Riders in Utah need to know about road and traffic conditions before travelling. Canyons, mountain passes, open highways, and the Wasatch Front in between. You also know that not every driver sees you.
According to the Utah Highway Safety Office, 70 rider fatalities were recorded in 2025, a 32% jump from 53 the year before. One main reason is that motorcyclists remain far more vulnerable because of less protective gear.
In this guide, we’ll cover why motorcycle crashes happen, reasons behind them, how to avoid them, what to do right after a crash, and why legal help matters. If you’re injured in Utah or Salt Lake City, contact The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez to learn about your legal rights for free.
Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of road fatalities in Utah.
- Unhelmeted riders are twice as likely to suffer fatal injuries.
- 56% of motorcycle accidents involve misconduct by other vehicles.
- You have four years to file a personal injury claim in Utah.
- If a court finds you 50% or more at fault, Utah law bars your claim. Your share of fault matters a lot.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Utah?
Motorcycle accidents in Utah are more common than they should be and are getting deadlier. See the statistics below:
Utah Motorcycle Crash Statistics
Utah’s overall traffic deaths went down in 2025, but the motorcycle crash graph shows a rising peak. The state recorded 264 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 277 in 2024, and 69% of the riders who died were younger than 35 years. 87% of motorcyclists who died were male.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) both called the trend troubling. UDOT said its summer numbers were much higher than expected. The table below helps you understand the statistics more easily.
| Measure | Figure | Source |
| Motorcyclists killed in Utah, 2025 | 70 (official count released early 2026; state safety reports confirmed 72 total) | Utah Highway Safety |
| Motorcyclists killed in Utah, 2024 | 53 | Utah Highway Safety |
| Deadliest month on record | July 2025 (14 deaths) | Utah DPS |
| All traffic deaths on Utah roads, 2025 | 264 (down from 277 in 2024) | UDOT & DPS |
| Motorcyclists killed in the U.S. in 2024, contributing 16% of all traffic deaths | 6,228 | NHTSA — Motorcycle Safety Overview |
Why Riders Face More Risk Than Drivers?
While sitting in a car, you are wrapped in metal, airbags, and seat belts. But a motorcycle gives you none of that.
The NSC report from 2024 states,
“Motorcyclists account for 16.2% of all traffic fatalities and 3.6% of all injuries.”
Three things that drive more risk to riders are:
- No protection. Your body takes the impact.
- Small size. Drivers may not see you or misjudge your speed or distance.
- Balance. It’s difficult to balance a two-wheeled motor vehicle with hard braking or a sudden twist.
A report published by NSC in 2024 found that the majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred:
- On urban roads (65%)
- In good weather (94%)
- During daytime (49%)
- In crashes involving two vehicles (57%)
- When wearing helmets (64%)
Riders in Salt Lake County, Ogden, and Provo deal with dense traffic, many intersections, and constant lane changes.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Utah
Not all bike crashes occur because of the rider’s fault; some involve driver error, and some involve poor road conditions. Below are the common causes behind Utah motorcycle accidents:
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Drivers Who Fail to See the Motorcycle
A motorcycle has a slimmer profile than cars or other vehicles. It can easily hide behind other vehicles, barriers, and blind spots. Drivers mainly focus on four-wheeled vehicles, and their brains easily skip over a rider, and accidents occur.
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Left Turn and Intersection Crashes
When a rider is going straight, passing by a car, or overtaking, and the driver suddenly turns left, the rider will obviously hit the vehicle. Drivers need to maintain a safe gap and judge the speed of a bike before a left turn. Intersections are top places where most motorcycle accidents happen.
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Unsafe Lane Changes and Drifting
A driver may shift lanes without checking the blind spots, signals, or unsafe road conditions. These are the spots where a bike may sit, and more often you clip a rider. On a motorcycle, a small tap can throw you off the bike. Drifting works the same way.
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Speeding
Speed turns small mistakes into serious ones. NHTSA figures from 2021 state that 33% of motorcyclists were involved in fatal crashes.
In mid 2025, Utah Highway Patrol said speeding played a role in about 39% of fatal motorcycle crashes. NHTSA’s national numbers tell the same story. In 2024, 37% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were speeding. For passenger car drivers, the number was 22%.
