As the weather begins to warm up, we will begin to see an increase in the number of motorcyclists out on roadways across Utah. Unfortunately, this increase also comes with the increased risks other motorists traveling alongside them will cause motor vehicle accidents. If you are actively considering whether you should purchase a motorcycle, you most likely already understand the dangers associated with this form of transportation. Motorcycle owners are well aware that they need to take extra precautions on the roadways to ensure they do not become victims of motorcycle accidents.
Although riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, it can turn into a very tragic event should it be involved in an accident. The fact that motorcycles provide no protection to riders is what makes these accidents so much more dangerous than most others. If you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, it is imperative for you to contact Siegfried & Jensen to see how we can help you, to see if you can take the case to court.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why motorcycle accidents occur in Utah. Although motorcyclists can take extra precautions before heading out on the roadways, they are never truly protected against other drivers who are not as careful and cautious while behind the wheel. Here are just some of the biggest dangers motorcyclists in Utah face.
Distracted Drivers On The Roadways
Distracted drivers are dangers to themselves as well as all other drivers, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist on the road. These individuals who do not focus on the road are more likely to cause motor vehicle accidents that lead to serious injuries. Distracted driving is a term that encompasses drivers who are playing with the radio or GPS, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other activities which take their focus off the road.
Distracted drivers often fail to notice motorcycles on the roadways. This is particularly true in cases where distracted drivers merge on to highways, turn at intersections, or change lanes. Distracted drivers do not pay too much attention to what is going on around them, which places those on motorcycles at an increased risk of being injured in the event of an accident.
Impaired Drivers In Utah
Impaired drivers are a leading cause of car accidents in Utah. When it comes to these individuals causing accidents, unfortunately, motorcyclists are not in the clear. Impaired drivers are generally considered just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than distracted drivers. These individuals often lack the mental capacity to respond to other vehicles and obstacles on the roadway. Impaired drivers lack the ability to focus and think. Impaired drivers often have a difficult time seeing other vehicles on the roadways. It is even more difficult for them to notice motorcycles, which are considerably smaller than typical passenger cars.
Debris On The Roads
When individuals who are in cars and trucks encounter debris on the roadways, they are able to drive over it without any hesitation. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for motorcyclists. Motorcycles balance on two wheels. When something large come under one of the tires on a motorcycle, it can quickly and easily throw the entire vehicle off balance. Even small gravel along the roadway, or grass, can cause a motorcycle to skid out of control.
Potholes, storm debris, items that fall off vehicles, construction debris, and other items in the roadway can wreak havoc for those on motorcycles. Unfortunately, vehicles traveling alongside motorcycles tend to crowd them. When motorcycles encounter debris on the roadways, they are sometimes able to swerve to miss the items. When vehicles follow too closely, they risk hitting motorcycles due to having the inability to respond quickly.
Animals In The Roads
The state of Utah is known for its impressive wildlife. There is a lot of natural beauty throughout our entire state. Unfortunately, there are a lot of dangers that nature possesses, especially for motorcyclists. Animals like moose, deer, chipmunks, birds, or even squirrels can cross in front of motorcycles and cause a terrible accident to occur. This is especially true when animals dart across roadways in front of motorcycles. Drivers are often unable to see the animals before it is too late.
Sudden Changes In Weather
The weather in our state has the ability to change at a moment’s notice. Drivers are never too sure of what they will encounter on the roadways. Motorcyclists often try to monitor the forecast as much as possible before heading out on the roadways. Unfortunately, there are sudden changes in the weather that can create very dangerous circumstances.
Drivers who are caught in rainstorms often have poor visibility. For this reason, they are less likely to notice motorcyclists caught out in the rainstorm before it is too late. Being caught in dark conditions further increases the risk of being involved in an accident as drivers are often unable to notice such small vehicles traveling.
A Utah Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to financial restitution to help you alleviate some of the monetary burdens you face from medical treatments, lost wages, property damages, and more.
For over 30 years, motorcycle accident attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen have helped over 35,000 accident victims obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries and damages in Utah accidents. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure the rights of those injured due to negligent and careless motorcycle riders on Utah roadways are protected.
Our attorneys provide adequate representation to accident victims by filing all the legal forms required, consulting witnesses, gathering documents and evidence, and hiring experts to re-create the scene of the accident and calculate financial records when necessary. We work to aggressively negotiate full and fair settlements for accident victims to enable them to take care of their financial burdens while focusing on recovery. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, by no fault of your own, contact our law firm at (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
