If you ride a motorcycle in Arizona, you are probably used to exercising a little more caution than other drivers. You may hesitate a moment longer before proceeding when a traffic light turns green or you may wait to make sure that opposing traffic comes to a stop before proceeding at a four way intersection.
No matter what steps you take, though, motorcyclists are still at a risk for being involved in a collision in the Phoenix area. Motorcycle accidents often cause personal injuries to those involved and the damages tend to be greater to motorcyclists than to drivers of automobiles because bikes offer little to no protection to their riders.
Victims of collisions may not know their legal options or where to turn for help, but if your accident occurred in Arizona, you should know that relief may be possible. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand the implications of your crash, whether a responsible driver can be held liable, and whether any other types of relief exist. As these claims turn on the specific facts of a collision, a skilled lawyer with experience representing motorcycle victims is the best person to speak with to learn about your rights.
On Saturday evening, three vehicles collided and left at least one person in serious condition. Local police responded to the crash and determined that the incident began when one vehicle attempted to avoid a second stopped car on the Loop 202 eastbound near 52nd Street. The swerving vehicle struck another car and a motorcycle in the area, causing all three vehicles to crash.
The operator of the motorcycle was seriously injured in the crash and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries. A passenger on the bike was also hurt but was believed to have sustained minor injuries only and is expected to make a full recovery. It did not appear that anyone in the two cars involved was hurt in the accident but authorities were still investigating.
At this time, it appears that the stopped vehicle that led to the initial swerve had stopped because it ran out of gas but authorities have not confirmed whether the vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic on the Loop 202 or whether that vehicle pulled over onto the shoulder.
Motorcycle riders have the right to ride in Phoenix and the rest of the Valley and to do so without being injured by the actions of others. Yet annually, thousands of riders are hurt and forced to incur medical expenses because another driver failed to see the biker or failed to act safely for all those in the area.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle collision or if your family member was injured, do not continue to suffer without help. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in fighting for victims’ rights, and if you have been hurt, we want to fight for you. Call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Truck Driver Impaired, Asleep when Fatal Phoenix Crash Occurred, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 21, 2014.
Resource:
Loop 202 eastbound reopens after crash, by Erika Flores, azfamily.com, published November 23, 2014.