Hurt While a Passenger on a Motorcycle in Provo, UT? Here’s What You Need to Know
Being injured as a passenger on a motorcycle comes with unique legal challenges that can affect how you receive compensation. Understanding these conflicts and ensuring you have the right representation is critical for securing the best outcome.
Why Motorcycle Passengers Need Their Own Attorney
When a motorcycle accident occurs, the passenger often finds themselves in a unique legal position:
- Passengers Bear No Fault: As a passenger, you are 0.00% at fault for the accident, regardless of how it occurred.
- Conflicts of Interest: If you and the motorcycle driver are both injured, it may create a conflict of interest for the same attorney to represent you both.
Common Conflicts of Interest
1. Limited Insurance Coverage
- Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries to both the driver and passenger.
- If the available insurance coverage isn’t enough to fully compensate both parties, an attorney representing both may struggle to decide who gets the larger portion of the settlement.
- A passenger should have their own attorney to ensure their injuries and damages are prioritized.
2. Driver’s Partial Fault
- Accidents involving a car and motorcycle can often attribute partial fault to the motorcycle driver.
- For example, if a car makes a left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle, the car is usually at fault, but the motorcycle driver may bear some responsibility for speeding or unsafe maneuvers.
- A passenger may need to file claims against both the motorcycle driver and the other at-fault driver to secure full compensation.
Provo Motorcycle Passenger Accident Scenarios
1. Rear-End Accidents
- Example: A motorcycle is rear-ended, causing injuries to both the driver and passenger.
- Fault: The other driver is fully at fault.
- Legal Consideration: If there’s enough insurance coverage to compensate both the driver and passenger, the same attorney could represent both parties.
2. Left-Hand Turn Accidents
- Example: A car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, causing a collision.
- Fault: The car is typically at majority fault, but some responsibility may fall on the motorcycle driver.
- Legal Consideration:
- The passenger can pursue compensation from both the car driver and the motorcycle driver.
- If the at-fault car’s insurance policy has low limits (e.g., $25,000), the passenger may need to file a claim against the motorcycle driver’s policy to recover additional compensation.
Why Having Your Own Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Matters
1. Protect Your Interests
- Your attorney ensures your injuries and damages are prioritized, especially when insurance limits are tight.
- You shouldn’t have to compete for compensation with the motorcycle driver.
2. Maximize Your Compensation
- A dedicated attorney can file claims against multiple policies, including:
- The car driver’s insurance
- The motorcycle driver’s insurance
- This ensures you access every available resource to cover your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
3. Avoid Legal Conflicts
- An attorney representing both the motorcycle driver and passenger may face ethical and practical conflicts.
- As a passenger, having your own lawyer ensures your rights are fully protected without compromise.
What to Do After a Provo Motorcycle Passenger Accident
- Seek Medical Attention
- Prioritize your health and document all injuries with proper medical treatment.
- Collect Evidence
- Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and damages.
- Obtain the police report and witness contact information.
- Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Injury Attorney
- Call Provo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter to represent your case.
- Jake Gunter has nearly 20 years of trial experience helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Jake Gunter as Your Provo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
- Experience: Nearly 20 years of trial experience handling motorcycle accident cases.
- No Conflicts: Jake Gunter ensures your unique rights as a passenger are fully protected.
- Travel to You: If you can’t travel due to your injuries, Jake will come to you anywhere in Utah.
- No Fees Unless You Win: You don’t pay unless Jake wins a settlement or verdict for you.
Contact Provo, UT Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to protect your rights. You may be entitled to compensation from multiple insurance policies.
📞 Call or Text Jake Gunter Today for a Free Consultation: (801) 373-6345