Why motorcycle claims need a different approach
The physics of a motorcycle collision rarely favor the rider. Even at low speeds, the lack of a steel cage means injuries skew catastrophic — fractures, road rash, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, internal organ trauma. Helmets help with head injuries; they don't help much with everything else.
The legal environment skews against riders too. Juries can come in with the same biases adjusters do. Defending against that bias requires careful case presentation — reconstruction experts, animation, biomechanical analysis, and credible witnesses. We approach motorcycle cases as the harder version of an auto case from day one.
Common motorcycle crash scenarios
- Left-turn collisions — a car turns left in front of an oncoming rider. The most common type of motorcycle crash and usually clear-cut on liability.
- Lane-change and blind-spot crashes on multi-lane roads and highways.
- Rear-end collisions at stoplights and on highways.
- Door collisions from parked cars opening doors into the lane.
- Road hazards — gravel, oil slicks, potholes, debris — that may give rise to claims against road maintenance entities.
- Defective equipment — failed brakes, tires, helmets, or motorcycle parts.
Arizona's helmet law and what it means for your case
Under A.R.S. § 28-964, Arizona requires helmets only for motorcycle riders and passengers under 18. Adult riders are not legally required to wear a helmet. Not wearing one does not bar recovery — but defense lawyers in head-injury cases will argue it as comparative fault. The argument can sometimes reduce non-economic damages tied to head injuries, but it does not affect recovery for other injuries, lost wages, or property damage.
Insurance issues unique to motorcycles
Riders need their own analysis of available coverage. Many standard auto policies exclude motorcycles. Even when a motorcycle policy is in place, it may have lower UM/UIM limits than the rider's auto policy. We evaluate every applicable policy — the at-fault driver's, the rider's, and any household policies that may "stack" depending on the facts.