Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Motorcycle Legal Foundation found that in 2019, 5,115 motorcyclists died, and another 79,000 were seriously injured in motorcycle crashes. Even though motorcycles represent only 3 percent of all vehicles registered in the United States, accounting for only 0.6 percent of all miles driven, they disproportionately account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Riding on two wheels as opposed to four makes a motorcycle less stable, meaning the motorcyclist’s skill level is critically important. Further, in the event of an accident, the motorcyclist has virtually no protection, other than a helmet, if worn, and possibly “leathers” to protect from road rash.
Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable and economical way to get around, but it also comes with significant risks. In fact, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be killed in a collision compared to car occupants. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial that you reach out to motorcycle accident attorney Brad Johnson for help.
Most of the year, Arizona has the ideal climate for motorcycle riders. Whether used for recreation or daily transportation, motorcycles are an excellent alternative to cars and trucks because of their fuel economy and price. Both motorcycle drivers and passengers should use safety equipment, such as helmets, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing, each time they ride, but motorcycle accidents – and injuries – can and do still happen.
When involved in a collision with another motor vehicle, there is very little protection between the rider and the ground. As a result, motorcycle riders are often more likely to suffer serious, even catastrophic injuries when compared to the driver or passengers of an enclosed pass than the driver or passenger of an enclosed vehicle. Fortunately, under Arizona law, injured motorcycle riders have rights and remedies. In most cases, motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist, which means an injury can be grounds for taking legal action to recover damages.
Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Brad Johnson Injury Law has a track record of taking on tough motorcycle accident cases and fighting for the victims. When your life is forever changed by a devastating accident, you deserve to have someone in your corner fighting for your best interests from the moment you’ve been hurt. You know you’re in good hands with our lawyers the minute you file an injury claim.
Immediately after an accident, contact our Glendale motorcycle accident attorneys to find out if you have a case. It costs you $0 to talk with our team. We will review police reports, witness testimonies, and citations. We’ll also evaluate your medical records to identify the best course of action. If you are not considered at fault and have a case for damages, our AZ accident lawyers will fight for you, your rights, and your future. At Brad Johnson Injury Law we:
- Have three decades of personal injury experience to benefit your motorcycle accident claim
- Are a caring, experienced local law firm rather than a large, impersonal regional/national firm
- Take a client-centric, individualized approach to every single case
- See our clients as people with names rather than case numbers
- Have more than 100 positive Google reviews
- Believe our core values benefit you and your motorcycle accident claim
- Are available to you 24/7
- Offer free, comprehensive consultations
- Do not get paid unless we win
- Offer a 25 percent fee vs. the typical 33.3 percent fee charged by most injury firms
- Have both English and Spanish speaking staff
Who Can File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Any party who has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another person’s negligence or recklessness can file a motorcycle accident injury claim. If you have suffered severe and life-changing injuries from such an accident, Arizona personal injury law enables you to hold the negligent party accountable by filing a legal claim for damages. Having an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced and will work hard on your behalf is paramount in an injury claim.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
The specifics and circumstances associated with your motorcycle accident will determine liability following your Arizona motorcycle collision claim. Attorney Brad Johnson will immediately begin investigating your case to determine the proper steps to take. The liable party could be the vehicle driver that hit you, another driver, a government entity that failed to repair a dangerous road condition, the manufacturer of your motorcycle, or a defective motorcycle part. When a motorcycle accident occurs, having a police report that provides accurate information about the accident can be an invaluable resource.
Drivers have a duty of care to others on the roadways. This means all drivers must drive safely, following all accepted rules of the road and traffic laws. When a driver breaches this duty of care by failing to follow the rules and laws, and that breach of duty causes an accident, then the driver may be liable. There must be injuries resulting from the accident to qualify for a personal injury claim. Attorney Brad Johnson can help you determine whether the driver was entirely responsible for your accident or whether another person shares that responsibility.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are much the same as the causes of motor vehicle crashes, including:
- Distracted drivers may well be the number one cause of motorcycle crashes. Drivers that are distracted may fail to see an oncoming motorcycle, a motorcyclist that is coming on one side or the other, or a motorcyclist that is behind a driver backing up. When a driver is talking on their phone, texting or reading a text, eating, changing car controls, setting a GPS, turning around to look at the children in the back seat, talking to a passenger, or is otherwise distracted—for even a moment—an accident can happen quickly.
