Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with devastating injuries and overwhelming financial challenges. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists have little protection during a crash. A collision can result in broken bones, spinal trauma, or even permanent disability. Knowing the most common motorcycle accident injuries and how to pursue compensation can help protect your health, rights, and financial future.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured riders across Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Our team knows how to fight insurance companies, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait, Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What If I Was Thrown From My Motorcycle by a Negligent Driver?
If you were thrown from your motorcycle in a crash, your first step is to seek immediate medical care. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also provides documentation for your injury claim. After treatment, report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the crash report. Then, contact a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who can investigate the crash, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation.
Our Accident Attorneys have helped Phoenix motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes can cause a wide range of serious and often life-changing injuries. Because riders have little physical protection compared to drivers in cars, the impact of a collision is usually far more severe. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
1- Head and Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, motorcyclists may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures. These injuries can cause long-term problems such as memory loss, chronic headaches, and reduced cognitive function. Severe TBIs may require ongoing rehabilitation and significantly impact quality of life.
2- Spinal Cord Injuries
A crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may face permanent mobility issues, dependence on assistive devices, and major lifestyle adjustments. These injuries often result in lifelong medical costs and reduced earning capacity.
3- Fractures and Broken Bones
Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are especially vulnerable in motorcycle accidents. Multiple fractures may require surgery, casts, or implanted hardware, followed by months of recovery. Broken bones can also lead to chronic pain or long-term physical limitations.
4- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Sliding across the pavement can strip away layers of skin, causing painful abrasions known as road rash. Severe cases may result in infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. Soft tissue injuries, like torn ligaments and sprains, can also limit mobility during recovery.
5- Internal Organ Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a collision can damage vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because symptoms are not always visible right away. Immediate medical care is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.
Because motorcycle accident injuries can vary in severity and often carry long-term consequences, proper medical documentation is critical. Medical reports, diagnostic tests, and ongoing treatment records not only guide your recovery but also serve as powerful evidence in a personal injury claim. Having detailed proof of your injuries strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation.
How Can You Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Crash?
To recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This requires gathering strong evidence that links their careless actions to the crash and the harm you suffered.
- Police Reports and Citations
A police report often contains valuable details about who was at fault and whether traffic laws were violated. If the other driver received a citation, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. - Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
Pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals help recreate the accident. Video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras can be even more compelling.
- Eyewitness Testimony
Statements from people who saw the crash can confirm how the collision happened. Witness accounts often strengthen your version of events when insurers try to dispute liability. - Medical Documentation
Medical records link your injuries directly to the accident. They show the extent of your harm, treatment required, and how your life has been impacted since the crash. - Expert Analysis
Accident reconstruction experts can analyze crash dynamics, skid marks, and impact points. Their professional testimony helps establish how negligence caused your injuries.
If the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs, Arizona DUI laws make proving negligence more straightforward. Evidence such as blood alcohol tests, police observations, or field sobriety results can demonstrate clear fault and strengthen your injury claim.
What If You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet During the Crash?
Not wearing a helmet does not bar you from seeking compensation in Arizona after a motorcycle accident. However, insurance companies often use the lack of head protection as an argument to reduce payouts. They may claim your injuries were worsened because you chose to ride without a helmet, even though another driver caused the crash.
Arizona law, under ARS § 28-964, requires helmets only for riders and passengers under 18. Adults are legally allowed to ride without one, but this freedom can complicate personal injury claims. If you suffer head or neck injuries, insurers may try to argue that you share some responsibility, which could lower the amount of compensation you receive under Arizona’s comparative negligence rules.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can fight back against these tactics. By working with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists, your lawyer can show that the crash itself, not your lack of a helmet, was the primary cause of your injuries. This helps ensure you still pursue the maximum recovery you deserve, even if you weren’t wearing protective gear at the time of the collision.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Arizona?
In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under ARS § 12-542. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Acting quickly also gives your attorney more time to investigate the accident, secure police reports, gather witness statements, and collect medical records before crucial evidence fades or disappears.
There are limited exceptions that may extend this deadline, but they are rare. For example, cases involving minors, incapacitated victims, or government negligence may have different timelines, such as the 180-day notice of claim requirement when suing a public entity. Because the rules are strict and vary depending on the situation, it’s essential to consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Prompt action protects your rights and ensures you don’t miss the opportunity to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident victims in Arizona may recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Costs: This includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs. Expenses can also cover prescriptions, physical therapy, and long-term treatment for permanent injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you from working, you may recover compensation for the income you missed. Damages may also include reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job or must work fewer hours.
- Property Damage: Riders are entitled to recover costs for repairing or replacing their motorcycle. Claims may also include damaged riding gear, helmets, or personal items destroyed in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. They also cover mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of daily life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk or reckless driving, courts may award punitive damages. These go beyond compensation to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior.
GLG Accident Attorneys Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle crashes in Phoenix can leave victims with overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery needs. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but you don’t have to face them alone.
AtGLG Accident Attorneys, we investigate your case, challenge unfair insurer tactics, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us for a free case review. Our team is ready to stand up for your rights and protect your future.
FAQsWhat Defenses Do Insurance Companies Use to Reduce Payouts?
Insurers often argue that the rider was partially at fault, such as speeding, lane splitting, or not wearing proper safety gear. They may also downplay the severity of injuries, claim you had pre-existing conditions, or dispute the necessity of certain medical treatments. An experienced attorney can gather evidence, challenge these defenses, and prove the true impact of the crash on your life.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona?
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), hundreds of riders are seriously injured in motorcycle crashes each year, and fatalities remain disproportionately high compared to car accidents. The lack of physical protection makes motorcyclists far more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, even in low-speed collisions. These risks highlight why pursuing full compensation is so critical after a crash.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The timeline depends on the severity of the injuries and how cooperative the insurance company is. Some straightforward claims may resolve in a few months, while cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take a year or more. Your attorney will push for a fair settlement as quickly as possible but will not recommend settling until your full damages are known.
Will My Case Go to Trial or Settle Out of Court?
Most motorcycle accident cases settle before reaching trial because insurers prefer to avoid courtroom costs and risks. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may advise taking the case to trial. Preparing every case as though it will go before a jury often leads to stronger settlements during negotiations.
Can Poor Road Conditions Affect My Claim?
Yes. Dangerous road conditions such as potholes, loose gravel, poor lighting, or inadequate signage can contribute to motorcycle accidents. In these cases, a government agency or contractor responsible for road maintenance may share liability. Proving such claims can be complex, so quick legal action is important since claims against public entities have shorter deadlines.
