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Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyers

The Advocates personal injury law firm specializes in guiding bike accident victims through the entire process of getting a fair settlement.

Attorney smiles at client

A Bike Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Pursuing legal action after a personal injury case may be the last thing you want to do. The Advocates completely understand that. You already have to deal with pain and suffering, pushy insurance company adjusters, and astronomical medical expenses. Plus, your bike is probably broken. 

Leave it to one of our bicycle accident lawyers, individuals with years of experience helping bicyclists recoup losses from their accidents.  
Our legal team is composed of compassionate experts ready to offer a helping hand. It is inevitable for a bike to sustain heavy damage against a motor vehicle, but that is where the buck stops. 

The Advocates are here for everyone suffering a bike accident in the state of Utah, including American Fork, Salt Lake City, Orem, Provo, and every other part of this beautiful place we call home.   Contact us today!

The Next Steps in Your Utah Bike Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Property Damage

Get the damage on your bike assessed and repaired

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.  
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.  
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We do not get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.  
For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.  

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  
Your attorney will gather evidence, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime.   

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.  
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.  

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.  
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator. 

A Team of Bicycle Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case   

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.   
We can help you:  

  • Understand the claims process  
  • Investigate your accident  
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries  
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters  
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party 

Hable con un profesional

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney is the very best way to prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of your bicycle injury claim. Studies have shown the profound effect hiring an attorney can have on your injury claim, potentially increasing the value of your case by up to 3.5 times compared to settling on your own. Don’t let the insurance companies push you around. Hire the Advocates and make them pay what you are owed according to Utah law.|

The Advocates Bicycle Accident Claim Process

Step 1: Investigate the Accident

The first step The Advocates will take is investigating your accident. Our attorneys do this by obtaining a police report about your accident, examining any photos or videos of the crash scene, and speaking to any relevant witnesses. Once we have established liability, we will begin to build your injury claim.

Step 2: Build Your Claim

Building your bicycle accident injury claim is one of the most time-consuming steps in the entire process. Our staff must wait until you have finished treatment for your injuries before we can compile a comprehensive medical record of the injuries you have suffered from your accident.

Step 3: Negotiate a Settlement

Once you are finished treating your injuries and your medical records have been gathered, your attorney will send out a demand package to the at-fault party’s insurance. Afterwards, negotiations with your attorney will begin. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you have the option to file a suit.

Step 4: Litigate If Necessary

Time-wise, litigation is the longest step in the claim process, possibly extending the life of your claim one or two years. If you do decide to file a lawsuit, be prepared to potentially appear before a judge and jury.

Utah bicycle accident lawyerUtah Bicycle Injury Statistics

Knowing where and when bicycle accidents are most likely to happen can help you avoid them, whether you are riding or driving. The Utah Highway Safety Office keeps a live count of bicycle accidents and resulting fatalities. Below are statistics for bicycle accidents and injuries in the state of Utah.

What are common bicycle accident injuries?

Bicycle accidents are often far more devastating to cyclists than motorists, because of the size and speed of motor vehicles, as well as their safety features, like seat belts and airbags. Common injuries after a bicycle accident include:

  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Strains and sprains
  • Lacerations, bruising, and road rash

It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately after a bicycle accident. Your medical bills can be added to your injury claim.

What are common causes of bicycle crashes?

Over the years, the attorneys with The Advocates have represented many types of bicycle accident claims. Some common bicycle accident injury claims include crashes resulting from:

  • Impaired driving or riding
  • Distracted driving or riding
  • Failure to yield right-of-way
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Improper turns or lane changes
  • Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
  • Bicyclist on wrong side of road

When and where are bicycle accidents most likely to occur?

Most bike crashes happen in the hours between 7:00 am- 8:00 am and 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. They are more common during the summer months (May-September) and weekdays see more accidents than weekends.
Bicycles are most frequently hit when entering or crossing the road, usually at a crosswalk or intersection. Another large portion of injured riders are hit when traveling legally on the roadway (with the direction of traffic, near the right side of the road).

How many bicycle accidents happen in Utah each year?

Fortunately, in recent years, the number of bicycle accidents each year has been declining. However, Utah still sees around 600 bike accidents each year, with more than 500 injured bicyclists annually. Around 5 bicyclists are killed in accidents every year.
The largest proportion of bicycle accident victims are between 10-30 years old, and around 70% are male.

Utah Bicycle Laws 

Knowing the rules of the road can help keep everyone safe, whether they’re a cyclist or driver. Each state and city has different laws regarding bicycles, so it’s important to be informed of the rules in every location you plan to ride. Below are some of Utah’s laws for bicycles.

Do cyclists have to wear a helmet?

There are currently no helmet laws for bicyclists in the state of Utah, for minors or otherwise. However, it is a smart idea to always wear a helmet when riding. Helmets have been proven to prevent head injuries, which can seriously diminish your quality of life, or even be fatal. More than 60% of bicyclists killed in accidents in Utah over the last several years were not wearing a helmet.
A properly-fitting helmet is one that does not wiggle around when you move your head. The chin strap should fit snugly under your chin. There should be no cracks or other damage to the surface of the helmet.

Do bicycles have to ride in the bike lane?

Bicyclists should ride as close to the ride side of the road as is safe and practicable. Bicyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder; in fact, the shoulder can be dangerous thanks to debris and obstacles that often make their way there.
If a bike lane is available, it is not required for a biker to use it, however, it can be safer. Riding in the bike lane is the only time a cyclist is permitted to pass cars and trucks on the right side.
If there is no bike lane, bikers should stay in the right lane unless passing or making a left turn. 
In some cases, posted signs may direct bikers to use an adjacent bike path instead of the road.

Can bicycles ride on the sidewalk?

Utah law states that bicycles may ride on the sidewalk, with some exceptions.
Downtown Salt Lake City and Provo areas do not allow cyclists to ride on the sidewalk. Some college campuses also prohibit sidewalk riding in certain areas.
When riding on the sidewalk, bikers should yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing. They should follow signs and signals for pedestrians, including lights at crosswalks.

What equipment must a bicycle have to be street-legal?

From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, all bicycles must have a white headlight, a red tail light or rear reflector, and side reflectors, all visible from at least 500 feet.
Bicycles must also have brakes that are capable of fully stopping the bike within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour.
Other equipment that is not required but can increase biker safety includes a bell or horn (no whistles or sirens) and bright, reflective clothing on the bicyclist.

What rights and responsibilities do bicyclists have on Utah roadways?

Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. This means that bikers must signal before changing lanes or making a turn. They must stop at all red lights and stop signs, and obey other signs and signals. They must yield the right-of-way when applicable, including to pedestrians.
In turn, bicycles receive the same rights as motor vehicles as well. Cars and trucks are required to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing. Motorists also may not attempt to distract a bicyclist.