Motorcycle Accident Claims in Utah

Utah requires helmets only for riders under 21: an individual under 21 may not operate or ride a motorcycle (or an electric assisted bicycle, motor assisted scooter, high power electric device, or open autocycle) on a highway without a helmet meeting the adopted federal standards, except inside an enclosed cab. The statute says failing to wear a helmet is not contributory or comparative negligence and may not be introduced as evidence in civil litigation on negligence, injuries or reducing damages.

Utah bans lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles) but allows limited lane filtering: a motorcycle may pass a vehicle that is stopped in the same lane only on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction and a speed limit of 45 mph or less (or on such an off-ramp), not on an on-ramp, at 15 mph or less, and only when safe. The Utah Code schedules the lane-filtering subsections to be repealed on July 1, 2027.

Modified comparative fault (50% bar). An injured person can recover from defendants whose combined fault (together with immune persons and nonparties to whom fault is assigned) exceeds the injured person's own fault. If the injured person is 50% or more at fault, they recover nothing. Each defendant pays only its own share of fault.

For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, minimum liability coverage is $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $65,000 for two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (or a $90,000 combined single limit). Utah is a no-fault state: policies must include personal injury protection (PIP) of at least $3,000 per person for medical expenses, plus lost-income and household-services benefits. A person with PIP coverage may sue for general damages (such as pain and suffering) only for death, dismemberment, permanent disability or impairment, permanent disfigurement, a bone fracture, or medical expenses over $3,000.

Utah's statutes do not list a specific deadline for ordinary negligence personal injury claims. They fall under the four-year limit for relief "not otherwise provided for by law." Claims against the state, a political subdivision, or their employees for injury to personal rights have a two-year limit.