Finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer can be difficult. There are so many law firms out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Gage Mathers Law Group, PLLC is different. We are not a settlement mill–every client is given personalized attention, from intake to jury verdict. We are not afraid to go to court. We focus exclusively on motorcycle accidents and personal injury cases. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Our top-rated motorcycle accident attorneys have been helping people in Phoenix and the surrounding areas for decades. We know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t try to handle things on your own. Contact Gage Mathers Law Group, PLLC today for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and let you know what we can do to help. Our no fee guaranty means you have nothing to lose!
Our Experienced Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
You generally only get one chance to go after the other driver for causing a crash, so you need to choose the right law firm early on. You need a law firm that is invested in you and your case, has substantial experience, is known for its results, and is not afraid of trial. That is why thousands of people have trusted their cases with Gage Mathers. We have a national reputation for getting results for our clients—maximizing the compensation they receive from a motorcycle accident case. Contact us to see how we can help you.
Motorcycle accident lawyers in Phoenix
The American southwest was built for vehicle travel. Arizona is no exception. The absolute beauty of the Sonoran Desert, its unique saguaro cacti, sprawling junipers, and wild creatures offer travelers a cornucopia of opportunity. Every day, Arizona motorcyclists are hurt due to no fault of their own. Those who do survive wrecks of this nature, often face a lifetime of pain, adversity, and disability.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Gage Mathers can help. We have successfully handled thousands of crash cases, from simple broken bone and road rash cases to multi-vehicle pileups with fatalities. We will manage all legal aspects of your case while you focus on getting through this difficult time. We will keep in frequent contact with you to make sure nothing is missed. We’ve developed innovative methods to deliver legal services focused on getting you justice and the results you deserve.
What Can A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do For Me?
Our motorcycle accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, including:
- Filing a claim with your insurance company.
- Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Negotiating with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Negotiating with health care providers and other lien claimants.
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
- Representing you in court.
- Help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Accident?
Sadly, no matter how many precautions you take, the possibility of being involved in a motorcycle accident will always be present. Much like being properly prepared to avoid an accident and mitigating injuries with gear, what you do after an accident is equally as important.
Whether you are the rider or a driver who happens to be present when a motorcycle crash occurs, there are things you can do that may save a rider’s life. At the very minimum, call 911-get an ambulance and emergency medical services there as soon as possible.
What are Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crash victims almost always hit their head and tweak their neck. Leave their helmet on and keep them as still as possible. As a rider, you can take additional precautions by packing a basic trauma kit with items like trauma pads (to control bleeding) and tourniquets (to cut off blood supply if an arm or leg is bleeding uncontrollably). Such precautions could mean the difference between life and death.
After a motorcycle accident, check yourself immediately for the following injuries:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Brain trauma or injuries
- Other soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Cuts
- Road rash
- Bruises
- Sprains
Causes of a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents lead to death and disability, property damage, as well as financial costs to both society and the individuals involved. A number of factors contribute to the risk of collision, including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road environment, driver skill, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, and behavior, notably speeding and street racing. In Arizona, the four biggest causes of motorcycle accident deaths are alcohol, speeding, unsafe lane changes, and distracted driving. This tracks national statistics.3 Interestingly, the number of alcohol-related deaths is on the decline, while the incidence of distracted driving deaths is on the rise.
Phoenix was the 10th most dangerous big city for motorcyclists–posting 30.51 crashes per 100,000 residents. In 2020, more than 5,500 Americans died in motorcycle accidents.4 Only 60% of those fatalities were from multi-vehicle crashes. Only 59% of motorcycle accident fatalities were wearing their helmet. Surprisingly, given the number of motorcycle riders in Arizona, there were 161 motorcycle fatalities throughout the entire state.
Click here for Motorcycle Safety Information.
Effects of a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, then you understand the significant and catastrophic impacts of a crash. Your entire life may be turned upside down and all your hopes and dreams put on hold. Your injuries may be severe and require long-term medical care, with the possibility of inpatient rehabilitation. The medical bills associated with a motorcycle crash escalate very quickly. Your ability to keep up with your medical bills may be hampered by your inability to work. The stress and anxiety from a motorcycle accident compounds the physical pain you experience making this event an even bigger disaster.
In one case we’ve seen, a rider was traveling straight down a road when they were impacted in the left leg by a vehicle exiting a gas station. The impact was minor enough that the rider was able to stay on their motorcycle and slowly maneuver himself to the right lane. The rider then braced himself on the curb with his right leg. As the rider attempted to dismount the bike, he suddenly realized that he had suffered a degloving injury to the left leg. The rider was wearing shorts and his left leg was crushed between the front bumper of the vehicle and the hot bare engine of his motorcycle. The rider had no broken bones, but his lack of proper safety gear covering his legs took what could have been a relatively minor injury and transformed it into a serious and long-term problem that required several surgeries.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents and Lawyers
I was in a Motorcycle Accident, Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Yes. Motorcycle accidents frequently cause serious, life-altering injuries that lead to physical, emotional, and financial problems. It is important to hire an experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. Insurance companies try to trick you into settling your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Gage Mathers Law Group has a team of experienced attorneys who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We can help you get compensation for your injuries and damages through the at-fault person’s insurance and your own underinsured/uninsured insurance.
