Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Essential Steps After a Motorcycle Collision in Phoenix

The moments after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. While it’s a lot to process, the actions you take right away can make a big difference in your physical and financial recovery. Here are the steps to follow if you have been in a motorbike collision:

1. Get to safety. If you can move, get out of traffic to avoid further injury. If you’re seriously hurt, stay where you are and wait for help.
2. Call 911. A police report can help prove what happened, and paramedics can check for injuries that might not be obvious right away.
3. Stay calm and avoid saying too much. Don’t apologize or admit fault, even if you feel partially responsible. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police and others involved.
4. Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
5. Exchange details. Get the other driver’s name, contact info, insurance details, and vehicle information. Double-check that everything is accurate.
6. See a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, can take hours or days to show symptoms. A medical record also helps support your claim later.
7. Don’t talk to the insurance company alone. Adjusters may try to pressure you into a low settlement. Avoid recorded statements and let a lawyer handle negotiations.
8. Call a motorbike accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of getting full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

The aftermath of an accident is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Thomson Law is here to fight for your rights and make sure you get what you deserve. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How & Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Motorcycle accidents in Phoenix happen for many reasons, often due to other drivers’ negligence or hazardous road conditions. Here are some of the most common types of crashes riders face.

• Left-turn collisions when a driver turns left at an intersection and doesn’t see the motorcycle.
• Lane-change accidents when a vehicle merges into a motorcyclist’s lane without checking blind spots.
• Rear-end crashes when a car hits a motorcycle from behind, often at stoplights or in traffic.
• Dooring accidents when a parked driver opens their door into a motorcyclist’s path.
• Head-on collisions when a vehicle veers into the rider’s lane, often causing severe injuries.
• Road hazard crashes due to potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, or other unsafe road conditions.
• Speed-related accidents when high speeds reduce reaction time and increase crash severity.
• Distracted or impaired driving crashes when drivers are texting, intoxicated, or not paying attention.

If you know what caused the crash, it can help you understand your legal options. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Get started with a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Arizona Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Arizona motorcycle laws is essential for riders in Phoenix to stay safe and avoid legal issues. These laws aim to protect motorcyclists and other road users, helping to prevent accidents and ensure accountability. Here are some key laws every motorcyclist in Phoenix should know:

Helmet Laws

• Riders and passengers under 18 years old must wear helmets.
• Riders 18 and older are not required to wear helmets but are encouraged to do so for safety.
• All motorcyclists must wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.

Licensing Requirements

• To legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona, riders must have a motorcycle license or endorsement.
• Obtaining a license requires passing a knowledge test, a skills test, and completing a motorcycle safety course.

Equipment Requirements

Motorcycles in Arizona must have the following:

• Headlights and taillights that are operational at all times.
• At least one mirror that provides a clear view behind the motorcycle.
• A functional muffler to limit noise levels.
• Turn signals for newer motorcycles (manufactured after 1986).

Lane Splitting

• Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Arizona. Riders must stay within their designated lane.

Insurance Requirements

• Riders must carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

Passenger Rules

• Passengers are allowed only if the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person and has a passenger seat and footrests.

Traffic and Safety Laws

• Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers, including speed limits, yielding right of way, and stopping at traffic signals.
• Reckless driving, such as stunt riding or excessive speeding, can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.

What Damages Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Crash?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you may be eligible to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including current and future treatments like reconstructive surgeries or skin grafts
• Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation needed for recovery
• Pain and suffering caused by the accident
• Loss of a limb or other permanent injuries
• Full or partial paralysis resulting from the crash
• Property damage or loss to your motorcycle or personal belongings
• Lost wages, loss of earning capacity, or a diminished career due to injuries
• Wrongful death damages in the event of a fatal crash

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death occurs when a motorcyclist loses their life due to a driver’s negligent or unlawful behavior. These tragic accidents leave families facing emotional pain and financial burdens.

Family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, or other dependents, can file a wrongful death claim to recover financial support for:

• Medical bills incurred before the victim passed away
• Expenses for funeral and burial
• Loss of the victim’s future income and financial contributions
• Pain and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one

Unlike a criminal case, which seeks to punish the at-fault driver, a wrongful death claim provides financial relief for families who are struggling to cope with their loss.

