Arizona Motorcycle Accident Data
The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that there are 148,755 licensed motorcycles in the state. In 2013, there were 3,081 motorcycle accidents that caused 2,653 injuries and 149 fatalities. While protective clothing provides some protection, the overall exposure of motorcycle operators and passengers increases the likelihood of injury during an accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that in non-fatal collisions, bikers commonly suffer varying degrees of injury or trauma to specific bodily regions.
* Legs and feet-30%
* Head and neck-22%
* Upper torso-20%
* Arms and hands-18%
* Lower body-8%
* Other unspecified body regions-3%
Collisions may occur anywhere, at anytime as recent news headlines demonstrate.
July 2014-Santee Motorcycle Accident Causes Fatality
Witnesses of the tragic collision told police that the biker struck a parked car with his motorcycle. The impact ejected the rider from the bike and into a telephone pole before he landed back on the road. The bike skid along the road until becoming wedged under another parked car. The rider was pronounced dead on the scene. Law enforcement suspect that the biker may have been inebriated at the time of the accident. However, an investigation was ongoing.
Motorcycle Collision Factors
Data collected from accidents that took place nationwide indicate that a series of contributing factors are common.
* The majority of collisions involve motorcycles and other vehicles.
* When an accident involves a single motorcycle, the bike commonly has impacted an inanimate object.
* The majority of victims are male and between the ages of 16 and 24.
* Operators are often under the influence of alcohol.
* Operators become distracted or lack enough experience and training.
* The rider was exceeding the posted speed limit.
* The cyclist was not legally licensed or lost their license.
* Animals on the roadway, road defects or weather conditions were generally not factors.
* Bike defects were a rare occurrence.
In 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a program designed to reduce the number of motorcycle related accidents and increase the safety of bikers. Riders are encouraged to act responsibly by taking available training courses, obtaining the appropriate licensing, wearing safety gear and a helmet that meets the requirements established by the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. In the state of Arizona, only riders under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
Arizona Motorcycle Insurance Mandates
Anyone who owns and operates a motorcycle in the state must have at least liability insurance and be able to prove coverage when asked. Failure to have insurance may cost an owner the motorcycle's registration and possibly suspension of the driver's license. The minimum amount of coverage required by law includes:
* $15,000 bodily injury coverage for one person in one accident
* $30,000 bodily injury coverage total per accident with 2 or more people
* $10,000 property damage coverage per accident
Loss Due to Motorcycle Collision
In the event of an accident, victims often depend on vehicle insurance to cover the expenses of losses endured. These losses commonly involve property damage, lost income and medical expenses, along with pain and suffering. However, a negligent individual may not have adequate coverage or the compensation may not fairly cover all expenses. Motorcycle collision victims should consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure rights are protected and to have legal counsel if litigation becomes necessary.
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