Tempe Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Every day, residents and visitors in Tempe are injured in various types of traffic accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists traveling on busy roads like Loop 101 or Route 60 are especially vulnerable. In many cases, these wrecks are caused by the reckless or careless actions of other drivers. Under Arizona law, injured motorcycle riders have the right to seek compensation for injuries and losses caused by someone else’s negligence.

An experienced Tempe motorcycle accident lawyer can provide support, ensure your rights are protected, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Critical Role of Helmets in Preventing Serious Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle crashes often result in serious injuries far more often than other types of traffic collisions. Studies have repeatedly shown that helmet use greatly decreases the chances of fatal head trauma and the need for extensive medical treatment. A recent publication, Injury Patterns and Outcomes in Motorcycle Crashes in the U.S.: The Effect of Helmet Use, highlights the important role helmets play in improving rider safety.

The study’s results support long-standing evidence that helmets are lifesaving in traffic accidents. Motorcycle riders who wear helmets significantly reduce their risk of fatal head injuries and protect themselves from severe, lasting trauma. Many motorcycle accidents occur due to driver negligence – such as failing to yield, misjudging distance or speed, or simply not noticing a motorcyclist on the road.

Even the most cautious motorcyclists are vulnerable to negligent drivers. This is why holding reckless or careless drivers accountable is important for helping an injured rider rebuild their life after a traumatic crash. An experienced Tempe motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the best course action for your family. Call our office or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

Factors That Influence the Severity of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The extent of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash may vary greatly and often depends on several key factors. These include the speed of the vehicles involved at the moment of impact, the type and quality of protective gear worn by the motorcyclist, and whether the rider was thrown from the motorcycle during the collision. Road conditions, the size of the other vehicle, and point of impact–may also significantly influence the severity of injuries.

Maximizing the Value of a Bodily Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Crash

After a motorcycle wreck, the injured party must receive care from qualified medical professionals and follow through with all recommended treatments. Ongoing documentation of accident-related injuries and consistent medical follow-up is important. Gaps in treatment can significantly affect a motorcycle injury claim, as insurance companies may argue that the injuries were not serious or are unrelated to the incident.

A thorough investigation into all available insurance policies–including determining whether the negligent party was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the incident–is key to uncovering additional sources of compensation. A comprehensive damages assessment should also include both current and projected future wage loss due to accident-related injuries.

Retaining experienced legal counsel is key to uncovering, supporting, and presenting these facts to create maximum value in motorcycle accident cases involving serious injuries. In situations where insurance coverage is limited, a knowledgeable Tempe motorcycle injury attorney can explore alternative recovery options to ensure clients pursue every possible path to financial compensation.

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Injury Case

In a bodily injury claim for a motorcycle collision, recoverable losses – also known as damages – can include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are financial losses while non-economic damages are intangible and subjective in nature. An injured motorcyclist may be entitled to reimbursement of the following losses:

• Medical Bills: Current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery, including to attend medical appointments.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Reduction in the ability to earn income in the future due to long-term or permanent motorcycle injuries.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation, medical equipment, or home modifications due to long-term or permanent injuries from a motorcycle wreck.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace the motorcycle and other damaged personal property, such as a helmet, protective gear, and more.  
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by accident-related injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities the injured motorcyclist once enjoyed.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded aside from economic and non-economic damages. These are intended to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct. In the context of a motorcycle crash, punitive damages may be appropriate if the other side was excessively speeding or under the influence at the time of the incident.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Motorcycle Wreck

Tragically, Arizona sees hundreds of fatal traffic accidents each year–many of which could have been prevented. When a motorcyclist loses their life due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Arizona law. Eligible claimants may include the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents. A successful case can help ease the financial hardship during an already emotionally difficult time.

Why You Should Contact a Motorcycle Injury Attorney Immediately

It is important to speak with an injury lawyer immediately after a motorcycle accident in Tempe, Arizona, as strict deadlines apply. Under Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, injured motorcyclists generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, if a government vehicle was involved, the timeframe is significantly shorter–a notice of claim must be filed within 180 days of the crash.

Contact a Tempe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Assistance

When a biker is seriously injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, it is important for the rider or their surviving family members to consult with an experienced lawyer. Our skilled Tempe motorcycle accident attorneys help injured bikers recover the compensation they deserve. Book a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. Our law firm proudly serves clients in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.