Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Our legal team at Southwest Injury Law is committed to advocating for innocent bikers who have faced harm and losses due to negligent or reckless drivers. We have the experience, skills, and knowledge to navigate complex laws surrounding bodily injury and wrongful death claims for motorcycle crashes, including Arizona’s lane filtering law. Learn how our injury lawyers can assist you with your potential case by scheduling a free consultation at our Phoenix office today.

Our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience dealing with a wide array of complex injury cases in Maricopa County and across AZ.

Important Motorcycle Laws in Arizona

• Under A.R.S. 28-964, passengers or operators of motorcycle riders, including motor-driven cycles, who are under 18 years old must wear a helmet.
• Lane filtering is legal on Arizona roads. Drivers cannot move their vehicle to block motorcyclists who are lane filtering or open car doors to impede motorcycle riders.
• Motorcycle riders must carry liability coverage and have proof of insurance that meets the Arizona minimum limits of $25,000 per individual, $50,000 per crash, and $15,000 in property damage.

Who is Responsible for a Vehicle-Motorcycle Crash?

In Arizona, determining the cause of an accident is usually one of the first steps toward seeking financial recovery in a bodily injury claim. Clear and compelling evidence must establish liability. This may include medical records, eyewitness statements, police reports, and more. One or more parties may be held liable for losses in a motorcycle collision, including:

• Motorist: If a negligent driver causes a traffic collision involving a motorcyclist, the injured party may have grounds for a claim against the insurance company representing the at-fault motorist. A driver may cause a motorcycle crash through ignoring the rules of the road, speeding, driving while impaired, distracted driving, and other negligent behavior behind the wheel.
• Auto Manufacturer: If a motorcyclist experienced brake failure, tire blowout, or another type of bike defect that caused or contributed to a motorcycle crash, the biker may file a product liability case against the manufacturer with the assistance of an experienced Phoenix motorcycle injury attorney. In these cases, the bike must be kept and preserved in its original condition for a lawyer to examine.
• Government Agency: Uneven pavement, potholes, loose gravel, and other road defects may present unique dangers to motorcycle riders. If a road hazard caused or contributed to an accident, the injured biker may have a case against a public entity for the failure to properly design and maintain its roadways. These claims are subject to a six-month time limit in Arizona.

An experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney at Southwest Injury Law may be able to help you by conducting an in-depth investigation to determine fault and build a strong case on your behalf. For more information, contact our law office today to set up a free consultation regarding your potential case.

What if Someone is Killed in a Motorcycle Collision?

If a close relative sustains fatal injuries as a motorcyclist in an accident through no fault of their own, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Eligible survivors may be compensated for funeral and burial expenses, financial support the deceased would have provided to the family during their life expectancy, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.

Given that wrongful death claims are often challenging to navigate, it is important to work with a motorcycle accident attorney in Phoenix with extensive experience successfully handling such cases for clients. When you need a full-service law firm, look no further. Our legal team is available to listen to your family's story and go over your case in a free, no-obligation consultation.

How is a Motorcycle Injury Claim Affected by Helmet Use?

Insurance companies will consider factors, such as helmet use, when reaching a settlement agreement with the injured party. There is the possibility that the opposing party may assert comparative fault if the plaintiff was not wearing the right type of helmet or not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

For instance, if there is evidence establishing that a motorcycle helmet would have prevented or reduced the severity of accident-related injuries, the party who caused the incident may be able to assert comparative fault. This means that a motorcycle rider’s award would be decreased by the percentage of negligence that is assigned to them for lack of helmet use.

Expert testimony may be necessary in these matters to establish what injuries, if any, may be subject to lack of helmet use in a car versus motorcycle accident. Obviously, non-use of a helmet would not prevent injuries unrelated to head trauma, like femur fractures. The right attorney will devise effective strategies in overcoming comparative fault defenses by the opposing side.

Role of Expert Witnesses in Vehicle-Motorcycle Collision Cases

A bodily injury claim may often depend on an expert witness when the opposing party disputes liability for the incident. An expert witness is a credible individual with specialized training, education, or knowledge that is qualified to provide an opinion on connecting the injuries to the collision. In a motorcycle accident case, a lawyer may call in the following expert witnesses:

• Medical Experts: A medical professional with qualifications and specialized training can provide an opinion on the severity of accident-related injuries, treatments the injured party will likely require, recovery expectations and prognosis outcomes, and if motorcycle injuries may affect the plaintiff’s future earning potential.
• Biomechanical Engineers: An attorney may work with a biomechanical engineer who can provide their opinion on the causal link between the incident and the injury. Biomechanical engineers are often used to provide testimony on injury dynamics, determinations on helmet effectiveness, and characterize the motions and forces related to causation.
• Accident Reconstruction Specialists: The plaintiff’s counsel may consult with this type of expert who can conduct a forensic analysis based on property damage estimates, police reports, vehicle and crash site inspections, pictures of the damaged motorcycle, and other evidence to quantify the severity of the collision.

An experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney will evaluate the circumstances and facts of the case, determine the need for experts, and consult with them to build the strongest case possible for justice and full compensation. Contact our experienced legal team at Southwest Injury Law today to discuss your potential case and learn how we can assist you.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Motorcycle Crash in AZ?

A bodily injury or wrongful death claim for a motorcycle crash in the state of Arizona is subject to a deadline known as the statute of limitations. Claimants have no more than two years from the date of the collision to file the case in court. There is a six-month statute of limitations applicable to claims against the government. Protect your right to compensation by hiring an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure that your case is filed on time.

How Our Law Firm Can Help After a Car-Motorcycle Collision

Our Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys represent motorcycle riders who have been seriously injured or families who have lost loved ones in crashes. We consider our client’s unique circumstances through our personalized approach and commitment to excellence. Our legal team starts with a free consultation to learn about the facts of the case.

• Investigation: At Southwest Injury Law, we will conduct an in-depth investigation to collect all relevant evidence, including medical records, witness testimonies, traffic collision reports, and more. This is essential in building a strong case for maximum financial recovery.
• Communication: Ideally, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney before speaking with the insurer and to retain legal counsel to handle all communications on your behalf. When you hire our law firm to represent you, we will handle all insurance communications regarding your claim.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurer’s offer is insufficient in covering all losses, we will exhaust all attempts to reach a favorable settlement. If a mutual settlement agreement cannot be reached within the statute of limitations, we will file the case and proceed with litigation.
• Support and Guidance: Our legal team is committed to actively representing the interests of our clients in negotiations or in court. We work to ensure that clients receive the assistance and compensation they deserve, considering all harm and losses caused by the incident.

For additional information about our law firm and our services, we invite you to set up a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call our Phoenix office or submit an online contact form today.

Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Speak with a skilled Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney today to learn about your options for recovery. Book a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. At our law office, we are dedicated to going the extra mile for our clients. We operate on contingency, meaning that clients only pay if we secure a favorable outcome on their behalf. Do not delay in contacting us to schedule your free case review.