Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Phoenix

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Phoenix, Arizona?

  The non-emergency telephone number for the Phoenix Police Department is 602-262-6151.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Phoenix, Arizona?

  People can visit the online portal of the Phoenix Police Department's Public Records and Services unit for requests involving accident reports. For additional inquiries, they can call 602-534-1127 or visit the unit's headquarters at 1717 E Grant St., Suite 100. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.

• Are motorcycle crashes common within Phoenix?

  Yes, motorcycle accidents are common in Phoenix, to the point where the city ranked 10th among 50 cities throughout the United States in terms of motorcycle crashes throughout the past two decades. Within this time frame, the city averaged 30.51 accidents per 100,000 people, with fatalities reaching an overall average of more than 500. Common causes of crashes include speeding, drunk driving, improper turning, and unsafe lane changes, as well as the failure to yield the right-of-way.

• How long does a Phoenix motorcycle accident victim have to file injury claims?

  The statute of limitations for motorcycle injury claims in Phoenix, along with the rest of Arizona, is two years from the date of a plaintiff's injury. For injury cases that lead to wrongful death, the statute begins at the time of the victim's death. In case an injury claim involves a person with a disability that renders them temporarily unable to make rational decisions, the statute only starts at the date when the person's disability is removed.

• How are people held liable in a no-contact motorcycle accident in Phoenix?

  Motorists in Phoenix are still held accountable if their negligence on the road causes a motorcyclist to crash, regardless of whether or not there was contact. Often, no-contact accidents happen if a driver causes a rider to swerve out of control in an attempt to avoid a potential collision. Actions that can cause such scenarios include littering, speeding, and tailgating, along with sudden turning.

• What are the safety requirements for motorcycle riders in Phoenix?

  All motorcyclists in Phoenix are required by Arizona law to wear goggles, glasses, or transparent face shields. State laws also require people under the age of 18 to wear helmets while riding, regardless of whether they are a driver or passenger. In terms of actions on the road, riders are prohibited from lane splitting and from passing another vehicle within the same traffic lane.

• Are motorcycle owners in Phoenix required to have liability coverage?

  Yes, state laws dictate that motorcyclists in Phoenix must have a minimum of $15,000 and $30,000 to cover bodily injuries per person and per accident, respectively. They are also required to have at least $10,000 to cover property damage in a potential accident. In case a rider does not have these minimum requirements, they can be penalized or have their license and vehicle registration suspended.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.