The motorcycle accident lawyers in the Phoenix office of Abels & Annes know how devastating a motorcycle crash can be. After an Arizona motorcycle accident, injured victims need and deserve the skills and tenacity of an experienced personal injury law firm.
The compassionate Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes understand how these wrecks can have serious repercussions for riders and their families as they deal with:
- Serious injuries
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Seemingly endless stress and often ongoing pain
Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers' main goal is to alleviate that stress, fight for our clients to receive fair compensation, and focus on successfully resolving their claims. Our mission is to help our clients focus on what really matters: getting better and protecting their family's financial future.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
The increasing popularity of motorcycle riding means more riders are facing the risk of getting into a serious or fatal crash. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Phoenix understand that these cases often involve very serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Burn injuries
- Road rash
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
And, when a rider is killed, a wrongful death lawsuit must be properly filed within the legal deadline to help ensure the financial well-being of loved ones left behind. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of riders and their families.
How Common are Motorcycle Accidents?
In one recent year, there were 2,738 motorcycle crashes in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. That same year reported 150 fatalities and 2,248 riders with injuries.
Nationwide, the number of serious and fatal motorcycle crashes is generally on the rise. There are more than 4,500 rider fatalities and 80,000 injuries each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In the past decade, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported the number of registered motorcycles on the nation’s roads has increased from fewer than 5 million to more than 8 million, resulting in an additional 1,500 rider deaths each year nationwide.
When taking into account more recent numbers, we see that the number of motorcycle accidents that result in death is still increasing. For example, the number of motorcyclist fatalities rose to about 5,000 a few years ago. These statistics show us that although motorcycle safety equipment is increasing, motorcycle riders are still overrepresented in overall motor vehicle traffic fatalities.
Contact our motorcycle injury team for a free consultation if you are a victim of a Phoenix motorcycle accident. Contact us online or call (602) 819-5191 today.
Most Arizona Motorcycle Accidents are Caused By Other Drivers' Negligence
Arizona is one of about a dozen states that frequently report more than 100 motorcycle deaths annually. The vast majority of those injured or killed are males between the ages of 30 and 50. Whether riding in an urban or rural area, and whether a rider is wearing a helmet or not, motorcyclists most often sustain serious injuries from the negligence of other motorists on the road.
Most motorcycle crashes are caused by other motorists acting carelessly or negligently as they drive. The most common examples of driver negligence that can lead to a motorcycle crash include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Drivers failing to look for and actually see a motorcyclist
Typically, these crashes involve a family’s primary wage earner. In fact, the increasing popularity of motorcycle riding continues to put older riders at risk. The NHTSA reports that the number of registered motorcycles is up more than 50 percent in the last decade.
Riders over the age of 40 account for 53 percent of fatalities, up from 51 percent only a decade earlier. According to a study published in Injury Prevention, those older riders are at increased risk of severe injuries in a crash. Further, they are three times more likely to be hospitalized.
How Can a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney Recover Compensation For My Injuries?
After a crash, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Phoenix can pursue your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other legal damages from responsible parties through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The at-fault party's insurance company, the vehicle's manufacturer, or even the government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be responsible for your losses. During a free consultation, we can consider many different avenues to help you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and medical bills.
Our skilled personal injury team understands how doctors create a prognosis for recovery and the high risk of long-term medical complications and expenses involved in motorcycle crashes. Gathering evidence and analyzing its significance is a critical step in determining the full extent of your losses stemming from the crash.
Insurance companies will often minimize the rider's injuries and financial losses when dealing with an injury victim who does not have legal representation. However, understanding what medical bills and future costs may arise from an injury is crucial to ensuring that a rider is not left financially and physically suffering years later.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Thoroughly Investigate Your Motorcycle Collision
A thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding a motorcycle crash can be an extremely important part of determining who is at fault. Simply taking the situation at face value is not enough.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports more than half of all motorcycle crashes are the fault of another vehicle’s driver. The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is a driver who fails to yield the right-of-way before turning left in front of an oncoming rider. In other cases, motorists may fail to see an oncoming rider or fail to properly judge speed and distance.
In some cases, law enforcement may also fail to protect a rider at the scene of a crash. This is sometimes the case where investigators allege speeding or other negligent behavior on the part of the motorcyclist. The legal professionals at Abels & Annes will not jump to conclusions. We will listen to the facts you remember and take additional steps to ensure we have all the important details needed to build a solid claim.
For example, an independent investigation of the crash may yield additional clues. The sooner a motorcycle accident lawyer in our Phoenix office is on your side, the better the chances of collecting evidence that may help your claim. For example, we can obtain nearby surveillance videos, engage an accident reconstructionist, and gather witness statements.
Accident victims should collect as much documentation as possible at the scene to share with their lawyer. However, if you suffer severe injuries, your first priority is receiving the medical care you need. Our team can help collect information as soon as we start working together.
Important evidence that might be available at the scene of the accident can include:
- photos of the accident
- photos of the surrounding area and conditions
- independent witness information
- the police report number
- insurance information from all parties involved
- photos of your injuries
Contact a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Abels & Annes to Learn More
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can consider the extent of your injuries and the likelihood of long-term medical complications. We also know and expect the tactics insurance adjusters may try to reduce or eliminate paying your claim.
For example, insurance companies may try to entice you into accepting a quick settlement. They do this before you have a chance to consult with a qualified injury lawyer. In general, accident victims should never discuss their case with an insurance company before consulting with a reputable lawyer.
Instead of dealing with an aggressive insurance adjuster while you try to heal, let a motorcycle accident attorney in Phoenix handle the communications and negotiations on your behalf. Once the full extent of your injuries and financial loss has been determined, your attorney will be in the best position to fight for the settlement you deserve.
If you suffer injuries in an Arizona motorcycle accident, contact Abels & Annes today for a free consultation to discuss your rights. You won't pay any fees unless we successfully resolve your case. Call us at (602) 819-5191 for a free consultation.