Logan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you ride your motorcycle and get into an accident that leaves you with an injury, seek legal help. In many instances, a motorist or another party is liable for a motorcycle accident. By meeting with a Logan motorcycle accident lawyer, you can identify any at-fault parties and pursue damages accordingly.
The team at Siegfried & Jensen has secured over $1.2 billion in damages for clients in personal injury lawsuits. Let a Logan personal injury lawyer from our team serve as your legal representative. Contact us today for more information.
Rules for Riding a Motorcycle in Utah
Siegfried & Jensen recently helped a motorcycle accident victim get a settlement of $1.5 million. We are a Logan personal injury law firm that gives your motorcycle crash case the attention it deserves. Discuss your case with a Logan motorcycle accident attorney from our team.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation points out that a motorcycle must have a headlamp, tail lamp, and other equipment. Along with this, riders must have a valid license. Failure to comply with these and other Utah motorcycle laws can result in penalties and lead to accidents.
Motorists must keep an eye out for riders in the same way they would other drivers. Choosing to ignore motorcyclists is dangerous. If a driver does not see a rider and crashes their vehicle into a motorcyclist, this motorist can be held responsible for the incident.
How a Motorcycle Accident Insurance Works
In alignment with Utah Code §31A-22-302, motorcyclists must have insurance. If you ride a motorcycle anywhere in the state, you are legally required to purchase insurance coverage in advance. Without this coverage, you can be responsible for any losses you incur in an accident.
Motorcycle and car insurance in Utah differ. For motorcyclists, you can buy “at-fault” insurance coverage in which you can seek compensation from a liable motorist’s insurance company following an accident. If you drive a car, you can purchase “no-fault” coverage, which means your insurer will cover your losses even if someone else is liable for your accident.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Logan can explain the basics of Utah no-fault insurance coverage and how to file a claim through your insurance carrier. Your attorney can negotiate with an at-fault motorist’s insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, they can ask for damages via a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Expect if You File a Lawsuit
If you are wondering how long you have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, the time frame is limited. Generally, you have up to four years from the date of your accident to pursue damages from a liable party. A motorcycle accident attorney in Logan can submit your request for compensation right away.
In a lawsuit, you can seek compensation from an at-fault motorist. Other parties that can be liable for your motorcycle crash include a parts manufacturer, mechanic, or government entity. Your lawyer can identify any liable parties.
Filing a lawsuit may lead to a settlement before your trial date. For instance, you have a strong case against a defendant, which prompts this party to propose a settlement. If you approve a settlement offer, you will close your case without having to go to trial.
Damages You Can Recover in a Lawsuit
Economic and non-economic damages may be provided in your lawsuit. Your attorney looks at your losses and determines how much to request in damages. A judge or jury may award damages for many reasons, such as:
- Costs of replacing or repairing your motorcycle
- Income you lose because you cannot work due to your accident-related injuries
- Medical expenses you have to pay to recover from your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment since you cannot spend time doing activities you previously enjoyed
- Pain and suffering due to the fact that your accident and injuries continue to impact your emotional and physical wellness weeks or months after the incident
Your lawyer can provide insights into how pain and suffering is calculated in a motorcycle accident and what you can do to maximize your damages. They may encourage you to request damages for your quantifiable and subjective losses. To prove you deserve the most damages possible, your attorney can collect evidence to support your argument.
Evidence You Can Use in Your Case
Proof helps you verify a liable party was negligent and, as such, should be ordered to pay damages. Your lawyer understands the value of evidence and can gather proof that helps compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. Evidence that you can use in your motorcycle crash case includes:
- Accident scene videos and photos
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs
- Witness statements
- Police reports
Your lawyer prepares your argument in conjunction with collecting evidence. Ideally, you have enough proof to prove you are in no way at fault for your accident. If this is the case, your attorney can validate your case against a liable party and dispute their claims against you.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to Your Case
Based on Utah Code §78B-5-818, comparative negligence can impact how much you recover in damages after a motorcycle accident. If you are partly at fault for your accident, the damages you get can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. In a situation where you are primarily liable, you may not receive damages.
Consider what can happen if a judge or jury says you are 20% liable for your motorcycle crash. The defendant in your case is 20% at fault. As a result, you can get 80% of the damages you initially requested.
Alternatively, look at what can occur if a judge or jury finds you 51% at fault for a motorcycle accident. You are more to blame for your accident than the defendant in your case. Therefore, the defendant may not be required to pay damages.
Work with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Has Proudly Served Clients in Utah for More than 30 Years
Siegfried & Jensen is a Logan personal injury law firm with plenty of legal experience. Give us the opportunity to assist you with your motorcycle accident lawsuit. Schedule a free case consultation today.