Motorcyclists face many dangers while riding in Phoenix, AZ. Motorcycles are inherently unstable since they only ride on two wheels. Anything that affects the rider’s balance, like a near-miss, might cause the motorcycle to tip over. Riders are also vulnerable to dangerous road and weather conditions. Slick roads or glare might cause a rider to lose control of their vehicle.
Riders can reduce some risks by following a few motorcycle safety tips in Arizona. But no matter how carefully a motorcyclist rides, they remain at the mercy of the drivers around them.
The lawyers at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers help motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents. If you need legal assistance, contact our law office to schedule a free case review or call (602) 595-5559 to schedule a free initial consultation.
How Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Phoenix, AZ
Since 2011, the team at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has represented accident victims and other injured people in Phoenix, Arizona. Our attorneys have over 55 years of combined experience. During our careers, our Phoenix car accident lawyers have recovered over $50 million in compensation for the firm’s clients.
We can provide the following legal services to you if you get injured by the negligent or wrongful actions of others:
- Review your situation and analyze your legal rights
- Explain your options so you can make informed decisions
- Gather evidence and file an insurance claim
- Negotiate a settlement and file a lawsuit if negotiations fail
A motorcycle accident can cause life-threatening injuries that require long-term treatment and therapy. Contact our Phoenix personal injury lawyers to discuss the effects of your injuries and how we can help you pursue compensation for them.
How Often Do Motorcycles Crash in Maricopa County?
According to Arizona’s Crash Facts report, the state had 3,165 motorcycle accidents in 2023, including the following:
- 255 fatal crashes
- 2,413 non-fatal injury crashes
Of these, Maricopa County accounted for 2,019 motorcycle crashes, roughly 64% of the state’s total. Crashes in the Phoenix metropolitan area caused 158 fatalities and 1,600 non-fatal injuries. Approximately 83% of motorcycle crashes in the metro area caused injury or death in 2023.
Tips For Riding Your Motorcycle Safely in Arizona
The Crash Facts report includes detailed information about the causes of motorcycle collisions in Arizona.
The following risk factors are associated with crashes in 2023:
- Young riders
- Alcohol or marijuana use
- Riding without a helmet
- Riding during the afternoon commute
- Lane changes
- Dangerous intersections
- Tailgaters
The following motorcycle safety tips are drawn from these risk factors:
Practice Riding
Inexperience is a factor in many crashes. According to the Crash Facts report, roughly 24% of motorcycle collisions in 2023 involved an operator 24 years or younger. Although Arizona requires all applicants for motorcycle endorsements to complete a motorcycle safety course, some additional practice can help riders maneuver safely and anticipate dangerous situations.
Ride Sober
Over 39% of motorcycle fatalities in 2023 involved a rider impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana. Riders intoxicated by alcohol or marijuana accounted for 84 fatal motorcycle collisions that year. These substances alter the rider’s perception, judgment, and reflexes.
Wear a Helmet
Arizona’s helmet law only requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet. However, these safety devices reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69%, regardless of your age. As a result, they reduce the risk of death in motorcycle crashes by up to 37% for operators and 41% for passengers.
Stay Visible
A common excuse given by drivers who hit motorcyclists is that they could not see them or that they appeared suddenly. Part of this has to do with a motorcycle’s size. Drivers have more difficulty spotting these vehicles and judging their speed and distance.
Drivers also often have a cognitive bias against motorcycles. This phenomenon is called inattentional blindness, and it happens when a driver fails to recognize a motorcycle in plain sight simply because their brain filters it as a non-threat.
You cannot prevent inattentional blindness. But you can anticipate situations where it might occur. You should stay out of drivers’ blindspots and make sure you activate your headlight when you ride at night.
Navigate Intersections Carefully
Many motorcycle accidents involve a left-turn-across-path (LTAP). These crashes happen when a driver turns left in front of an approaching motorcycle. They collide because the motorcyclist does not have time to stop.
Again, you cannot prevent drivers from turning left across your path. However, you can anticipate this possibility. You should consider slowing down and preparing to brake as you approach intersections in case an unexpected left turn happens.
Allow Tailgaters To Pass
According to the 2023 Crash Facts report, the most common type of motorcycle collision involves a rear-end crash, which happens when you hit the back of a car or when a car rams your motorcycle from behind. You can avoid these crashes by refraining from tailgating and allowing tailgaters to pass you.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorneys If You Need Help
A motorcycle collision can result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Contact Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the motorcycle crash that injured you or a loved one.