Police Officer Riding a Motorcycle Injured in Utah Car Crash
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a West Valley City Police Officer riding a motorcycle was in pursuit of a traffic violator when the car he was passing turned left, hitting the police officer. The force of the accident propelled the police officer into oncoming traffic, where he was hit by a second car. Miraculously, the police officer suffered from significant road rash, he escaped without and serious trauma or injuries.
There are several factors that play into who was at-fault in this motorcycle verses automobile accident. The officer passed the vehicle on the wrong side of the road and the motorist did not pull over to the right when the officer turned on his emergency lights. The police officer very well might be responsible for the accident. However, both the motorist’s insurance company and the policeman’s insurance company are pointing fingers at who is to blame. The motorist’s insurance company is highly trained in these statutes and does understand that after one year the chance of making an injury claim will be void and they won’t be held responsible for any damages.
Warning: Utah Statute of Limitations
Automobile accidents involving government entities have a one year statute of limitations in Utah. This means that if you are in a Utah car accident with a school bus, police car, garbage truck etc. you only have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Although this specific motorcycle verses automobile accident occurred in August of 2009, it would be wise for motorist to contact a personal injury attorney right away. It can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to compile all the medical records, conduct a thorough investigation surrounding the motorcycle accident, and to contact witnesses. Not allowing enough time to build your case can be detrimental. Even if the at-fault driver admits his negligence, after one year the case is essentially gone. The victim is left responsible for all the current and future medical costs and property damage costs.
Protect yourself by educating yourself. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation of your legal rights. The Christensen Law Firm has offices located in Draper, Bountiful, Ogden, and Orem, Utah. We limit the number of claims we take so that every case can be personally handled by one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Main office: 801-506-0800
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