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Distracted Driving
A driver glances at a phone for two seconds. In that time, a car travels the length of a football field at highway speed. A rider ahead of that driver may never get a second chance.
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Road Hazards
Cars roll over gravel, potholes, and wet patches without a problem. Motorcycles don’t. When a road defect plays a part in a crash, a city, county, or state may share the blame. Common hazards in Utah include:
- Loose gravel on canyon roads and driveways
- Potholes and broken pavement after winter
- Painted lines and metal plates that get slick when wet
- Sand and debris left by construction
- Deer and other wildlife near canyon and rural roads
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Impaired Riding and Driving
Alcohol, smoking, and other drug use are factors that cause motorcycle accidents. Utah Highway Safety data from 2020 to 2024 shows 4,408 alcohol-related accidents with 274 fatalities. The highest percentage of fatal DUI accidents occur on weekends (Friday-Sunday).
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Inexperience and Missing Endorsements
Utah requires a motorcycle (M) endorsement on your driver’s license. Utah Highway Patrol has said many riders killed in recent years did not hold one. The national picture looks similar. NHTSA reports that 35% of riders in fatal crashes in 2024 had no valid motorcycle license.
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Mechanical Failure and Defective Parts
Sometimes the bike fails, a tire blows, a brake line gives out, or a part breaks. If a defect caused your crash, the manufacturer or a repair shop may be responsible. These cases need a mechanic’s inspection, so keep the bike exactly as it is.
Risks and Consequences of Utah Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are always exposed to higher accident risks on the road, with the risk of serious injuries. If you face an accident, you may require continuous medication, therapy, or rehabilitation to recover. Sometimes it’s a matter of a few weeks, months, or, in severe cases, years. Being aware of these dangers can help motorcyclists stay alert to the risks and consequences of motorcycle accidents on Utah roads.
Common Injuries
The table below shows common injuries after a motorcycle accident and what they actually mean in simple words:
| Injury | What It Can Mean |
| Road rash | Scraped skin that can become infected or scar. |
| Broken bones | Painful breaks that may need surgery. |
| Traumatic brain injury (TBI) | Headaches, memory loss, or trouble focusing. |
| Spinal cord injury | Partial or complete paralysis. |
| Internal injuries | Hidden bleeding or organ damage. |
| Amputation | Losing a limb in the crash or during surgery. |
| Post-traumatic stress | Anxiety, flashbacks, or fear of riding again. |
The Long-Term Cost
A Utah motorcycle accident does not end with injuries; they are only part of it. A serious crash may leave long-term effects on a victim or his family. It may include:
- Medical emergency and rising bills
- Surgery, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Months of missed work
- Home changes or help with daily tasks
- Damage to the bike and your gear
- Travel expenses
Many riders also carry the emotional weight. Sleep problems and fear are common. None of that is weakness.
How Much a Helmet Matters
One out of five motorcycle crashes causes serious head or neck injuries, according to the Utah Public Safety Department. Neck injuries cause most fatalities, but wearing a good-quality helmet can reduce the severity a lot. NSC facts show that 37% of riders and 41% of passengers remain safe from fatal injuries when wearing a helmet. Those numbers are a big reason safety groups push for helmets, even where the law doesn’t.
How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents?
Before every ride, keep in mind that you can’t control other drivers but can control how you ride. Further, some protective measures that can help you avoid common motorcycle accidents include:
Ride Like You’re Invisible
On the road, assume you are invisible to other drivers. So, keep the headlights of your bike on, especially in the evening and night, and wear reflective gear. Remain out of blind spots, ride in your lane, and do not stick around a vehicle.
Handle Intersections With Extra Care
At intersections:
- Slow down before you enter, even on a green light.
- Look at the driver’s face and wheels. Wheels show intent before the car moves.
- Always leave some space yourself to escape.
- Do not assume that a driver will surely turn at a turn signal.
Keep Your Distance
A bike stops much quicker than a truck. So always leave a few seconds of space between yourself and the vehicle approaching from the back to avoid rear-end collisions.