What to Look for in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.
When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving your motorcycle, you need an experienced lawyer with a strong reputation for results who can help you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyer should handle more than motorcycle accidents because you want your lawyer to have an extensive and diverse background. A diverse background is what helps your lawyer anticipate insurance adjuster nonsense, skillfully manage your claim, and obtain the best results possible.
Make sure the lawyer has handled motorcycle accident claims, is familiar with applicable state laws (including helmet laws), and is not afraid to take your case to trial. The last person you want handling such an important matter is a settlement mill who avoids trial. In fact, you want a lawyer who treats all cases as though they are going to trial.
Gage Mathers Law Group is an award winning firm that gets great results for our clients. Clients appreciate the individualized attention and honest communication. We work hard to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your health and wellbeing. We do not back down and we fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
You’ve been in a motorcycle accident. Now what? Here are 6 important steps to take to protect yourself and assist with your claim.
1. Do NOT Move Until it is Safe
The moments after a motorcycle crash can be confusing, not only for you but other drivers on the road. You might be loaded with adrenaline or endorphins. Quickly assess your situation and check your surroundings. Are you in a safe place? Can you move safely if you are not? Find a safe space to protect yourself. Call out for help so people know you are alive and need medical attention (i.e., no matter what, even if you think you are okay, you should get medical attention since you might have a head injury or internal bleeding).
2. Collect Information
You will need to provide a driver’s license and proof of insurance to the police, so make sure you have those on hand. You will also want to get this information from the other drivers. If you are able to, we recommend you take a photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card. You should also take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, the people involved, and your injuries. Photographs help tell a story and are valuable pieces of evidence. We also recommend taking video of witnesses, if possible, where they identify themselves, their contact information, and their description of what they saw. This will be very helpful in proving the crash was not your fault. Memories fade, but video is forever.
3. Call the Police
In Arizona, state law requires you to immediately notify the local police, sheriff, or highway patrol if you are involved in an accident causing injury or death.5 It is also good to do because the responding officer will complete an Arizona Crash Report that identifies who was involved in the crash, who owns the vehicles, which automobile insurance companies are involved, and what happened in the crash. It will also include citations if any driver violated Arizona driver’s laws. This will help establish liability in your injury case.
4. Get Medical Care
Even a minor crash can cause serious injuries from muscle or ligament tears to concussions. With the initial adrenaline rush, you might not realize you were injured. Most people experience pain the night or morning after the crash. Some people also suffer emotional symptoms, including a fear of getting back on a bike. This is all normal and it is all treatable. Before rushing back to work or school, or dealing with other issues in your life, you should see a doctor. Best case, the doctor tells you everything is okay and gives you peace of mind that there is nothing to worry about. Worse case, the doctor identifies something that requires additional attention. Listen to your doctor, but also listen to your body. If the doctor says you are fine but you are not feeling better, or if the doctor says you need treatment but you feel okay, see a different doctor for a second opinion.
5. Keep Track of Everything
- Maintain a Pain Journal to help your doctors and lawyer understand what you are experiencing.
- Keep a list of all your providers (e.g., ambulance, hospital, PCP, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc.).
- Document time away from work, or school, whether or not covered by sick leave.
- Note any missed promotions or raises that you might have qualified for.
- Keep a list of activities you could not do or that you did with pain (e.g., difficulty sleeping, difficulty performing daily household activities or caring for family members, inability to exercise, impact on personal relationships, change in mood).
6. Call Gage Mathers Law Group
Gage Mathers is an elite personal injury firm with significant experience helping motorcycle accident victims. We have helped thousands of clients obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries and damages.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
In theory, it should cost you nothing to hire a Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer. The difference arises in fees at the end of your case. Gage Mathers Law Group, PLLC works on a contingency-fee basis. This means we do not get paid unless we obtain a settlement or jury verdict in your favor. We also offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose. Find out how we can help you today.
How Much Time Do I Have to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should hire an award-winning firm like Gage Mathers Law Group who has a national reputation for fighting and winning. But do not wait. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner you have a professional looking out for your best interests. Also, in Arizona, you only have two years7 to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit; however, that time limit is significantly shortened if the claim involves a public entity (e.g., the State of Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, or City or County) or a public employee of one (e.g., an EMT or health care provider, police officer, or teacher). If that is the case, a Notice of Claim must be served on the appropriate entity(-ies) within 180 days of the date of injury, with the claim needing to be settled or a lawsuit filed within one year of the date of injury.8
Who is at Fault in my Motorcycle Accident?
