Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer in Scottsdale

Arizona is a perfect destination for motorcyclists year-round, but even though there are fewer motorcycles than passenger vehicles or other motor vehicles registered in the state, motorcycles tend to be involved in a higher percentage of injury and fatal crashes when compared to other motor vehicle categories. In fact, the Arizona Department of Transportation reports that there were 2,672 motorcycle accidents in the state in 2021, and 163 of these crashes resulted in fatalities. So, what should you do if you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault? Our firm goes over the key facts about motorcycle laws in Arizona and explains when you should seek an attorney for personal injury litigation in Scottsdale for your motorcycle accident case.

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Arizona?

Motorcycle laws in Arizona are designed to keep motorcyclists safe on the roads. Here are some of the most important laws you need to know in order to operate a motorcycle in the state:

Riders and passengers younger than 18 must wear a helmet at all times.
Eye protection is required while operating a motorcycle.
Motorcyclists must have a valid Class M motorcycle license.
Motorcyclists must also adhere to the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including speed limits, yielding to other drivers, and signaling when turning.
Lane-splitting and passing another vehicle in the same lane is not permitted.
Riding more than two abreast in traffic is not permitted.
Drivers of larger motor vehicles cannot deprive a motorcycle of the use of a lane.
Motorcycles must have rear-view mirrors, headlamps, a secure seat, and footrests for the driver and passenger.

Unfortunately, failing to follow these traffic laws often results in serious accidents. In addition, motorcyclists are often exposed to injuries resulting from negligent or reckless behavior from other drivers. Many accidents involving a motorcycle occur because the driver of a larger vehicle is speeding, driving while distracted, or making unsafe lane changes and left turns. If an accident happens, it is important to determine whether the motorcyclist or the driver of the other vehicle was in violation of any traffic laws in order to pinpoint liability for any damages and injuries.

How Can I Get Compensation for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

As mentioned above, determining who is mostly at fault for your motorcycle accident will also determine where your compensation may come from. For instance, suppose the accident investigation concluded that the driver of the passenger vehicle that collided with your motorbike was driving distracted and failed to check their blindspots before switching lanes. In that case, the driver would be mostly responsible for the accident, and you would likely be able to recover compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may also have the option to take your case to the courtroom and initiate a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. You may be eligible for financial recovery of damages such as medical expenses associated with your motorcycle accident injuries, lost wages, property damage, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to determine the best course of action for your claim.

What Happens if I Am Partially at Fault for My Accident?

If you are found to be partially responsible for your motorcycle accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages, but the percentage of fault attributed to you can impact how much money you end up receiving. This is because Arizona is a comparative negligence state, meaning that the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover is affected by the degree to which the plaintiff’s own negligent actions contributed to the accident.

In other words, the amount of fault attributed to each party is taken into consideration when awarding damages. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the damages. Arizona does not have a 50% or 51% bar to recover damages, meaning that you could be 99% liable for your accident and still be able to seek compensation for the 1% attributed to the other party. If you believe you may be partially liable for your motorcycle crash injuries, it is important to work with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you minimize your liability and secure fair compensation.

What Should I Do if My Motorcycle Insurance Claim is Denied?

Accidents involving motorcycles are often catastrophic and result in severe injuries that can affect the victim for a lifetime. In spite of that, many insurance companies seem uninterested in helping injured bikers get a fair settlement to cover the medical treatment expenses and other losses they experienced due to someone else’s negligence. It is not uncommon for accident claims to be delayed or denied or for claimants to be offered a settlement that is inadequate to cover all their losses.

If this is happening to you, you need to seek Scottsdale legal advocates for motorcycle accident cases as soon as possible. An Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take the steps needed to ensure they pay you for your injuries and losses without leaving any money on the table. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, the insurance company may start taking you more seriously as they know your motorcycle attorney in Scottsdale can take them to trial if necessary. At the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm, injured clients in Scottsdale and surrounding areas can get the strong legal help they need to win their case. Contact our office by calling 623-294-1442 for a free consultation to discuss your case.