Motorcycle Accidents in Phoenix

Riding a motorcycle is a fun and economical alternative to driving a car. However, motorcyclists in Phoenix and across Arizona share busy roadways with motorists. Unlike motorists, motorcyclists have little to no protection in road accidents. In case of a collision with a motor vehicle, a biker is likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or even die.

The dangerous aspect of motorcycle accidents often leaves victims with life-changing injuries. The injuries require lengthy and costly medical treatment. The victim is likely to experience emotional and financial distress as they may be unable to work again or for a long time.

If you are a victim of a Phoenix motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, Arizona law entitles you to compensation. However, damage recovery can be challenging as it involves various legal complexities. It is advisable to seek the help of a well-qualified and experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer to help you navigate the complexities and get fair compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of Phoenix motorcycle accidents include:

• Reckless Driving. This can include over-speeding, overtaking, running red lights, ignoring bikers’ right of way, and driving too close to the motorcyclist. These actions endanger motorcyclists with the negligent drivers often hitting motorcyclists.
• Drunk and Distracted Driving. Like reckless drivers, drunk and distracted drivers endanger the lives of motorcyclists. For instance, a driver using their phone while driving may drive too close to a motorcyclist and end up hitting them.
• Poor Road and Weather conditions. Besides driver error, poor road conditions like potholes also put motorcyclists at an increased risk of road accidents. Bad weather conditions including fog and ice/snow on the road also make motorcycling dangerous.
• Mechanical Failures. Motorcycle malfunctions, including brake failure and tire blowouts often lead to dangerous accidents. The malfunctions are often due to defective parts or a poor job by the mechanic.
• Biker Error. The motorcyclist can also be at fault for an accident, including operating without the proper experience or licensing. A motorcyclist’s negligent actions, including over-speeding, lane splitting, and riding under the influence increase their likelihood of getting into a road crash.

Arizona Motorcycle Laws

Arizona traffic laws require motorcyclists to observe standard traffic rules and regulations like any other vehicle operator. But, the law subjects them to some additional rules. Understanding these unique motorcycle accident laws is important as they can affect the damage recovery process. Some of the regulations include;

• Helmet Requirements. Arizona requires all motorcycle riders below 18 years of age to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. However, the law does not require riders above 18 to wear helmets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents by 37%. It is therefore advisable for older riders to also wear a helmet despite Arizona not requiring the same.
• Other Protective Gear and Safety Equipment. Arizona law requires all riders to have some form of face protection. The law also requires bikers to equip their motorcycles with certain safety equipment, including front and rear brakes, a rearview mirror, taillights, a seat for the rider and their passenger, a horn, and footrests.
• Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of moving or slow traffic. Arizona strictly prohibits lane splitting. However, Arizona motorcycle laws allow lane filtering under certain circumstances. Lane filtering is the act of riding between lanes of stopped traffic. It is crucial to distinguish between lane splitting and filtering as the distinction is often a contentious issue in motorcycle accident claims.
• Liability Insurance. Arizona requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance. You risk losing your license for operating a motorcycle without the required insurance. Getting into an accident without the minimum liability insurance also complicates damage recovery.
• Other Motorcycle Accident Laws. Other Arizona laws that can affect damage recovery include statute of limitations and comparative negligence. According to the statute of limitation, you must file your motorcycle accident claim within two years of the accident. Arizona’s pure comparative negligence doctrine allows you to recover damages even where you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your compensation reduces with your percentage of fault.

What to Do After a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident

There are some things you can do after a motorcycle accident to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Some of the things you should do include:

1. Call for emergency services, including medical assistance and the police. Someone else can do it for you if you in case of severe injuries.
2. Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive unless you need to leave for medical treatment. Record a statement with the police.

• If possible, gather evidence, including taking photos of the accident scene. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses.

1. Contact a skilled Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak with the insurance company without an attorney.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Since a motorcycle accident can leave you with severe injuries and require costly medical treatment, a motorcycle accident case often involves substantial compensation. Accordingly, your personal injury claim is likely to be more adversarial. You may need to face off with insurance companies aiming to reduce or even deny you fair compensation.

You also need to prove negligence and adhere to other legal requirements like the statute of limitations. Negotiating with insurance companies and proving negligence while recovering from the accident can be overwhelming.

But, a skilled and experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney can help you. A lawyer will guide you through the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury claim if necessary. The attorney will also help you gather the necessary evidence for your motorcycle accident claim, including the police report, medical records, and eyewitness statements.

Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Recovering damage in a motorcycle accident can be complex. However, if you are in Phoenix, AZ, you don’t need to worry. Our skilled and experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer at Huselid & Huselid Law will help you. We have won many similar cases and are committed to getting you the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services.