A serious motorcycle accident can turn your world upside down in seconds. One moment you’re riding under the Arizona sun, the next, you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain that could last a lifetime. If this happened to you or someone you love, you don’t need to navigate this crisis alone.
Motorcycle accident claims are uniquely complex. Between serious injuries, insurance challenges, and bias against riders, recovering fair compensation isn’t easy. You need an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we’re proud to stand up for injured riders throughout Phoenix and beyond. We combine decades of experience with personalized, compassionate care because you’re not just a case number to us.
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery. We don’t charge any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (575) 222-1000 or sending an online message today.
Do I Need a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
After a crash, you may wonder whether hiring an attorney is necessary. If your injuries are minor and liability is clear, you may be able to handle the matter on your own. But if you’re facing high medical bills, missed work, or an insurance company playing hardball, you need legal representation. Here’s why.
Insurance Companies Don’t Work for You
After a motorcycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly, but their goal isn’t to help you. They may offer a fast, low settlement in hopes you’ll take it before fully understanding your injuries or long-term costs. Adjusters may also twist your statements or downplay your pain to reduce the payout.
A motorcycle accident lawyer knows these tactics and can protect you from being taken advantage of.
Proving Fault Takes Investigation and Strategy
In many motorcycle crashes, fault isn’t as apparent as it may seem. Drivers may claim you were speeding or weaving through traffic, even if you were riding responsibly. A lawyer will gather and analyze crucial evidence to build a strong case.
They also understand how to counter bias against riders, which is unfortunately common in insurance negotiations. The right strategy can make all the difference in proving who’s really to blame.
The Law Is Complicated — and Mistakes Cost You
Arizona’s personal injury laws are complex and unforgiving. A motorcycle injury lawyer in Phoenix can handle all legal and procedural aspects of your case so you don’t have to worry about missteps. They’ll ensure everything is filed correctly and on time while keeping you informed throughout the process.
What Are Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can result from a wide range of negligent or dangerous actions.
Common causes include:
- Driver inattention. Car and truck drivers often fail to notice motorcycles due to distractions such as phones or GPS devices.
- Unsafe lane changes. When drivers fail to check their blind spots, they can sideswipe motorcycles in adjacent lanes.
- Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Following too closely. Tailgating is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who can be thrown from their bikes in rear-end collisions.
- Failure to yield. Cars that fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections or while turning left pose significant threats to motorcyclists.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol or drug impairment is a common factor in serious motorcycle crashes.
- Poor road conditions. If municipalities fail to maintain roads, uneven pavement, potholes, and loose gravel can all lead to motorcycle accidents.
Understanding what caused your crash is the first step toward recovering compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Phoenix conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all contributing factors and identify liable parties.
What Do I Need to Do to Prove My Case?
To win a motorcycle accident claim, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
That involves establishing four key elements:
- The negligent party owed you a duty of care,
- They breached that duty,
- You suffered damages, and
- The breach caused your damages.
Proving these elements requires strong evidence.
Our team gathers everything needed to build your claim, including:
- The official police report,
- Photos and videos from the accident scene,
- Dashcam or surveillance footage,
- Medical records and expert opinions,
- Eyewitness statements,
- Accident reconstruction analysis,
- Helmet and gear damage reports, and
- Motorcycle inspection or black box data (if available).
We leave no stone unturned when investigating your crash. The more evidence we have, the stronger your case.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the accident has taken on your life.
Here are some common types of damages that motorcycle accident victims in Phoenix may be able to recover.
Medical Expenses
You can recover costs for all accident-related medical care, including:
- Emergency room visits,
- Hospital stays,
- Surgeries,
- Doctor’s appointments and follow-ups,
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation,
- Prescription medications, and
- Medical equipment.
You may also be able to receive payment for future medical expenses if your injuries require long-term care.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Ability
If your motorcycle accident forced you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. This includes not only missed paychecks but also lost opportunities for overtime, bonuses, commissions, or promotions.
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your future earning capacity, you can also seek damages for reduced earning ability.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you endure because of the accident. These damages include not only the immediate pain from your injuries, but also ongoing issues like chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the trauma of the crash.
These damages recognize that recovery isn’t just about paying medical bills. It’s about the ways in which the accident has disrupted your life.
Property Damage
Motorcycle accidents often result in extensive damage to your bike, and repairs or a replacement can be costly. You may also be entitled to compensation for damaged gear, such as your helmet, protective clothing, GPS, or personal items carried at the time of the crash.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Injuries from a motorcycle accident can drastically limit your ability to participate in the activities that once brought you joy, whether that’s riding, exercising, traveling, or spending time with family. If your physical or emotional condition prevents you from engaging in past hobbies, you may be entitled to damages for the diminished quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Read on to see the answers to common questions about motorcycle accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Arizona law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you miss it, you could lose your right to compensation, even if your case is strong.
However, exceptions may apply in certain situations, so don’t wait. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix as soon as possible to protect your claim.
Can I Still Recover If I Am Also Responsible for the Accident?
Yes. In Arizona, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly to blame for your motorcycle accident. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your percentage of fault reduces your compensation, but you’re not completely barred from recovery.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re found 25% at fault, you can still recover $75,000. This system ensures that injured riders can receive fair compensation even when they share some responsibility for the crash. However, insurance companies often exaggerate a rider’s fault to reduce payouts.
Having an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in proving what really happened and protecting your right to a fair recovery.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
The timeline varies. Some claims settle within a few months, while others, especially those involving severe injuries or disputed liability, can take a year or more to resolve.
Several factors affect how long your case might take:
- How long it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement,
- The strength of the evidence,
- Whether the insurance company makes a fair offer, and
- Whether a trial becomes necessary.
Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Not necessarily. Most motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be the best course of action.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This trial-ready approach strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we’re ready to fight if needed.
Speak to an Experienced Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we understand what you’re going through. Our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers fight for injured riders and their families across Arizona. With a proven track record and commitment to personal attention, we’re here to help you hold the negligent party accountable and get the financial recovery you deserve.
Call (575) 222-1000 or reach us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer.