Operating a motorcycle is no easy feat. It takes years of experience and plenty of skill to operate a bike. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at a greater risk of an accident, regardless of their skill or experience. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 2,676 motorcycle crashes in Arizona last year. Of those accidents, 170 people died, and 2,235 sustained injuries. Understanding the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona may help you better understand the risks of the road and potentially avoid a collision.
If you are in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, contact the Jensen Phelan Law Firm for legal assistance. We will immediately launch a thorough investigation into the accident facts and proof, and work to hold negligent parties accountable to you for their harmful actions.
Left-hand turns are dangerous for all drivers, but even more so for less protected motorcyclists. When a rider makes a left-hand turn, careless traffic may not see the bike and crash into it. Alternatively, these accidents may occur when a motorcyclist goes straight through an intersection and is hit by a negligent vehicle turning left while failing to yield the right-of-way.
Anytime a person engages in distractions behind the wheel, they put everyone on the road at risk. Examples of distracted driving include texting, eating, and daydreaming. Distracted drivers are more likely to swerve into another lane or run a red light, causing a collision with a motorcycle rider.
Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist driving in the center of two lanes of traffic. Bikers often engage in lane splitting in stopped or slow-moving traffic. These accidents often occur because of the close proximity between the bike and other vehicles. The action also decreases motorcycle visibility, increasing the changes of an accident. Additionally, lane splitting is illegal in Arizona. If a biker causes an accident while lane splitting, they might be liable for some or all of their injuries.
Not only is operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol illegal in Arizona, it is also hazardous. Alcohol and drugs impair a person’s judgment, depth perception, and reaction time. Additionally, an impaired driver may engage in other reckless driving habits, such as speeding or tailgating. Drunk drivers often drift between lanes, brake erratically, and have a slower reaction time to traffic conditions. If you notice these signs, keep your distance.
Speeding affects everyone on the roadway. When a driver operates a vehicle too fast, it reduces their time to react to road hazards and weather conditions. Speeding also decreases the amount of control they have over their vehicle, increasing the likelihood of being in a crash. Remember as a motorcycle driver to follow the posted speed limit, and you may even want to drive under the limit if the weather or traffic conditions are poor.
Motorcyclists do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them or hitting the concrete. That is why all motorcyclists should emphasize following these safety tips when riding in Arizona:
By following these tips, you may decrease your chances of being in a motorcycle accident.
While you might take every precaution to avoid a motorcycle accident in Arizona, other drivers might not be as considerate. If you were in a harmful crash because of another’s negligence, you should seek financial compensation to cover your harms and losses. Pursuing a claim on your own is challenging, so consider contacting the specialist motorcycle accident attorneys at the Jensen Phelan Law Firm.
Our specialists have over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims in Arizona. You can be confident that we have the skill and experience necessary to handle your claim, and our injury attorneys will do everything possible to reach a favorable outcome. Call (928) 778-2660 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident specialist in Arizona.