Arizona has close to 207,610 motorcycles registered. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people choose motorcycles as a means of transportation. Some do it to evade the crowded traffic while others like to enjoy the scenery and the sense of freedom. Whatever the reasons, no one imagines they will need an Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer.
Sadly, accidents are frequent in this part of the country. No less than 2907 accidents occurred in 2017 alone. They took away 161 lives and caused 2413 injuries, involving no less than 2,969 motorcycles.
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, attorney Nathaniel B. Preston has helped many of these accident victims to obtain compensation. He stood by their side, helped gather evidence and fought for their rights until he won the compensation they deserved.
It is important to note that many of the motorcycle accidents occurring in Arizona could be avoided. The best way to understand that is to look at the main factors contributing to their occurrence. We will do that in the following lines.
Common Accident Cases Our Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Have Come Across
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption was a contributing factor to 3.82% of all accidents and 31.09% of all fatal accidents in Arizona in 217. In fact, over 26% of the motorcycle operators involved in accidents had consumed alcohol.
The impact of alcohol on riders are well-known:
- Lack of focus
- Loss of balance
- Low reaction speed
- Wrong responses to various stimuli
- Errors in estimating distances and road dangers
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we handle quite a few motorcycle accident cases caused by alcohol consumption. Our Arizona motorcyclist accident attorneys do everything they can to discourage this practice. They always seek the highest compensations for our clients.
Unsafe lane changes
It is not uncommon for motorcycle riders to overpass stopped vehicles and change lanes as they see fit. They need less space than cars and other motor vehicles. This makes it is easier for their operators to sneak in through traffic. Those that do often end up in other vehicles’ blind spots and end up involved in crashes.
Dooring
Not all drivers and passengers getting out of their parked cars look behind them before opening their doors. Those that do not often “door” riders, causing them to crash. If the motorcyclist speeds and does not wear a helmet, any accident can result in devastating injuries.
Speeding
Both drivers and motorcyclists speed in Arizona, without realizing that they are jeopardizing their lives and those of other traffic participants. This is especially true for motorcyclists who do not have the car frame and the airbags to protect them. Speed reduces reaction time and increases impact speed, so it is a factor in many traffic accidents.
Sudden Stops
Many accidents occur when vehicles stop suddenly in traffic and force motorcycle operators to do the same. Sudden stops can throw riders off their bike, often in front of it, and cause them to suffer severe injuries.
Left Turns
These type of turns are a factor in over 40% of accidents. They are a common cause of motorcycle accidents as well. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss by the driver taking these turns, and motorcyclists can easily miss the drivers’ signals. Depending on the speed of the motorcycle, the impact can be devastating.
Lane Splitting
Sometimes, motorcyclists ride between lanes to overpass slow vehicles. Other times, they ride more than two abreast. Both practices are illegal in Arizona, yet very common among motorcyclists. They are also very dangerous, often resulting in serious accidents.
Head-on collisions
It may seem difficult to believe but over half of motorcycle deaths occur in head-on collisions. In over 75% of cases, cars hit motorcycles at high speeds. The impact force throws the rider up in the air and against the carriageway, other vehicles, curbs, etc. Most of the time, the consequences are severe injuries and even death.
Distractions
Talking on the phone, texting, and admiring the scenery are common distractions in the traffic in Arizona. Unfortunately, they are also common accident causes, preventing traffic participants from noticing and reacting to dangers.
Not Wearing a Helmet
This is not actually an accident cause but rather a contributing factor to motorcycle accident injuries. In Arizona, the law only required that young motorcyclists wear a helmet. As a result, most motorcyclists choose not to wear one.
By doing this, they give up the protection the helmet could provide in case of an accident. In 2017, of the 161 motorcycle riders killed in traffic, at least 71 were not wearing their helmets. Helmets can save lives, and no one knows that better than an experienced Arizona motorcycle accident attorney.
No matter the cause of their accidents, victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses. If you find yourself in this dreadful situation, you should get in touch with a law firm like Warnock MacKinlay Law. We have extensive experience in motorcycle accidents.
Types of Losses Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Nathaniel B. Preston Can Help Compensate
Our Arizona motorcycle wreck attorney can help you recover losses referring to:
- Motorcycle and other property damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment, consortium, etc.
- Wrongful death
In some cases, involving intentional actions or gross negligence, they may even be able to claim punitive damages.
At Warnock MacKinlay Law, we have helped hundreds of motorcycle accident victims receive the compensation they deserved. Here are some of the tips our motorcycle accident lawyers give to their clients:
- Get in touch as soon as possible! If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation. Moreover, gathering the necessary evidence and following the due formalities takes time.
- Avoid dealing with the insurance company of the party at fault yourself! They goal is to pay you as little money as possible, and they will do everything they can to ensure that. If you receive a settlement offer, let an AZ motorcycle accident lawyer review it.
- Gather evidence! If your condition allows it, request the contact, driving, and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident. Take photos of the accident scene and get recordings from any nearby cameras. Keep any medical records, reports, and treatment recommendations, to justify your motorcycle injury claim.
You too can benefit from our advice and a free case review.
Schedule a FREE Case Review with Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney Nathaniel B. Preston!
Would you like to find out how much your case is worth and how to obtain the compensation you deserve? Let our Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer help. Call our office or use the online contact form and schedule a free consultation now!
