Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Located 12 miles northwest of Phoenix, one of the sunniest cities in the country, sits Scottsdale, a perfect upscale suburb for young families and retirees. Scottsdale is a great place for veteran motorcycle enthusiasts and beginners alike to trade in four wheels for two.

But anyone who rides knows that the joys of riding also come with a hefty cost — an increased risk of severe accidents.

Motorcycles are considerably smaller than passenger cars, vans, and trucks, and riders also lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Distracted drivers easily overlook them, and potholes and road obstacles can be disastrous. As a result, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, and crashes are typically more severe than car accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.

But it’s not just the riders who suffer when motorcycle accidents occur. No. These accidents have profound physical, psychological, and financial impacts on the lives of victims and their loved ones. Backed by over 25 years of experience and a 99% success rate, the Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyers at Gerber Injury Law are ready to answer any questions you have after a motorcycle crash in Scottsdale.

If you have suffered severe injuries or a motorcycle accident has killed a loved one, we are here to help. Contact Gerber Injury Law in Scottsdale today to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Scottsdale

If you are involved in a Scottsdale motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to take several immediate steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and seek appropriate medical care:

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Immediately following a motorcycle accident, prioritize your safety and well-being, as well as those of others who may be affected. Get off the road, check for injuries, and offer assistance if possible.

Always attend all necessary medical appointments, follow treatment recommendations, and observe follow-up appointments with your primary care physician. Attending all appointments and adhering to medical recommendations is crucial to facilitating a full recovery. Compliance with your treatment plan also helps demonstrate that you’ve taken the necessary steps to mitigate your condition, which can be crucial in personal injury claims.

Report the Accident

Notify local law enforcement and your insurance company. If the police report hasn’t been filed at the scene, ensure it’s done promptly. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

Remember to report the accident to your insurance company within 30 days to avoid coverage denial. If another party is liable for the accident, you may need to file a claim with their insurance provider. Promptly informing your insurance company is crucial, as you may be entitled to additional coverage.

Avoid Admitting Fault

When speaking to authorities, insurance adjusters, or any other involved parties, refrain from accepting responsibility for the accident. Admitting fault could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. Instead, provide factual information about the accident without volunteering unnecessary details.

Document the Accident and Its Aftermath

Create a comprehensive file to record details about the accident, your injuries, and their impact on your life. This file should include the police report, medical records, bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Maintain a detailed journal documenting the symptoms of your injuries, including physical, emotional, and mental health effects. Note changes in pain levels, the efficacy of treatments, and how your injuries have affected various aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, and leisure activities.

Seek Legal Assistance

Given the complexity of personal injury cases and the severity of resulting injuries, it is advisable to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer near Scottsdale. Seeking legal representation from the start means an attorney will handle communications on your behalf, minimizing the risk of unintentional admissions of guilt.

Arizona Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Scottsdale is famous for its beautiful landscapes and lively culture, with a thriving community of motorcycle enthusiasts. With motorcycles zipping along its scenic roads, the city unfortunately experiences its fair share of traffic accidents, including those involving motorcycles.

In 2022 alone, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 2,991 motorcycle accidents in Arizona, the highest recorded number in the past five years.

Out of the total number of reported incidents:

• 230 fatal crashes led to 228 fatalities
• 2,262 injury crashes resulted in 2,415 injured victims
• 419 crashes led to property damage only

In other words, a staggering 228 lives were lost in crashes, and a heartbreaking 2,415 individuals sustained injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Scottsdale

If you’ve been riding a motorcycle for a while, chances are you’ve had some scary moments. Car and truck drivers often don’t notice motorcyclists. How frequently has a driver changed lanes without seeing you, making you swerve to avoid a collision? How many times have drivers turned left right in front of you? And how many times have you heard tires screeching behind you at an intersection, thinking you might get rear-ended?

Riding a motorcycle in Scottsdale has become more dangerous due to the rise of distracted driving. With many drivers more focused on their phones than the road, this poses a severe threat to the safety of motorcyclists.

Here are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Scottsdale:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a prevalent cause of motorcycle accidents in Scottsdale. When drivers are not focused, they are more likely to be inattentive to the road. This poses a significant danger to motorcyclists. Common distractions for drivers include using a phone, eating or drinking, reaching for objects, and adjusting the radio or GPS.

Tailgating

Tailgating, or following too closely, is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Scottsdale. When drivers fail to maintain safe distances from motorcycles, they increase the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly in congested traffic areas or at high speeds. Motorcyclists require adequate space and time to react to changing road conditions, and tailgating diminishes their ability to maneuver safely.

