Does not wearing a helmet or protective gear reduce my motorcycle accident claim in Arizona?
No. In Arizona, the at-fault driver remains responsible for the injuries they caused regardless of what protective gear the rider was or was not wearing. Not wearing a helmet, leathers, or other protective clothing does not eliminate your right to compensation or transfer fault to you.
Comparative fault may be raised by the defense in limited circumstances, but gear choices do not change the fundamental liability of the driver who caused the accident. Do not let embarrassment about what you were wearing stop you from calling us.
What if the driver says they didn't see me?
"I didn't see the motorcycle" describes negligence, not a defense. Every driver in Arizona has a legal duty to look for and yield to all vehicles on the road, including motorcycles.
We use physical evidence, sight-line analysis, witness accounts, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction to establish that you were present, visible, and lawfully operating your motorcycle.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Arizona?
Injured riders may recover medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, motorcycle and gear replacement, pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and emotional distress.
In catastrophic injury cases involving spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, amputation, or severe burns, damages must account for a lifetime of ongoing consequences.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Arizona?
Get emergency medical care first, even if you feel capable of riding away. Document the scene if you are able. Get the other driver's information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
What makes motorcycle accident claims different from car accident claims in Arizona?
Motorcycle riders face unique challenges. Police accident reports can reflect assumptions about rider behavior, insurance companies often attempt to assign fault to the rider, and the injuries are typically far more severe.
Those factors require an attorney who understands motorcycle riding from personal experience, not just legal theory. Partner Matt Long rides, and that changes how we approach the investigation and claim presentation.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, it is two years from the date of death. If a government entity is involved, a 180-day notice of claim deadline may apply.
Does it matter what type of motorcycle I ride?
It is not important what you ride. It is that you ride. Sport bike, cruiser, touring, adventure, dirt bike, trike, scooter, and every other rider is entitled to full legal representation and vigorous pursuit of compensation.