Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Phoenix

Motorcyclists face unique dangers on Phoenix-area roads. The leading cause of serious motorcycle crashes is driver inattention — car and truck drivers simply fail to see motorcycles because they aren't looking for them. Left-turn accidents occur when an oncoming driver misjudges a motorcycle's speed and turns in front of it. Lane-change crashes happen when a driver merges without checking blind spots. Other frequent causes include rear-end collisions at stop lights, drivers running red lights, and road hazards like gravel, sand, and debris that are easily managed in a car but can throw a motorcycle immediately. Arizona's lane-splitting law (permitting filtering at low speeds) is sometimes cited by insurers to shift fault — an experienced motorcycle attorney can counter these arguments.

Injuries Common in Motorcycle Crashes

Even with a helmet and protective gear, motorcycle accident injuries are typically severe. Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities in Arizona. Road rash — abrasion injuries from contact with pavement — ranges from painful surface wounds to deep lacerations requiring skin grafting. Broken legs, arms, and collarbones are common, as are fractures of the pelvis and femur from a direct impact. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total paralysis. Internal injuries to the chest and abdomen, biker's arm (nerve damage from instinctive bracing), and PTSD from the trauma of the crash are also well-documented outcomes. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and months of recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Insurance and Liability in Arizona

Arizona requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, but at-fault drivers frequently carry only minimum coverage — far less than needed to cover serious motorcycle injuries. Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy is critical if you ride in Arizona. Sher Law Group evaluates every coverage source available to you: the at-fault driver's policy, your own UM/UIM policy, any commercial vehicle coverage, and product liability if a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. Arizona's comparative fault rules allow recovery even if you bore partial responsibility for the collision.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona

Stay at the scene and call 911 — a police report is essential documentation for your claim. Remove yourself from traffic if safe to do so, but do not remove your helmet if you suspect a head or neck injury. Seek emergency medical evaluation the same day even if you feel well enough to ride away; many serious injuries are not immediately symptomatic. Photograph your motorcycle, the other vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get the at-fault driver's insurance and contact information along with witness names and numbers. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before consulting an attorney — insurance adjusters are trained to use your own words against you. Arizona's statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is two years. Call Sher Law Group at 480-418-7437 for a free consultation today.