Tucson Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle crashes continue to be a serious problem in Arizona, and Tucson is no exception. According to a report by the Arizona Department of Transportation, approximately 8,841 motorcycle crashes occurred in Pima County, resulting in 4,267 injuries and 162 fatalities in 2020. When a motorcyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, the injuries and losses are often severe. If you are here because you were injured or lost a loved one in a car-motorcycle crash, please know that assistance is available, and an experienced lawyer can help you through this difficult time.

The goal of a skilled Tucson motorcycle accident attorney is to support you during this difficult time and obtain the full compensation you deserve.

How to Establish Liability in a Vehicle-Motorcycle Collision Case in AZ

Arizona follows a fault-based system for liability in motor vehicle collisions. To hold a driver accountable for a motorcycle accident in Tucson, the injured party or surviving family member must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused or contributed to the incident. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise due care. In most cases, claims are made against negligent motorists. Common examples of driver negligence include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, speeding, and reckless driving.

Liability is not always limited to drivers. In some cases, claims may also be made against other parties, such as government entities. A public agency may be held liable for a crash if unsafe construction work, improper signage, or poor road conditions caused or contributed to the incident. If liability is disputed or unclear in your case, it is important to have an experienced Tucson motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Reach out to our experienced legal team by phone or submit an online contact form today for a free case review.

Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Cases in Arizona

In the aftermath of a vehicle-motorcycle collision, an injured party may face a wide array of losses that may significantly impact their lives. Understanding the full scope of potential economic and non-economic damages is important for injured parties seeking the compensation they need to recover and move forward. If the insurance company makes an initial offer, politely decline and hire an attorney who can help you seek the full compensation you deserve for losses, such as:

• Emergency medical care and all other treatment costs
• Scarring or disfigurement from accident-related injuries
• Future medical expenses for treatment that is reasonable and necessary
• Lost income and reduced earning potential, particularly in cases involving permanent injury or disability
• Pain and suffering which considers the diminished quality of life, emotional distress, and physical discomfort an injured biker has experienced
• Loss of consortium, including the inability to have children, may be considered in cases involving serious injuries, such as those involving spinal cord damage

Establishing liability is important for a personal injury claim. Without clear evidence of fault or negligence, it may be challenging to obtain the compensation necessary for recovery. The legal process may be complex, often requiring an in-depth investigation. It is a good idea to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Tucson who can help establish liability and advocate for your rights.

What if a Faulty Motorcycle Part Caused a Collision?

In some personal injury or wrongful death cases, a motorcycle may be improperly constructed, leading to potential malfunctions. If this occurs, the injured biker or surviving family member of a deceased motorcyclist may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Common defects in product liability cases include:

• Tire Problems: Tire issues, such as structural defects, may affect a motorcycle’s stability and handling. A blowout may occur suddenly, causing the motorcyclist to lose balance and resulting in a crash. Such situations may lead to serious injuries for the rider and their passenger.
• Pedal Malfunctions: A defective motorcycle pedal can lead to an accident by either causing the brake pedal to stick, preventing the rider from stopping, or jamming the accelerator, resulting in loss of control from unintended acceleration.
• Cracks in the Frame: Cracks in the motorcycle frame may significantly compromise the structural integrity of the bike, leading to potential failures during operation. This may result in loss of control and serious accidents.
• Safety Indicator Failures: Motorcycle safety features, such as hazard lights and signal indicators, are designed to enhance rider visibility and awareness. If these features fail to operate correctly, they may lead to an increased risk of accidents from miscommunication with other drivers.
• Transmission or Engine Issues: Defective engines or transmissions in a motorcycle may create significant safety hazards, such as unexpected stalls or loss of power, which may result in crashes causing serious harm.

If faulty motorcycle parts or equipment are believed to have caused or contributed to a crash, it is important to maintain the bike in its original condition for an experienced attorney to examine. The lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, collect key evidence, and advocate on your behalf against motorcycle manufacturers and other liable parties.

What if an Unidentified Driver Caused a Motorcyclist to Crash?

In this situation, it is natural to feel as though you have no options to seek reimbursement for your losses, especially if the at-fault party is not located by the police. With the assistance of an experienced Tucson motorcycle accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your attorney will use their resources to work with a private investigator to identify and locate the fleeing motorist. If tracking down the suspect driver is not possible, your lawyer will guide you in seeking compensation through your motorcycle insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.

Can You Still Recover Compensation if You Weren't Wearing a Helmet?

Not wearing a helmet during a vehicle-motorcycle collision may affect the amount of compensation you may receive in a personal injury claim. However, it does not necessarily prevent you from seeking reimbursement for your losses. The state of Arizona follows a comparative fault standard. The court will assess the specifics of the case, assign fault percentages to each party, and reduce your total award according to the percentage of negligence that is assigned to you. For more information, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Tucson today.

Important Deadlines for Motorcycle Accident Cases in AZ

The statute of limitations, or the deadline to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, is typically two years from the date of the incident. This is outlined in ARS 12-542. However, various factors may either extend or shorten this time frame. For example, if a motorcyclist was struck by a vehicle owned and operated by a government entity, the time limit is six months from the date of the crash to file a notice of claim. Conversely, if a motorcycle accident case involves a minor child, the minor has two years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.

Contact a Tucson Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At Southwest Injury Law, we understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and the emotional toll these tragic events can take on injured motorcyclists and their loved ones. It is important to have an experienced attorney by your side. With so many factors involved in these sensitive cases, you and your family deserve reliable legal support you can count on. Get in touch with our office today to speak with a Tucson motorcycle accident attorney. We provide free, no-obligation consultations at (602) 777-3300.