There are 206,000 registered motorcycles in the state of Arizona alone, and each year, more than 3,000 motorcycle accidents occur in the state. To combat the rise in motorcycle fatalities, the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) holds an annual safety event known as ”Riding for the Long Haul.” This event’s main goal is to raise awareness of motorcycle crashes, enable motorcyclists to ride safer, and help avoid deadly crashes. In addition to the free event, the AMSAF offers free classes on road safety throughout the year. It’s education they believe could save someone’s life.
In addition to learning motorcycle safety rules, it’s also important to understand the motorcycle laws in Arizona. An understanding of these laws can help motorcyclists stay safe from harm. That way no matter where you ride – from Flagstaff to Tucson, you can keep riding for the long haul.
- Motorcycle Helmets – In Arizona, motorcyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear approved helmets. Riders over the age of 18, however, are not required to wear a helmet. There are also no restrictions on the use of helmet speakers.
- Eye protection – All riders must wear appropriate eye protection unless their bikes have windscreens.
- Motorcycle Specifications – Laws require that all motorcycles in Arizona have:
- Passenger seat and footrests when carrying passengers
- One side view mirror
- Headlights. However, modulated headlights are allowed
- Handlebars that are grasped below shoulder height.
- Spark arrestors on all state and federal lands
- Riders must carry their Title
- Muffler
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All motorcyclists in Arizona are required by law to carry liability insurance. The minimum requirements are:
- Bodily injury – $15,000 per person injured and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage – $10,000
It is highly recommended that all motorcyclists purchase UM/UIM insurance to protect themselves, in the event they are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 20% of all drivers in Arizona do not carry insurance coverage. This could be devastating for an injured motorcyclist who may be facing a lifetime of disability, pain and suffering after an accident.
Injured motorcycle accident victims need an experienced and skilled motorcycle accident attorney on their side from the moment they are injured. Motorcyclists often sustain serious and life-threatening injuries, even in accidents that occur at low speeds. Insurance companies understand how complex these injuries can be, so they often offer motorcyclists a quick and low settlement in the hopes that they will reduce their own liabilities. Do not sign anything without first speaking to an attorney. Without an attorney, you may not receive the money you are entitled to.
CONTACT OUR PHOENIX MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a motorcycle accident in Phoenix, it is important to know how catastrophic these accidents truly are. At Miller Kory Rowe, LLP, our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers know that injured motorcyclists face an uphill battle when they try to collect compensation from the insurance company. When this occurs, you need an experienced and skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner helping you fight. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.