There are many factors that contribute to a motorcycle accident. Even single vehicle crashes can have multiple at-fault parties. For instance, poor road maintenance, reckless road design, or inadequate warnings can cause a single motorcyclist to lose control or crash. The motorcycle manufacturer may be responsible for failing to sell you a bike with brake systems that help prevent skidding and crashes. The motorcycle manufacturer could also be responsible for designing the bike in such a way that it virtually guarantees significant injury in the event of a frontal impact. Otherwise, the most common people at fault for motorcycle accidents are other drivers, usually automobile and truck drivers, and you. Even if you are at fault, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney might be able to help you get compensation from other at-fault drivers, their employers, municipalities, or the bike’s manufacturer.
Have you been treated after a motorcycle accident? Now you need to call Gage Mathers Law Group and get a motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for you.
How Much is my Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
For motorcycle cases that go to trial, the average recovery is $73,700. The vast majority of cases settle before trial. Statistics are not available for those cases because they are usually confidential between the settling parties. Our firm has seen everything from tens of thousands of dollars for minor bumps and bruises to millions of dollars for permanent, catastrophic injuries.
Ultimately, the value of your motorcycle accident injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the amount of you injury-related medical bills, the amount of your lost wages, and other factors. Gage Mathers Law Group, PLLC will work to get you the maximum compensation possible for your claim. We know how to get you the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. You can also see our free settlement calculator for general information.
How Long Does it Take to Recover Money for Injuries Due to a Motorcycle Accident?
The time it takes to resolve your claim and get you money, from the date of the crash, depends largely on the extent of your injuries and necessary treatment. You only get one chance at compensation so you want to make sure your claim includes all potential injuries, complications, and damages. The length of time could also depend on the amount of insurance available to compensate you for your injuries and damages. Importantly, your injury claim is subject to a time restriction called a statute of limitations, that begins running the moment the accident occurs. Generally, you have two years to bring a lawsuit or settle your claim. If you need to file suit, that could extend the amount of time it takes to resolve your claim.
What Should I NOT Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident?
Here are 7 things to remember:
- Do NOT leave the scene of the wreck, under any circumstances!
- Do NOT yell, accuse, or assault the at-fault driver.
- Do NOT refuse to be seen by EMTs when you are injured.
- Do NOT refuse to give information to the police.
- Do NOT refuse to exchange insurance information with the at-fault driver.
- Do NOT attempt to chase a driver who flees the scene of the wreck.
- If a claim has been opened, Do NOT speak to the adjuster before calling us!
What Does the Insurance Company Think is Important For My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Insurance adjusters will consider the following in valuing an injury claim:
- Did the wreck cause your injuries or make your preexisting injuries worse?
- How much reasonable and necessary medical care did you get for your accident injuries?
- This includes ambulance/EMT transport, ER, ICU, surgeries, physical/occupational therapy, primary care physicians, chiropractic/massage therapy, pain specialists, and many more!
- How permanent are your injuries?
- Can your injury heal on its own (minor bruises and cuts) or will it impact your life forever (paralysis, severe burns, and traumatic brain injuries)?
- How much physical pain and/or emotional suffering have you endured?
- This includes pain, discomfort, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and anxiety already experienced, and reasonably probable to be experienced in the future as a result of the injury.
- Have you missed out on wages due to your injuries?
- Will you continue to miss work due to your injuries?
- Have you experienced loss of love, care, affection, and companionship in your marital and/or parental relationships?
- Have you experienced a loss of enjoyment of life?
Get a Good Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Make sure you have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. The last thing you want to do after being injured is having to deal with apathetic adjusters who are paid to save their insurance company money. These adjusters are rewarded for nickel and diming you. They do not receive praise for making your life easier. They do not care about your struggles. This adds insult to injury.
Gage Mathers has represented many riders who have been victims of a motorcycle crash. We have seen the devastating effects on the lives of riders and their loved ones. A rider’s injuries can range from minor abrasions and soreness to broken bones, degloving injuries, severe road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and death. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident contact us.
Let us take the burden of dealing with the insurance companies off your shoulders so that you and your family can focus on recovering.
- Women Now Account for 19 Percent Of All Riders. DucaChica. 15 March 2019.
- ABI Research Forecasts 8 Million Vehicles to Ship with SAE Level 3, 4 and 5 Autonomous Technology in 2025. ABI Research. 17 April 2018.
- Little Known Facts About Motorcycle Accidents. HG.org Legal Resources.
- McKnight, A. Scott and McKnight, A. James. How Do Motorcycle Helmets Affect Vision and Hearing. Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
