Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable way to travel around Phoenix, Arizona, but it also carries significant risks. Motorcycles provide far less protection than passenger vehicles, so even a relatively minor crash can cause serious injuries.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, AJ Law, PLC can help you understand your legal options. Our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers have over 20 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $110 million for clients.
Contact us today at (602) 671-2363 to schedule a free consultation.
How AJ Law, PLC Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Phoenix, AZ
After a motorcycle crash, you may be facing serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and an insurance company that disputes or undervalues your claim. AJ Law, PLC can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of combined experience representing injury victims in Arizona.
Our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers can:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Gather police reports, photographs, and witness statements
- Identify all potentially responsible parties
- Review medical records and document your injuries
- Calculate your current and future losses
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Respond to allegations that you caused or contributed to the crash
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary
If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix personal injury attorney. Below are some practical motorcycle safety tips that can help reduce the risk of a serious crash.
Wear the Right Motorcycle Safety Gear
Proper safety gear can reduce the risk and severity of injuries in a motorcycle accident. Riders should wear protective clothing and equipment every time they ride, regardless of their experience level.
Important motorcycle safety gear includes:
- A properly fitted motorcycle helmet
- Eye and face protection
- A durable riding jacket
- Long pants
- Motorcycle gloves
- Boots or sturdy footwear
- Bright or reflective clothing
Arizona law requires motorcycle operators and passengers under age 18 to wear a protective helmet. Riders must also wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield.
While Arizona generally does not require riders age 18 and older to wear helmets, wearing a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet can provide important protection in a crash.
Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, which can make them more difficult to notice in traffic. Motorists may also have trouble judging a motorcycle’s speed or distance.
To improve your visibility:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Keep your headlights on
- Signal before turning or changing lanes
- Stay out of vehicle blind spots
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Position yourself where motorists are more likely to see you
Never assume a motorist has noticed you simply because you can see their vehicle. Staying aware of surrounding traffic and maintaining a visible position on the road can give you more time to react to sudden or unexpected movements.
Watch for Common Motorcycle Accident Hazards in Phoenix
Motorcyclists should remain alert to road conditions and surrounding traffic. Hazards that may pose little risk to drivers of passenger vehicles can be far more dangerous for motorcycle riders.
Common hazards include:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel or road debris
- Uneven pavement
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Vehicles making left turns
- Drivers changing lanes
- Vehicles entering from driveways or parking lots
- Sudden traffic slowdowns
- Construction zones
Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles gives you more time to spot potential hazards and react safely.
Ride at a Safe Speed
Speeding can limit your ability to react to changing traffic or road hazards and increase the severity of a motorcycle crash. Always choose a speed appropriate for the weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway, even if that means riding below the posted speed limit.
Use extra caution around curves, intersections, construction zones, and heavy traffic. Reducing your speed before approaching a potential hazard can help you maintain control and respond effectively.
Keep a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles
Following another vehicle too closely can be especially dangerous on a motorcycle. If the vehicle ahead brakes or swerves suddenly, you need enough space to slow down or maneuver safely.
Maintain a safe following distance and allow extra space in poor weather, heavy traffic, or hazardous road conditions. Avoid riding alongside another vehicle longer than necessary, particularly when you are in the driver’s blind spot.
Keeping a safe buffer around your motorcycle can help you spot hazards sooner and give you more room to avoid an unexpected maneuver by another driver.
Be Careful at Intersections
Intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Drivers may turn left across a rider’s path, fail to yield, or enter the roadway without noticing an approaching motorcycle.
When approaching an intersection:
- Slow down when necessary
- Watch for vehicles waiting to turn
- Look for traffic entering from side streets
- Be prepared to brake
- Never assume another driver will yield
- Leave enough space to maneuver if needed
Even when you have the right-of-way, monitoring nearby vehicles can help you identify potential hazards before they lead to a crash.
Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at AJ Law, PLC for a Free Consultation
Safe riding habits can reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident, but they cannot prevent every crash. Negligent drivers may cause serious collisions by speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield, or failing to see a motorcycle in traffic.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Phoenix, Arizona, AJ Law, PLC can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from those responsible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney.
