Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ

Our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer knows that riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable hobby, but also dangerous due to the potential for poor road conditions and negligent drivers around you on the road. Do not hesitate to come to us for a free consultation if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a crash. The chances of sustaining serious or debilitating injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident are at increased odds for motorcyclists. Car drivers have more protection since they are inside a vehicle to help deflect impact, but motorcyclists do not have that same luxury and are vulnerable to sustaining severe or critical injuries that they may not recover from. 

As a motorcyclist accident victim, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Because of our diverse professional experience, we can help solve even the most complicated problems for our clients. If you or someone you love was injured because of a negligent or drunk driver, we recommend contacting our client-recommended team at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today for support. Get your free consultation now!

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

The chances of being hurt in a motorcycle crash are high, and riders are unlikely to walk away uninjured. Car drivers are always rushing around the road and lacking consideration for the safety of others. 

Some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen are due to driver negligence, poor weather, road hazards, and drunk driving. However, the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is a driver’s failure to notice the motorist before changing lanes. A car driver’s lack of view of a motorcyclist is a big factor in these kinds of accidents happening.

Perhaps the safest way to reduce the chances of a motorcycle accident is to assume that you are not visible and to make your movements accordingly. Most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections because car drivers did not see them or had misjudged how fast they were traveling within their path. This can also occur while on the highway when maneuvering between lanes or coming to a slow stop because of traffic. Furthermore, tailgating also raises the risk of a multi-vehicle crash, where motorcyclists may be struck and ejected onto the roadway. 

We cannot control the weather, so when it is rainy or icy, we have to take certain measures to protect ourselves by driving slower, allowing more space for stops, and slowing down for turns. Motorcycle riders must be more cautious when driving their bike during poor weather because of how slippery the roads can be, and the fact that another car around them may lose control and crash into them.

Too many people get behind the wheel thinking that they are sober enough to drive, when in fact they are not. Our Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer knows that, unfortunately, another common reason why motorcycle crashes happen is because people drink and then drive when their senses and judgments are impaired. A motorcyclist may not have done anything to contribute to an awful crash, and they don’t deserve to suffer because someone else chose to drive carelessly. Even if you think you may have been at fault or partially at fault, there could have been factors that you didn’t realize were present, which is why we suggest having our team investigate further.

Key Benefits Of Having Legal Representation

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, property damage, and financial stress. Having the right legal support to ease the personal and familial burden of navigating the legal case is something that can make a big difference in the outcome of the accident legal case as well. The compensation that is secured is also something that a lawyer can have a big influence on. Here are some of the other key benefits of working with a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer.

• Building A Strong Case – A motorcycle accident lawyer has the knowledge to gather and organize evidence to support your claim. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction if necessary. A well-prepared case increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, whether through a settlement or trial. Your lawyer from our firm has ample experience in building strong cases.
• Handling Insurance Companies – Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging, especially when they attempt to minimize your compensation. A lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and push back against low settlement offers. This allows you to focus on recovery while knowing your claim is being handled professionally.
• Accurately Valuing Your Claim – It’s not uncommon for accident victims to underestimate the value of their claims. Our attorney will consider all aspects of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to your injuries. This comprehensive approach ensures that no potential compensation is overlooked.
• Representing You In Court (If Necessary) – While many cases settle out of court, some disputes require litigation. Having our Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer who is prepared to represent you in court can make a significant difference. They present your case effectively, handle legal procedures, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
• Reducing Stress – Recovering from a motorcycle accident is stressful enough without dealing with legal matters on your own. A lawyer takes the burden of handling paperwork, negotiations, and legal deadlines off your shoulders. This support allows you to focus on healing and moving forward.
• Protecting Your Rights – Motorcyclists sometimes face bias in accident claims, with assumptions made about their driving behavior. A lawyer works to counteract these biases by presenting factual evidence and advocating for fair treatment under the law. This helps make sure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
• Saving Time – Legal cases can involve a lot of time-consuming steps, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. Working with our motorcycle crash attorney streamlines this process, allowing for a more efficient resolution of your claim. Our experience helps prevent unnecessary delays or errors that could impact your case.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in the United States, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities. This represents the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since at least 1975. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2020, motorcyclist fatalities among riders aged 55 and older increased by 37%, from 1,087 to 1,486. – Crash Stats
• Motorcycle deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022, with a total of 6,222 motorcyclists dying in crashes—the highest number ever recorded and a 23% increase since 2019. – Motorcycles and ATVs
• Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 1% from 2021 to 2022, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 16%. – National Safety Council
• In 2021, Arizona reported 2,594 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 160 motorcyclist deaths and 2,206 injuries. – Arizona Dept. of Transportation

At SL Chapman Trial Lawyers, we’re committed to helping accident victims get the justice they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, working with our trusted Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. Contact our team today for a consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Mistakes To Avoid When Filing A Motorcycle Accident Claim

Filing a motorcycle accident claim can be challenging, and mistakes in the process may impact the compensation we receive. Taking the right steps from the beginning helps protect our rights and strengthens our case. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Waiting Too Long To Take Action

After an accident, delaying medical care or waiting to file a claim can create problems. Insurance companies may question the severity of our injuries if there is a gap between the accident and medical treatment. Arizona also has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning we have a limited time to file. Acting quickly helps build a stronger case.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records are key evidence in a claim. If we do not seek treatment, the insurance company may argue that our injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident.

Admitting Fault At The Scene

After an accident, emotions run high, and it is natural to want to apologize. However, saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as admitting fault. It is best to stick to the facts when speaking to police, the other driver, or witnesses. Fault should be determined through an investigation, not casual conversation.

Failing To Gather Evidence

Strong evidence helps support our claim. If we do not document the accident scene, we may miss important details. Taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries can be useful. Collecting witness contact information and keeping copies of medical records, repair estimates, and police reports also strengthens our case.

Giving A Recorded Statement To The Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters may ask us to give a recorded statement, but this is not required. Anything we say can be used to reduce or deny our claim. It is better to provide written statements with the help of legal representation to avoid misinterpretation.

Accepting A Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements, but these amounts may not cover all expenses. Once we accept a settlement, we cannot request more compensation later. Before agreeing to any offer, we should review the long-term impact of our injuries and losses. Consulting with a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer ensures we understand the full value of our claim.

Handling The Claim Without Legal Representation

Trying to manage a claim alone can be overwhelming. Insurance companies have legal teams focused on minimizing payouts, and without legal support, we may not receive the compensation we deserve. Attorneys at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers can attest that having legal representation helps level the playing field and protects our rights.

Not Considering Future Medical Costs

Injuries from motorcycle accidents can require long-term care. If we do not factor in future medical costs, rehabilitation, or lost wages, we may settle for less than we need. Working with a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer helps account for all potential expenses before finalizing a settlement.

Help From Our Firm

Avoiding these mistakes strengthens our case and increases the likelihood of fair compensation. If we have been injured in a crash, working with a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer helps protect our rights and secure the compensation we deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.