- Impaired drivers, whether due to alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs, can also cause an accident because their reaction time is significantly diminished.
- Reckless driving can cause a motorcycle accident. The driver may be tailgating the motorcyclist, refusing to yield, or changing lanes erratically.
- Fatigued or drowsy driving can also cause a motorcycle accident. Fatigued driving is much the same as impaired driving as it compromises cognitive abilities and reaction times.
What are the injuries that are most frequently sustained in motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe—even catastrophic. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are all too common. Such severe injuries can result in an inability to work for months, years, or forever and can require frequent medical interventions as well as rehabilitative therapies. In some cases, injuries may not be diagnosed until days after the motorcycle crash. During an accident, the body is flooded with adrenaline which can mask injury symptoms. In addition to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, motorcycle accident victims may suffer the following injuries:
- Road rash that can lead to severe infection
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions and head injuries
- Lacerations and scrapes
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractures and sprains
Any of these issues can make it difficult for you to return to work, ride your bike again, or be able to enjoy activities as you did before the accident. For this reason, you need to take your legal claim seriously and retain only an attorney you can trust with your future. Far too many motorcycle accident victims don’t realize the potential impact of the crash until it’s too late. Your ability to recover compensation may depend on quick action and the right lawyer.
Why are Motorcycle Accidents More Complex Than Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accident claims are more complex than car accidents for several reasons. First is the level of injury to the motorcyclist. Since the injuries are often severe, it takes a highly experienced attorney to calculate damages properly, including lost wages and future medical expenses. Should your motorcycle accident claim go to trial, it is crucial that you have a seasoned, experienced attorney who understands that juries are often biased toward the motorcyclist.
Unfortunately, there are stereotypes regarding motorcyclists—they are often thought of as hard-living risk-takers. While this is usually far from the truth, motorcycle accident cases must be presented carefully to ensure a judge and jury see the motorcyclist as an average person who might have simply been riding their motorcycle to work to save money on gas. There may also be more than one liable party in a motorcycle accident, so it is important that your attorney knows how to hold all liable parties responsible for your injuries. Having motorcycle accident attorney Brad Johnson ensures your claim has the chance for a successful outcome.
What Damages Can You Recover Following Your Motorcycle Accident in Glendale, AZ?
Medical expenses associated with your motorcycle accident are often the first concern, but they are not the only issue in terms of damages and recovery. Lost wage recovery is equally important if you cannot work and pay your regular monthly bills. Attorney Brad Johnson can tell you more about the specific damages that may be linked to your claim. You simply cannot afford to wait to get help when your future is on the line.
While recovery for medical expenses and lost wages is fairly straightforward because these expenses are quantifiable (they have a specific monetary figure attached), recovery for pain and suffering and emotional trauma are more difficult to quantify. Having the legal team from Brad Johnson Injury Law taking care of all the legal details while you are allowed to heal from your injuries can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
What assistance can Glendale, AZ motorcycle accident attorney Brad Johnson provide
When your life seems to be in shambles due to another person’s negligence, you may feel anxious about your future and overwhelmed regarding what you need to do for your future. At Brad Johnson Injury Law, we will take those worries and concerns off your plate, allowing you to do what you need to do—heal. We will walk you through your claim process, answering your questions thoroughly yet in an easy-to-understand manner. We will ensure your rights and future are properly protected, giving you peace of mind. In short, we will be the advocate in your corner, assisting you at every turn. We can even help you get the medical treatment you need. Contact Brad Johnson Injury Law today for highly skilled assistance with your motorcycle accident claim. The consultation is 100% free and there’s no obligation.