Motorcyclists are statistically more vulnerable than drivers in cars, being far more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a crash. Understanding your rights in these situations can help you seek justice and secure the support you need during this difficult time.

Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Crash? Understanding Fault

Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident can be complex. Most collisions are caused by drivers failing to see or yield to motorcyclists. Key evidence used to determine fault includes:

• Eyewitness accounts
• Police reports
• Video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams
• Accident scene photos
• Medical records linking injuries to the accident

To prove negligence, your legal team must demonstrate that the other party:

• Had a duty of care to drive safely.
• Breached that duty through reckless or negligent actions.
• Caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
• Resulted in damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Phoenix, AZ

Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers for riders. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, caused by head impacts, even with helmets, leading to concussions, memory loss, or lasting cognitive issues.
• Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting mobility and independence.
• Broken bones and joint injuries, such as fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs, often requiring surgeries and extended recovery time.
• Internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding from the force of the collision, which can be life-threatening.
• Road rash and burn injuries, caused by contact with the road surface or fires, often requiring painful treatments like skin grafts.
• Amputations, where severe accidents result in the traumatic loss of limbs, permanently altering the victim’s life.
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, which are common after serious motorcycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident, our team is ready to help you pursue compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

The Difference Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Make

Handling a motorcycle accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies that try to minimize your compensation. Our legal team takes the burden off your shoulders and fights for the full financial recovery you deserve. Here is what we will do for you:

• Investigate your accident by gathering police reports, video footage, witness statements, and expert analysis to build a strong case.
• Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties to protect you from lowball settlements or unfair tactics.
• Calculate your damages to ensure you seek full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future expenses, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate aggressively to secure the best possible settlement, but if the insurance company won’t offer what you deserve, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. With over $1.9 billion recovered, our team knows what it takes to get results. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, let us fight for you. Get started with a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Why Riders Trust Our Legal Team

At Thomson Law, we’re committed to delivering aggressive representation, personalized support, and real results for injured motorcyclists in Phoenix. Here’s what sets us apart:

• You Don’t Pay Unless We Win:  No upfront fees, no hidden costs. We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
• A Winning Track Record:  With over $1.9 billion recovered, we have the skill and resources to take on insurance companies and win.
• Fast and Hassle-Free Case Start:  No office visits required. Call anytime, speak with a lawyer immediately, and sign up from your phone or computer. We get to work right away.
• 24/7 Legal Support:  Accidents don’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available day and night to provide the legal help you need.
• Dedicated Client Care: We don’t treat cases like numbers. You’ll receive personalized attention, regular updates, and a team that truly listens to your concerns.
• Legal Help in Spanish: We offer bilingual support so language barriers never stand in the way of justice.

When you work with Thomson Law, you get more than legal representation—you get a team that fights for the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, we handle every detail while you focus on recovery. Call us anytime for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Motorcycle Accident FAQs in Phoenix

How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?

Settlements vary based on injury severity, medical costs, and lost wages. Minor injuries may settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe cases or wrongful deaths can reach six or seven figures.

How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?

It depends on the case. Some claims settle in a few months, while lawsuits can take several months to years if liability is disputed or injuries are severe.

What should I avoid doing after a motorcycle accident?

• Don’t admit fault or apologize.
• Don’t skip medical treatment.
• Don’t talk to the insurance company without legal advice.
• Don’t accept a quick settlement offer.
• Don’t post about the accident on social media.

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

Yes. Arizona only requires helmets for riders under 18. However, if you suffered a head injury, not wearing a helmet could reduce your compensation under comparative negligence laws.

Can I file a claim if a family member died in a motorcycle accident?

Yes. Spouses, children, parents, or personal representatives can file a wrongful death claim in Arizona to recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?

The value depends on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A lawyer can assess your case and estimate compensation.

Who is usually at fault in motorcycle accidents?

Often, other drivers who fail to see motorcyclists or yield the right of way. Common causes include left-turn collisions, distracted driving, improper lane changes, and rear-end crashes.