A Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Doesn’t Put Up with Insurance B.S.
Motorcyclists get blamed first. Browne Law Group fights back and wins
Motorcyclists in Phoenix know the risks, like light traffic on I-10, aggressive lane changes on Loop 101, and impatient drivers who don’t bother to look twice. But even when a car causes the crash, riders are too often blamed. After a wreck, it’s not uncommon for police reports to reflect bias, witnesses to make assumptions, and insurance companies to question everything from your speed to your gear. While the negligent driver walks away with their story believed. For injured riders and their families, it adds insult to serious injury.
That’s why Browne Law Group fights hard for motorcyclists throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County. We know how quickly the facts can get twisted after a motorcycle crash and how important it is to set the record straight. These accidents can cause life-altering injuries, from broken bones and road rash to spinal damage and traumatic brain injuries.
They deserve to be taken seriously. We’ve recovered major results for injured riders, including a $1.5 million settlement and a separate $1 million settlement in motorcycle accident cases. But without the right lawyer, it’s hard to get the compensation you truly deserve. Browne Law Group makes it easier. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Motorcycle Accidents
Justice starts with the right information. Get clear, trustworthy guidance from legal professionals who know how to protect your rights.
- What should I do if I was hit while riding my motorcycle in Phoenix?
- Who can be held legally responsible for a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent truck driver in Maricopa County?
- Can I sue the trucking company if they failed to maintain the vehicle or hired an unqualified driver?
- Are there special Arizona laws that apply to motorcycle crashes involving 18-wheelers, box trucks, or delivery vans?
- How do Phoenix police reports and insurance companies typically treat motorcycle accident victims and why does that matter?
- What evidence is important in a Phoenix motorcycle crash, and how can I get it before it disappears?
- What kinds of injuries are common in motorcycle crashes and how does that affect my case value?
- Is it true that motorcyclists are often blamed even when they weren’t at fault in Arizona accidents?
- How do Arizona’s comparative negligence laws affect motorcycle accident claims in Phoenix and surrounding areas?
- Do I need a lawyer if the driver’s insurance company already offered me a settlement?
- What are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Phoenix for motorcyclists?
- How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona if I lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident?
- Are helmet laws a factor in my compensation if I wasn’t wearing one during a motorcycle crash in Arizona?
- How can a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney help me recover financial compensation?
What should I do if I was hit while riding my motorcycle in Phoenix?
Getting hit by a vehicle is a traumatic, high-stakes event. What you do next can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover compensation. In a busy area like Phoenix, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can preserve your rights and protect your future. Following a crash:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident and request emergency medical care, even if you feel okay at first.
- Document the scene: Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, license plates, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Get medical attention: Some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away. See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Do not give a statement: Insurers may contact you quickly. Don’t speak to them or sign anything.
- Contact a lawyer right away: A truck crash claim requires fast evidence preservation, and an attorney can act quickly on your behalf.
Handling this alone is risky. The insurance company already has a team working against you. Make sure you have one fighting for you.
Who can be held legally responsible for a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent truck driver in Maricopa County?
Liability in a motorcycle-truck crash is rarely limited to the driver. Arizona law allows victims to pursue multiple parties if their actions contributed to the crash. Knowing who to hold accountable is key to getting the compensation you need. Liable parties may include:
- The truck driver: If they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or violated traffic laws, they can be held directly responsible.
- The trucking company: Employers are often liable for poor hiring practices, lack of training, or forcing drivers to work unsafe hours.
- The maintenance provider: If mechanical failure caused the crash due to poor maintenance or faulty repairs.
- A cargo loader or shipper: Unbalanced or unsecured loads can lead to rollovers or loss of control.
- A third-party driver: Sometimes another driver’s actions cause a chain-reaction crash involving the motorcycle.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can investigate every angle to identify all liable parties and make sure they pay.
Can I sue the trucking company if they failed to maintain the vehicle or hired an unqualified driver?
