Arizona’s hot and dry climate is well suited to year-round motorcycle riding. Yet, motorcyclists know they face risks as they ride. Motorcycle accidents happen frequently and unpredictably in Arizona, often resulting in devastating consequences for riders. Motorcyclists do not have the protection enjoyed by the occupants of cars and trucks. Compared to automobile drivers, motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to severe injuries due to the lack of protective features such as seat belts and airbags. A motorcyclist in an accident is almost certain to be injured and may suffer serious injuries, life threatening injuries, or even death. Serious motorcycle crashes are unfortunately common in Arizona, highlighting the need for comprehensive motorcycle insurance coverage.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety says 62.6 percent of the motorcycle accidents in our state in 2023 involved a collision with a moving motor vehicle. Common causes of motorcycle wrecks include distracted driving, left-turning drivers at intersections, alcohol-related crashes, dooring, and motorcycles being hidden in a driver’s blind spot.
A motorcyclist injured in an accident has the right to seek compensation for their losses from the at-fault driver. Motorcycle accident injury claims often involve complex liability issues and strict deadlines, and Arizona law requires timely action to protect your rights. Motorcycle accident claims in Arizona are subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date the accident occurred, so consulting with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer promptly is critical.
Motorists who claim they “did not see” a motorcyclist are not making a valid excuse. Injured motorcyclists can recover damages and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Arizona law follows a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing injured motorcyclists to recover compensation even if partially at fault, though their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. The total settlement value and maximum compensation depend on the extent of injuries, degree of negligence, and insurance policy limits. Motorcycle accident victims can also pursue wrongful death claims if a loved one is lost in a crash
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash in Sun City, please contact Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., and speak with a Sun City motorcycle accident lawyer. We provide aggressive, skilled, and experienced representation to motorcyclists who have been injured in traffic collisions. Our team understands the unique challenges and stereotypes faced by motorcycle crash victims and is committed to fighting biker bias and advocating for injured motorcyclists.
The seven member legal team of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. brings a service-based approach to clients in Phoenix and the West Valley. We have years of combined experience in a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury claims and personal injury cases involving motorcycle accident cases. It is important to choose an experienced personal injury attorney or personal injury lawyer with specific motorcycle litigation experience and local Arizona knowledge. The most experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to take cases to trial if necessary and have a proven track record with complex motorcycle injury cases. Research an attorney’s reputation and ensure a senior attorney or experienced team handles your case directly, not just paralegals. Choose a lawyer licensed in Arizona and familiar with Maricopa County courts and personal injury statutes.
We are small enough to offer each client the personalized representation they deserve, but large enough to handle complex, challenging and resource-intensive cases.
Schedule an initial consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney today by calling (480) 800 0112.
Arizona Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries on the Rise
A recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that as more people in the U.S. are riding motorcycles now than ever before, motorcyclist deaths and injuries are also on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012, an increase from 2022. Another 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in vehicle crashes in 2023.
Motorcycle accident statistics show the serious dangers faced by riders in Arizona. More than 2,300 motorcycle crashes occur yearly on Arizona’s roadways, with more than three-quarters of those accidents happening in urban areas. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. They are also significantly more vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents due to the lack of protective features such as seat belts and airbags. In Arizona, motorcycle accidents often occur due to left-turning drivers who fail to see oncoming motorcycles, especially at intersections.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Arizona Crash Facts, motorcycle crashes represent only 2.9 percent of all traffic crashes in Arizona in the latest year of published statistics, but 79.9 percent of motorcycle crashes resulted in injury and 4.7 percent were fatal.
By comparison, among all motor vehicle crashes, 31.7 percent caused personal injuries and 0.7 percent were fatal.
In Arizona, motorcycle registration decreased slightly by about 4 percent between 2022 and 2023, with more than 279,000 bikes now on the road. The highest death and injury rates among motorcyclists in crashes from 2022 to 2023 were among 20- to 29-year-olds, the CDC says.
But from 2022 to 2023, motorcycle fatalities within the 40-and-older age group increased by 63 percent, according to the NHTSA. In 2023, the average age of motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes was 41 – up from 40 in 2022.
The CDC says motorcyclists in nonfatal accidents often suffer multiple injuries. More than half of all nonfatal injuries treated in emergency rooms were to the leg/foot (30 percent) or head/neck (22 percent). A motorcyclist injured in an accident is likely to suffer cuts, bruises, scrapes (known as “road rash”), sprains, and worse. Other common injuries include:
- Leg and foot injuries (fractures, amputations)
- Head and neck injuries (traumatic brain injury, including concussion, and spinal cord injuries)
- Arm and hand injuries (fractures, amputations)
- Upper trunk injuries (fractured ribs and/or sternum, spinal cord injuries)
- Lower trunk (abdominal) injuries (internal organ damage, pelvic fractures).
A motorcyclist injured in an accident may need emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and lengthy recovery that includes physical rehabilitation therapy.
Motorcyclists hurt in motor vehicle accidents that were not their fault have a right to monetary compensation for their medical expenses, lost income during recovery, pain and suffering damages, as well as any property damages. They can seek a monetary recovery through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or through their own insurance coverage.
It is important to obtain legal help to ensure that you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve. Adjusters for profit-minded insurance companies work to pay out as little as they can on claims. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney working for you can help ensure a full accounting for past, current, and future medical expenses and lost income, as well as what you are due for pain and suffering.
Motorcycle accidents in Phoenix can lead to a wide spectrum of injuries, many of which are far more severe than those typically seen in car accidents. Because motorcycle riders have little protection compared to occupants of other vehicles, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash are often catastrophic and life-altering. As any experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer knows, the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can impact every aspect of a victim’s life, from physical health to financial stability.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle accident victims include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, riders are at risk for traumatic brain injuries if their head strikes the pavement or another object during a crash. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care, dramatically affecting a victim’s quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a motorcycle accident frequently leads to broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
- Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from their motorcycle, sliding across the asphalt can cause severe abrasions known as road rash. In serious cases, road rash can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle crash can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are often not immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Some motorcycle accident victims suffer catastrophic injuries, including amputations, severe burns, or permanent disfigurement. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and can prevent victims from returning to work or enjoying daily activities.
If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries in a Phoenix motorcycle accident, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a knowledgeable Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait—contact a trusted legal team today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your motorcycle accident injury claim.
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