After pleading guilty to fleeing the scene of a fatal motorcycle-pedestrian accident, 20-year-old Utah man, Lutolofi Maama, has been sentenced to 365 days in prison. On 29 August 2016, Maama stole a motorcycle from Kearns and rode it towards South Salt Lake, where he collided with 49-year-old Mark E. Swindle as he crossed 3300 South at 900 West. Maama has knocked off the motorcycle when he hit Swindle but, rather than helping his victim, or calling emergency services, he remounted the motorcycle and drove away. The thief was spotted on his bicycle two days later by police investigating the incident, who had traced motorcycle parts to his neighborhood, where they saw Maama and realized his injuries matched those the suspect was believed to have sustained. Swindle died of his injuries a week later.
Maama appeared in 3rd District Court facing felony counts of theft by receiving, failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury, and failure to stop at the command of the police. Four further counts were dismissed.
The full sentence imposed by Judge Mark Kouris included the 365 days imprisonment mentioned previously, along with 48-months’ probation, 50 hours of community service, and an obligation to complete a drug rehabilitation program.
Motorcycle Accidents in Salt Lake City – An Attorney’s Perspective
Due to the construction of motorcycles and the resulting lack of protection from impact, motorcycle riders can sustain serious injuries when involved in an accident. In 2016, 42 motorcycle riders were fatally injured in Utah traffic accidents, with 50 of these potentially avoidable had the biker been wearing an approved safety helmet. Despite the benefit of safety equipment being common knowledge, motorcycle fatalities continue to increase.
While working as Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorneys, we have noticed some common factors contributing to motorcycle accidents, including:
- Defective parts that were not identified by quality control during the manufacturing process, such as loose forks or an unstable frame
- Motorists taunting or harassing motorcycle riders
- Vehicles following motorcycles too closely, resulting in bumping, wobbling, and the toppling of the motorcycle
- Failure to yield
- Drivers failing to spot motorcycles in their blind spot and cutting over too soon as a result
- Intoxicated drivers failing to notice motorcycle riders
The injuries sustained as a result of these motorcycle accidents can vary hugely, from road rash and bruising, to brain injuries and death. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or lost a loved one in a fatal collision, an expert Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney could help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Salt Lake City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney who is not afraid of investigating your case thoroughly. From scouring through accident reports to tracking down and interviewing key witnesses, your Salt Lake City motorcycle accident attorney from Jardine Law Offices P.C. P.C. will do what it takes to secure the compensation and damages you deserve.
To benefit from our comprehensive and thorough approach, schedule your initial consultation by calling us today on 801-350-3506.