The Valley has been experiencing record-setting temperatures recently with days hitting above 115 degrees. For many, that kind of weather is brutal and makes it too hot to leave the comforts of air conditioning unless a trip is a necessity, like taking kids to school or driving to work. With this type of weather, some motorcycle riders have been limiting their time on the roads and opting instead for other forms of transportation.
But not all riders have been calling it quits as numerous motorcycles can still be seen daily on the roads and highways of Phoenix. These riders are endowed with the right to operate on the roads just like the drivers of cars are and bikers are protected by the same laws that protect drivers. Despite these rights and the legal authority to ride, some motorist ignore the safety of bikers or otherwise act in a negligent manner that can lead to motorcycle accidents.
While each motorcycle collision is unique, they all present a possibility of causing injuries to those involved. In fact, a motorcyclist is much more likely to be hurt in a crash than is the driver or a passenger in a car because of the limited amount of protection that surrounds the biker. When injuries happen, these victims are often forced to seek and obtain medical treatment, rehabilitative care, and/or physical therapy to return them to their pre-accident health and the suffering endured can stretch far beyond bills. Missing time from work, experiencing pain, and having permanent scarring can all follow a motorcycle crash that occurs in the Phoenix area.
While nothing can und0 the harm once it has been caused, victims can seek compensation for their damages through the use of a civil claim in a court of law. These actions are the right of a victim to bring but can be complex, leading many victims to work with a personal injury attorney to obtain the relief that they deserve.
Tragically, police in Phoenix have confirmed that a biker lost his life in a collision on Saturday morning and that the biker may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Police believe that a white SUV was operating on the Loop 101 southbound near Thomas Road when it struck a second vehicle in the area, causing a significant impact. The crash forced the driver of the second vehicle to lose control, causing that car to collide with a motorcycle nearby and throwing the rider from the bike.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported the motorcyclist to an area hospital for treatment but the rider’s injuries were too severe and he died shortly after the crash.
It is not clear whether anyone in the second car was hurt at this time. Officials have reported that the SUV fled the scene and the driver of that car has not yet been apprehended. Anyone with information about that driver should contact the Phoenix Police Department to discuss the case.
If you ride a motorcycle in Phoenix, you may realize that it can be dangerous when others fail to notice you or fail to act with your safety in mind. If you have been the unfortunate victim of a motorcycle collision and you were injured in that accident, make sure you understand your legal options and whether you have a valid claim for your injuries before your rights expire.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We offer all injury victims who call us a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation and we will speak to you whenever is convenient for your schedule.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we fight for the best possible outcome in every case we handle and we never charge our clients a fee unless we are successful on their behalf. If you have questions, if you need help, or if we can assist you in any way, please call us now so that we can get to work for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bicyclist Killed in Crash with Hit-and-Run Driver, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 13, 2015.
Resource:
DPS: Driver sought in fatal West Valley 3-vehicle crash, by Phil Benson, CBS5AZ.com, published August 16, 2015.