As Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys, we are always concerned about the welfare of the motorcycle riders in Arizona. One of the causes of accidents is when the rider does not know how to apply the brakes in tight situations. This is why it is important to dispel some myths about braking in order to correct them for safe braking practices. There are those who might say that in an accident, only the front brakes should be used because if you brake hard enough, the rear brake will just lock itself and the motorcycle will stop. However, experts say that stopping time is actually shorter if the rear brake is applied instead of the front brake. Another thing to consider when riding a motorcycle is that it would be best to cover the brake lever in case it is suddenly needed; in this way, you would not need to fumble for the brake. Use two fingers to cover the brake while the other two fingers cover the throttle. There are motorcycle skill classes that can help riders to learn these skills in a controlled environment. So if in doubt of your riding skills and you want to improve more, then it is a good option to look into motorcycle training classes. There are many training classes for beginners to advanced riders all across the Valley.
Why Braking Skills are Necessary in Riding
In 2010, Arizona motorcycle accidents accounted for 2.58% of all traffic accidents. It should be noted that there were 86 people killed in these accidents while 2,390 people were injured. There are a variety of causes for these accidents in Arizona; therefore, riders should always be careful. Motorcycle and car collisions are nothing new to accidents. This is usually the case with motorcycle accidents and this is why riders should always be alert with covering and using the brakes of their bike. Proper braking can help in keeping the rider safe by being able to avoid dangers on the road, such as vehicle drivers, that suddenly decide to cut in front of the motorcycle while in traffic. In the end, no matter how safe motorcycle riders drive, it is the vehicle drivers that need to always be paying attention to motorcycle riders.
Hiring an Experienced Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Arizona motorcycle attorneys are important to consult with after a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents often cause very serious injuries and lead to high costs incurred for medical bills and lost wages. If you would like a free consultation, call the Husband and Wife Law Team. The Husband and Wife Law Team also offer their free motorcycle accident book. The motorcycle accident book gives readers an understanding of how to protect their legal rights. For a free consultation, call today at (602)222-8787.
A reliable Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer knows that there are different levels to all motorcycle riders. If you are hit by a car or truck while on your motorcycle, it is important to know that many times, the at-fault driver or insurance company will look to blame the rider if they were inexperienced. This can be a very dangerous line of questioning if the insurance company starts asking you about your skills as a motorcycle rider.
That is why it is important to never agree to a recorded statement unless you have spoken to an attorney. Typically, we advise against recorded statements. All a recorded statement will do is give the opposing party information for them to argue that you were at fault for the accident. If you are an inexperienced rider and you were rear ended for example, it doesn’t matter that you are inexperienced so why is the insurance company even going into that line of questioning, but it is likely that they will because they try to gain as much information about you and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Arizona
According to the data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents accounted for 2.58% of all the traffic crashes in the state for 2010. The top cause of accidents in the state is collision with another motor vehicle on the road.
Arizona Motorcycle Law
The law in Arizona states that motorcycles are entitled the full use of a lane while riding on the streets. Also, regarding the helmet law, riders who are 18 years and younger are required to use a safety helmet when they are riding.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Arizona and have been hurt, call us today to see if we can help you. We are attorneys who try to educate the public and answer all victim’s questions. We are here to help and offer you advice on what you can do to get the best possible settlement on your injury claim.
As experienced Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys, we know that riders involved in collisions never intend for their passengers to suffer injuries or death. That’s why it’s important for all motorcycle riders to know the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) information on how the addition of a passenger can and will affect their riding capabilities and level of safety.
- The added weight of a passenger will affect the movement, turning capacity, and maneuver range of a motorcycle.
- Starting, stopping, passing, and changing lanes may be more difficult.
- The added weight of a passenger may affect the rear brakes, making their reaction stronger, especially when you are braking hard or fast.
- Stopping hard or fast will force the passenger to move forward and collide with the rider.
- The added weight of a passenger will increase your stopping distance on downgrades.
Arizona Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Passenger Laws
As a motorcycle rider, you can help avoid a serious Arizona motorcycle accident that causes injuries to your passengers by following the state laws. In Arizona, if a passenger will be riding with you on your motorcycle, your motorcycle is required to provide a passenger seat as well as foot rests for the passenger as an added safety precaution. Although Arizona motorcycle law does not require a helmet for either riders or passengers over the age of 18, studies indicate that the number of serious head injuries is greatly reduced in the presence of a helmet. In 2010, Arizona’s Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported 86 deaths and 2,390 injuries to both riders and passengers as a result of motorcycle crashes.
When to Call an Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Being involved in an Arizona motorcycle accident can have serious ramifications, not only for the rider but for the passenger as well. Motorcyclists and their passengers are less protected in a crash than drivers inside of a vehicle and may sustain serious bodily injuries and head wounds caused by collisions with a vehicle, the ground, and other fixed and non-fixed objects. The Husband and Wife Law Team assist riders and passengers injured in car accidents by filing a personal injury case and pursuing the claim to achieve a fair settlement. We do everything we can in a personal injury lawsuit to help those hurt receive compensation for expenses, injuries, and debts related to their collision. We offer free case evaluations to help injury victims make the best decisions for their case. Call us for help today and we will provide you with answers to all of your questions regarding your motorcycle injury claim.
