ELG

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys


Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Arizona

Do you need the help of a motorcycle accident attorney? Contact the personal injury lawyers at ELG today.

If you ride a motorcycle in Arizona or anywhere else around the southwest US, then you know how exciting the activity can be. The pure joy of being on the open road and the challenge of keeping balance on the motorcycle are exciting, but a motorcycle ride can go wrong without warning. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there are over 3,500 motorcycle accidents in Arizona every year. Despite the increasing popularity of motorcycles, the public still remains prejudiced against bikers. People are quick to assume that individuals who ride motorcycles are irresponsible and reckless. This isn’t always the case. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who fail to pay attention or drive carelessly around a motorcycle. Serious injuries or even death can happen as a result of a motorcycle wreck.

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident in the Yuma area, don’t hesitate to contact ELG. Our dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers is here to fight for your rights and best interest as a victim. Give us a call today for a free consultation with one of our bilingual Spanish-speaking attorneys.

What Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident?

When people think of motorcycle accident causes, most of the time they think of motorcycles being hit by a car or commercial truck and pictures of bits of the motorcycle lying in the road. This is not always the case. In 40% of motorcycle wrecks reported in the United States, the motorcycle operator was not at fault. There are environmental or mechanical factors that can also lead to motorcycle accidents. Hazardous road conditions like potholes, loose gravel, and wet roads make it much easier for motorcycles to crash than any other type of vehicle. Mechanical failures can also be a problem. Flaws in the motorcycle’s design or malfunctioning parts can all be a danger to motorcycle riders and their passengers.

If you or a loved one were in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to hold those who are responsible for your accident accountable for their actions. Our committed team of motorcycle accident lawyers at ELG is dedicated to helping you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. We are here to answer any questions you may have about your accident so call us today for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation with one of our experienced Yuma motorcycle accident attorneys.

Injuries That Can be Sustained in a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or death to riders and their passengers. Because motorcycle designs are so open, they offer very little to no protection to the rider. Injuries that can be sustained from a motorcycle accident include:

  • Facial Fractures And Disfigurement- Motorcycle operators and passengers are required in some states to wear a full-face helmet. If an accident were to occur and either the passenger or the rider were thrown from the motorcycle, they are at serious risk of hitting their face on the concrete. Most facial fractures/disfigurement situations require reconstructive surgery and counseling, especially if the victim lost their self-confidence due to the injuries they sustained.
  • Broken Bones- Broken bones in the feet and legs are most common for motorcyclists because the legs dangle over the sides of the motorcycle while they ride. But no matter where a bone is broken, the pain can be excruciating.
  • Amputation Of Limbs- Amputated limbs are not uncommon in the case of a motorcycle accident. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles and offer virtually no protection for the rider. Unfortunately, in most cases of amputation, there is a slim chance that the limb could be returned to the body.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries- Often caused by a sudden cut or blow to the spine, spinal cord injuries include any damage at the end of the spinal canal or any part of the spinal cord itself. These serious and sometimes deadly injuries can leave victims unable to move or feel sensation in any body part below the injury site, also known as paralysis.
  • Burns- Muffler burns are extremely common during motorcycle accidents. These burns can generally range from first-degree, where the flesh is reddened and appears like a severe sunburn, to third-degree, where the skin is either seriously blackened or pale white and slightly charred. Although it can seem painless, third-degree burns affect the complete thickness of the skin and emergency medical care should be sought out immediately.
  • Severe Skin Abrasions (Road Rash)- One of the common mistakes some motorcycle passengers make is not dressing properly to go on a motorcycle ride. Road rash can be minor and heal in as little as 2 weeks, or sometimes affect multiple layers of skin, requiring multiple surgeries to attempt to repair the damage. Severe road rash like this can take up to years to heal completely and can leave the victim disfigured for the rest of their life.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)- An injury to the brain that is caused by a sudden blow, bump, or jolt to the head, traumatic brain injuries can be seriously life-threatening. These injuries can also occur if the head violently strikes an object, or if a foreign object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue. Injuries such as brain cell damage or brain hemorrhage can take years of treatment and rehabilitation to recover, while other brain injuries never fully heal.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in Arizona that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to demand compensation for your injuries and losses. Our compassionate bilingual team of Yuma motorcycle accident lawyers at ELG can answer any questions you may have about your accident. We understand how stressful and confusing these times can be. Call us today for your free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation.

What Kind of Damages Can I Claim in a Yuma Motorcycle Accident?

Being injured in a motorcycle accident is extremely scary and stressful. Losing income from having to miss work due to your injuries makes things even harder as the medical bills pile up. If your Yuma motorcycle accident was caused by the negligent or careless actions of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:

  • Past Medical Expenses- Past medical expenses cover any medical bills for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident from the time of the accident up to the court date. Documentation of these bills must be provided in court in order to prove that they were for injuries sustained in your accident.
  • Future Medical Expenses- Sometimes, the injuries that are sustained in a motorcycle accident could require long term care that extends past the court date. Future medical expense damages typically cover expenses such as physical therapy, surgeries, or doctor’s visits that could occur in the future.
  • Pain And Suffering- Pain and suffering is the legal term for the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury. Some damages that might come under this category would be various aches, temporary and permanent limitations on activity, potential shortening of life, depression, or scarring.
  • Lost Wages- Most injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident will require victims to take time off from work depending on how bad their injuries are. Lost wages damages cover what the victim would have made in the time they took off if the accident hadn’t occurred. This also covers loss of earning capacity, in which the victim’s injuries keep them from getting raises or leave them unable to do their job at the capacity they did before the accident.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment Regulations in Yuma

Helmet laws are different in each state when it comes to motorcycles. The state of Arizona requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Safety goggles or a face shield are mandatory for motorcyclists if the motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield installed. Although it’s not mandated by the state to wear other safety equipment, you should choose to wear it anyway. Protective equipment may not prevent all injuries, but it’s recommended for motorcyclists around the United States to wear protective pants,  jacket, gloves, and boots to help prevent serious injuries.

Speaking With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Yuma

Motorcycle accidents are scary and stressful. Serious injuries often force victims into hospitals and rehabilitation centers, causing them to miss work and allow bills to stack up. You don’t have to suffer through the added stress alone, our compassionate team of Yuma motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG is here to help. With decades of combined experience, our experienced bilingual team of Spanish-speaking attorneys is dedicated to being supportive and excelling in all aspects of the services we provide for our clients. Call us today at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation with a Yuma motorcycle accident attorney at your earliest convenience to explore the legal options that are available to you.