Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What Do I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona?

Taking the proper steps after a motorcycle accident will protect your legal rights and health. Here’s what you should do to be prepared to make a claim:

• Prioritize your health by immediately getting medical attention, even if you feel okay. This not only protects your well-being but also provides crucial medical records.
• Call 911. A police report can be invaluable for your case, and emergency services are there to assist if needed.
• Document the scene thoroughly with photos and videos. Capture your motorcycle, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Switch details with the other driver, including contact and insurance details, and gather statements or contact information from witnesses.
• Avoid discussing fault or providing statements to insurance companies until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
• Reach out to an experienced Arizona motorcycle accident attorney right away to protect your rights and start building your case.

Taking these steps promptly have a big difference in the outcome of your claim.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Arizona happen due to visibility issues, driver error or road hazards. Here are the most common types of motorcycle crashes:

• Left turn accidents at intersections when drivers don’t see oncoming motorcycles.
• Drunk drivers crash when impaired judgment and slower reaction times create hazardous situations.
• Distracted driver accidents when texting, eating or daydreaming takes their attention off the road.
• Blind spot crashes when drivers don’t check areas their mirrors can’t see, putting motorcyclists at risk.
• Inattentional blindness crashes when drivers ignore smaller vehicles like motorcycles while focused on bigger hazards.
• Dooring when a car door is opened into an oncoming motorcycle’s path and the rider has no time to react.

Arizona Motorcycle Laws

Arizona motorcycle laws are crucial to stay safe and avoid legal troubles. These laws protect motorcyclists and other road users, prevent accidents and hold people accountable. Here’s what needs to be kept in mind:

Helmet Laws

• Riders and passengers under 18 must wear helmets.
• Riders 18 and up are not required to wear helmets but should.
• All motorcyclists must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Licensing Requirements

• To ride a motorcycle in Arizona you must have a motorcycle license or endorsement.
• You must pass a knowledge test to get a license, as well a skills test and a motorcycle safety course.

Equipment Requirements

Motorcycles in Arizona must have:

• Both headlights and taillights on at all times.
• At least one mirror that shows behind the motorcycle.
• A working muffler to reduce noise.
• Turn signals on newer motorcycles (1986 and newer).

Lane Filtering

• As of 2022, Arizona permits lane filtering under specific conditions. You can move between stopped vehicles if you’re on a road with a speed limit (45 mph or less), and you don’t exceed 15 mph while filtering. Always ensure it’s safe before proceeding.

Insurance Requirements

• Carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage.

Passenger Rules

• Carrying a passenger is allowed if your motorcycle is designed for two. Ensure there’s a designated passenger seat and footpegs for their safety.

Traffic and Safety Laws

• Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as everyone else, speed limits, yield, stop at stop signs.
• Reckless driving, such as stunt riding or excessive speeding, can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.

What Compensation Can You Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident because of a negligent or reckless driver, you could be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:

• Medical expenses, covering immediate treatments and long-term needs such as surgeries or skin grafts.
• Costs for physical therapy or rehabilitation to help you recover.
• Pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident.
• Permanent injuries, such as scarring or the loss of a limb.
• Paralysis, whether partial or complete, caused by the crash.
• Property damage, including repairs or replacement for your motorcycle and other personal belongings.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Compensation for wrongful death if a loved one was fatally injured in the accident.

These damages are intended to help you rebuild your life and ensure justice is served. Speak with an experienced attorney to understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death occurs when a motorcyclist dies as a result of another driver’s negligent or illegal actions. These tragic incidents leave families grappling with emotional pain and significant financial burdens.

Eligible family members—such as spouses, children, parents, or other dependents—can pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred prior to the victim’s death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future income and financial support from the victim
• Emotional distress

Unlike criminal cases, which aim to punish the responsible driver, wrongful death claims focus on providing financial assistance to families coping with their grief.

Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of fatal injuries compared to car drivers, underscoring the need to understand your rights. Pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim can help you obtain the support and resources necessary during this challenging time.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Arizona

Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to serious injuries because riders lack protective barriers. Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries – Even with helmets, impacts to the head can result in concussions, memory issues, and long-term cognitive difficulties.
• Spinal cord injuries – These can result in partial or complete paralysis, greatly affecting mobility and overall quality of life.
• Broken bones and joint injuries – Fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs often necessitate surgery and extended recovery times.
• Internal injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding caused by the force of a collision can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.
• Road rash and burn injuries – Skin abrasions from contact with the road or burns from fires may require extensive treatment, including skin grafts.
• Amputations – Severe accidents can result in the traumatic loss of limbs, permanently changing a victim’s life and capabilities.
• Psychological trauma – Post-accident PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress are common and often need professional support.

How Can Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Arizona Help?

At Thompson Law, our Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to getting you justice. With our proven results, we handle the tough cases by investigating your accident to determine fault and get to the truth. We walk you through the process from start to finish and make sure you know your rights under Arizona law.

To build your motorcycle accident case we gather and review:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Police reports
• Your accident account
• Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists
• Medical records and treatment history
• Surveillance footage or dashcam footage
• Photos and videos
• Hazardous road conditions

Every motorcycle accident is different, but our experience in Arizona personal injury law allows us to take on the toughest cases. Call us today to get started.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Selecting the right legal team can have a major impact on your case. At Thompson Law, we are committed to providing strong representation and personalized support for motorcycle accident victims. Here’s what sets us apart:

• No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our contingency fee structure means we only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
• Proven Success: With over $1.9 billion recovered for clients, we have the experience and resources to fight for the best possible outcome.
• Fast and Simple Process: Getting started is easy. Call anytime to speak directly with a lawyer. You can sign up from your phone or computer, and we’ll begin working on your case immediately.
• 24/7 Availability: Motorcycle accidents happen at all hours, and we’re always here to help when you need us.
• Personalized Legal Support: Every case is different, and we treat each client with care, respect, and individual attention. You’ll receive regular updates and guidance throughout the process.
• Bilingual Representation: Our team offers Spanish-language support, ensuring all clients have access to clear legal guidance.

At Thompson Law, we handle everything—from investigating your accident and negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to trial if needed.

Don’t wait. Arizona has a statute of limitations on filing a claim after a motorcycle accident. Call us today for a free consultation and let our Arizona motorcycle accident lawyers get you the justice and money you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs in Arizona

Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?

In Arizona, only riders under 18 are required to wear helmets. Not wearing a helmet does not excuse another driver’s duty of care towards you. If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, you can still get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and emotional distress. However, not wearing a helmet may reduce the amount of compensation you get if it contributes to the severity of your injuries. Contact our Arizona motorcycle accident lawyers to find out how this will affect your case.

Can I pursue compensation if a family member dies in a motorcycle accident?

Yes, you can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident. In Arizona, eligible family members such as spouses, children or parents can get compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost future income and emotional distress.

How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on many factors including the severity of injuries, medical bills, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering. An attorney can evaluate your case and let you know what you may be entitled to.

How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?

Minor injuries may get a few thousand dollars, while severe injuries or wrongful death cases may get hundreds of thousands or millions.

Who is most often at fault in motorcycle accidents?

In many motorcycle accidents, the car or truck driver is at fault for not seeing the motorcyclist or not yielding to the motorcyclist. Common causes include distracted driving, improper lane changes, left-turn collisions and failure to check blind spots. But fault is determined on a case-by-case basis.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may forfeit your right to pursue compensation.