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Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, The Advocates can help.

A Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

A collision with a motor vehicle is one of the worst things that can happen to a bicyclist.. Unfortunately, outside of a helmet, bicyclists have very few options in the way of protection. Therefore, they are at risk of suffering dangerous or even life-threatening injuries.

A personal injury attorney with The Advocates is ready to help you make the best possible recovery after your bicycle accident. For more than three decades The Advocates have helped thousands of bicycle accident victims in Salt Lake City, Provo, and all throughout Utah. Our attorneys take pride in putting the needs of our clients and their families above all else. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident in the state of Utah, The Advocates are here to help. We can assist you in accessing medical care, getting your bicycle repaired, building your injury case, negotiating with insurance companies, and receiving the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation– we are ready to get you started on the road to recovery.

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

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

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get your bicycle fixed

Treatment Completed

Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, 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 build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

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. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

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 don’t 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.

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 a few years. It’s 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.

We Get Results

$500 Million

In Settlements

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the 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
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We don’t get paid unless we win your case!

Hable con un profesional

Utah Bicycle Accident Statistics

Common bicycle injuries

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
Distracted driver texting while driving
Bicyclist rides on the road near the shoulder

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
  • Bicycle accidents are more common during the summer months (May-September)
  • 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

bicycle helmet on a light blue background

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.

Bike lane on between the sidewalk and highway
Bike courier rides on the sidewalk in and industrial area

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.

Reflectors on a white background
Bicyclist signals to turn let on a busy city street.

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.

Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

When Should I Hire a Bicycle Injury Attorney?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely do everything they can to avoid paying you a fair settlement. If you attempt to fight a multi-million dollar insurance provider on your own, you may end up feeling overwhelmed, confused, and stressed with nothing to show for it.

The personal injury attorneys at The Advocates have years of experience negotiating with insurance providers and fighting for their clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. Your legal team will be there to take worry off your plate, so you can focus on feeling better.

The Advocates law firm is here to help every step of the way. We will listen to your story, provide sound legal advice, and make sure you understand each step in the process. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

You deserve an attorney who cares. You deserve an Advocate.