Motorcycle Accident Lawyer AZ
Dealing with a motorcycle accident in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially with injuries, insurance claims, and legal processes. Finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer in AZ can make all the difference in protecting your rights and getting fair compensation. With so many lawyers in Arizona, how can you choose the right one for your motorcycle accident case? We’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider and explain why experienced legal representation is so important.
Why Choosing a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Matters
Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents for many reasons. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands the nuances of rider behavior and the challenges motorcyclists face on the road. That’s why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands those unique factors.
Specialized Knowledge of Motorcycle Laws: More Than Just a Vehicle Code
An Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer should be well-versed in Arizona’s motorcycle laws. A strong case requires a lawyer who understands the intricacies of helmet laws, lane splitting regulations, and other motorcycle-specific laws. Your attorney will know how to use these laws to protect your rights.
Experience with Motorcycle Accident Cases
Look for a lawyer who frequently handles motorcycle accident cases, especially those like yours. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will know the right evidence to gather, the right experts to consult, and how to fight back against tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
Negotiation and Litigation Skills
Motorcycle accident cases often involve intense negotiations with insurance companies. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will need top-notch negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement for your injuries. If a fair agreement isn’t possible, you want a skilled accident attorney ready to take your case to court.
Understanding Fault in Motorcycle Accidents: Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law
Arizona follows a “comparative negligence” rule in motorcycle accidents. This means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if a jury found you 20% at fault, you could only recover 80% of the total compensation.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in will know how to navigate this system and protect your rights to receive fair compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding common causes of motorcycle accidents is important for establishing fault and building a strong case. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Inattentive Drivers: Inattentive drivers often fail to see motorcyclists. They may merge into them, cut them off, or create other dangerous situations that result in an accident.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted drivers are a serious problem in Arizona. Drivers may fail to notice and properly yield to motorcyclists, especially when distracted by texting or using their phones.
- Left-Hand Turns by Other Drivers: Left-hand turns are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Drivers often misjudge the motorcyclist’s distance or speed.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time. This can cause accidents because they can’t properly judge a motorcycle’s distance and speed.
- Driving Under the Influence: Drunk or impaired drivers pose a serious threat to motorcyclists. Their impaired judgment and slow reaction time create a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
- Road Hazards: Road hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven pavement are more dangerous for motorcyclists. Scottsdale, like other cities, has its share of road maintenance challenges.
- Malfunctioning Traffic Signals: A malfunctioning traffic light can cause unexpected accidents, creating dangerous situations for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Compensation: What You Need to Know
In 2021, there were almost 2,600 motorcycle accidents in Arizona, with 160 of them being fatal. Due to the lack of protection for riders, motorcycle accident injuries are often more serious. Motorcycle riders are much more likely to be injured or killed in a crash compared to passenger vehicle occupants.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
These are some common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
- Head Injuries: Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of serious head injuries. A crash can cause traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or skull fractures.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
- Bone Fractures: It’s very common for motorcyclists to suffer broken bones, including arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. These injuries require extensive recovery time.
- Road Rash: The friction between a rider’s body and the pavement can cause painful road rash, often requiring painful skin grafts.
- Internal Injuries: Motorcyclists are at risk of suffering serious internal injuries, such as internal bleeding and organ damage.
Understanding Your Compensation Rights
You deserve compensation if another party’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident. You have the right to pursue compensation for all damages caused by the accident.
Here’s what that compensation may cover:
| Type of Compensation | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Economic Damages | These are specific, measurable expenses caused by the accident. |
| Medical Expenses | Past and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care. |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to the accident and your injuries, including current and future lost wages. |
| Property Damage | The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, riding gear, and other damaged belongings. |
| Non-Economic Damages | These address the ways the accident impacted your quality of life. |
| Pain and Suffering | Financial recovery for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in your favorite hobbies and activities. |
| Punitive Damages | In extreme cases, the court may order the at-fault driver to pay an additional amount as punishment for their reckless actions. This is to deter them from causing a similar accident in the future. |
An AZ motorcycle accident lawyer will help you identify the types of compensation you’re entitled to receive. An experienced attorney will know the best strategies for maximizing your financial recovery.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
After your motorcycle accident, you (or your attorney) will need to gather evidence to prove your claim. Your attorney will use this evidence to build a strong case for your personal injury claim.
Police Report
The official police report will document the date, time, and location of your accident. It will also include the officer’s opinions about contributing factors and statements from any witnesses. This report is a crucial piece of evidence in your motorcycle injury case.
Medical Records
Your medical records are extremely important for proving your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life. These documents create a timeline of your treatment, beginning with your initial visit to the emergency room or your doctor’s office.
Photographs and Videos
Pictures and videos are powerful tools for showing the extent of your injuries, damage to your motorcycle, and other details about the crash. These can make a big difference in proving your case.
Witness Testimony
If there were any witnesses to your motorcycle accident, their statements can provide valuable, unbiased information about the events leading up to the accident.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in AZ will manage your case and advocate for your best interests. Your attorney can help in several ways:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident: Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation of your accident. This may include gathering evidence related to the road conditions, vehicle defects, traffic signals, witness statements, and more.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators who work hard to minimize the amount of money they pay out on claims. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Determine all liable parties: Sometimes, more than one party can be held liable for a motorcycle accident. This may include other drivers, pedestrians, the city or state, or even a parts manufacturer. Your attorney will identify everyone who should be held financially responsible for your injuries.
- Represent you in court: If the at-fault driver refuses to offer a fair settlement amount, your motorcycle accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your attorney will use proven legal strategies and compelling arguments to get you the best outcome in your case.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Check for injuries and call 911. If it’s safe to do so, start gathering evidence at the accident scene, including contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Contact an Arizona motorcycle accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on contingency. This means there are no upfront fees to worry about. You’ll only pay if you win your case, and your attorney’s fee will come directly from your settlement or court award.
Arizona’s Top Choice For Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, seek guidance from a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer like Brad Lakin in Scottsdale, AZ right away. An attorney can answer your questions and help you understand your legal options after a crash.
