At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyers know these crashes often end in catastrophic injuries and tragic fatalities. Even if motorcyclists are wearing helmets—required of Utah riders and their passengers if they are under 21—the force of a two-ton vehicle, colliding with a much smaller and more vulnerable motorist changes lives without notice.
Our Midvale motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to our clients’ well-being, helping them physically, emotionally, and financially recover after a traffic crash. We recognize that when another person or party’s negligence disrupts your life, you need a team of personal injury attorneys who truly care in your corner.
Our personal injury attorneys in Salt Lake County operate as your team and want to deliver much-needed relief through our compassion, attention to detail, and tenacious advocacy.
Once you partner with our personal injury law firm, you can rest easy knowing your team has a proven track record, having represented clients in more than 1,200 mediation/arbitration cases and over 85 jury trials with tremendous success. Let us use our over 90 years of combined experience to help you and your family confidently move forward.
Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys Call Today! 801.212.9992
Contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to learn more during a free consultation.
Immediate Medical Care is Crucial if You Have Been Injured in a Utah Motorcycle Crash
It is essential to seek medical attention when you are hurt due to a motorcycle crash in Utah. When you go to the doctor or the emergency room, you need to explain to the doctor that you were in a motorcycle crash.
You must explain to your doctor all your injuries, from your head to your toes. Do not minimize or attempt to be stoic. The doctor needs to know the full extent of your injuries and the pain you are experiencing.
Outside of apparent injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, and road rash that are identifiable without delay, this could involve, but is not limited to:
Head injuries.
Headaches.
Concussions.
Internal pain.
Neck pain.
Jaw pain.
Face pain.
Shoulder pain.
Upper back pain.
Mid back pain.
Low back pain.
Chest pain.
Stomach pain.
Hip pain.
Leg pain.
Knee pain.
Ankle pain.
Foot pain.
Wherever you are experiencing pain or symptoms, you need to inform your doctor so they can thoroughly analyze your situation and make the proper recommendations for X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, therapy, medication, and follow-up care.
You must notify your team of the doctors, therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, or any other individual you see regarding your injuries sustained in the accident. Your legal team at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, will request all your medical bills and records.
Please remember that the insurance company will also analyze your medical bills and records.
Insurance companies need documentation to assess the total value of your case based on your injuries and the damages you sustained.
If you experience a neck injury and do not explain that to your doctor, the insurance company will try to argue that your neck was not injured if your neck injury surfaces in the medical records weeks after the motorcycle accident.
Under Utah law, you are considered the plaintiff if you are an injured party. Under Utah law, the plaintiff must establish that the injuries and the medical treatment are related to the crash. Under Utah law, the doctor must state with a reasonable degree of medical probability that the injuries and treatment you were treated for were caused by the motorcycle accident.
Our skilled motorcycle accident and injury attorneys in Salt Lake City will investigate your crash, preserve critical evidence, and protect your medical records and treatment needs from being manipulated by insurance companies so you can pursue the compensation and benefits you need to get your life back on track.
George Waddoups has been riding motorcycles including dirt bikes, Hondas, Harleys, and Choppers for 54 years, and understands how these crashes change lives. Call us today to discuss the details of your Utah motorcycle accident during a free consultation.
What Utah Motorcycle Accident & Injury Victims Need to Know About Preexisting Conditions
Sometimes, people have preexisting medical conditions when they get into an accident. For example, a person may have a prior report of headaches or neck pain. The doctor needs to be aware of any preexisting medical conditions you have.
In many cases, when someone is involved in a traffic collision, the motorcycle accident may light up the prior neck injury that had healed or aggravated the previous neck injury and make it worse. The doctor must understand this history. It is also essential that your team is told about your preexisting medical conditions so we know how to approach your case as to whether it is an acute injury, meaning it started from the date of the injury, or it is an aggravation to a preexisting condition.
Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys Call Today! 801.212.9992
What Type of Compensation & Benefits Can I Pursue After a Motorcycle Accident with Injuries in Utah?
Since Utah is a no-fault state, the first thing you do when injured is fill out an application for MedPay benefits under your motorcycle insurance or through the vehicle’s policy that struck you.
MedPay may provide the following benefits:
Medical Expenses
Usually, through no-fault, you will have the protection of $3,000 towards your medical expenses. That benefit could be higher, but the minimum amount under Utah law is $3,000. Once your no-fault benefits are exhausted, your medical bills will be routed through your health insurance company, Medicare, Medicaid, or whatever is available.