Maintaining your motorcycle is key to riding safely. Proper functioning of a motorcycle is important when riding, so that you can avoid accidents and costly repairs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclist deaths accounted for 13% of all motor vehicle deaths in the year 2009.
When having a motorcycle towed, caution should always be taken to keep the motorcycle safe and to minimize any damages while being transported. First thing is to check the entire motorcycle and note any pre-existing damages. Taking pictures of the motorcycle could also be done. Of course, cleaning the motorcycle before towing is important so that it will be easier to see any damages or markings. If there are any special instructions for the motorcycle, the carrier may want to know this for loading and unloading; therefore it is good to have a list of these instructions ready.
Other things to do before transport of the motorcycle is to ensure that the:
- Alarm is disabled;
- Tires are properly inflated;
- Battery is secured and is not leaking;
- Gas tank is drained;
- Steering is unlocked;
- Mirrors are folded in;
- Forks are unlocked ;and
- That any loose items and accessories are removed.
Also, make sure to keep an inventory sheet, which has also been signed by the towing company.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Arizona motorcycle accident as the result of another driver’s negligent actions or the damaging of your bike by a towing company, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the skilled Tucson motorcycle accident lawyers of Arizona’s Husband and Wife Law Team today to learn more about your legal rights and options at 520-308-6762.
Motorcycle riding is an inexpensive and fun way to get around. The best way to learn how to ride is by doing it hands-on because there is no better teacher than experience itself. Motorcycle riders seem to love riding around corners. Even if they’ve done it a million times, each corner is different, which actually makes it more thrilling and exciting. Did you know that in 2009 alone, that 75% off all motorcycle accident involve car collisions and most of this occurred when turning on corner. Nevertheless, before anything else, the rider must know his own motorcycle very well, even the feel of it, to avoid any accident.
Corners with a decreasing radius will especially be dangerous since riders will often not notice it until it’s near, giving no time for preparation. Practice noticing corners in advance and keep attention to those so-called vanishing points. Vanishing points, once near them, the roadway gets either bigger or narrower. When approaching these points, do so at a steady speed. Pay attention to speed limit signs and slow down before entering a corner. When actually along the corner, throttle constantly while gradually tilting the motorcycle in the direction of the curve. Do not use breaks, as this will cause the motorcycle to run off the road.
Even though riding a motorcycle is fun, it doesn’t mean it’s less dangerous, in fact, it is. Here are just a few motorcycle safety tips.
- Always treat fellow riders with respect.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Avoid riding between slow lanes and stopped traffic.
- Know and obey traffic laws.
- Use signals when appropriate.
- When riding corners, apply the right amount of speed.
- Be cautious of other riders as well.
Practicing motorcycle safety is essential to help prevent motorcycle accidents, though they are not always avoidable. If you have been injured in an Arizona motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Peoria at The Breyer Law Offices, P.C., may be able to help. Call today for a free consultation at 623-455-6603.
It is common for experienced motorcyclists to ride at low speeds and sometimes while paddling with their feet. This is a usual scene in parking lots or in places where riders have to maneuver their bikes at a low speed. Duck-walking your motorcycle, as others call it, may seem to be a simple task but you need to take note of a few tips to do it safely and avoid motorcycle accidents.
The keyword here is practice. Familiarize yourself with how your clutch feels and knowing at what point it gives full acceleration. You will need to avoid that breaking point in order to smoothly maintain low speed. Try practicing in an empty parking lot running your motorcycle at a low speed. The goal here is to smoothly operate your motorcycle while having both your feet off the ground and achieve balance. After practicing in a straight line, try doing it while making a U-turn. Things may seem a little jerky at first but it will not be long before you get a hang of it. Practice will help you feel comfortable and in control of the bike, which will, in turn, prevent motorcycle crashes in Arizona.
This is quite simple on paved roads. But if you are met with a rocky or a bumpy terrain, things get a little complicated. Riding at low speed on uneven terrain proves to be difficult to most riders which is why duck-walking your bike or paddling with your feet is advised.
If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident and would like to receive personal compensation related to a personal injury, call (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation with an Arizona motorcycle accident attorney.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MFS) is a national organization dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety, raising awareness to help reduce injury and save lives. In 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 90,000 motorcyclists were injured, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.
Because May was the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MFS has provided 5 key rules of the road for drivers and another 5 for motorcyclists. It is essential that drivers and riders practice motorcycle safety in Arizona.
For the drivers:
- Focus on Driving. Avoid distractions while driving, especially driving while texting.
- Look for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are small and often hard to see. So take extra caution and always be aware of them in traffic.
- Give motorcyclists enough room. Always keep a safe distance from motorcycles while on the road.
- Use your turn signals.
- Keep it in your car. Don’t throw trash outside the car because it might hit a motorcyclist. Road debris can kill a rider.
For the motorcyclists:
- Be properly trained and licensed.
- Wear all the right gear, all the time. Always wear a DOT approved helmet and protective clothing when riding.
- Don’t drink and ride. Bikes, beer and booze do NOT mix at all.
- Ride with your skill limits and obey the law.
- Be a lifelong learner. Even if a rider is experienced, it is always good to get a refresher course just to brush up on the basics or to improve riding skills.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a motorcycle crash in Arizona, then you may call our motorcycle crash attorneys in Chandler for a free consultation at (480) 753-4534. We are Arizona motorcycle crash lawyers and we may be able to help.
