Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Scottsdale, AZ

Seeking Justice After a Motorcycle Accident

Are you considering contacting our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer? Are you facing serious financial losses after being involved in a motorcycle accident? Do you believe you are the victim of negligence or wrongdoing? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it may be in your best interest to find out how the Yearin Law Office can help you.

Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Arizona at Yearin Law Office represents riders who were injured in accidents caused by another driver’s negligence. Motorcycle accidents are often serious, if not fatal for the rider. This is particularly true when a car or truck is involved and the two vehicles are traveling at a higher rate of speed. Because bikers do not have the same level of protection around them as car and truck drivers who are surrounded by metal and airbags, motorcyclist typically suffers far greater injuries. It’s not unusual for the biker to sustain catastrophic if not fatal injuries in these scenarios. Because the costs involved in compensating the victim for their damages are often prohibitive, insurance companies are loathed to payout such claims. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not deny the victim’s claim, they will typically offer to pay only a percentage of the victim’s damages.

Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Arizona can make all the difference in the outcome by protecting our client’s rights to receive full compensation for their losses. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation with a respected motorcycle accident lawyer who will review your case at no charge. At the conclusion of that consultation, you should gain a greater understanding of whether or not pursuing a claim with the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer will be worthwhile. Two of the issues that may be discussed is proof of liability and the value of the claim.

Table Of Contents

• Seeking Justice After a Motorcycle Accident
• Common Reasons Motorcycle Accidents Occur
• 5 Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accident Personal Injury Cases
• Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Infographic
• Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Statistics
• Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident FAQs
• Yearin Law Office, Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Contact Our Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

In general, injuries that have caused moderate to severe financial losses, and involve negligence, will qualify for monetary compensation in the form of a legal claim or lawsuit. As a respected Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer, we have worked with clients who are in and out of the hospital. When a victim is incapacitated or has died, we may work alongside a family member. It is the goal of our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer to make this process as easy and painstakingly free as possible for those who have experienced:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Neck and spine injuries
• Joint injuries
• Broken bones and sprains
• Muscle tears
• Facial lacerations
• Severe body lacerations
• Burns
• Loss of limb
• Paralysis
• Internal damage
• Collapsed lung

Usually, the more serious the injury is, the more money you may receive. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ is ready to file a claim against any party that may be to blame. This includes:

• The driver of another car
• The driver of a company truck
• The owner of a company truck or car
• A government entity
• A pedestrian
• The company of a motorcycle part
• The company of motorcycle safety gear

5 Questions To Ask Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it is important to ask the right questions to your attorney. The following questions can help you understand your case and the path to success.

• Does this firm specialize in motorcycle accidents?
• Have you had favorable results from similar cases?
• What does your process look like?
• Who will handle my case?
• What are your fees?

Your Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer must have a background in these types of cases. These cases require a unique set of skills and knowledge you only get with experience. Getting a lawyer specializing in this field can make the outcome in your favor. After all, these attorneys will understand all the nuances of the specialty. 

Think of this as interviewing your Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer. You want a resume that has recent successes either in settlements or court. This information can help you see if you’ve found someone with powerful negotiating skills. If they lack favorable results in the recent past, it’s probably a good idea to move on to another attorney. 

From the very beginning, you want to know what the process will require from you. Ask if the attorney will handle everything and only need you for follow-up questions. See if you are expected to be involved in different case steps. When you work with Yearin Law Office, you can expect an outline of where you need to be involved as your case moves through these steps. 

Make sure you understand these different steps and communicate your goals to your attorney. For example, explain if you wish to seek compensation for medical bills due to an injury. Mention if you wish to receive compensation for lost wages associated with your injury. Stating all of your goals upfront will allow your attorney to explain the process you will face. 

While you may have a consultation with one lawyer, they may not be the person who ends up handling your case. Therefore, you should ask who will handle your case. You want to ensure that they are either a motorcycle accident specialist or have experience with law and medicine. At Yearin Law Office, we’ll match you with an attorney who has the necessary experience to handle your case.

As with anything, you must understand the cost of this service upfront. For example, find out if they have a contingency fee option. With this payment plan, your lawyer will receive a percentage of your compensation. Most people prefer this option because it prevents them from paying upfront costs, and they generally don’t have to pay unless they receive compensation. 