If you have no health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits, your team of Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys and support staff at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, can arrange with the doctors to get you medical care through a lien until your case is resolved.
Wage Losses
If you are employed at the time of your injury or will be employed, you are entitled to a minimum of 85% of your gross weekly wage or $250 per week, whichever is less. This benefit does not cover the first three days of your disability unless you are off work longer than two consecutive weeks after the date of your injury. You may need a doctor’s note to support this benefit. There is a one-year time limit for your wage loss claim.
Household Expenses
If your doctor indicates that you cannot perform your regular household chores or need assistance, you may be entitled to up to $20 per day, seven days per week, for others to step into your shoes to perform the services you performed before you were injured. There is a one-year time limit for this benefit. Your team will assist you in getting these benefits if the insurance company tries to avoid paying these benefits.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle is damaged, you can go under the property damage section of your policy or through the at-fault driver’s property damage policy. If your bike is going to be repaired, you can take it to any place to get it repaired. If you choose to go with the insurance company’s select repair shops, that shop will agree to guarantee the repairs to your motorcycle to ensure everything is repaired. If the repair does not work, they will continue to make that repair right.
If your motorcycle is deemed a total loss, you are entitled to have the fair market value of your bike in its state at the time of the crash. Your team can assist you in maximizing your motorcycle’s value. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your team.
As part of the property damage, if your motorcycle is a total loss, you are entitled to the value of your vehicle on the date of the crash, any enhancements you can establish, typical sales tax on the actual cash value of your vehicle; the cost of transferring your tag; and the prorated amount of your yearly vehicle tax and registration fees. If the facts and evidence demonstrate that you may be partially responsible for the crash, your property damage value will be reduced by the percentage determined to be your fault.
For example, if your motorcycle’s total value is $10,000 and you are found to be 10% responsible for causing the crash, your property damage will be reduced by 10% or $9,000.
Your team will attempt to establish that the other person is at fault 100%. However, there are some situations where the responsibility for causing the crash may be apportioned between the two drivers.
Our skilled motorcycle accident and injury lawyers in Midvale can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue a claim, starting with a free consultation.
Contact Our Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah to Discuss Your Claim During a Free Consultation
Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by negligence anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We provide top-notch legal representation on a contingency basis and never recover any legal fees until we win your case. Even then, we promise our clients that their net settlement will be more than our legal fee recovery percentage because it is the right way to do business.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
What rules apply when filing a motorcycle accident claim against a government entity in Utah?
When a road defect, poorly maintained public property, or government vehicle contributes to a motorcycle accident in Utah, pursuing a claim against a government entity involves procedural requirements that differ significantly from standard personal injury cases.
These include strict notice deadlines that must be met before a lawsuit can be filed, and missing these windows can forfeit your right to compensation entirely. The rules governing these claims can be complex and unforgiving, making early legal involvement especially important. Our Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers can evaluate whether a government entity bears responsibility for your accident and ensure all required steps are taken promptly.
Are there special considerations when a minor is injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah?
When a minor is injured in a Utah motorcycle accident, a parent or guardian must typically bring the legal claim on the child’s behalf, and courts apply additional scrutiny to any proposed settlement to ensure it genuinely serves the child’s best interests. The statute of limitations may also be treated differently for minors, though acting quickly is always advisable to preserve critical evidence.
Injuries sustained during childhood can carry long-term developmental and financial consequences that require careful consideration when building a claim. Our personal injury team can help families navigate the legal process and work to ensure the full impact of a child’s injuries is properly accounted for.
Can a passenger on a motorcycle file a separate injury claim in Utah?
Yes, passengers injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah generally have the right to pursue their own personal injury claim independent of any action taken by the rider. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault driver, the motorcycle operator, or another third party could be responsible for the passenger’s injuries.
Passengers are often unaware that they have independent legal rights after an accident. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help clarify your options and the best path forward for your specific situation.
Can I pursue a motorcycle accident claim if the crash occurred on someone else's private property in Utah?
When a motorcycle accident occurs on private property due to unsafe conditions such as unmarked hazards, poor lighting, or inadequate maintenance, the property owner may bear premises liability for the resulting injuries. These claims require establishing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it.
The legal standards for premises liability differ from those in standard roadway accidents, and the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts involved. Our personal injury team can assess whether a premises liability claim applies to your situation and help determine the most effective path forward.
