Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Arizona has complicated regulations pertaining to motorcycle accidents and personal injuries. There are too many for us to discuss them all here. It is unquestionably in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney if you have been hurt in an accident. We can give you a broad rundown of basic Arizona statutes, but situations involving motorcycle accidents can be complicated. Knowing the fundamentals of Arizona's definitions of carelessness and culpability may be the very beginning of what happens in your particular situation.
Arizona's Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a deadline for bringing legal action. The statute of limitations varies from state to state and is based on the kind of case. The statute of limitations in Arizona is normally two years for personal injury cases, which includes cases involving motorcycle accidents. This implies that you normally have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit in order to recover damages for your injuries.
The laws in Arizona for motorcyclists
Motorcyclists in Arizona are required, like in all states, to abide by all state laws pertaining to motor vehicles, including fulfilling insurance requirements. The minimum amounts for property damage are $15,000, physical injury per person is $25,000, and bodily injury per accident is $50,000. There are also laws that are special to motorcycling that need to be observed.
Limitations on Age
Helmet use is mandated for all motorcyclists under the age of eighteen in Arizona. While wearing a helmet is not required for people over 18, it is usually a good idea. Features for Safety. All bikers in Arizona are required to wear face protection of some kind. The protective windshield seen on many motorcycles is adequate to ensure compliance with this rule. You must use safety goggles, glasses, or a face shield if your bike lacks this feature.
Splitting lanes
Although lane splitting is completely prohibited in Arizona, a new regulation permits "lane filtering" under certain conditions. If two lanes of stopped traffic are facing the same direction, the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less, and the motorcycle is moving at 15 mph or less, it is possible for motorcycles to "filter" between them. The primary goal of this approach is to identify fault and allocate financial obligation appropriately. When a motorcyclist is engaged in an accident in Arizona, the insurance companies look into the incident to ascertain who caused it. The damages and injuries arising from the collision should be covered by the insurance of the driver who caused the accident. The insurance company is only obligated to pay up to the at-fault driver's policy limitations; they are not responsible for any damages they cause. If the losses are greater than these caps, the motorist is liable and may need to file a lawsuit—not their insurance company.
Arizona's Negligence Laws and Eligibility for Recovery
In Arizona, the recovery process for parties involved in an accident is based on pure comparative negligence. A modified form of comparative negligence is used in most jurisdictions, allowing a person to file a lawsuit only if they bear less than 51 percent of the blame for the accident. Arizona permits lawsuits, but the amount of money awarded will depend on how much of the accident was their fault. For instance, under any form of comparative negligence, a rider with $20,000 in damages who is determined to be 10% at fault would receive $18,000 in compensation. In a modified comparative negligence jurisdiction, the same rider would not be entitled to compensation if they were determined to be 70% at blame; yet, in Arizona, they would be entitled to $6,000.
How Can a Lawyer Assist You?
A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can be of great help following a motorbike accident in a number of ways: Defend your legal rights. In addition to ensuring that your rights are upheld, an attorney can help you avoid making mistakes when negotiating or reaching a settlement with the parties involved. Distribute the load. Dealing with other parties can be made easier with the help of an attorney. They save you time and worry by managing all communications, agreements, and documentation on your behalf. Evaluate the harm. An expert attorney can accurately determine the worth of your case by evaluating the amount of your injuries and property damage. They protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies and give you advice on whether settlement offers are reasonable and worthwhile. Examine the wreck. Your attorney obtains information and builds a compelling case to back up your position in the bargaining process. They represent your rights in court if needed, and take your claim to that venue. You may easily handle the difficulties of your motorbike accident lawsuit with their experience.
How to Locate Phoenix, Arizona's Top Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The following points should be kept in mind when searching for a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney: Verify your experience: Seek out attorneys who have a great deal of experience managing motorcycle accident cases and who focus on personal injury law. Your chances of receiving just compensation are increased if your attorney has a track record of winning motorcycle accident cases. Arrange for consultations: Make contact with the attorneys you are thinking about and arrange for initial meetings. You have the chance to talk about your case, ask pertinent questions, and gauge how well you get along with the other individual. Often, you can tell how organized and professional they are just by looking at the office. Examine their pricing schedule: The majority of personal injury attorneys, though not all of them, take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they prevail and get a cut of the settlement. Ensure that you are completely aware of their fees as well as any associated expenditures. When choosing a lawyer for a motorcycle accident, follow your instincts. Select someone who exudes confidence, has authentic concern for your circumstances, and possesses the necessary expertise to manage your case successfully. This individual will represent you in court, with insurance companies, and with other parties. Make sure the person you select will be the one the world sees as your representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive the money from a settlement for a motorbike accident?
Depending on the specifics of each case, different amounts of time may be needed. After an accident, a good settlement can be reached in a matter of weeks; but, if there are complicating elements, it may take considerably longer. The number of insurance companies involved, a disagreement about culpability, disagreements over treatment or repair expenses, or disagreements over the quantity of insurance each driver had (or didn't have) could all complicate your case. Receiving cash after accepting a settlement offer ought to happen quickly. Insurance companies in Arizona are obligated to pay claims within 15 days of receipt, so after you and the insurance company reach an agreement, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks to receive your money. But reaching that decision can be extremely time-consuming and may need for a jury and judge.
Which motorcycle accident lawyers charge the highest fees??
Most attorneys for motorcycle accidents take cases on a contingency fee basis. This implies that there are no up-front fees or out-of-pocket expenses associated with their representation. When the lawsuit is resolved or gets a verdict, the lawyer keeps a portion of the money as their fee. Contingent fees typically range from 25% to 35%. A few lawyers provide sliding contingency fees, which are determined by how far along the case is. For instance, in the event that a settlement is made without the need for legal action, your attorney may receive 25% of the proceeds. If the matter is tried, your attorney may receive thirty percent or more. When you agree to be represented by an attorney, you must be aware of the fee schedule you are agreeing to.
Do recovery amounts for motorcycle accidents in Arizona have a cap?
No, personal injury settlement caps are permitted in Arizona. As a matter of fact, restrictions on the amount of damages recoverable in personal injury cases are expressly prohibited under the Arizona constitution. Article 2 Section 31 of the Arizona Constitution states, "No law shall be enacted in this state limiting the amount of damages to be recovered for causing the death or injury of another person." What should I bring with me to the initial meeting with a lawyer for motorcycle accidents? Try to bring the following items, if at all possible: • Records pertaining to the accident, such as police reports, pictures, or communications with the insurance provider • Details about your policy and any supporting documentation from your insurance provider or the other drivers' insurance provider • Medical records pertaining to the accident, such as invoices or receipts for relevant treatments • Witness details you collected, either then or later, such as contact details for any passengers or witnesses • Employment data that can be used to calculate lost wages as a result of your accident, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or records of missed work.
