You don’t need to handle your motorcycle accident claim alone.
Peoria motorcycle accident lawyer Jason Hutzler is here to help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on recovering and getting back on your feet.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our team at Hutzler Law has the experience and resources necessary to fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
Don’t let insurance companies lowball your claim or outright deny it. Contact us at (602) 730-4530 for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Do You Need Help Handling Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The decisions you make and the actions you take over the next few days and weeks are crucial if you want to get the compensation you deserve. Being proactive is crucial in this situation, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Phoenix has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. We believe in empowering our clients and guiding them through the legal process with compassion and care.
Call our team at (602) 730-4530 today for your free consultation and let us help you get back on your feet.
The Benefits of Hiring a Peoria Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Unlike a car accident lawyer, a motorcycle accident attorney requires specific knowledge and expertise to understand the accident’s dynamics fully. This is where having a lawyer who understands motorcycles can make all the difference in your case. Here’s why you should choose a Peoria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer like Jason Hutzler:
- In-depth understanding of motorcycle dynamics: As a former insurance adjuster, Attorney Jason Hutzler has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with motorcycle accidents. He understands the unique mechanics of motorcycles and can use this knowledge to assess damages, determine liability, and fight for your rights effectively.
- Empathy towards motorcycle riders: At Hutzler Law, we understand the challenges of riding a motorcycle on busy roads. We know about blind spots, the lack of protective barriers, and the risks of sharing the road with larger vehicles. This empathy allows us to understand your experiences better and advocate for your rights more effectively.
- Fight against insurance companies: Insurance companies are notorious for using tactics and strategies to deny valid claims or offer lowball settlements. With Attorney Jason Hutzler’s experience as a former insurance adjuster, he knows the tricks that insurance companies use and can anticipate their moves. This gives you a better chance of receiving maximum compensation for your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Peoria, Arizona
In Arizona, motorcycle accident victims must establish fault to recover compensation for their injuries. The fault-based insurance system in Arizona makes it necessary for injured riders to determine who or what caused their collision before seeking financial recovery. However, this can be challenging, especially if you are dealing with severe injuries and emotional distress. A reliable Peoria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer like Jason Hutzler can help you gather evidence, investigate the accident, and determine the cause.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Peoria include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on their phones, or engaging in other distracting activities while behind the wheel pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. They often fail to see motorcycles, leading to collisions with devastating consequences.
- Drinking and driving: Impaired driving is a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s vision, judgment, and reaction time, making them more prone to causing accidents on the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit significantly increases the chances of a collision and its severity. Speeding drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Violation of right-of-way: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists at intersections or while changing lanes can cause serious accidents with severe injuries.
- Opening doors in the path of a motorcycle: Motorists and passengers who carelessly open doors without checking for oncoming motorcycles can cause serious accidents, often with no time for the motorcyclist to react.
It’s important to note that these are just a few common causes of motorcycle accidents in Peoria. There could be other factors involved, so having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side is crucial.
What Damages are Recoverable in Your Peoria Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Not only do you have to deal with the physical injuries, but also the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Hiring a Peoria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can help you recover various damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses with a specific dollar amount attached. These include:
- Medical expenses: Since motorcycle accident injuries can be severe, medical costs often comprise the most significant portion of a claim. You can seek compensation for doctor’s bills, hospitalization, prescriptions, future treatments, physical therapy, and any other medical costs incurred due to the accident.
- Motorcycle repair or replacement: Most motorcycle accidents significantly damage the bike. While repairs can be costly, the insurance company may deem it a total loss, in which case you can seek compensation for the fair market value of the motorcycle. Keep all quotes, invoices, and receipts as proof of repair costs.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If you had to miss work due to the accident, you can include this in your claim for lost wages. You may also seek compensation for any bonuses, raises, or other income you would have received without the accident. In cases where the injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity as before, you can claim for loss of earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that do not have a specific dollar amount attached to them. These include:
- Pain and suffering: Many motorcycle accident victims experience physical or emotional pain and suffering as a result of their injuries. This can include both short-term and long-term effects, such as chronic pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse or significant other, you may be able to claim for loss of consortium. This covers the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer by your side is essential when claiming non-economic damages, as they can be challenging to demonstrate and calculate.
Wrongful Death Damages
In tragic cases where a motorcycle accident results in death, certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses: The family can seek compensation for the deceased’s medical bills before their passing.
- Pain and suffering: If the deceased experienced physical or emotional pain and suffering due to the accident, this can be claimed on their behalf.
- Lost wages: This includes lost wages from the time of the accident until the person’s death, as well as any potential earnings they would have made if they had survived.
- Funeral and burial costs: These expenses can add up quickly and cause additional financial burden to the family. Seeking compensation for these costs can ease some stress during this difficult time.
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating, both emotionally and financially. Hiring an experienced and compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation your family needs and deserves.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are often incredibly serious, leading to catastrophic injuries and even death. This is because motorcycles do not provide the same protection as other vehicles on the road. With nothing between the rider and the road, even a seemingly minor accident can result in severe injuries.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These are often caused by a blow or jolt to the head and can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life. When riding a motorcycle, wearing a helmet is crucial to reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in permanent paralysis or loss of function in the limbs. In severe cases, a person may require lifelong medical care and assistance with daily tasks.
- Road rash: This refers to skin abrasions caused by skidding across the road surface. Road rash can vary from mild scrapes to deep wounds that require surgery and may result in permanent scarring.
- Broken bones: Since motorcycles offer minimal protection, riders are at a higher risk of sustaining broken bones in an accident. These can range from minor fractures to more severe breaks that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: These are often difficult to diagnose and can have serious consequences if left untreated. They may include organ damage, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions.
- Amputations: In extreme cases, a motorcycle accident may result in the loss of a leg, arm, or other body parts. This can significantly impact a person’s life and may require long-term medical care and prosthetics.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The emotional toll of a motorcycle accident can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Many victims develop PTSD, which can cause flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily life.
- Death: As mentioned earlier, motorcycle accidents can result in fatalities. Losing a loved one in such a sudden and tragic manner can have long-lasting effects on the family.
Be sure to speak with an impartial doctor (one that isn’t representative of the insurance companies) to get a full examination of your body after a motorcycle accident.
Even if you initially feel fine, some injuries may not manifest until later on. It’s important to have documentation of any injuries and their severity in order to strengthen your case.
Contact an Experienced Peoria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Insurance companies will often try to minimize their payout or deny claims altogether, making it challenging for victims to obtain the compensation they deserve.
At Hutzler Law, we understand insurance companies’ tactics and strategies to avoid paying out valid claims. Our founding attorney, Jason Hutzler, is a former insurance adjustor who can use his insider knowledge to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations, 24/7 accessibility, and no fee unless we win your case. Call us at (602) 730-4530 or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.