The consequences of a motorcycle accident can last for years. If you were the victim of one, a Laveen personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Even if you ride your motorcycle safely, accidents can still happen. If you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Laveen from Suzuki Law Offices can guide you through the claims process and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
The Role of a Laveen Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complicated than car accident claims because insurance companies tend to argue that riders were speeding, lane splitting, or driving recklessly, even when the evidence shows otherwise.
A Laveen motorcycle accident lawyer can step in and assist with your case by:
- Investigating the crash and collecting evidence
- Calculating your damages to determine your claim’s value
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit if settlement negotiations fail
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Laveen
Motorcycle crashes are often caused by negligent drivers who fail to pay attention to nearby riders. Some of the most common reasons these accidents occur include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Opening car doors into traffic
- Poor road maintenance
- Debris in the roadway
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to riders’ lack of protection. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken arms and legs
- Fractured ribs
- Internal bleeding
- Severe road rash
- Facial injuries
- Neck and back injuries
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Laveen
The actions you take after a motorcycle accident can affect the strength of your legal claim. With that in mind, it’s important to:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Take photographs of the accident scene.
- Obtain contact and insurance information from all of the other motorists involved in the crash.
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Avoid admitting fault when speaking to police, drivers, or insurance adjusters.
- Get help from a motorcycle accident attorney in Laveen.
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Crash in Laveen?
Liability in a Laveen motorcycle crash depends on who caused or contributed to the accident. In many situations, more than one party may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers: Drivers who speed, text while driving, fail to yield, make unsafe lane changes, or drive under the influence may be held responsible for motorcycle accidents.
- Commercial vehicle operators: Delivery drivers, truck drivers, and other company vehicle operators may create liability for both themselves and their employers when they cause crashes.
- Motorcycle manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, handlebars, or other motorcycle parts can contribute to serious crashes and provide grounds for product liability claims.
- Government entities: Poor road maintenance, missing traffic signs, potholes, or dangerous roadway designs can shift liability to local or state government agencies.
- Construction companies: Construction crews that leave debris, uneven pavement, or hazardous lane conditions may share responsibility for motorcycle accidents.
- Bars or restaurants: In some situations, businesses that overserve alcohol to intoxicated drivers may face liability under Arizona dram shop laws.
How Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Rule Works
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for an accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for a crash and receive $250,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced to $200,000.
Insurance companies often try to take advantage of this rule by unfairly assigning blame to motorcycle riders. They may claim you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or behaving negligently. Our lawyers can collect evidence like crash reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert analysis to disprove these claims.
What Types of Damages Can You Receive?
Motorcycle accidents can create major financial hardship that extends far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Many victims face weeks or even months away from work while trying to recover from their injuries.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Physical rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If the at-fault party’s conduct is determined to be particularly reckless or malicious, you may also be awarded punitive damages.
Motorcycle Bias and Insurance Company Tactics
Motorcyclists are often treated unfairly after an accident. Many insurance adjusters assume the rider is to blame, even when another driver clearly caused the collision.
Insurance companies may attempt to:
- Shift blame onto you
- Downplay the severity of your injuries
- Delay claim processing
- Pressure you into a quick settlement
- Dispute medical treatment costs
Riders typically need substantial evidence to overcome these assumptions and prove liability. Our lawyers can help gather and present it.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, the statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the legal deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.
That said, certain circumstances can affect filing deadlines. For example, cases involving government entities or minors may follow different rules. Our attorneys can help ensure you file your claim on time.
How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?
Since every case is unique, there is no universal settlement amount for motorcycle accident cases in Laveen. Several factors can affect the value of a motorcycle accident claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, your degree of liability, and insurance policy limits.
Some motorcycle accident claims settle for thousands of dollars, while catastrophic injury claims may yield settlements or verdicts worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Insurance companies generally try to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Accepting an early settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries can leave you responsible for future medical bills and other financial losses. This is why it’s crucial to consult a lawyer before signing anything.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Laveen
Recovering compensation for a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially for riders. If you need to file a claim, a Laveen motorcycle accident attorney from Suzuki Law Offices can help with every aspect of your case and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can get justice.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form