Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Glendale, AZ

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns or to speak to a Glendale Police officer, call (623) 930-3000.

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

  To obtain a copy of your traffic accident report, call (623) 930-3100. You can also go on the website of the Glendale government, download and fill out a Public Records Request form (PDF), and email it to PDPublicRecords@glendaleaz.com. Another option is to mail the completed form to the address below.

  Glendale Police Department Attn: Records 6835 N. 57th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

• What is the deadline for filing a motorcycle accident claim in Glendale, AZ?

  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you must file a personal injury claim two years from the date of the incident. This is as stipulated in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 12-542. For motorcycle crashes resulting in a fatality, the surviving heirs must file the wrongful death claim within two years of the victim’s passing.

• Can you still file a motorcycle accident claim in Glendale, AZ, if you weren't wearing a helmet?

  Yes, you may still claim compensation for your damages. However, it could affect the amount you receive, particularly if you sustained head injuries. Glendale uses the pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if you were found to be partially responsible for your damages, your compensation would be reduced in proportion to your percentage of liability. If you were deemed to be 20% at fault for riding without a helmet, your award for damages of $50,000 would be reduced to 20% to $40,000.

• Do you have to report a motorcycle accident in Glendale, AZ, if you weren’t injured?

  In Arizona, a report must be made of vehicle accidents that involve an injury, a death, property damages over $1,000, or a citation being issued to a driver in the crash. However, it is still recommended to call 911 and have the incident reported in Glendale. Some injuries or vehicle damage may only appear or be felt a few days later. It is advantageous to have a police report of the accident when you file your insurance claim.

• What if the driver at fault for the motorcycle accident has no insurance in Glendale, AZ?

  You may be able to recover compensation by claiming against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage, provided that you have one. The UIM coverage is optional in Arizona. It may pay for your medical costs as well as the medical costs of your passenger during the accident. Another option is to file a personal injury suit in Glendale to get compensation directly from the driver at fault.

• What damages are recoverable after a motorcycle accident in Glendale, AZ?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Glendale commonly claim compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage or loss. For serious injuries, compensation for long-term medical care, loss of a limb, and pain and suffering. Families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may recover damages like emotional trauma, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

• 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.