According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes, and are eight times more likely to be injured. While most of these crashes are due to drivers being unable to see motorcyclists, there are times when drunk drivers crash into motorcyclists and injure or kill them. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a motorcyclist can help you make your case with the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer.
Injuries that Commonly Occur in Phoenix Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries in motorcyclist accidents are serious. Head injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcyclists. Wearing a proper motorcycle helmet can be critical in terms of injuries sustained. According to the NHTSA, wearing a helmet has proven to be 37% effective in preventing injuries in motorcycle crashes. This is better than zero. Other injuries that can occur with motorcycle accidents are broken bones, lacerations, and damage to inner body organs. Under Arizona law, wearing a helmet is up to the motorcycle rider for anyone over age 18. If a helmet is not worn and injuries are sustained, the negligent drive can argue that had the motorcyclist worn a helmet, the injuries would have been less or minimal. That is what we call the helmet defense where negligent drivers can blame the motorcyclist for his/her injuries.
After a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident with a Drunk Driver
After an accident, obtain medical, police, and eyewitness accounts of the incident. Drivers in Arizona are required to give their name, address, and registration or license number to those who are involved in the accident. Drivers who cause an accident are required to file a police report of the accident. It is critical to obtain the police report as part of the evidence in your lawsuit. Videos or photos of the accident site can help you establish the extent of the damage. Keep records of lost wages and other benefits you may lose during your recovery, including health care, seniority, and money lost that could have been contributed toward retirement. Gather receipts for all medical procedures, medications, and doctor’s visits you or a loved one has had to pay for during treatment. In the tragic event of a fatality, the defendant may be held liable for funeral and survivor compensation. It is difficult to think of all these factors after the trauma of being hit by a drunk driver. This is why it is very important to secure the legal help of a dedicated, qualified motorcycle accident injury attorney.
Breyer Law Offices, P.C can help you or a loved one with compensation after injuries from a drunk driver. We have offices throughout Arizona. Please contact us.