Yes, you can often hold the trucking company legally responsible if poor maintenance or negligent hiring practices played a role in the crash. In Arizona, commercial carriers are required to follow strict federal and state safety regulations, including regular vehicle inspections and driver qualification checks. If a semi-truck jackknifed on Loop 202 or lost control near the I-17/I-10 interchange because of worn brakes or an untrained driver, that’s more than just an accident. It’s negligence. A lawyer can uncover violations and bring claims against all responsible parties, not just the driver.
Are there special Arizona laws that apply to motorcycle crashes involving 18-wheelers, box trucks, or delivery vans?
Yes, Arizona has laws that affect both commercial vehicles and motorcyclists. These laws can influence liability, evidence requirements, and the compensation available to victims. Understanding these rules is key to building a strong case. For example:
- Commercial trucking regulations: Arizona enforces federal and state rules governing truck weight limits, rest breaks, and required inspections.
- Comparative fault law: Under state law, your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault, but you can still recover damages.
- Helmet law for motorcyclists: Riders under 18 must wear helmets, but failure to wear one (if over 18) does not automatically reduce your compensation.
- Insurance requirements: Commercial trucks are required to carry high liability limits, which could affect settlement potential.
- Statute of limitations: You have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim under Arizona law.
These laws are complex, and trucking companies use them to their advantage. The right attorney can use them to your advantage instead.
How do Phoenix police reports and insurance companies typically treat motorcycle accident victims and why does that matter?
Police reports and insurers in Phoenix often show bias against motorcyclists, unfairly assuming speeding or reckless riding played a role – even when the other driver clearly caused the crash. This matters because early narratives shape how insurers assign fault and value your claim. If you were hit while lane-splitting on surface roads like Indian School Road or at an intersection like 7th Street and Camelback, the assumption might be that you were at fault. A lawyer can challenge this narrative, gather independent evidence, and correct the record to reflect what really happened.
What evidence is important in a Phoenix motorcycle crash, and how can I get it before it disappears?
In serious motorcycle accidents, time-sensitive evidence is key to a claim’s success. It can also help determine fault. A lawyer can gather important evidence, such as:
- Photos and video: Photos and video of skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, and road conditions can be crucial for reconstructing the events leading up to the accident.
- Dashcam or surveillance footage: Cameras near intersections, businesses, or on the vehicle itself can show exactly what happened.
- Police reports and 911 calls: Early documentation helps establish fault and timeline.
- Witness statements: Independent accounts often fill in details that drivers conveniently “forget.”
A lawyer can send a preservation letter immediately to prevent companies from destroying evidence and start building your case.
What kinds of injuries are common in motorcycle crashes and how does that affect my case value?
Motorcyclists face the full force of a collision without the protection of a vehicle frame, which means injuries are often catastrophic. These injuries don’t just affect your body, they impact your ability to work, live independently, and enjoy life. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, head trauma is common and life-altering.
- Spinal cord injuries: These may lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
- Compound fractures and Crush Injuries: Legs, arms, and ribs often suffer severe impact.
- Road rash and burns: Contact with pavement or exhaust can cause deep tissue damage and scarring.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: These injuries are life-threatening and often not visible right away.
The severity of these injuries increases your case value, but only if your lawyer knows how to fully document and prove long-term damages.
Is it true that motorcyclists are often blamed even when they weren’t at fault in Arizona accidents?
Yes, unfortunately, motorcyclists in Arizona are frequently blamed after crashes, even when drivers fail to yield, make unsafe lane changes, or ignore them entirely. This stereotype of the “reckless rider” can influence police, witnesses, and insurance adjusters, making it harder to prove fault. Even in clear cases, like a left-turn collision at McDowell Road and 44th Street, bias may work against you. Having a skilled lawyer is crucial to push back against these assumptions and prove the driver, not the rider, caused the crash.
