Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Do you have injuries and expenses from a motorcycle wreck caused by someone’s negligence? Trying to hold a negligent driver responsible for your pain and financial burden can be a difficult task on your own. A Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer with Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can fight your legal battles for you, giving you time to recover from your injuries. We put our combined 50 years of legal experience into every case. Call today for a confidential consultation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Scottsdale?

Maricopa County, including the city of Scottsdale, has some of the highest accident rates in the state, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT). Here are some common causes of these wrecks:

• Driving mistakes – Many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to see motorcycles in traffic or misjudge the distance between the vehicles. This can include drivers making left turns, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or failing to yield the right of way.
• Distracted driving – Using cell phones and other digital devices takes a driver’s attention from the road, with a devastating collision as the tragic result. Arizona has strict distracted driving laws, but too many motorists ignore them.
• Speeding – Excessive speed is a significant factor in many motorcycle crashes. Driving too fast reduces the time for drivers to take defensive actions against a collision.
• Drunk driving – Although driving under the influence (DUI) violations can result in a suspended license, steep fines, or imprisonment, drunk driving is a significant factor in many crashes.
• Road rage – Aggressive drivers who constantly change lanes or cut other vehicles off pose a risk to motorcycle riders.
• Poor road conditions – Uneven pavement, debris, and potholes are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable to losing control due to these hazards. Cities or the state are responsible for warning drivers of potentially hazardous conditions and repairing them in a reasonable time.

What Injuries Occur Most Frequently in a Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to be killed and 4 times more likely to be injured in a crash than people in passenger vehicles. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with these collisions:

• Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often cause severe outcomes, even with helmet use. Any head injury can prove fatal or lead to lifelong physical and cognitive impairment.
• Spinal cord injuries – These injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and significantly altering your quality of life.
• Internal injuries – Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other serious conditions often demand urgent medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Fractures and broken bones – Fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs often result in lengthy recovery times, potential disfigurement, or permanent disability, affecting mobility and daily function.
• Road rash – Severe abrasions from sliding across the pavement frequently lead to infection and permanent scarring. Road rash injuries may require extensive medical treatment to manage the wounds and prevent complications.
• Soft tissue injuries – Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains and strains, often cause significant pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Recovery from these injuries may require physical therapy or surgery.
• Facial injuries – Impact on the ground or other objects can cause severe facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental damage. These injuries might require reconstructive surgery and can lead to permanent scarring.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in Scottsdale?

One or more parties might be liable for your injuries and losses in any wreck. Determining liability requires knowledge of Arizona’s negligence laws. An experienced attorney can find evidence to attribute liability to any number of parties, including:

• Drivers – If another motorist’s negligence caused the accident, they might be liable for the damages.
• Pedestrians or cyclists – In some cases, pedestrians or cyclists may contribute to a crash by failing to walk or ride in designated areas.
• Vehicle manufacturers – If a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
• Government entities – Poorly maintained roads or improper signage could make a city or state agency liable for the accident.

What Is Required to Prove the Person Who Hit Me Was At Fault for the Accident?

To hold the at-fault party liable, you must prove that their negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries. Establishing liability requires evidence, which might include:

• Electronic data – Many vehicles have an electronic data system that can show the driver’s actions, or lack thereof, just before and during the crash.
• Phone records – Cell phone records can establish whether the driver was texting or using their phone at the time of the collision.
• Police reports – Law enforcement officers provide official documentation of the accident details and any violations issued. They also contain results or mention of field sobriety or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests.
• Witness statements – People who saw the crash can provide valuable support to establish negligence.
• Pictures and videos – Video and photo evidence of the crash site, the car’s landing spot, your damaged motorcycle, and road debris is also helpful in determining liability.
• Medical records – Emergency room care, X-rays, and other tests provide documentation of your injuries and required treatment.

What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been in a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accidents are painful and disorientating experiences. Here are the steps you should take:

• Get medical attention right away and follow your provider’s treatment plan. This is for your health and to support the severity of your injuries in a claim.
• If you have not done so, call the police and file a report. Insurance companies and the court tend to value police reports as evidence.
• Keep all documentation related to the crash and your injuries, including hospital and doctor bills, photos of your injuries, and damage to your motorcycle.
• You can report the accident to your insurance company, but limit your conversation to the essential facts. Be careful what you say about fault because it could impact your ability to recover compensation later.
• Contact a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can explain your legal options and help you make an informed choice about seeking compensation.

What Types of Compensation Could Be Recovered in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. While every case is unique, here are the most common types of compensation in a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit:

• Medical expenses – This includes current and future medical bills, such as surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
• Lost wages – You could be compensated for any income lost due to the inability to work immediately after the accident and in the future if your earning capacity is affected.
• Pain and suffering – Money for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries may be available.

Does Arizona Have a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Arizona law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, including those involving motorcycle accidents. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within this time, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation.

This rule has some exceptions, such as cases involving minors or if you did not immediately discover the injury. It is best to consult with a Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so that you meet all deadlines governing your case.

Contact a Scottsdale, Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Scottsdale motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the guidance, support, and legal representation you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face. We know how distressing it is to suffer injuries caused by someone’s negligence, let alone the mountain of bills that quickly accumulate. Our experienced Scottsdale motorcycle accident attorneys understand Maricopa County and Arizona laws and are skilled negotiators and litigators. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of your injuries, we’re here to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards rebuilding your life after a motorcycle wreck.

Visit Our Scottsdale Motorcycle Accident Law Offices