Motorcycle accidents can result in life-changing wounds and injuries. In the case of an accident, motorcycle riders have very little protection other than their gear. If a car or truck collides with a motorcyclist, the biker may experience head injuries, back injuries, fractures, and severe road rash. Esquire Law fights for the rights of wounded motorcyclists and passengers. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, you deserve a motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our lawyers at (801)-528-7890 to receive assistance for your motorcycle accident case.
What You Should Know About Motorcycle Accidents
Many people believe motorcyclists love to take risks and often put the blame on them, but that’s simply not true. Most motorcycle accidents happen at the hands of inattentive, aggressive, or drunk drivers.
According to the National Safety Council, motorcycle crashes account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these collisions happen in Arizona.
But what causes these accidents? Well, most boil down to bad driving. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Motorists failing to check for motorcycles
- Motorists failing to check for motorcycles in adjacent lanes
- Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Running stop lights or stop signs
- Head-On Collisions
- Left-Turning and Corner-Turning Vehicles
- Lane Splitting
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
Experiencing a motorcycle accident is traumatizing and financially draining. A motorcycle accident can also lead to life-long injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury (TBI). In severe cases, a motorcyclist’s injuries may be fatal.
Arizona Motorcycle Laws and How They Affect Accident Claims
Riding in Arizona means taking on some unique legal considerations that can affect your accident claim. Here’s a breakdown of the most important laws, outlined in clear terms:
Lane Filtering on Roadways
Under ARS 28‑903 (F), motorcyclists are legally allowed to lane-filter, but only under precise conditions. You must be on a surface street with at least two lanes moving in the same direction, have other vehicles stopped ahead, the posted speed limit must be 45 mph or lower, and while filtering, your speed cannot exceed 15 mph. This exception does not apply on freeways, single-lane roads, or to three-wheeled bikes like trikes or Spyders. Insurance companies may try to argue that filtering is illegal or that you were riding too fast, even if you were riding legally.
Right to a Lane
Arizona law also states that riders are entitled to full use of a lane (ARS 28‑903 (A)). No vehicle can crowd or force a motorcycle out of that lane. Full-lane entitlement gives you legal protection if a car edges into your lane or tries to push you out, because legally, they can’t.
Helmet & Eye Protection Rules
Arizona law (ARS 28‑964) requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a DOT-approved helmet, while all riders, regardless of age, must use eye protection—glasses, goggles, or a face shield unless the bike has a protective windshield. Even though adults aren’t legally required to wear one, failing to do so can allow the other side to argue you’re partially at fault for head injuries under comparative negligence rules.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system. That means your compensation through a personal injury claim will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but even if you were 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of damages. But insurers often leverage this to reduce your payout. Having a skilled attorney ensures you’re not unfairly assigned blame.
As a motorcyclist, you have legal rights. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Esquire Law. Our team can help you fight for your right to recover damages following a motorcycle accident and will go all the way to court if we have to.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Negotiate With Insurance
The last thing you want to deal with after an accident is an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim as much as possible so they can profit. Our experienced motorcycle crash lawyers understand the tactics used by insurance companies and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Gather & Present Evidence
The best way to secure maximum compensation for your claim is through evidence. Essential pieces of evidence like a police report, photos, witness statements, and security camera footage can all impact your case and help achieve a higher settlement.
Go to Trial
Some motorcycle accidents may require litigation. Esquire Law has been helping motorcycle accident victims achieve substantial settlements throughout the years. Just take a look at our track record—we’ve helped hundreds of clients win hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Recovering after a motorcycle accident is not easy and is often a huge financial burden. Esquire Law’s motorcycle accident attorneys help compensate for three different types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable losses incurred as a result of a motorcycle accident. These damages often include past and future medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Ongoing physical therapy treatments and medications are also a part of this.
Non-Economic Damages
Injuries might not always be visible. Non-economic damages refer to losses not tied to a monetary value. These include losses like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, and a decrease in quality of life.
Punitive Damages
Although rare, punitive damages may be awarded. This compensation is a type of punishment against the at-fault party for their negligent and reckless behavior.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Consider factors such as experience and a track record of success when making your decision.
Insurance companies never have your best interest in mind. That’s why you need a lawyer on your side to advocate for you.
At Esquire Law, we never settle for a low settlement. By reviewing crucial evidence and case information, we piece together a strong case that will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more.
Areas We Serve in Arizona
At Esquire Law, we represent motorcycle riders across Arizona who’ve been injured in crashes. Whether your accident happened in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or any surrounding city, our attorneys are ready to fight for your recovery.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Esquire Law
4747 N 22nd St Suite 300, Phoenix
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Honest Review – 4.8/5 StarsI highly recommend coming into your case with some prior knowledge and resources to help guide the process. That said, this team truly delivered for me. They stood firm on my behalf and ensured I received the compensation I deserved. While there were moments of uncertainty, … More trusting the process proved worthwhile—they got the job done, 100% and then some.A special thank you to Suzanne—she was outstanding throughout. I would absolutely work with this team again. Thank you all!
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I had an excellent experience with Esquire Law. From the very beginning, their attention was outstanding—always kind and willing to answer all my questions. I was truly impressed by their high level of professionalism and the way they handled my case, providing support at every stage of the process. … More I never felt alone or uninformed; their constant follow-up and clear communication made all the difference. I also felt they genuinely cared about me as a client, which created a very valuable sense of trust. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of quality legal advice.
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Esquire Law took all of the stress off of us with quick maximum compensation. They handled everything professionally and stayed in constant contact with us, making sure we understood the whole process. They are aggressive but compassionate and will get you the compensation you deserve. Kyle Allen … More and Bruno were awesome and made sure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect important information if you can. Things like the driver’s information, pictures of the scene, and witness phone numbers will all play a vital role in your case. Make sure the police arrive on the scene to make a police report.
Anyone who was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident can be held liable. Pedestrians, insurance companies, and public entities may also be held liable.
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim if the at-fault driver flees. This would be considered a hit-and-run accident. In a hit-and-run case, you’ll have to file a claim through your motorcycle insurance company.
You might. Complicated motorcycle accident cases may require a forensic investigator who can give expert testimony after evaluating the evidence.
You may still be able to file a claim if you don’t have motorcycle insurance.
In Arizona, motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet. However, all motorcyclists and their passengers should wear helmets. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, it’s best to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arizona
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to face legalities alone. Our motorcycle crash lawyers at Esquire Law are committed to advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and financial recovery.