How do Arizona’s comparative negligence laws affect motorcycle accident claims in Phoenix and surrounding areas?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages even if you’re partly responsible. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault for a crash near Bell Road and SR-51, and your damages total $100,000, you could still receive $70,000. Insurance companies often exaggerate a motorcyclist’s share of blame to reduce payouts. A knowledgeable attorney can challenge these claims and fight for the full amount you deserve.
Do I need a lawyer if the driver’s insurance company already offered me a settlement?
Even if you’ve been offered a settlement, it’s important to consult a lawyer before accepting. In serious motorcycle crashes, insurance companies in Arizona often make lowball offers right after an accident hoping you’ll settle before understanding the full extent of your injuries. If the crash happened on a dangerous road like Baseline Road or near the South Mountain Freeway, long-term injuries and complex liability might be involved. A lawyer can assess whether the offer covers your actual losses and help negotiate for far more if it doesn’t.
What are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Phoenix for motorcyclists?
Phoenix’s sprawl and heavy truck traffic make certain areas very dangerous for riders. Being aware of high-risk zones is important, but so is showing that your crash happened in a known hazard zone, which can strengthen your claim. Motorcycle accidents happen on:
- I-10 and the Stack Interchange: A frequent site of high-speed wrecks involving motorcycles.
- Loop 101 and US-60: Congested merge zones and fast-moving vehicles create deadly conditions.
- Grand Avenue (US 60) near 35th Avenue: A hotspot for motorcycle crashes with poor visibility and speeding vehicles.
- Van Buren Street and 43rd Avenue: Urban traffic mixed with delivery vans creates unpredictable hazards.
- Rural routes near Buckeye and Tonopah: Long hauls and fatigued truckers on two-lane roads spell danger for riders.
If your crash occurred on one of these roads, an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to use location-specific crash history to build your case.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona if I lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident?
Losing someone in a motorcycle accident is devastating and while legal action may not be your first priority, there is a strict deadline for filing. Arizona law limits the time you have to take action, so it’s important to act before your rights expire. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Two-year deadline: Under Arizona law, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Who can file: Spouses, children, and parents may file a claim for loss of companionship, income, and more.
- No-fault doesn’t apply: If someone else’s negligence caused the death, you don’t have to prove intent, just failure to act safely.
- Delays can cost you: Waiting too long may result in lost evidence or the court dismissing your claim entirely.
An attorney can handle everything so you don’t have to relive the trauma alone. Your loved one deserves justice and so do you.
Are helmet laws a factor in my compensation if I wasn’t wearing one during a motorcycle crash in Arizona?
In Arizona, riders over 18 are not legally required to wear a helmet, but not wearing one can still become a factor in your injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were worse because you weren’t wearing a helmet, even if the crash was entirely the truck driver’s fault. For example, if a rider is struck near the intersection of Van Buren Street and 24th Street and suffers a head injury, the insurer might use helmet use to reduce the payout. An attorney can push back against those arguments and ensure your legal rights are protected under Arizona law.
How can a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney help me recover financial compensation?
Going up against an insurance company is not something most people can, or should, do alone. These companies have legal teams and investigators working from day one to minimize what they pay you. You need someone who knows how to hit back. A lawyer can help you by:
- Conducting a full investigation: A lawyer can subpoena records, preserve evidence, and reconstruct the crash scene.
- Calculating full damages: Including medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating from strength: Insurers know which lawyers won’t settle for less. Browne Law Group has a reputation for standing firm.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, your lawyer can take them to court and fight for a verdict.
The right legal team levels the playing field and makes sure no one gets away with putting profits over your life.
No B.S. legal help for injured riders in Phoenix
If a careless driver or trucking company turned your ride into a nightmare, it’s time to fight back with a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney who doesn’t play games. Browne Law Group cuts through the insurance nonsense and gets results for injured motorcyclists across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. No fees unless we win. No pressure. Just a free consultation with a legal team that has your back from day one.