Another situation we’ve seen happen a lot is when at-fault drivers tell you a sad story about how sorry they are and how much trouble they’re going to be in. They offer to pay for your vehicle repairs and promise to pay for your medical bills as long as you don’t file a claim with their insurance company.
Don’t listen to these attempts. Don’t accept money or reach any kind of spoken or written agreement with the other driver. Doing so can severely reduce the amount of compensation you receive and leave you in the lurch when the person doesn’t follow through.
At Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney, we’ve even seen situations where the at-fault driver will turn around and sue the motorcycle rider for injuries! Protect your interests from the beginning by contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT.
Losing Evidence of the Crash
Some people get rid of evidence without realizing it. You should never repair your motorcycle before settling your case. Don’t wash or throw out the clothes you were wearing during the accident. Keep all your medical records, test results and other information from visiting the doctor.
At Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney, we can use these pieces of evidence to strengthen your case. If you can, take videos or photos of the scene of the accident as well. A strong case with ample evidence puts more pressure on insurance companies to offer a significant settlement. They know your motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, is ready and willing to fight for you in court.
4 Things You Can Do To Prevent a Motorcycle Accident
Because you cannot count on the drivers of cars and trucks to stay alert and to see your motorcycle, you have to compensate for their lack of attention by driving more defensively. This means concentrating harder, anticipating potential accidents, and taking the necessary actions to avoid them. If you do that, you may never need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT from Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney.
1. Receive the Necessary Training
Having a license to drive a car does not necessarily qualify you to ride a motorcycle. There are significant differences in operation between the two of them. You have to go through a separate process to get a motorcycle license. Make sure you complete the required training to get your motorcycle license and do not cut any corners. You can only gain experience through years of riding, but before you set out on the road by yourself, you can make sure that you are as prepared as possible.
2. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol impairs driving ability, including motorcycle operation. To make sure that you are consistently in the best condition to ride your motorcycle, avoid drinking alcohol beforehand. Alcohol is a factor in approximately 43% of all fatal crashes. In a comparative negligence state like Utah, riding a motorcycle while intoxicated does not automatically disqualify you from receiving compensation, but it does mean you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, to help you gain all that you deserve.
3. Be Visible
While it is difficult for drivers to see motorcycles, there are things you can do to make it easier. At the very least, you should make sure your headlight works properly and remains on whenever your motorcycle is running. You should check all the lights on your motorcycle, front and back, periodically. It may also help to add reflective decals or strips to your motorcycle and possibly to your clothing.
4. Watch Out at Intersections
Many accidents involving motorcycles occur when another vehicle is making a left turn at an intersection and the driver doesn’t see the motorcycle. You have to be ready to make evasive maneuvers if another vehicle turns in front of you. This means that you have to pay attention to turn signals and other clues to a driver’s intentions. You must anticipate what could happen so you can respond appropriately and promptly.
Despite your best efforts, accidents may still happen. If you get seriously hurt, you can turn to Rasmussen & Miner: Personal Injury Attorney for help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT.
How To Protect Your Best Interests
Motorcyclists are significantly more likely to suffer from serious injuries in the event of a collision with a vehicle. If you were in such an accident recently and were the motorcyclist, chances are you are dealing with plenty of medical bills and wage loss. The last thing you need right about now is an insurance claim adjuster who is not watching out for you. To protect your best interest, be wary of what you say when talking with the insurance adjuster for your claim.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
A claims adjuster is someone who is not on your side, no matter what they tell you or how friendly they seem (this includes the adjuster from your insurance company). It is an insurance adjuster’s responsibility to reduce payout and safeguard the company’s interests. In fact, the adjuster may be hoping for ways to deny your claim entirely. Refrain from being too casual about your conversation, and turn to your lawyer if you need help.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Your lawyer can walk you through what the conversation with the insurance adjuster is probaby going to be like. By preparing ahead of time, you can enter the conversation more confident and aware of what to say, and what not to say. Here are more tips for a successful how to have a convo with an insurance adjuster while also keeping your interests protected:
- Choose a time and location where you will feel relaxed and not focused on anything else. The majority of interviews are conducted over the telephone, so pick a time most convenient for you. Preferably somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted and can fully focus on the questions being asked.
- Review your notes about the accident and have photographs of your injuries and the accident scene as a reference tool. These can help refresh your memory when you feel stuck.
- Ask a family member or friend to be present while you speak with the claim adjuster on speaker phone, as moral support and a witness in case there is a dispute that develops based on what you told the adjuster.
- If the claims adjuster informs you that the conversation will be recorded, request that you receive a copy of
the statement once it is complete. - Give answers that are concise, confident, and short. Do not offer more information than what is asked of you. For instance, do not carry on your story when it isn’t necessary, and answering with a yes or no can suffice if the question is not open-ended.
- Be truthful, as the insurance adjuster may try to cancel your claim if they have reason to believe you are lying. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it is okay to say that you do not know or aren’t sure.
- Never admit or accept fault, as this is a legal conclusion that will be assessed as your claim is processed. Avoid other statements like “I am sorry” or “I feel bad about what happened”, etc.