Always Wear Protective Gear
A common phrase used by bike safety groups is “Dress for the slide, not the ride.” It means whenever you sit on a motorcycle, you should wear:
- DOT-certified helmet, full face if you can
- Armored jacket, pants, and gloves
- Boots that cover your ankles
- Eye protection or a visor
Check Your Bike Before You Ride
A quick check takes two minutes but can save you years. Many mechanical failures give signs first. Before riding, check your motorcycle:
- Tires and air pressure
- Brakes
- Lights
- Chain and gears
- Oil and other fluid levels
Take a Rider Course
If you want to operate a motorcycle in Utah, a basic rider course is required by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Experienced riders can also refresh their skills. Click the link to read or download the Motorcycle Handbook.
Don’t Ride Impaired or Tired
Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue all slow reaction time. Plan another way home. A cab costs less than a crash.
Utah Laws for Motorcyclists
Utah’s rules for riders are shorter than many states’. A rider must know them before appearing on the road to avoid tickets and accidents. Here are the main ones:
Helmet Law:
Riders under 21 must wear a DOT helmet. The fine is up to $110. If you’re older and skip the helmet, it can’t be used against you in a civil case. (Utah Code 41-6a-1505)
Endorsement:
As a rider, you need an “M” on your license. Be 16 or older, and pass a written test and a riding test. A rider course card skips the riding test if you use it within six months. (Utah DLD)
Lane filtering:
You can ride between stopped cars only on roads with 2+ lanes each way, a speed limit of 45 or less, and at 15 mph or less. Not on on-ramps. (Utah Code 41-6a-704)
Lane splitting:
Riding between lanes of moving traffic is banned. It’s an infraction. (Utah Code 41-6a-704.1)
Property Damage:
Stop, share your name, plate, and insurance, and show your license if asked. Call police if damage looks like $2,500 or more. (Utah Code 41-6a-401)
Injury or Death:
If someone is hurt or killed, you must stop and stay. Give your information and call law enforcement right away. Leaving is a crime and can be a felony. (Utah Code 41-6a-401.3 and 41-6a-401.7)
How to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle in Summer?
Summer is peak riding season in Utah and also the most dangerous time on the road. UDOT and Utah DPS track the “100 Deadliest Days,” the stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Traffic deaths usually go up during this period. In 2025, overall summer deaths dropped, but motorcycle deaths climbed.
How to Avoid Summer Risks?
Here are some points riders should follow to stay safe on Utah roads during peak summer season:
- To stay focused in heat season, drink water before you feel thirsty.
- Leave some extra space for cars, trailers, RVs, and tourists.
- Ride slowly on canyon and mountain roads.
- Utah summer storms bring sudden rain and slick pavement. Check the weather before riding.
- Low sun at dawn or dusk can hide you from drivers and hide hazards from you. Wear a visor or tinted eye protection.
- Ride staggered at a safe pace. Don’t speed up to keep pace with the group.
Want to avoid motorcycle accidents in summer? Plan your route and start early & take breaks.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Utah
What you do quickly after the crash matters the most. Here is what to do, in order.
- Get to safety and call 911. If you can move, get out of traffic. If you can’t, stay still and wait for help. Utah law requires you to report crashes that involve injury or death.
- Get medical care. Accept the ambulance ride if offered. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor the same day. Some injuries show up late.
- Stay at the scene. Don’t leave. Leaving the scene of a crash with injuries is a crime in Utah.
- Take photos and video. Capture the vehicles, road, skid marks, signs, traffic lights, your injuries, and your bike. Capture your helmet and gear too.
- Get names and numbers. Collect the other driver’s name, license, insurance, and plate. Get witness contact information before people leave.
- Ask for the police report number. Utah Highway Patrol or the local police agency will write the report. You will need it.
- Keep your gear and your bike. Don’t repair or clean anything. Your helmet, jacket, and bike are evidence.
- Be careful what you say. Don’t apologize or guess about fault. Say you are hurt, and you need medical care.
- Don’t give a recorded statement. The other driver’s insurance adjuster may call within hours. You don’t have to talk. Speak with a lawyer first.
- Don’t post on social media. Insurers look. A photo of you smiling at a barbecue can show up in your file.
