Yesterday, many people driving in North Tempe were affected by a collision between a bus and a motorcycle. The crash happened on McClintock Road near the 202 and led to the closure of McClintock for more than six hours, an inconvenience for many who were trying to get around nearby.
But the fallout from the collision was much greater than the hassle it caused other drivers as it has been reported that the motorcyclist involved suffered serious injuries and needed immediate medical help, a reminder of how quickly life can change for those who ride in the Phoenix area.
This accident, like many involving bikers, has reignited questions in the minds of some about what rights motorcyclists possess and what options they have if they are involved in a motorcycle accident.
The most important thing to understand is that riding a motorcycle is completely legal in Arizona. Bikers possess all the same rights and responsibilities as those who drive cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks yet they tend to be overlooked and their rights ignored compared to these other drivers.
Just like those who drive a car, bikers are required to carry insurance to protect them in the event they are involved in an accident. The laws in Arizona require a minimum level of coverage but many bikers choose to carry a limit in excess of the minimum to insure that they are prepared for the unthinkable – a collision that results in injuries to themselves or others.
If a crash happens, an insurance company, an at-fault driver, a corporation involved in the crash, or even a city or the state may bear legal liability for the damages that result, including any personal injuries sustained by a biker. From the costs of medical expenses to wages missed from work while a victim recovers, a civil claim for damages can enable those who are hurt to recover financially for their pain and suffering and to allow them to move beyond the crash.
A claim that results from a biker accident must be brought within a time period specified by law, and that time period can vary based on the facts of any specific collision or who was involved in an accident. Therefore, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney if you were hurt and you want to learn what options exist for you to get relief.
The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. offers a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation to victims of traffic accidents in Maricopa County who contact us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call so that you can get the answers you deserve regardless of when you need them. Further, if we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf and we will advance all case-related expenses.
If your life was affected by a motorcycle accident or if someone you love was injured or killed, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for your right to a recovery.
Prior Blog Entry:
Hit-and-Run Accidents are Harming Pedestrians in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 10, 2016.
Resource:
Bus and motorcycle collision shut down McClintock between 202 and Curry for hours, by Tami Hoey, AZFamily.com, published March 11, 2016.
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