How does being self-employed affect my lost income claim after a motorcycle accident in Utah?
Self-employed riders face unique challenges when claiming lost income after a motorcycle accident because proving earnings typically requires more documentation than a standard pay stub or employer verification letter. Tax returns, invoices, client contracts, and business records may all be necessary to establish a credible picture of your pre-accident income.
The process can be more complex, but self-employed individuals have the same right to seek compensation for lost earnings as traditionally employed workers. Our personal injury team can help identify the documentation needed to support your lost income claim as effectively as possible.
What happens when a motorcycle accident in Utah involves a commercial vehicle?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks, semi-trucks, or company cars introduce additional layers of liability because the driver’s employer may also bear responsibility for the crash. Federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicle operation, driver hours, and vehicle maintenance can all be relevant to establishing negligence in these cases.
These claims often involve corporate defendants and their insurers, which can make the legal process more complex than a standard two-party accident. Our personal injury team has experience handling cases involving commercial vehicles and can help ensure all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.
How do weather conditions factor into a motorcycle accident claim in Utah?
Weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, or fog can contribute to a motorcycle accident, but the presence of bad weather does not automatically relieve other parties of responsibility. A driver who fails to adjust their speed or behavior for weather conditions may still be found negligent, and a government entity that failed to properly maintain roads in hazardous weather may also bear liability. Establishing fault in weather-related accidents requires a careful review of the circumstances and available evidence.
Our personal injury team can help evaluate how weather factors into your specific case and whether viable claims exist against other parties involved.
Can what I post on social media after my motorcycle accident hurt my claim?
Yes, social media activity after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may monitor your social media profiles and use posts, photos, or check-ins to challenge the severity of your injuries or cast doubt on your account of the accident.
Even innocent posts can be taken out of context to undermine your credibility. It is generally advisable to limit your social media activity and avoid discussing your accident or injuries online until your case is fully resolved.
What is the difference between settling my motorcycle accident case and going to trial?
A settlement involves reaching an agreement with the opposing party or their insurance company outside of court, typically resulting in a faster resolution and greater certainty of outcome. Going to trial means presenting your case before a judge or jury, which can result in a higher award but also carries more uncertainty and generally takes longer to resolve.
Most motorcycle accident cases in Utah are resolved through settlement, but having an attorney prepared to take your case to trial can strengthen your negotiating position. The right approach depends on the specific facts of your case and what outcome best serves your interests.
How does the statute of limitations affect my ability to file a motorcycle accident claim in Utah?
Utah law sets a strict deadline of four years from the accident, for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, and missing that deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation regardless of how strong your case may be. Acting promptly is always in your best interest, as evidence can fade, witnesses become harder to locate, and critical documentation may no longer be available the longer you wait.
The specific deadline that applies to your situation may vary depending on who is being held responsible and the nature of your claim. Contact Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your legal options remain fully open.
I can’t say enough good things about Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys! I had some legal issues and decided to go with this firm. I’m so happy I did! The...
L L
These folks are amazing! Michelle is honest and upfront about the process and the different ways things can go. Thank you for all of your hardwork!
Mr Beasley
Looked over a contract for me. Was very professional and timely. Thanks George!
Chase Thomason
George and Jeri were incredible. I was riding my bike and was hit by a car and broke my back and had a TBI. I was so overwhelmed, but trying...
Sherie Christensen
George (& Geri) have repeatedly bested my expectations. After a car accident they took the majority of the pressure off so I could focus on getting the treatments I needed...
Natalie Clements
My wife and I had the privilege of working with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, specifically Geri Kelley, and we cannot express our gratitude enough for their outstanding legal support....
Trent Covert
I am so grateful to George Waddoups and his team for effectively helping me through a very challenging legal matter. His knowledge and expert guidance made a significant difference in...
Leslie Fackrell
Verdicts & Settlements
$58.5 million
Wrongful Death involving semi-truck
Jury Verdict
$13 million
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$1.6 million
Semi-Truck Accident. Disputed Liability
Settlement
$1.5 million
DUI Rear-End
Settlement
$400,000
Auto Accident husband and wife. Policy Limits
Settlement
$310,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$300,000
Auto Accident. Policy Limits
Settlement
$250,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$240,000
Slip & Fall, fractured arm
Settlement
$205,000
Slip & Fall
Settlement
$140,000
Third-party work injury. Partially amputated fingertip
