Phoenix, Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

 In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your well-being and future legal options. Take the following steps to ensure your safety and build a strong foundation for any potential claim:

1. Seek medical attention for your injuries. Prioritize your health by seeking prompt medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document all medical examinations and treatments, which are crucial evidence for a claim.
2. Contact law enforcement to file a report. Ensure law enforcement responds to the scene. Cooperate with the officers and provide accurate information about the incident to the best of your ability.
3. Gather contact information from other parties and witnesses. Collect all involved parties’ names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Obtain any details from witnesses who may provide statements.
4. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Use your smartphone to capture images of the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. Photograph every vehicle involved, capturing the damage and license plates. Document your injuries, as visual evidence can strengthen your case.

The statute of limitations in Arizona is typically two years from the date of the incident. Consult with a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney to ensure timely filing.

Arizona abides by the “comparative negligence” system, meaning you can still seek compensation if you are partially at fault. However, your monetary amount may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Speak with a Phoenix personal injury attorney to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

 Insurance companies are significant in covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses from the incident. Navigating the insurance claims processes can be complex, and seeking legal guidance is often required to protect your rights and secure fair settlement.

Although insurance typically covers medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and other losses, companies try to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your policy, negotiate with adjusters on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation. Skilled representation can protect you from tactics like lowball settlements or attempts to shift blame.

Yes, you can still seek compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. In Arizona, riders over the age of 18 are not legally required to wear helmets. However, the absence of a helmet may be used by the insurance company or the opposing party to argue that your injuries could have been less severe if you had been wearing one.

This doesn’t prevent you from recovering damages but may impact the amount of compensation you receive if your injuries are aggravated by not wearing a helmet. Arizona’s comparative negligence law (Arizona Revised Statutes §12-2505) allows compensation to be adjusted based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Yes, lane splitting is legal in Arizona, but only under specific conditions. This law went into effect on March 25, 2022, under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-903. 

However, the practice is referred to as lane filtering, and it is allowed only in limited circumstances.

Lane Filtering Rules in Arizona:

Lane filtering is permitted under the following conditions:

1. Traffic is Stopped or Moving Slowly: Lane filtering is only allowed when traffic is stopped or moving at 10 miles per hour or less.
2. Motorcycle Speed Limit: The motorcyclist may not exceed 15 miles per hour while lane filtering.
3. Safe Conditions: The practice is permitted only on roads with:
   • A speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less.
   • At least two lanes traveling in the same direction.

Lane splitting (riding between lanes at higher speeds) is still illegal in Arizona, as the law only allows filtering under very specific conditions.