Riding a motorcycle in the Phoenix metro area means accepting risks that car drivers never face — no steel frame, no airbags, no crumple zones. When someone else’s carelessness causes a crash, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be devastating.
At Leon Law, PLLC, attorney Jose Leon has spent 14+ years representing injured riders and their families across Maricopa County. We understand the unique challenges motorcycle cases present — from overcoming bias against bikers to proving the true severity of your injuries.
Call (480) 269-1083 or visit our free case review page for a no-cost consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing unless we win.
Arizona consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. According to the 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report published by the Arizona Department of Transportation:
Despite representing a small fraction of total vehicles on the road, motorcyclists account for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths — over 17% of all Arizona traffic fatalities in 2024.
Motorcycle accident cases are not the same as typical car accident claims. Several factors make them more complex and higher-stakes:
Bias against riders. Insurance adjusters and jurors sometimes assume the motorcyclist was reckless, speeding, or at fault — even when the evidence says otherwise. An experienced personal injury attorney can counter this bias with evidence and skilled advocacy.
Most motorcycle collisions involve another vehicle. The most frequent causes include:
Our Phoenix motorcycle crash attorneys can investigate the facts and pursue every available avenue of compensation.
Because riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcycle crash injuries tend to be severe:
These injuries often require months or years of treatment, rehabilitation, and lost time from work. Leon Law fights for compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses.
Liability in a motorcycle accident may extend well beyond the other driver. Depending on the circumstances, parties that could bear legal responsibility include:
Arizona requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a DOT-approved helmet (A.R.S. § 28-964). Riders 18 and older are not legally required to wear one, though helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries according to the NHTSA.
Not wearing a helmet does not disqualify you from filing a claim. Under Arizona’s comparative negligence system, the defense may argue a helmet would have reduced your injuries — but it does not bar your claim entirely.
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect your legal case:
Tragically, not every motorcycle accident victim survives. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, Arizona law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. Under A.R.S. § 12-612, the surviving spouse, children, parents, or a personal representative of the estate may bring a lawsuit. Recoverable damages may include:
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death (A.R.S. § 12-542). If you have lost a family member in a motorcycle crash, please reach out to our firm for compassionate guidance.
Being the victim of a hit-and-run as a motorcyclist is terrifying, but you still have options:
An experienced hit-and-run motorcycle lawyer can help you navigate both paths simultaneously.
| Third-Party Liability Claim | UM/UIM Insurance Claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed Against | At-fault driver’s insurance | Your own motorcycle insurance |
| When Used | Driver is identified and insured | Driver fled, uninsured, or underinsured |
| Covers | Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, property damage | Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering (up to your policy limit) |
| Legal Basis | Negligence / tort law | Contract / insurance policy terms |
| Time Limit | 2 years — A.R.S. § 12-542 | Per policy terms — act quickly |
You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but motorcycle accident claims involve unique complexities — higher injury severity, bias against riders, and aggressive insurance tactics. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Leon Law can handle the investigation, medical documentation, and negotiations so you can focus on recovery. Our consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win.
Arizona does not require adults 18 and older to wear helmets. Even if you were not wearing one, you can still pursue a claim. The defense may argue that a helmet would have reduced your injuries, but under Arizona’s comparative negligence law (A.R.S. § 12-2505), this does not bar your recovery — it may only reduce the amount.
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost income, the impact on your quality of life, and the degree of the other party’s fault. Leon Law evaluates each case individually during a free case review and will never pressure you into a lowball settlement.
Yes. Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system (A.R.S. § 12-2505) allows you to recover damages even if you share some fault. Your award is reduced proportionally by your percentage of responsibility.
You may still have options. Police investigations can locate the driver through cameras and witnesses. Additionally, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may compensate you for medical expenses and other losses. Call (480) 269-1083 so we can review your coverage and options.
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. Do not wait — evidence fades, witnesses forget, and critical deadlines can pass quickly.
As soon as possible after the loss of a loved one, give our office a call and speak with me, so that I can answer your questions about filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Law is a complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem
if you ignore it. Let us help you!
