Motorcycle Speeding Accidents
UTAH MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER JAKE GUNTER. CALL/TXT (801) 373-6345 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. LET JAKE’S 20 YEARS OF COURTROO EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU
Motorcycle speeding accidents remain a pressing issue on the roads of Utah. The surge in the popularity of motorcycles and the thrill that comes with speeding often lead to severe consequences. Here are the factors that contribute to speeding motorcycle accidents, the legal landscape surrounding them, and how Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C., prominent Provo lawyers, can assist.
Utah’s Speeding Law
Utah’s traffic laws set a clear boundary to maintain road safety, particularly concerning speeding. Under Utah Code §41-6a-601, exceeding the posted speed limit is more than just a reckless act; it’s an offense with specific legal consequences.
Different roads have various speed limits, depending on factors like road type, location, and local regulations. Whether it’s a freeway, residential area, or school zone, speed limits are strategically set to minimize the risk of accidents, especially those involving speeding motorcycles.
Exceeding the posted speed limit in Utah can be classified into different categories based on the degree to which the limit was exceeded. The penalties vary accordingly, ranging from a minor infraction to more serious criminal charges, particularly if speeding led to an accident causing injury or death.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Speeding Accidents
The thrill of speed comes with peril, especially when laws and safety precautions are ignored. Even with protective gear, the human body is highly vulnerable to the sheer force of high-speed collisions. From traumatic brain injuries to internal damage, the consequences can be severe and life-altering.
Head and Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, a speeding motorcycle accident can cause TBI, affecting cognitive and motor functions. A milder form of brain injury, such as concussion, can still have lasting effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries
High-speed collisions can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. The force of impact may cause discs in the spine to rupture, leading to chronic pain and disability.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Motorcycles lack the protective frame that cars have, so riders often suffer broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
Road Rash
Sliding across the pavement can cause severe skin abrasions known as road rash, which may lead to permanent scarring.
Internal Injuries
The force of impact in a speeding motorcycle accident can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
Motorcycle speeding accidents represent one of the most catastrophic events on the road, often leaving victims with long-lasting or even permanent injuries. These injuries underscore the critical importance of adhering to speed limits and safety measures.
Liability and Settlement in Motorcycle Speeding Accidents
The complexities of liability and settlement in a motorcycle speeding accident require a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices.
Determining who is at fault in a speeding motorcycle accident involves examining evidence, including police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and any available traffic camera footage. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is found partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionately.
Compensation for a motorcycle accident in Utah may include:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work, including future earning capacity if the victim’s ability to work is affected long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for the motorcycle or other personal property damaged in the crash.
Liability and compensation in motorcycle speeding accidents involve multiple facets that require intricate legal assistance.
Protect Your Interest With Our Provo Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been involved in a speeding motorcycle accident and require legal assistance, our team of specialized Provo personal injury lawyers is here to help. Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C. has a long-standing reputation for excellence and dedication to our clients. Contact us today for a consultation. Your recovery, both physically and legally, is our primary concern.
