Motorcycle Safety: Legally Speaking
With the warmer weather approaching, many motorcyclists are understandably getting spring fever. After spending the winter months in storage, motorcycles should be checked to ensure they are mechanically sound and safe to ride. In their excitement to get cruising on the open roads, many bikers are taking the proper precaution of testing out their bikes in empty parking lots to ensure their bikes are in good riding condition. Although it seems unlikely, catastrophic Utah motorcycle accidents still occur in parking lots!
Case Study: Willard Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Parking Lot
Andrew Lang of Willard Utah was test riding his off road motorcycle in a parking lot on Monday morning of March 29, 2010. The thirty-year-old motorcyclist was struck by a car that had entered the parking lot. Deseret News reports that Mr. Lang, who was not wearing a hospital, was thrown over the roof of the vehicle and hit his head on the pavement when he landed. Andrew Lang sustained traumatic head trauma and serious leg and arm injuries. He was transported via ambulance to McKay-Dee Hospital and rushed into emergency surgery. Mr. Andrew Lang’s condition at this time has not been released.
My thoughts are with Mr. Lang and his family. I pray that he recovers fully and quickly from this tragic motorcycle accident. I also pray that the serious head injuries he sustained will not have any long term affects on his quality of life.
Serious Liability Issues
Weber County Police refer to this accident as a “freak accident” and will not issue citations or fault. Andrew Lang, the motorcyclists was not paying attention while he was practicing turns in the parking lot and the driver of the car apparently was paying attention either. With the added complexity to this Utah motorcycle accident, Mr. Lang and his family are probably wondering how to handle the legal and insurance portion of this claim. It is highly advised that they seek the counsel of experienced Utah motorcycle accident injury attorneys.
What You can Do Protect Yourself
All motorcyclists should ensure that their Uninsured (UM) and Under-insured(UIM) limits are at least as great as their Bodily Injury (BI or liability insurance) limits because UM/UIM protects you from the negligence actions of others while BI protects other from your negligence.
The skilled Utah motorcycle accident attorneys of the Christensen Law Firm have extensive experience in dealing with liability issues that arise with personal injury claims. To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation to discuss the specific nature of your Utah accident case, call us at 801.506.0800.