UTAH MOTORCYCLE LAWS*

 

Utah motorcyclists are protected under Utah motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Utah motorcyclists. A bike who is involved in a Utah motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Utah.

 

If you sustained an injury due to a Utah motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Utah motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer.             1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

 

Ø      Utah Helmet Law: A person riding on a Utah motorcycle is required by law to wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18.

 

§ 41-6a-1505. Motorcycle or motor-driven cycle--Protective headgear--Closed cab excepted--Electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices

(1) A person under the age of 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on a highway unless the person is wearing protective headgear which complies with specifications adopted under Subsection (3).

(3) The following standards and specifications for protective headgear are adopted:

(a) 49 C.F.R. 571.218 related to protective headgear for motorcycles; and

(b) 49 C.F.R. 1203 related to protective headgear for bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and electric personal assistive mobility devices.

 

 

Ø      Utah Motorcycle Eye Protection Law: A person riding on a Utah motorcycle is required by law to wear eye protection, unless Utah motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. Eye protection is also required for speeds over 35 mph when riding on a Utah motorcycle.

 

Ø      Minimum Insurance for Utah Motorcycles: Compulsory Liability Insurance

 

Ø      Utah is a No-Fault state: Utah has no-fault insurance for automobiles; however, this does not apply to motorcycles.

 

An injured and insured Utah motorcyclist can recover No-Fault benefits under Utah’s Automobile No-Fault Insurance Act, despite the fact motorcycles are excluded under this act, if the Utah motorcyclist is involved in an accident with another motor vehicle.

 

Ø      Benefits Available Under Utah No-Fault Law:

 

·        Medical Expenses

·        Wage Loss

·        Replacement Services

·        Funeral Expenses

·        Survivors’ Loss

 

U.C.A. 1953 § 31A-22-307

§ 31A-22-307. Personal injury protection coverages and benefits

(1) Personal injury protection coverages and benefits include:

(a) up to the minimum amount required coverage of not less than $3,000 per person, the reasonable value of all expenses for necessary:

(i) medical services;

(ii) surgical services;

(iii) X-ray services;

(iv) dental services;

(v) rehabilitation services, including prosthetic devices;

(vi) ambulance services;

(vii) hospital services; and

(viii) nursing services;

(b)(i) the lesser of $250 per week or 85% of any loss of gross income and loss of earning capacity per person from inability to work, for a maximum of 52 consecutive weeks after the loss, except that this benefit need not be paid for the first three days of disability, unless the disability continues for longer than two consecutive weeks after the date of injury; and

(ii) a special damage allowance not exceeding $20 per day for a maximum of 365 days, for services actually rendered or expenses reasonably incurred for services that, but for the injury, the injured person would have performed for the injured person's household, except that this benefit need not be paid for the first three days after the date of injury unless the person's inability to perform these services continues for more than two consecutive weeks;

(c) funeral, burial, or cremation benefits not to exceed a total of $1,500 per person; and

(d) compensation on account of death of a person, payable to the person's heirs, in the total of $3,000.

 

Ø      To sue for non-economic damages as a result of your Utah motorcycle accident, you must meet a threshold injury under law.

 

·        Dismemberment

·        Permanent disability or impairment

·        Permanent serious disfigurement

·        Medical expenses in excess of $3,000

·        Death

 

U.C.A. 1953 § 31A-22-307

(1)(a) A person who has or is required to have direct benefit coverage under a policy which includes personal injury protection may not maintain a cause of action for general damages arising out of personal injuries alleged to have been caused by an automobile accident, except where the person has sustained one or more of the following:

(i) death;

(ii) dismemberment;

(iii) permanent disability or permanent impairment based upon objective findings;

(iv) permanent disfigurement; or

(v) medical expenses to a person in excess of $3,000.

(b) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a person making an uninsured motorist claim.

 

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

 

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

 

***Law portion of site in progress. Utah motorcycle law regarding Utah motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.