Motorcycle Accident Claims in Utah

General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

Short answer: Utah motorcycle injury claims follow the same comparative fault framework as other negligence claims, with several motorcycle-specific rules. A motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane, and no one may drive in a way that deprives a motorcycle of it (Utah Code § 41-6a-1502). Protective headgear is required for riders under 21 (§ 41-6a-1505), and the statute says the failure to wear protective headgear does not constitute contributory or comparative negligence and may not be introduced as evidence in any civil litigation on the issue of negligence, injuries, or the mitigation of damages. Lane splitting is not allowed, but lane filtering is permitted for motorcycles when the statute's conditions are met: a roadway divided into two or more same-direction lanes with a speed limit of 45 mph or less (or an off-ramp, but not an on-ramp), the vehicle being overtaken is stopped, the motorcycle goes 15 mph or less, and the movement can be made safely (§ 41-6a-704(6)).

Who this guide is for

Anyone in Utah hurt in a motorcycle crash — riders, passengers, and families — or the other driver, who wants to understand how Utah's specific motorcycle laws interact with an injury claim.

Helmets: required under 21, and not evidence of fault

Under § 41-6a-1505 (version effective May 6, 2026; confirm current text):

• An individual under 21 may not operate or ride a motorcycle (and certain other devices, such as electric assisted bicycles, motor assisted scooters, and high power electric devices) on a highway without protective headgear meeting the adopted federal specifications. The requirement doesn't apply within an enclosed cab.
• The failure to wear protective headgear does not constitute contributory or comparative negligence on the part of a person seeking recovery for injuries, and it may not be introduced as evidence in any civil litigation on negligence, injuries, or the mitigation of damages.
• A violation is an infraction.

So in a Utah civil claim, the defense generally can't argue that you recover less because you weren't wearing a helmet. (Whether a related argument could be framed some other way is a question for your attorney.)

Lane use and lane filtering

• Full use of a lane. A motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane; operators of other vehicles may not deprive it of that (the rule doesn't apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane).
• No passing in the same lane. A motorcycle may not overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken.
• No lane splitting. A motorcycle may not operate between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles — except for lane filtering as allowed by § 41-6a-704.
• Lane filtering conditions (§ 41-6a-704(6)): operating a motorcycle; on a roadway divided into two or more adjacent same-direction lanes or on an off-ramp so divided; on a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less (or an off-ramp); not on an on-ramp; the overtaken vehicle is stopped; the motorcycle is traveling 15 mph or less; and the movement can be made safely.
• Not more than two abreast in a single lane, and passengers need footrests (§ 41-6a-1504).

A rider filtering outside those conditions may face a fault argument; a rider filtering within them was acting lawfully, though the driver's duty to use reasonable care still matters. Lane filtering may not last: Utah Code § 63I-1-241 lists the lane-filtering provisions as repealed July 1, 2027, and a May 2026 legislative sunset review considered reauthorizing, changing or repealing them. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) is illegal, with a 90-day license or endorsement suspension on a first conviction (§ 41-6a-704.1). See Is Utah's Lane Filtering Law Ending?. Check the current statute and any new legislation, and remember that the law in effect on the accident date generally governs a claim.

Fault and damages

• Comparative fault. Under § 78B-5-818, your fault doesn't alone bar recovery, but you can recover only from defendants whose fault combined exceeds yours, and each defendant pays only its percentage. See Utah's Comparative Fault Rule and Utah's Several-Liability Rule.
• PIP and the threshold. As in other Utah vehicle accidents, PIP pays benefits regardless of fault, and a claim for general damages requires meeting a threshold (a fracture, permanent impairment with objective findings, more than $3,000 in medical expenses, and so on). Motorcycle injuries often involve fractures and high medical costs. See Utah's PIP Coverage Explained and Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold.
• Uninsured and underinsured drivers. See Utah Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims and Utah Hit-and-Run Accident Claims.
• Serious injuries. See Utah Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Claims.

Common motorcycle crash causes

Left-turning vehicles, lane changes, drivers who don't see motorcycles, road hazards (gravel, potholes), and defective equipment. Road-defect claims against the government have notice rules, and equipment defects may involve product liability. See Utah Road Defect Claims Against the Government and Utah's Product Liability Act Explained.

What to document after a motorcycle accident

Beyond the general steps in What to Do After a Car Accident:

• Photos of the scene, the motorcycle, and your gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots) — damaged gear is evidence of impact.
• Whether lane filtering was involved, plus speeds and traffic conditions.
• Witness names and nearby video.
• Your riding history and motorcycle endorsement in case they're questioned.
• Preserve the motorcycle and don't repair it until it's been documented.
• The crash report. See How to Request a Utah Accident Report.

Frequently asked questions

Does not wearing a helmet reduce my recovery in Utah?

Under § 41-6a-1505(6), the failure to wear protective headgear isn't contributory or comparative negligence and can't be introduced as evidence in civil litigation on negligence, injuries, or mitigation of damages.

Who must wear a helmet?

Under the statute, individuals under 21 operating or riding a motorcycle on a highway.

Is lane filtering legal in Utah?

Yes, when all of the statutory conditions in § 41-6a-704(6) are met. Lane splitting is not allowed.

What if the other driver says I was filtering unsafely?

Fault is allocated by percentage; evidence about speed, the stopped traffic, and visibility will matter.