Riding a motorcycle is a great stress relief for many Mesa residents and visitors. If the worst-case scenario happens and you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may not know where to turn. Suzuki Law Offices will be there with a top-rated Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer to walk you through the process and fight to secure the maximum compensation available to you.
In the aftermath of an accident, having an experienced Mesa personal injury lawyer in your corner may be one of the best decisions you can make. Our former prosecutors offer years of experience in civil and criminal law and can use that experience to advocate for the compensation you deserve. Recovery can be painful, grueling, and expensive, but you do not have to face it alone.
Mesa Motorcycle Accidents
Mesa is known for its views and great weather in the motorcycle community. This makes it an excellent area for locals and tourists to ride. While this may be great for the local economy, it can mean more accidents for people on the road.
The percentage of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents is staggering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports nearly 6,000 motorcycle deaths nationally in its most recent reporting year. These fatalities account for 14% of all fatalities despite motorcycles being less than 5% of all registered vehicles.
The state of Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that there are 190,000 motorcycles out of around six million registered vehicles. Of these nearly 200,000 motorcycles, the most recent Arizona DOT Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report showed nearly 300 fatalities. This report shows Maricopa County as accounting for over 50% of all fatalities.
Causes of Mesa Motorcycle Accidents
The causes of a Mesa motorcycle accident vary case by case. Driver error causes most motorcycle accidents. Some of the many ways this can happen are:
- Inexperience: New riders may be less sure of themselves and how to handle the bike, making them more vulnerable to an accident
- Failing to check the blind spot: Because motorcycles are small, they can easily disappear into a car’s blind spot
- Improper lane change: If a rider is in a vehicle’s blind spot, appropriate signaling and checking can prevent accidents and alert the rider to get out of the way
- Inattentive driving: If a driver is not paying attention to what is happening on the road, they are more likely not to see a motorcycle and hit them.
Lane filtering may add additional complexity when considering contributing factors to motorcycle accidents. The Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation reports that SB 1273 allows lane filtering in Arizona under some circumstances. This is not the same as what many people know as lane splitting, and there are many more conditions under which it can be practiced legally.
Benefits of a Mesa Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You may be unsure if you want to work with a motorcycle accident attorney in Mesa. In the beginning, it is not uncommon for people to feel that getting an attorney involved is extreme or unnecessary, but the benefits of having one can be significant. In addition to having the skills to negotiate what is likely a higher amount of compensation, having a motorcycle accident lawyer in Mesa may help with the following:
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Investigating the accident and identifying responsible parties
- Building a case to establish a need for appropriate compensation
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
Many things may complicate your case and make it appropriate to have representation to navigate it for you. For example, Arizona observes pure comparative negligence laws under ARS 12-2505. This means that your compensation may be affected by your part in the accident, and a Mesa car accident lawyer may be able to minimize this effect.
Mesa Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and frequently life-threatening or fatal. It is crucial to ensure that you have a medical evaluation immediately following any kind of accident if paramedics are not on the scene. It is essential to begin documentation and ensure that no injuries are missed or later become exacerbated. Some commonly seen injuries are:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Head, neck, and face injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The emotional injuries of a motorcycle accident are also relevant. Even a minor accident can be lethal, and that knowledge can lead to significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All of these disorders may be caused by an accident and can significantly alter your functioning in life.
Compensation for a Mesa Motorcycle Accident
Determining appropriate and fair compensation for a motorcycle accident is unique case by case. This is calculated based on several factors. These might include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical costs
- Duration of recovery
- Chances of recovery
- Effects on day-to-day life
- Lost wages
If you have lost a loved one, you may wonder what your options for recourse are. In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek compensation and find out who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. While we understand that compensation will not bring your loved one back, it may allow you more financial freedom to continue your life and grieve in the way you need to.
Call a Mesa Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you are trying to cope with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you do not have to do it alone. A Suzuki Law Office motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to work with you to provide guidance, clarification, and set expectations. You deserve to have someone in your corner, fighting for your rights to compensation.
If you have any questions or know that you need representation, we are available to schedule a free case consultation 24/7. In this consultation, we can provide an honest assessment of where your case stands to help you make an informed decision. Call us today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form