Motorcycle Accidents in Utah – Statistics, Causes, Injuries, and Your Rights
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Utah
Motorcycle crashes often occur because of another driver’s negligence. Common causes include:
- Driver inattention or distraction (cell phone use, in-car activities)
- Failure to yield when turning left in front of a motorcycle
- Following too closely and rear-end collisions
- Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions (potholes, debris, loose gravel)
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when another driver violates the motorcyclist’s right of way.
Utah Law on Comparative Fault – You Are Not Automatically to Blame
Just because you ride a motorcycle does not mean you are automatically at fault in a crash. Insurance companies may try to play on juror bias against motorcyclists—having an experienced lawyer is critical to ensure the facts, not stereotypes, decide your case.
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule (Utah Code § 78B-5-818).
- You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery unless you are 50% or more responsible.
Typical Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have little protection beyond their gear, so injuries are often severe. Government and scholarly research (including the Hurt Report and NHTSA data) shows:
- Lower-extremity injuries (fractures of the tibia, fibula, femur, pelvis) are the most common.
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are the leading cause of fatality.
- Spinal cord injuries and neck trauma can result in paralysis.
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions can cause infection and permanent scarring.
- Facial fractures and dental injuries from impact.
- Nerve injuries, such as brachial plexus damage, can cause long-term disability.
Helmets reduce the risk of death by 22%–42% and brain injury by 41%–69% (NHTSA).
Between 2009 and 2018, motorcycle crashes accounted for 18% of Utah’s traffic fatalities while representing just 1% of all crashes. A motorcyclist in Utah is 13 times more likely to be killed in a crash than an occupant of another vehicle.
Utah Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2024, Utah recorded 281 traffic fatalities, up from 279 in 2023 (Utah Department of Transportation).
In 2022, 50 motorcyclists lost their lives on Utah roads (Utah DPS).
Why Choose THE Utah Injury Lawyer
- Decades of trial experience in Utah motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases.
- Proven results against insurance companies who try to deny fair compensation.
- Deep understanding of Utah’s traffic laws, crash reconstruction, and jury dynamics.
Get Legal Help After a Utah Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah:
- Call now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
- We handle cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
- We act quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and protect your rights from day one.
Contact THE Utah Injury Lawyer at 877-359-8400 or use the live chat to speak directly with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney today.
