Yes. As a passenger injured in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to pursue a claim against anyone found at fault, including the motorcycle’s driver, if their actions contributed to the crash. Passengers are seen as innocent parties under the law, so you can seek compensation from the responsible driver for your injuries and losses.

The first claim should be made against the intoxicated driver who caused the accident. In addition, you may also have a Dram Shop claim if a bar or restaurant overserved the drunk driver before the crash. If evidence shows the establishment continued serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, that business can be held liable for damages stemming from the accident.

Yes, you may be able to file a negligent entrustment claim against the vehicle owner. If the owner knew, or should have known, that the person they lent their car to had been drinking and was likely to cause harm, the owner can also be held responsible for your injuries.

If the other driver’s insurance does not cover all your losses, you have two legal options:

1. File an Underinsured Coverage (UIM) claim.
   Many people drive with the state minimum coverage. In an accident, sometimes this minimum coverage is not enough to cover all medical bills and pain and suffering. If you have UIM coverage, your insurance will pay you the cost of your damages (up to policy limits). This type of claim does not affect your premiums, as you were not at fault.
   
   
2. File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
   If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient coverage, you can pursue coverage through a personal injury lawsuit that goes after other sources of funds. The only way to make someone pay in excess of their insurance policy is to receive a legal judgment against them. Filing a lawsuit is the first step to receiving a judgment.

Arizona juries follow specific guidelines when deciding how much compensation to award in a personal injury case. These jury instructions cover several key factors, including:

• The nature, extent, and expected duration of the injury
• Pain, discomfort, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress (often referred to as “pain and suffering”)
• Past and future medical expenses, including all necessary treatment, care, and services
• Lost wages to date, as well as any reduction in future earning ability
• Loss of love, care, affection, companionship, and the enjoyment of family relationships (such as between spouses, parents, and children)
• Loss of enjoyment of life, including reduced ability to participate in hobbies, vacations, or other activities you once loved

These factors help juries evaluate both the tangible financial losses and the intangible personal impacts an injury has on someone’s life. For additional questions about the potential value of your claim, reach out to a Mesa motorcycle accident attorney: (480) 637-5757.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can leave you juggling multiple challenges all at once: medical treatment, mounting bills, insurance calls, vehicle repairs, and rental arrangements. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can step in to handle these tasks, allowing you to focus on your recovery. 

The team at Rasmussen Injury Law will help to:

1. Stop the constant calls from the other driver’s insurance company.
2. Submit claims to get your motorcycle repaired and arrange for a rental vehicle.
3. Obtain the police report and reach out to any witnesses for statements.
4. Collect crucial evidence to establish fault and liability.
5. Identify all potential insurance coverage, including the at-fault party’s policy and any other sources of recovery.

Speak to a Mesa motorcycle accident attorney today to learn more about how we can help.

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date the injury occurs. If you do not file your claim within this two-year window, you risk having your case dismissed with no chance to recover compensation, no matter how strong your claim may be.

Dealing with serious injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our experienced Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys offer free consultations and can manage the legal process while you focus on recovery. Call (480) 637-5757 for a free case consultation.

While the same basic legal principles apply to both types of accidents, motorcycle accident cases can be much more complex. This is the result of injury severity, societal bias, comparative fault, and unique legal standards for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle crashes almost always result in more severe injuries than car accidents because riders lack the protection of a vehicle. This means claims often involve higher medical costs and long-term damages, including traumatic brain injuries. Juries and insurers may also hold biases, sometimes unfairly believing that motorcycling is inherently risky or that the rider was at fault, even when that’s not the case

Because motorcycles are less visible and react differently in an accident (e.g., skidding on gravel is more dangerous than for cars), establishing exactly how the collision happened may require different evidence and expert analysis. Motorcyclists must also demonstrate compliance with all applicable safety laws to reduce the risk of comparative fault arguments

Many motorcycle accidents are the result of negligence by other drivers. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Left-hand turns: Made by cars without noticing an oncoming motorcyclist.
• Unsafe lane changes: Where drivers fail to check blind spots.
• Tailgating: Or following a motorcycle too closely.
• Opening car doors: Into the path of an approaching motorcycle.

Motorcyclists have identical rights and responsibilities as other types of motorists. When another driver’s careless actions put motorcyclists, cyclists, or pedestrians at risk, the injured party has the right to seek compensation. To better understand your options, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Mesa motorcycle accident lawyers can help assess your injuries, determine who was responsible, and negotiate a full, fair settlement on your behalf. After a motorcycle collision in Arizona, trust your injury claim to the professionals at Rasmussen Injury Law.