Common Reasons Motorcycle Accidents Occur

There are many reasons why motorcycles crash, but one common cause that a Scottsdale, Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer sees are road hazards. These can include weather, the condition of the road, or how the road was designed. Anyone of these can be a factor in a motorcycle accident.

When riding a motorcycle, It is critical that a motorcycle is able to maintain a strong grip on a high-friction and solid surface of the road in order for the driver to keep control of the motorcycle. If there are hazardous conditions present on the road, then it greatly spikes the risk of a motorcycle crash. The Yearin Law Office has helped many riders who have encountered all types of road conditions. This article explains some of the more common types of road hazards that clients of our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyers have endured.

Uneven Roads

Most motorcyclists can travel over uneven surfaces with little to no problems. However, it is important that riders be much more cautious on these types of roads. A car hitting a pothole can cause serious damage to the vehicle, but the driver usually suffers no injuries. However, a motorcyclist who hits a pothole can suffer a catastrophic injury. The impact can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike, resulting in serious injuries. A  Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you that a pothole or uneven surface can cause a rider to lose control of the motorcycle and be seriously hurt.

Slick Roads

Driving on roads that are wet and slippery also poses serious dangers to motorcycle riders. Any sliding can cause these smaller vehicles to crash and injure the driver. Wet roads can also cause different driving maneuvers to become risky, such as taking a turn. Any time a motorcycle finds itself on a wet road, they need to slow down and be extra vigilant to maintain control of the bike. Failure to do so often results in the dangerous condition of hydroplaning where the wheels of the vehicle are unable to grip the road. Any Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer knows that this can be a deadly situation on a motorcycle.

Road Debris and Gravel

Gravel on the road is very dangerous for motorcycles but is unfortunately far too common. A road covered in gravel and a motorcycle traveling at high speeds often result in a rider losing control of the bike, especially if the driver does not have a lot of experience driving in these conditions. Debris that is in the road can also cause the rider to lose control of their vehicle as they swerve to avoid hitting the debris.

Our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you that a rider driving into these situations, should remember to slow down and try to drive a straight line, only using their back brake. These steps will help avoid losing control and crashing the bike.

Animals

Unfortunately, animals on the road can be unavoidable no matter the vehicle you are driving. When you hit a squirrel or other small animal in a passenger vehicle, only the animal suffers the tragedy. But when you hit a squirrel while driving a motorcycle, it can throw the bike off balance and you can lose control and crash.

When it comes to larger animals, such as deer, even passenger vehicles can sustain a lot of damage. However, it often results in severe injuries or death if a deer and a motorcycle collide.

Trying to avoid hitting an animal can also result in a serious crash for a motorcyclist. Swerving can cause them to lose control and be thrown from the bike or they could swerve into another vehicle. Both scenarios can mean horrific injuries for the rider.

5 Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accident Personal Injury Cases

Motorcyclists often have more challenges than drivers in personal injury cases. An experienced Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer can better prepare for legal arguments if they know the specific factors affecting motorcycle accident litigation.

• The Severity of Motorcycle Injuries

Because motorcycle cases often result in more severe injuries, lawyers need to fight for higher compensation. There could be many medical expenses or disability resulting from injuries such as neck or spine damage, traumatic brain injury, and amputations.

• Bias and Stereotypes

Anti-biker bias often affects an insurance company’s willingness to negotiate a fair settlement. Unfortunately, this scenario also applies to lawsuits where you could encounter prejudicial juries. Public attitudes often imply that bikers are reckless and irresponsible; however, this presumption should not violate motorcyclists’ rights. Yearin Law Office knows you could face this type of treatment. They are prepared to fight against any bias affecting your case.

• Helmet Use

According to a Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer, Arizona requires all motorcycle riders under 18 years of age to wear helmets. That leaves a high percentage of riders who can opt not to wear one. Keep in mind that insurance companies will likely use the lack of a helmet as a reason to lower a settlement amount. And in court, juries may consider not wearing a helmet as negligent behavior.

