Motorcycle Accidents
Several attorneys at Robert J. DeBry & Associates own and ride motorcycles. Riding has been a passion for these attorneys for years.
Robert J. DeBry & Associates handles a significant number of motorcycle cases every year. Unfortunately, when motorcycle accidents happen, the driver and rider are often seriously injured.
Utah Insurance law applicable to motorcycles is quite different from other states. First, Utah law considers street-legal motorcycles to be "motor vehicles." Owners are therefore obligated to have motorcycle insurance in order to operate the motorcycles on Utah roads.
Insurance coverage on a motorcycle cannot include no-fault coverage, which automobiles must have in Utah. This lack of no-fault coverage is an important distinction. In a vehicle, regardless of who causes the accident, the driver and passengers are entitled to no-fault benefits from the insurance on that vehicle. These no-fault benefits have to include medical coverage, wage loss help, and household service compensation. Motorcyclists do not have this protection.
When buying motorcycle insurance, be sure to obtain medical-pay coverage. This will cover portions of any medical bills incurred as a result of the injuries caused in an accident. The premiums will be a bit more, but the protection is worth it.
In Utah, motorcycle insurance has to be offered in a package. That package of insurance must include uninsured motorist protection. This coverage pays for your damages when an at-fault driver causing an accident has no auto insurance. Buy a lot of uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, many Utah drivers are on the road, having no insurance.
Similarly, the insurance package must offer underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage pays for your damages when the at-fault driver in an accident has auto insurance, but not enough to fairly pay for all of your damages. Again, buy a lot of it.
Utah does not have a helmet law. Legally, a person over the age of 18 can operate a motorcycle without a helmet. However, if you are involved in an accident, the at-fault driver's insurance may try to reduce the amount owed to you because you failed to mitigate or minimize your injuries by not wearing a helmet. Such an argument may not be accepted by Utah courts and such an argument may not be fair, but the insurance company may still try to make this claim.
The State of Utah sponsors safe riding classes for motorcyclists. Classes are geared for both new riders and experienced ones. Your insurance company will probably discount your premium for completing these courses.
Motorcycling in Utah is a wonderful experience. Ride responsibly and ride safe. If you are involved in an accident, call us right away. We can help safeguard evidence and testimony of witnesses, and can document your losses. Call for a no-obligation consultation.
Call us right now. We can usually tell you on the phone if you have a good case. If you prefer, you can email us using the contact form on this website.