Failure To Yield

Failure to yield is a significant factor in many motorcycle accidents in Scottsdale. When drivers neglect to give motorcyclists the right-of-way at intersections, merge lanes, or while making turns, they create hazardous situations that often result in collisions.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic and is currently illegal in Arizona. According to Arizona Revised Statutes §28-903, motorcyclists are not permitted to overtake or pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle they are overtaking.

Left-Hand Turns

Left-hand turns pose a significant risk to motorcyclists in Scottsdale, especially when other motorists fail to yield or misjudge the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles. Left-turn accidents often occur at intersections and can result in severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.

Driving While Impaired

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Scottsdale. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and compromised motor skills. This poses grave risks to themselves and other road users, including motorcyclists.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Scottsdale

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you may sustain a variety of injuries, with severity depending on the specifics of the crash. These can include:

• Head and brain injuries, such as intracranial bleeding, concussions, and skull fractures
• Internal injuries
• Brain contusions include paraplegia or quadriplegia, herniated discs, and spinal fractures
• Road rash
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Bone fractures

If you sustain injuries after a motorcycle accident, don’t disregard medical care. Visit your doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive check-up.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents in Scottsdale

Motorcycle accidents are unfortunate but can happen, even to cautious and experienced riders. To minimize risk, motorcyclists can take measures to protect themselves. One effective way for motorcycle riders to enhance safety is by understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Below are some helpful tips for riders to stay safe and prevent accidents on the road:

• Wear bright colors, especially fluorescent ones, when on the road. This will help you stand out and be more visible to other drivers.
• At night, wear reflective clothing and add reflective tape to your motorcycle and helmet.
• Choosing a light-colored motorcycle, like white, beige, cream, or yellow, is also a good idea, as these colors are easier to see in different lighting conditions.
• When riding, try to stay in open spaces and avoid staying in other vehicles’ blind spots.
• Additionally, consider adding extra lights to your motorcycle and using your horn when merging into traffic.

Following the above tips can tremendously reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident in Scottsdale.

Establishing Fault After a Motorcycle Accident in Scottsdale

Did you know that there’s a no-helmet law in Arizona? That means if you are 18 or older, wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is not mandatory. However, suppose you’re involved in a motorcycle accident and are not wearing a helmet. In that case, you may end up sharing the blame for your injuries and other resulting damages under Arizona’s comparative fault statute.

That being said, here are the steps that can help establish fault after a motorcycle accident in Scottsdale:

• Prioritizing medical attention: Seek medical attention promptly after a motorcycle accident. Visiting a doctor helps identify and document injuries, making it possible to validate their cause and extent.
• Gathering evidence: This may include witness statements, police reports, and scene photographs.
• Documenting injuries: These are records of injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident. Keep track of medical bills, doctor’s notes, and medication receipts to substantiate your injury claims.
• Seeking legal representation: Enlist the services of an experienced Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation and gather compelling evidence to bolster your claim.

At Gerber Injury Law, our legal team is ready to gather evidence and evaluate your case’s circumstances to establish negligence and prove fault.

How Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

A Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer can offer invaluable assistance following a motorcycle accident by:

• Investigate the accident. Conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim.
• Handle communication. Manage all communications with insurance companies and legal parties on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Negotiate settlements. Negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure the best possible compensation for injuries, damages, and losses.
• Provide legal guidance. Offer personalized legal guidance and advice throughout the claims process to ensure you make informed decisions.
• Litigate if necessary. Represent you in court and litigate your case if a fair out-of-court settlement cannot be reached.

If you’ve recently experienced a motorcycle accident, you may be unsure about your next steps. There’s a lot to handle, from seeking medical assistance and repairing your bike to communicating with your insurance provider and seeking compensation for any injuries.

That’s where a Scottsdale motorcycle accident attorney comes in. At Gerber Injury Law, we can guide you through the claims process and steer you clear of the common mistakes many accident victims make.

Our legal team understands the unique challenges injured motorcyclists face after an accident. We have recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including a $250,000 settlement in a case where a motorcycle was cut off by a truck pulling out onto the road.

Contact Our Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

Have you been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident? You do not have to bear the burden of your motorcycle accident alone. Gerber Injury Law provides top-rated legal representation to crash victims in Scottsdale.

Benefit from a respected and trustworthy personal injury law firm that has been fighting for Arizona motorcycle crash victims for over 20 years. Our Scottsdale attorneys are ready to go above and beyond to secure the best outcome in your motorcycle accident case. Contact our legal team online or call us at 623-486-8300 to schedule your free consultation today to find out if you have a valid injury case.