Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyers 

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly of all traffic accidents. Motorcyclists, like pedestrians and bicyclists, have little to no bodily protection when struck by other vehicles. The impact on the body can thus be devastating, resulting in severe, catastrophic, or even fatal injuries. These injuries can leave you temporarily or permanently disabled, suffering from various impairments, subject you to emotional trauma such as PTSD, and leave you unable to work or carry on your life for weeks, months, years, or forever. 

At Rack Law Group, we have seen firsthand how motorcycle accidents can impact riders and their families. We have seen the physical, emotional, and financial devastation resulting from serious injuries that result in spiraling medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and more. Our team is backed by decades of shared experience devoted exclusively to helping accident victims recover compensation that fully addresses all of their injury-related needs through claims and lawsuits.

Talk to one of our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys by scheduling a free initial consultation at Rack Law Group using our online contact page or by phone at (602) 661-6300. Hablamos español.

Motorcycle Accident Cases in Arizona

According to Motorcycle Sport World, a publication dedicated to motorcyclists, motorcycles make up only three percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S., but motorcyclist fatalities make up 14 percent of all traffic deaths. Those statistics show only too well the safety risks associated with riding a motorcycle in today’s world. 

Motorcycles are more dangerous for various reasons, such as:

• Two-wheeled vehicles are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles
• Motorcycles are less crashworthy than other vehicles; they provide no outer protection, no seatbelts, no airbags, and no other safety features
• Motorcycles are less visible in traffic because they are smaller
• Motorcycles require different motor skills than passenger cars, making training, experience, safety awareness, and defensive driving vital in handling bikes 
• Motorcycles are more likely to slide, topple, or overturn during emergency maneuvers, such as braking suddenly
• Motorcycles are more prone to crashes due to poor weather or bad road conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, potholes, sand or gravel on the highway, and other dangers

The typical response from motorists who have caused a motorcycle accident is that they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. This often happens when changing lanes and failing to look out for riders behind them or in their blind spots, when making left-hand turns in front of oncoming bikers, or opening car doors after parking in front of oncoming riders. 

Motorcycle accidents are also growing across the U.S. due to driver distraction brought on by cell phone usage, such as texting while driving. Other distracted driving actions, such as adjusting GPS or other devices, eating, drinking, talking to passengers or children, and more, can also contribute to drivers failing to see riders with whom they share the roadway. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When involved in a traffic accident with other vehicles, it is the motorcyclist who bears the greater risk of injury or death. 

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can commonly include:

• Road rash, including skin, tissue, and even nerve damage to the affected body parts
• Severe whiplash
• Concussions
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries, including organ damage
• Sprains
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of limbs

When caused by the negligence of others, you will likely need to file an injury claim seeking compensation for your medical bills, property damage to your bike, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. To be successful, you will need to prove the fault of the other party and negotiate with his or her insurer for the settlement you deserve. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when they engage in tactics to undermine your claim. By putting our team on your side, you will have proven professionals who engage in this legal process routinely and who have accumulated the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to help you reach the optimum outcome.

Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Arizona?

Arizona's motorcycle helmet laws are clear and straightforward. They mandate that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. This means that if you're a minor in Arizona and you're out enjoying the open road on two wheels, it's not just recommended but required that you wear a helmet to safeguard your well-being.

For riders who are 18 years of age and older, the choice to wear a helmet is left to their discretion. Arizona has a partial helmet law, which means that adults are not obligated by law to wear a helmet while riding. This liberty, however, comes with a significant responsibility – the responsibility to make a choice that can drastically impact their safety.

The Benefits of Wearing a Helmet

Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle isn't just a legal requirement for minors in Arizona; it's also a crucial safety measure that all riders should consider. Here are some of the benefits of donning a helmet:

• Head Protection: Helmets are designed to protect the rider's head from injuries in the event of an accident. The head is a vulnerable area, and a helmet acts as a barrier against traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other severe head trauma.
• Reduced Risk of Fatalities: Studies consistently show that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of fatalities in motorcycle accidents. In the unfortunate event of a crash, the helmet absorbs impact forces and can be the difference between life and death.
• Preventing Facial Injuries: Helmets also protect the face from abrasions, lacerations, and disfigurement that can result from a collision. The face shield or visor on a helmet adds an extra layer of protection.
• Wind, Debris, and Weather: Helmets not only safeguard against potential accidents but also provide protection from wind, debris, insects, and adverse weather conditions. This makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
• Visibility and Communication: Many helmets come equipped with features like reflective materials and Bluetooth communication systems, enhancing a rider's visibility to others on the road and enabling safer communication while riding.