- Call a motorcycle accident lawyer. Do this before you sign anything or accept a payment.
Your Legal Options After a Utah Motorcycle Accident
You may have more options than you think. It depends on who caused the crash and what coverage is in play.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
After a motorcycle crash, more than one party can share the blame. The table below explains this well and helps you understand better:
| Party | When they may be responsible |
| Another driver | Failed to yield, changed lanes unsafely, speeding, distracted, impaired |
| Vehicle owner | Let an unsafe or unfit driver use the vehicle |
| Employer | The driver was working at the time of the crash |
| Government agency | Dangerous road design or poor maintenance |
| Manufacturer | Defective bike, tire, brake, or part |
| Repair shop | Faulty repair or maintenance |
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Based on the situation of your case, you may recover compensation for your economic or non-economic damages. See the table below for a better understanding of what you may recover:
| Type | Examples |
| Medical costs | Ambulance, ER, surgery, therapy, medication, future care |
| Lost income | Time off work and lost earning power |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain and emotional distress |
| Property damage | Bike, helmet, gear, accessories |
| Wrongful death | Funeral costs and losses to the family |
How Utah Fault Rules Affect Your Claim
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule under Utah Code 78B-5-818. A jury assigns a percentage of fault to everyone involved, including you.
- If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. Your award goes down by your share of fault.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Here’s a simple example. Say your losses total $100,000 and a jury finds you 20% at fault. You could recover $80,000. If the jury finds you 50% at fault, you recover nothing.
That is why insurers fight over fault. Even a small shift in the percentage can change what you receive.
When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Not every crash needs a lawyer, but many do. Here are some signs you need a motorcycle accident lawyer:
- You have a serious injury or ongoing treatment
- The other driver blames you
- The other driver has no insurance or too little
- The insurer offers a quick settlement
- A government agency, employer, or manufacturer may be involved
- Someone died in the crash
What a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Does
After you are injured in a bike accident in Utah, a motorcycle accident lawyer helps you understand your options and fight to secure compensation you deserve. Here’s what a lawyer does while you recover:
- Collects the police report, photos, video, and witness statements
- Works with medical providers and records
- Hires experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists
- Handles calls and letters from insurers
- Builds the case on what your injuries cost you now and later
- Files a lawsuit if the insurer won’t offer a fair amount
Why Utah Riders Choose Hernandez Injury Law
After a motorcycle accident in Utah, victims need personalized, quick, and valuable support. At Hernandez Injury Law, you get everything that matters to your personal injury case. Here is what you get when you work with us:
- Every client gets a custom legal strategy.
- You work directly with your attorney.
- We push back when an insurer undervalues your claim.
- We know how Utah’s comparative negligence rules work and how insurers use them.
- We take cases to court when we need to.
- Support during your legal case and your recovery.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Utah?
You generally have four years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims have a two-year limit. Claims against a government entity require a notice of claim within one year. Don’t wait.
Does not wearing a helmet affect my claim?
Utah only requires helmets for riders under 21. If you were 21 or older, you broke no helmet law. An insurer may still argue that a helmet would have lessened your injuries. A lawyer can respond to that argument with medical evidence.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
You may be able to make a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Check your policy and call us. We can help you read it.
Who pays my medical bills right after a crash?
It depends. Your health insurance, MedPay, or PIP coverage if you added it to your policy, or the at-fault driver’s insurer may all play a part. Keep every bill and record.
How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
It depends on your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, who was at fault, and the coverage available. No one can tell you a number before they review your records.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Usually not without advice. First offers often come before you know the full cost of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you can’t ask for more.
What does it cost to hire Hernandez Injury Law?
At Hernandez Injury Law, you pay no fee unless we win your case. We offer a free consultation in English and Spanish.
Ride Smart. Know Your Rights.
Motorcycle crashes in Utah are rising, and riders carry the biggest share of the harm. You can lower your risk with training, the right gear, and defensive habits. If a crash does happen, act fast. Get medical care, protect the evidence, and talk to a lawyer before you talk to an insurer. Hernandez Injury Law offers free consultations, so you know what you legally deserve, and works on a contingency fee basis.