We will see more motorcycles on the road as the weather gets nicer. A motorcycle is a great way to see the sites that Gilbert and Arizona have to offer. However, when the unexpected happens and you find yourself injured by another driver on the road, having a Gilbert motorcycle accident lawyer may be your best decision.
At Suzuki Law, our experienced Gilbert personal injury lawyer can fight for your right to maximum compensation. Recovering from motorcycle accident injuries in Gilbert can be a long and arduous process – one that a personal injury lawyer can help you with. If someone else’s negligence has caused your injuries, you should not be responsible for the costs incurred in recovering.
Gilbert Motorcycle Accidents
Arizona has over 290,000 registered motorcycles out of nearly seven million total registrations. Based on the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT), there were 236 fatal motorcycle-involved accidents in the most recent reporting year. Motorcycle driver fatalities make up over 3% of total driver fatalities.
Motorcycle accidents in Arizona have high fatality rates compared to cars and other vehicles. Maricopa County accounts for over 70% of all accidents and over 50% of all fatalities. According to the Arizona DOT, this fact makes it responsible for more fatalities than any other Arizona county.
One of the many reasons for the high rate of fatalities among motorcycle riders is the lack of protective infrastructure on a motorcycle. A car has seatbelts and airbags, and the car body is designed with safety in mind. On a motorcycle, there is just clothing and a helmet if you choose to wear one since Arizona law does not require them.
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Get StartedCauses of Gilbert Motorcycle Accidents
Many things in Gilbert can cause a motorcycle accident, several of which are due to a driver’s failure to follow traffic laws. Failing to follow traffic laws can make driving unpredictable to others on the road, leading to accidents. Some of these failings include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane change
- Failing to check the blind spot
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
Lane Splitting Is Legal But Can Complicate Motorcycle Accident Claims
Some additional laws can complicate driving situations in Gilbert, making motorcycles less predictable and more likely to be involved in an accident. According to the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), Arizona allows lane splitting or filtering in certain situations. Filtering is only for two-wheeled motorcycles in the condition that the speed limit is 45mph or under, in lanes traveling the same direction, and you are passing a stopped vehicle.
How Contributory Negligence Can Affect Your Claim
Every case is unique, and the details and causes of each case are different. Arizona observes comparative or contributory negligence, meaning your compensation may be affected by your percentage of fault in the accident. Speak with your Suzuki Law motorcycle accident lawyer in Gilbert to determine if this may affect your case.
Abogado cerca de míInjuries from a Gilbert Motorcycle Accident
Injuries in a Gilbert motorcycle accident can be severe. Even a minor ‘fender bender’ for a car can mean a catastrophic injury for a motorcycle rider. Some of these injuries that you can sue for compensation for with a Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer may be:
- Lacerations and bruising
- Head or neck injury
- Internal bleeding
- Crush injury
- Road rash or friction burns
- Broken bones
These injuries may require months or years of rehabilitative therapies, follow-ups, and potentially surgical interventions. Each hospitalization, surgery, or appointment can result in medical bills or time spent away from family and work. The time spent healing can mean money, pain, and inconvenience, affecting your livelihood and quality of life.
Emotional Injuries in a Gilbert Motorcycle Accident
While physical injuries tend to dominate what we think of when we think about motorcycle accident injuries, emotional injuries like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can be common as well. These symptoms can be serious, affecting your work, personal life, and overall functioning. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may benefit from mental health intervention.
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Benefits of a Gilbert Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Many people may feel that they do not need legal representation for their motorcycle accident. While it is possible to navigate the system alone, having a Gilbert motorcycle accident attorney may help you recover more compensation than you would otherwise obtain on your own. In addition to higher compensation, an attorney can take some of the minutiae of the process off your plate, allowing you to rest and recover.
Some of the many benefits of having an attorney on your case are:
- Handling all communication with other parties
- Educating you on the process
- Setting expectations for your case
- Negotiations with insurance
- Handling your case at trial
The legal process can be overwhelming, particularly when you consider that the insurance company is not your friend. Its main job is to protect its money and assets, meaning its representatives will make any efforts to minimize your injuries to justify a lower settlement. Retaining an attorney means that someone is on your side to protect your money and assets.
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Damages in a Gilbert Motorcycle Accident Case
While working with our motorcycle accident attorney, they can help determine the most appropriate damages to claim. These will fall into different categories of compensatory damages, known as economic and non-economic damages, and non-compensatory damages, which can include punitive damages.
Compensatory damages can include damages such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Supportive services
- Loss of earning potential
Some of the most commonly seen claims under the category of non-compensatory damages are punitive damages. The jury awards this type of damage in court and is not asked for by the plaintiff but assigned as punishment for truly malicious behavior. The goal of this fine is to deter the defendant from more of this behavior in the future.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Gilbert Today
Retaining an attorney may feel like a big step. Many people are unsure of whether they need one. Whether you are certain of your need for representation or unsure of whether you want to pursue legal action, calling Suzuki Law Offices for a free case consultation may be able to answer questions and help you determine the best choice for you.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we will use our experience to handle your case with integrity and compassion. Recovery can be difficult, and you deserve compensation. Call our motorcycle accident attorney in Gilbert today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form