Motorcycle Accidents

Overview

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience. Many people prefer motorcycles to cars or public transportation when commuting. However, the fact remains that motorcycle riders are more likely to be seriously injured or killed than drivers of cars or trucks. 

Without safety features that a car would be equipped with, such as seat belts and airbags, motorcycle riders are much more susceptible to injury. They are also often subjected to unfair prejudices such as recklessness or carelessness because of their choice of transportation.

Common Injuries

The two most common types of motorcycle accidents are from road hazards and another driver’s negligence. Motorcycle injuries tend to not only happen more frequently but also be much more severe. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe bruising
  • Severe lacerations
  • Road rash
  • Loss of a limb
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries in the neck

Damage and Compensation

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence or recklessness of another driver, you may be entitled to claim compensation for multiple damages caused by the accident. These damages can include medical bills, loss of wages, damage to your motorcycle or other property involved in the accident, and both physical & emotional pain and suffering.

Although it might be easy to put a price on your medical costs, damage to property, loss of income and emotional distress is harder to estimate. If you are looking to achieve the best result possible from your case, it’s important that you work with an attorney well-versed in motorcycle law.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

  • New & inexperienced riders – statistically, newer riders are more likely to be involved in an accident while they adjust to using the roads on a motorcycle. If you’re involved in a collision, even if you’re a new rider, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your fault. Working with an experienced attorney can help you decide who is at fault and whether or not pursuing a claim is a good idea.
  • Left turns – turning left on a green light is one of the most vulnerable positions for a motorcyclist. Many motorcycle accidents occur when a rider is turning left just as a car is speeding through the intersection hoping to make it across before the light turns red. This type of major head-on collision can be fatal. If you believe you had the right of way, you’ll want to hire legal representation to make sure you’re compensated for your damages.
  • Sudden stops – fender benders are a little more high-risk when a motorcycle is involved. Drivers following too close to motorcycles is one of the major causes of accidents for riders, and something as simple as rear-ending can mean serious injuries for a biker.
  • Open doors – motorcyclists can be caught off guard by a driver in a parked car who opens their door without checking over their shoulder. Parking next to a lane of traffic and opening your door to exit the car can be a very dangerous situation for riders. It’s a good idea to hire legal representation right away if you’ve been injured in this manner because it’s likely that the driver who opened the door is at fault.
  • Intersections – in general, most motorcyclists are injured while passing through intersections. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault during an accident that takes place in an intersection, typically someone will run a red light and cause severe injuries to a motorcyclist.
  • Lane changes – motorcyclists can easily be stuck in a driver’s blind-spot, and when they merge over, the rider is wiped out.
  • Drugs & alcohol – if you were hit on your motorcycle by someone driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol then our personal injury law team can help.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Phoenix area, Arizona Attorney Lawyers can help guide you through the process and get the compensation you deserve.