When cruising the streets of a major metropolitan area like Phoenix, the last thing any motorcycle rider wants is to feel additional stress. After all, isn’t the whole point of riding to have fun and let go of that stress? Unfortunately, the reality is that with other vehicles out on the road with you, accidents do happen. You need to be prepared ahead of time so that if you or a buddy finds themselves in an accident, you know what to do to be protected. Any motor vehicle accident can result in injury, damages to people or property, and a subsequent lawsuit. Additionally, while riding a motorcycle, there are different risks and additional laws that you should be aware of as a rider, especially when riding around a bustling city like Phoenix.
In order to mitigate any worries, we highly recommend having a personal injury lawyer you trust in the event that something might happen. Motorcycle riding does come with its inherent risks associated with it at any given moment. Our goal is to keep your mind at ease while you enjoy all the positive aspects of the open road.
Read below to get a better understanding of what to look for in the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix.
Finding a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Phoenix
Phoenix is the 5th biggest city in the United States by population, with nearly two million people. While it is sprawling and not often thought of as a terribly trafficked city (relative to some other major metros), there are going to be thousands of motorist interactions daily with this many people. These inevitably contribute to accidents, incidents, and lawsuits, so the field of motorcycle accident lawyers in Phoenix is a very competitive one. We’d like to make it easier for you to find quality representation here, so what should you be looking for?
To begin with, we recommend choosing representation from a firm whose identity is based on personal experience in riding. The Law Tigers are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts, just like you, who fight for riders in and out of the courtroom. Our member attorneys* are dedicated to representing our clients using their extensive legal knowledge base and experience, yet also understand the nuance in riding and the real-life factors that might get overlooked by other representation who don’t ride.
This understanding of motorcycle liability and the riding scene in Phoenix can lead to better outcomes in cases that might otherwise be seen as difficult to handle. Our members’ track records of success speak for themselves. Plus, you can count on the fact that because we’re riders ourselves, we truly know what you’re going through. The human element of a lawyer-client relationship is not one we take for granted.
Now that we’ve gone over why we’re qualified to help, here are some pieces of information you should know when seeking a motorcycle accident attorney in Phoenix.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Motorcycle Lawyer in Phoenix?
Accidents can happen to even the most careful riders. Regardless of who is at fault, there will typically be legal recourse and follow-up necessary. It is important to know the steps to take at the time of the crash for when you present information to lawyers and in any subsequent insurance claims.
Even if both parties agree on fault at the scene of the crash, we recommend making sure you have proper representation for follow-up. Oftentimes, insurance companies can manipulate cases to minimize payouts, or it might be difficult to collect the money you deserve should the other party be at fault. Conversely, it is important to mitigate damages from claims should you be blamed for the accident.
Being proactive is always best when it comes to your safety and finances, and having legal representation familiar with Phoenix and Arizona motorcycle laws will go a long way in getting the outcome you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many variables and distractions that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
Another Driver Turning Left
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is a motorist cutting a rider off while making a left-hand turn across lanes. It is estimated that anywhere between 36-42 percent of all motorcycle accidents are because of this, which is an astonishing amount.
Inclement Weather
Difficult road conditions and harsh weather are one of the greatest sources of all crashes and increase single-vehicle incidents in motorcycles significantly. Make sure to avoid bad weather if possible, and learn how your bike handles the road during sub-par conditions if you must. While Arizona is known for its great weather year-round, there can still be storms and dusty conditions making it difficult to ride safely.
Driving Under the Influence
Another unfortunately high percentage of single-vehicle crashes for motorcyclists are DUI crashes. We’ll put it simply: do not drink before riding your motorcycle and watch out for cars driving erratically that may be operated under the influence.
Merging
Motorcycles are smaller than most cars on the road, and often get hidden in blind spots. We recommend not staying static near vehicles to your left or right if possible, as you might not be visible to the driver. Defensive driving in traffic can be a life-saver, especially when it comes to lane protection.
Rear-End Collisions
Because motorcycles are small, light, and less protected, a rear-end collision is much more dangerous than when driving a car. The same principles as blind spots apply – try to make sure that you are present in the vision of the cars around you. Lane splitting is currently technically illegal in Arizona, but there is legislature moving towards legality. Still, in the interim, if you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, the legal and insurance scrutiny will be at its highest.
Any sort of distraction on the road can cause an accident, so always take riding seriously. Phoenix is a particularly busy city, and while it can be fun to navigate the bustling streets, you should look out for your and other drivers’ safety first.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
In the event of a motorcycle accident, first, make sure you and any other people are safe and do not require immediate medical treatment. After that, it is up to all parties to determine fault and document it for insurance and legal reasons.
Things that often contribute to clear fault are speeding, breaking any road sign rules, impaired or tired driving, or negligence. When it comes to determining fault in an accident, insurance companies and lawyers will be looking for witnesses, dashcam or security camera footage, and police reports to create a claim.
Damages Available in Phoenix Motorcycle Claims
Typically, insurance or a court case will determine what damages you are eligible for. Having the proper legal representation to negotiate on your behalf can significantly raise these settlements. The most common forms of damages include:
- Disability from injury
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
It is important to note that there are many different classes of economic and non-economic damages available via legal action. This is where it is important to have the best representation from lawyers who are knowledgeable about the nuance of each potential claim.
Arizona Helmet Laws
One thing that can put you at fault or nullify the possibility of damages in a case is not wearing a helmet. Even though you are not required to wear a helmet in Arizona if you are above 18 years old, the absence of a helmet can assign you partial fault or lower your compensation.
No one wants to have their freedoms infringed upon, but the added safety in both a physical and legal sense makes wearing a helmet a priority when riding in Phoenix.
Get the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Phoenix
At the Law Tigers, we are confident in our abilities to get you great legal representation for motorcycle injury accident claims. That’s because our member attorneys* have been helping people realize their best outcomes in these cases for multiple decades.
Our company is made up of riders just like you, and we want to protect the community we care about so much. If you are looking to ride stress-free with the Law Tigers at your side, reach out for representation today.
