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What starts as an enjoyable bike ride can swiftly become a nightmare — a motorcycle accident can inflict severe, life-altering injuries, some of which may prove catastrophic or fatal. If you find yourself in a motorcycle crash in or around Yuma, the impact on your life can be immense, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath by yourself. With the assistance of a seasoned personal injury lawyer, you can pursue compensation for your injuries, safeguard your legal interests, and concentrate on your road to recovery.
Each state sets its own laws regarding motorcycles, and those laws can often become an important part of any motorcycle accident claim. In Arizona, there are several key motorcycle laws designed to promote safety on the roads. For example, Arizona requires all motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Arizona law also requires all motorcycle riders to wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
Also notably, lane splitting, where motorcycles ride between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Arizona. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same rules as other vehicles and stay within designated lanes. Riders are expected to adhere to safety regarding their bikes, as well. For instance, handlebars on motorcycles cannot be positioned higher than the rider’s shoulders when seated on the bike in Arizona. Motorcycles must have their headlights on at all times, even during daylight hours. Motorcycles must be equipped with footrests for passengers if passengers are being carried.
In addition to the specific statutes that cover motorcycle safety and conduct while riding a bike, the law of negligence governs motorcycle accidents in Arizona. Negligence is the part of the law that allows an accident victim to hold the other party responsible if the accident was the other party’s fault.
Generally, in order to present a valid claim after a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove the elements of negligence, which requires you to prove the following four elements:
Whether you have a valid negligence claim after a motorcycle accident depends on a lot of different factors and the specific facts of the case. For example, you may be able to prove a breach of the duty of reasonable care if the other party veered into your lane or failed to yield to your bike. You may be able to prove causation if you can show that the other driver’s conduct, such as veering, was the direct cause of your accident. You may also be able to prove damages if you have personal injuries or damage to your bike. You will need strong, relevant evidence regarding both liability and your damages in order to recover compensation in your claim.
After you suffer a motorcycle crash, you may be faced with some serious, significant, sometimes even life-threatening injuries. You may, for example, have experienced a head injury, traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, or injury to your back, neck, or spine. Often, motorcycle accident victims will experience burns, broken or fractured bones, and soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. Personal injuries often mean significant financial damages, whether that be from the costs of medical care, lost income or wages, or general damages. The following are some examples of the types of compensation you might be able to seek after your Yuma motorcycle crash:
The statute of limitations is the law that determines the deadline for filing your lawsuit. In Arizona, personal injury cases, including those based on a motorcycle accident, must be filed within two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline could result in forfeiting your opportunity to seek compensation. It’s very important to be aware of your lawsuit’s deadline to ensure you preserve your right to pursue damages, which is one of the reasons it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your legal rights and how to obtain compensation in your claim.
Motorcycle accident claims often present a more complex legal landscape compared to typical car accident cases. One primary reason is the inherent vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road. Motorcyclists are more exposed on the road, making them more likely to get seriously hurt. From broken bones to head injuries or even fatalities, the injuries from motorcycle accidents can be really severe. Because the injuries can be so serious, figuring out how much compensation to ask for can get complicated, leading to higher stakes and more contentious negotiations between parties and insurance companies.
Additionally, determining liability in motorcycle accidents can be more challenging than in car accidents. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making them more susceptible to being overlooked or underestimated by other drivers. Things like illegal lane splitting (when a motorcycle drives between lanes) and differences in how motorcycles and cars move can make it harder to figure out who’s to blame, which can really complicate the process. As a result, getting all the facts straight and hiring a knowledgeable lawyer to help navigate the process becomes really important for injured motorcyclists to get the compensation they deserve.
It is almost always advisable to hire an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney for your motorcycle accident because they will not only be able to discuss your legal rights, options, and potential steps with you but will also be able to accurately assess the full value of your damages. Moreover, the law surrounding a motorcycle accident can be complex, and a knowledgeable attorney can research the law that is applicable to your case, providing sound legal advice about how the law applies to your specific set of facts and circumstances.
It is particularly important to hire a lawyer for your Yuma motorcycle accident case if you have suffered extensive injuries or if your financial losses are very high as a result of the crash. Not only will a lawyer help preserve important evidence in your case, but they will also negotiate with the other parties and their insurance companies on your behalf, working towards a fair and reasonable settlement offer.
If there were multiple parties involved — such as multiple vehicles that may be at fault — then having the counsel of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is also paramount. This also holds true in cases where the facts are particularly tangled or complicated. Issues of liability, damages, and negligence can quickly become complex, and a knowledgeable Yuma motorcycle accident attorney can be invaluable in guiding you through the process of recovering compensation for your injuries.
Our attorneys understand that motorcycle injury claims are nuanced, often complex, and can involve lengthy negotiations with insurance companies, sometimes also involving multiple parties. At Torgenson Law, we have over 20 years of experience representing injury clients throughout Arizona.
We focus solely on personal injury, giving us a deep understanding of all the laws, processes, and practices necessary for our clients to be successful. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in or around Yuma, you need strong legal representation, loyal advocacy, and strong communication. Call us for a free consultation in your case, or request one online.
