Motorcycle Accidents

Drivers who are negligent – or aren’t looking for motorcycles – are a danger on the road. In just seconds, they can cause a:

• Rear-end accident – A driver follows a motorcycle too closely and is unable to stop in time to prevent a crash. Motorcycles have a shorter stopping distance than cars do. That’s why it’s important for drivers behind them to stay at a safe distance.
• Speeding crash – A driver traveling at an unsafe speed loses control of their car and is unable to prevent a collision.
• Dooring accident – The driver parks on the side of the road but doesn’t check for oncoming traffic before opening the door. A motorcyclist can’t stop in time and crashes into the open car door.
• Intersection accident – A driver runs a red light, fails to stop at a stop sign, or is distracted and doesn’t notice that the light has changed, and a motorcycle has stopped in front of them.
• Left-hand turn collision – A driver of a car makes a left-hand turn at an intersection – but does not check for motorcycles coming from the other direction.
• Head-on collision – A driver crosses into the other lane with traffic going in the opposite direction and hits the front of a motorcycle.
• Lane switching crash – A driver wants to move into the next lane on a highway or major street but does not take the time to check for motorcycles.

There are steps you take to protect yourself and your right to seek compensation. If you can:

• Call the police. Officers will make sure everyone is safe and complete an official Arizona Crash Report. The accident report will include information that can be useful to your claim.
• Get medical attention. Do this even if you think you are fine or aren’t hurt that badly. Some injuries such as concussions have delayed symptoms. A doctor can treat you and document the injuries you have.
• Gather information. Get the name, contact information, and insurance company of the driver. Don’t talk about who was at fault. Get names and contact information of any witnesses, also.
• Take photos. Get some photos and video of the accident, including damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle. Take photos of any visible injuries you have.
• Talk to a lawyer. It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

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