Motorcycle crashes killed 4,502 people in 2010.

• Motorcycle-related deaths have increased by 55% since 2000.
• Motorcycle crash-related injuries and deaths totaled $12 billion in one year, in medical care costs and productivity losses.

10 Things Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spot or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car. Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders forget to turn them off after a turn.
7. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as a motorcycle; think of it as a person.
8. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
9. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
10. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

Helmet Laws

As of May 2012, 19 states and the District of Columbia had universal helmet laws, 28 states had partial helmet laws, and 3 states had no helmet law.

Safety Tips for RidersWhen you ride your motorcycle or are a passenger, follow these tips to stay safe:

• Always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
• Never ride your motorcycle after drinking. Alcohol greatly impairs your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi or Uber.
• Don’t let friends ride impaired. Take their keys away and call them an Uber.
• Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection. Upper body clothing should also include bright colors or reflective materials, so that other motorists can more easily see you.
• Avoid tailgating.
• Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel.

See Fact Sheets and Helmet Laws by State. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, 3,531 motorcycle collisions occurred in 2008.  Injuries occurred in 2,756 of those motorcycle crashes, and 140 motorcycle wrecks resulted in fatalities.

I’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle or ATV Crash – What Damages May I Recover?

If you or a loved one was injured on a motorcycle or ATV, you may have questions such as:

• If I wasn’t wearing a motorcycle helmet, how does that affect my insurance claim?
• What do I do if my insurance company won’t pay my whole claim?
• Do different rules apply for on-road versus off-road motorcycle operation?
• What insurance policy covers me if I was hurt on an ATV?

At Bache & Lynch, we represent those injured in motorcycle and ATV collisions.  Such injuries are typically extremely serious.  We’re here to answer your questions.

Spinal cord injuries often have serious, long-lasting consequence. Many victims suffer from paraplegia, a type of paralysis resulting in limited mobility in the legs and lower extremities. Paraplegics may experience difficulty walking, problems with continence and impaired sexual function. Quadriplegia is more severe, and causes a partial or complete loss of mobility below the neck. In addition to the challenges a paraplegic faces, quadriplegics may also have no use of their arms, or may not be able to breathe without assistance.  One of the greatest consequences of a spinal cord injury is the costs associated with them. Those who suffer from long-term or life-long disabilities will most likely incur monumental debt in medical bills and other costs associated with care-giving.

We’ll go over your damages and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident or ATV crash, whether you were a driver or a passenger.  As experienced motorcycle and ATV lawyers, we will thoroughly examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Experience Matters

With over 40 years’ total personal injury experience, our attorneys know how to protect your rights and get you the compensation you are entitled to from your motorcycle or ATV accident. We have worked together for years representing the rights of injured people. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Serious Injuries and Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

Statistically, motorcycle operators and passengers face a higher risk of serious injury or fatality in an accident. In the event of serious injuries such as brain injury or paralysis, the importance of retaining experienced personal injury lawyers is clearer than ever. After a major injury, the victim has long-term financial needs as well as immediate financial needs. For example, the motorcycle wreck survivor may need months of rehabilitation; the rehabilitation must be paid for and the survivor must receive compensation for lost wages due to time off work for rehabilitation. Our attorneys have the knowledge and skills to build a case for both current and future medical and economic needs, as well as pain and suffering and other personal losses.

After a fatal accident, a wrongful death claim is the devastated family’s only opportunity to seek some measure of justice for the loss of a loved one. With help from a compassionate and seasoned wrongful death lawyer, you can obtain compensation for personal and economic losses.

Contact Bache & Lynch in Our Oro Valley or Tucson Offices Today for a No Obligation Free Consultation

To discuss your rights and legal options after a serious motorcycle or ATV wreck, please call us at  520-293-5300. We will meet with you as soon as possible at your convenience so that we may get the process started. We’ll go over your case, and let you know exactly what your options are for recovery. You may also contact us using the Contact Form above to get more information or to schedule a free consultation.