Negligent Car Drivers
The injuries, financial loss, and property damage can be so severe after a motorcycle accident that the victim is left with their life having been flipped completely upside down. Negligence is a factor in at least 50% of all accidents. When this is true for your own accident, or someone who died, reaching out to a motorcycle accident lawyer may be in your best interests.
Regardless of how cautious a motorcyclist is, they can be involved in a collision at any time, anywhere. Some of these accidents might literally be an accident and with no negligence involved, but many involve liability from actions such as:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to signal or yield
- Racing
- Inexperienced driving
Following a collision, it is not unusual for the negligent driver to claim they did not see the motorcycle. Even if this is true, it can generally not be used as a defense. This is because every driver on the road is expected to use caution and be aware of their surroundings. If they fail to adhere to this duty, they can be held liable.
Immediately following a motorcycle accident, you should get medical attention. After you have been treated, and as soon as possible, you should get advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer in the Salt Lake City area. The sooner you do this, the more time you will give your lawyer to discover and assemble evidence and build a case that gets you every cent you deserve.
Injuries and Compensation
The injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often severe, if not life threatening. The extent of the injuries and related losses to the accident will have a role in determining the amount of compensation. As a motorcycle accident lawyer, we have helped victims who have suffered from:
- Facial injuries
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Loss of limb
- Loss of any of the 5 senses
- Road rash
- Bruising
- Psychological injuries
The insurance company might offer an immediate settlement; however, before making any quick decisions, speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can review the offer and ensure you are getting enough compensation — which is often not the case.
Reasons Why Drivers Get Distracted
As lawyers at Rasmussen & Miner are aware, car drivers cause a significant number of motorcycle accidents every single year. In most situations, the driver just wasn’t obeying the laws of the road or being attentive enough to their surroundings which led to the crash. Some of the most prevalent motorcycle accident circumstances that our legal team has represented include:
- The car driver changing lanes without having looked out for the motorcyclist
- The car driver was tailgating the motorcyclist, causing a rear end accident
- The car driver was texting or talking on the phone in the moments right before the collision
- The car driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- The car driver was distracted in some way either due to the radio, another passenger, eating, etc.
What Our Team Can Offer
If you have experienced an injury while riding a motorcycle, or know someone who has, it may be in your best interest to speak with a lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner. We have helped countless clients receive the compensation they deserve and are owed for their suffering and pain. Our lawyers possess a widespread understanding of law regarding personal injury claims in addition to a sincere compassion for our clients. Rob Miner is a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT that you can contact for your free consultation to discuss your situation and case today.
It may be wise to contact Rasmussen & Miner if you’re seeking a lawyer who is proud to be fighting for this community, has experience helping people that have been in such accidents, and that will protect your rights and participate in any necessary negotiations with your insurance company. The losses we will help you receive compensation for can be some or all of the following:
- Family member wrongful death
- Road rash leading to disfigurement and scarring
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and leg fractures
- Amputation
- Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury
Proving Liability
To help prove negligence and liability in a motorcycle accident case, there are several factors that must be shown.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can work with the victim to gather evidence that these elements are true for the accident:
- The car driver had an obligation to operate his or her vehicle in a reasonably safe way and abide by the rules of the road
- The car driver had failed to uphold this obligation to practice safety by driving in an unsafe manner
- Due to this unsafe behavior, a crash between the driver and motorcyclist occurred
- The motorcyclist suffered monetary losses, injuries, and damages due to the accident
The motorcyclist may receive financial restitution for the accident, if these four elements above can be shown with sufficient evidence. The most common types of recoverable damages in motorcycle accidents include the victim’s medical bills, costs for physical therapy or rehabilitation, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and costs for motorcycle repair.
Book Your Consultation With Us
The injuries experienced during motorcycle accidents are often disastrous in nature. No-fault insurance is unfortunately not a requirement for motorcycles in Utah. In order to receive compensation for things such as disability, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages, you will be required to file a lawsuit regarding personal injury against the insurance company of the driver that is at fault.
At Rasmussen & Miner, we understand the situation at hand and know how important of a decision it can be to choose a lawyer to hire. We constantly strive to protect our client’s rights and best interests, as the result of the case can cause a huge impact on your future. By choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm, you will never have to question how serious we take this responsibility, and hard and diligently we will work to secure the greatest compensation possible and ultimately win your claim.
If you are ready to learn about your rights as a motorcycle accident victim, our team at Rasmussen & Miner would like to listen to what is happening and help you take action that gets results.
Preparing for a Consultation
A motorcycle accident lawyer can imagine the distress and financial turmoil victims of motorcycle accidents
may face because of what happened. It is our job to seek a sense of justice and hopefully help win the maximum compensation possible.
In preparation of a legal consultation, we encourage victims to gather paperwork, photographs, police reports, medical records, witness contact details, and anything else related to the accident. With this information, we can evaluate your case and calculate a potential monetary award. The more facts we have, the more effectively we can determine whether pursuing legal action is worth your time and energy.
If you come in with a lot of questions, we can ensure you will leave in a confident manner and feel secure about your case. Whether you are a victim yourself, or are a family member who has sustained a motorcycle accident-related injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the suffering and pain you have endured. Call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah from Rasmussen & Miner today for a no-cost initial consultation at
(801) 363-8500.