• Compliance With Arizona State Laws

Motorcyclists must prove they were not at fault for the accident, which can be more difficult than the burden of proof for drivers. If you did not comply with all motorcycle safety laws during the event, you could receive the blame for the accident. Bikers must follow specific motorcycle laws plus the same traffic laws that drivers must follow. These numerous requirements give courts and insurance companies more opportunities to find fault with the motorcyclist.

• Negligence

Another challenge for a Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer is proving you were not negligent. Examples of motorcyclist negligence could be speeding or ignoring traffic signs or signals. It’s important to remember that cars do not react to accidents in the same way that motorcyclists do. Therefore, assigning negligence is not always easy after extensive reviews of camera footage. Witness statements are sometimes not as reliable either. Yearin Law Office can highlight these issues during their arguments to show there may not be evidence to show you were negligent.

Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  there are an estimated 5,000 motorcycle-related fatalities each year in the United States.

• • Motorcycle accidents account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
  • The most common type of motorcycle accident is a collision with a motor vehicle.
  • Motorcycle riders are more likely to be injured or killed in a motorcycle accident than car drivers.
  • Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in a motorcycle accident by up to 85 percent.

Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What is considered proof of liability?

Prior to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Arizona filing an injury claim on behalf of a client, they will determine if there is clear proof of liability on the part of the other driver. For an insurance company to pay a settlement, they must be convinced that their customer caused the accident which led to the biker’s injuries. If there is any doubt, the insurer will likely take that opportunity to deny the claim and thus preserve its profit margin. To reduce or eliminate this risk, our Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer will perform due diligence and present as much evidence as it is available to prove the culpability of the other driver. This might include any or all of the following: photos or videos of the accident, eyewitness testimony about how the accident occurred, physical evidence left at the scene, damage to the vehicles involved, and the police report of the accident.

Should I call the police after my motorcycle accident?

Yes. Don’t let the other driver talk you out of contacting the police after your accident. A police officer will investigate your accident and create an official accident report. This report can be a critical piece of evidence when trying to obtain financial compensation after your crash. Without an accident report, insurance companies might reduce or deny your accident claim due to a lack of evidence.

What information should I get from the other driver?

Information that you should ensure you receive from the other driver includes their license plate number, the driver’s full name, the driver’s home address, the driver’s home phone number, the driver’s license number, and the driver’s insurance policy number.

Should I take photos of my motorcycle accident?

Yes. If you are healthy enough to do so and you can safely take photos, we strongly encourage you to do so. Photographs of the accident scene can be critical pieces of evidence supporting your accident claim. Make sure to take photos of the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle as well as any visible injuries. If possible, take photos before you and the other driver move your vehicles.

Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after my motorcycle crash?

Yes. You could have a serious, life-threatening internal injury and not even realize it. That’s why it’s important to have a medical professional diagnose you as soon as possible. If it is a night or weekend and you cannot make an appointment with your primary physician, we strongly encourage you to consider going to a hospital emergency room, especially if something doesn’t feel right. You know your body best. Don’t take chances with your health.

Should I contact my insurance company after my motorcycle crash?

Yes. However, keep your comments to a minimum. Even though your insurance company represents you, anything you say or put in writing could be used to reduce or deny your claim. This is especially true if you are accused of causing your collision. Always be cautious about what you say after an accident. And talk to an attorney from our firm as soon as possible.

What should I do if an insurance company contacts me after my motorcycle accident?

Do not answer their questions. Insurance investigators often ask seemingly innocent questions after accidents. Such questions are often designed to trick people into saying something insurance companies can use to deny or reduce accident claims. Simply tell the insurance investigator that you have hired an attorney and direct all their questions to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Arizona. We know how to answer such questions and what not to say in order to build a strong legal case.

Yearin Law Office, Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

8961 E. Bell Road, Suite 201 A Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Contact Our Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Don Yearin of the Yearin Law Office has been practicing personal injury law for decades. Tenacious, determined, and knowledgeable are just a few notable features the Yearin Law Office is recognized for. Guided by experience, our Scottsdale, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer has been able to reach settlements for those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. No challenge is too big and no victim is not worth listening to. It is these things that have enabled the Yearin Law Office to gain an impressive rapport throughout the legal community as well as insurance companies. If you would like to discuss your case with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ who has recovered millions in damages, call the Yearin Law Office for a free consultation.