Mesa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Accident Trends and Statistics in Arizona

Here are updated motorcycle accident trends and statistics in Arizona.

• Motorcyclist fatalities: In 2023, there were 258 motorcyclist fatalities, representing an 11.2% increase from 2022. This is the highest number in the past 20 years.
• Increased registrations: Motorcycle registrations have increased by 33% since 2019, contributing to more bikers on Arizona roads.
• Primary causes: Driver error, including distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield, remains a leading cause of motorcycle accidents.
• Age group most affected: Riders aged 25-34 were involved in the highest number of crashes, with 644 accidents reported.
• Geographic distribution: Maricopa County continues to report the highest number of motorcycle accidents, with 1,576 crashes.
• Alcohol-related crashes: 80% of bikers involved in accidents were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Typical Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in Mesa

There are several kinds of injuries most likely to happen during a motorcycle crash, and several factors can influence the outcome.

• Road rash: This sounds trivial but can be extremely serious if it takes off the skin. Road rash injuries can also often be avoided or mitigated by wearing appropriate clothing.
• Head and neck injuries: These are often the most serious because they can kill or permanently injure the motorcyclist. Wearing a helmet can save lives. Lack of a helmet may also result in a smaller judgment since it may be assumed the rider assumed the risk.
• Lower extremities: Legs are often injured during motorcycle crashes. As the motorcycle goes over, the rider's weight comes down on the leg, often resulting in fractures.
• Chest, shoulder, and back injuries: Serious and even fatal injuries can be caused by trauma to the chest, abdomen, and thoracic area. Due to the large impact and many organs in this area, these injuries can be devastating and deadly.
• Arms and hands injuries: These are less common but may involve sprains and fractures. In extreme cases, if the arms take the brunt of the impact, nerve damage or even paralysis can occur.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors, often linked to the behaviors of both bikers and other road users. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and in seeking justice if an accident occurs.

• Distracted Driving: This is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. When motorists are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other activities, they may fail to see motorcyclists, leading to collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the time a driver has to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Many motorcycle accidents involve speed-related factors, with riders often riding beyond their skill levels.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, often resulting in serious injuries for the rider.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment affects reaction times and decision-making. Data indicates that a significant percentage of motorcycle crashes involve a rider or other vehicle driver under the influence AZ Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• Lane Splitting: While legal in some states, lane splitting can be dangerous and lead to accidents if drivers are not aware of or do not anticipate bikers maneuvering between lanes.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can increase the risk of accidents for bikers, who are more vulnerable to loss of traction.
• Inexperienced Riders: New riders without proper training or experience may not be equipped to handle complex traffic situations, leading to higher accident rates 

What Can Be Recovered After A Motorcycle Accident in Mesa?

Anyone who is a victim of someone else's negligence deserves to be made whole under the law. This means far more than just paying for your hospital stay and repairing your motorcycle. You may be able to recover:

• All medical care related to the accident, including your trip in the ambulance, medications, doctor visits, and any physical therapy you need, no matter how long it takes you to heal.
• Any lost wages you suffered as a direct result of the accident or because of your ongoing medical care. This includes any future loss of income if you have become disabled or unable to perform certain duties now.
• Pain and suffering, including punitive damages that will help you recover the amount that will help you recover an amount you deserve. You can also recover because you are no longer able to do things you used to enjoy, like sports.

Even if the other motorist is uninsured or underinsured, there are still ways that you can try to recover your losses. Our Mesa motorcycle accident lawyers are aggressive and will continue to fight for what you deserve so that you can get a reasonable settlement. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we can fight so that you can recover in a wrongful death suit. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Mesa or the surrounding area, you only have a limited amount of time to claim what is yours by right. Call Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Getting back on your bike after an accident can be tough, but we believe in justice and we believe in you.

Why Hire an Attorney for A Motorcycle Accident?

Insurance companies don't make money from paying claims. They like to deny liability, especially when it will cost them a lot of money. When you are recovering from an accident, you may feel overwhelmed by all the demands being made on you. This is one of the ways that insurance companies can take advantage of you, as they may try to get you to admit liability or agree to a quick settlement so that they can close their case. You may not realize you have rights, and our Mesa motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting them. When you have been the victim of someone else's negligence, you do not need to make an agreement without consulting an attorney first. We treat every case as being equally important and will listen carefully to the circumstances regarding your claim. If you are admitted to the hospital after a motorcycle accident in Arizona, the hospital will automatically file a lien to protect the hospital and the medical providers who help care for you. This applies to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident, and it means that you will need someone on your side to make sure that you are not held liable for all those bills. You also have a limited amount of time to file a civil lawsuit, which may be even shorter if there are other kinds of entities involved. As your Mesa motorcycle accident lawyers, we can:

• Order police reports
• Take statements and interview witnesses
• Talk to insurance companies
• Engage an accident reconstruction specialist

Additionally, drivers aren’t always responsible for motorcycle accidents and injuries. There are some instances in which another party, like a motorcycle manufacturer, can be held liable. Government entities can also be found negligent if broken or damaged roadways contributed to the accident. Our team is able to pursue justice on your behalf and ensure that whoever caused your damages doesn’t get away with negligence.