Over the last decade, motorcycle usage has increased across the US, with many states such as Arizona seeing sharp increases in motorcycle registration. For enthusiasts and casual riders alike, motorcycles are seen as much more than simply a means of transportation. However, as all riders know, the thrill and enjoyment of a motorcycle do not come without a measure of risk.
As a general rule, motorcycle accidents tend to result in more serious injuries than regular car accidents. If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive full compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and even non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
You must know your legal rights after an accident. Each case has a unique set of circumstances that could affect your potential settlement – working with an experienced, local personal injury lawyer can ensure that you have the best chance of getting the compensation you need.
The team at Phillips Law Group is ready to help you and your family after a motorcycle accident. Call us to schedule a free consultation or complete the free case evaluation form today.
Motorcycle Accident Facts and Statistics
Over the years, federal and state agencies alike have funded programs and organizations to increase road safety. Despite these efforts, motorcycle accidents continue to pose a serious problem nationwide, as these Arizona and Nevada accident statistics show:
- Between 2015 and 2017, Nevada recorded 3,353 motorcycle accidents, with 82 percent resulting in death or injury
- In Arizona, 77 percent of motorcycle accidents in 2020 occurred in urban areas
- A total of 30 motorcycle crashes in Nevada between 2015 and 2017 involved an animal
- Only about 5.5 percent of Arizona motorcycle accidents in 2020 were found to be related to drugs or alcohol (including marijuana)
Contact us today at 602-222-2222 for more information about your rights after a motorcycle accident.
5 Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group understand that each accident is unique to itself. That’s why our legal team dedicates to each client the personalized attention and care he or she deserves.
Over the years, we have seen many types of motorcycle accidents, including 5 common types: left-turn accidents, rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, lane-change accidents, and open-door accidents.
Left-turn accidents
A left-turn accident happens when a vehicle making a left turn strikes a motorcycle in the oncoming lane of traffic. This generally happens for one of three reasons:
- The driver failed to notice the oncoming motorcycle,
- The driver misjudged the speed and distance of approaching the intersection, or;
- When turning through multiple lanes, another vehicle blocked the driver’s view of the oncoming motorcycle
A motorcyclist who has a green light to enter the intersection may not notice the turning vehicle until it is too late, making the accident unavoidable.
Rear-end accidents
An unexpected change in traffic flow or an unexpected obstacle on the road can cause a motorcycle to stop unexpectedly, potentially leading to a rear-end collision. Depending on the rate of speed, rear-end accidents between two vehicles do not always result in serious injuries. For motorcyclists, though, rear-end accidents tend to be more dangerous.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions can be deadly regardless of the type of vehicle. These types of accidents can happen for a number of reasons, including when a distracted or impaired driver crosses the centerline of the road, or a driver attempts a dangerous pass during a blind corner on a two-way highway.
Lane-change accidents
Since motorcycles are smaller, they are harder to spot on the road than an average vehicle. At times, a driver who negligently changes lanes without properly checking his or her surroundings can change lanes and wind up running directly into an unsuspecting motorcyclist.
Open-door accident
When a car is parked on the side of the road, sometimes the driver does not realize how close he or she is to oncoming traffic. An opening car door could get in the way of a passing vehicle at the wrong time.
When an open door strikes a vehicle, the most damage is often seen on the parked car, not the approaching vehicle. But the story can be much different when a motorcycle is struck by an open door. The impact can throw a rider off the bike, causing serious injuries and potentially leading to another impact with other vehicles on the road.
No matter how your motorcycle accident happened, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today for more information about your legal options.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The truth is, car accidents are unexpected and can happen at any time. However, there are certain situations that tend to be especially dangerous for motorcycle accidents to occur, such as:
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Poor road conditions
- Poor weather conditions
- Limited visibility
- Failure to yield
Your personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances that led to your motorcycle accident to accurately determine the causes and liability for the crash.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
All riders can do their part to make sure their ride is as safe as possible by following some simple yet important safety tips.
All the gear, all the time
Over the summer when the weather can top 100 degrees, it is not very appealing to wear full safety gear. However, it is important that motorcyclists wear all the gear, no matter the weather. This includes:
- DOT-approved helmet
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Jacket
- Boots
- Long pants
Watch for blind spots
Motorcycles are harder to spot than other vehicles and more vulnerable to accidents. This makes defensive driving especially important for riders. A motorcyclist can protect himself or herself by watching out for the blind spots of other drivers. If a motorcycle stays in a car’s blind spot, the other driver can make an unsafe lane change, potentially striking the motorcycle.
Respect the bike
Motorcycles are powerful, allowing a rider to travel faster and maneuver easier than in a regular vehicle. With this power, though, comes higher risk. It is important to have a healthy fear and respect for the power of the bike, avoiding any reckless or dangerous behavior that could lead to an accident, such as excessive speeding and weaving through traffic.
After a Motorcycle Accident, Call Phillips Law Group
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you need trustworthy legal support and advice. All too often, personal injury victims do not receive the full compensation they are entitled to receive because they do not understand their rights, or the insurance company pressured them into accepting a settlement that did not meet their needs.
When you work with an attorney at Phillips Law Group, you have an entire team of legal professionals on your side fighting for your case. You can focus on recovery while your lawyer takes care of the important legal work on your behalf.
With our contingency fee policy, there is:
- No cost to talk to a lawyer about your case,
- No upfront fees when we take on your case, and;
- No fees while we work on your case
Available 24/7