Arizona Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle collisions accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities across the country in 2010. Since the mid-1990s, the number of motorcycle crashes has more than doubled, confirming statistic that the one in seven motor vehicle deaths in the United States occurred on a motorcycle. As these numbers continue to escalate, motorists must be conscious of the dangers present on the Arizona roads and highways.

In 2011, an estimated 82,000 people were injured in a motorcycle traffic collision. In fact, a motorcycle operator is 16 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle crash than an operator of a car. While helmets help to curb the severity of injury or decrease the chance of a fatality, motorcycle drivers are immediately placed at a higher risk than a typical motorist.

Public health concerns circle the glaring issues inherent in motorcycles. While the potential dangers associated with traveling in this manner may never subside, increasing global awareness about the risks involved with motorcycle riding will help to deter the number of motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Phillips Law Group believes that those responsible for a collision should be held liable to compensate the injured. If you or a loved one has suffered from an Arizona motorcycle accident, we may be able to help guide you through your case.

To learn more, please complete a Free Case Review form on this page.

National Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Rural roadway motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years. In addition, the majority of severe motorcycle crashes occur at night, highlighting a few evident issues. First, motorcycles are much smaller than typical vehicles on the road, this makes them difficult to spot and avoid on the road. As motorists go to quickly change lanes, a motorcycle in their blind spot may be at serious risk.

Furthermore, motorcycle operators tend to drive at speeds in excess of the posted limit. Due to the swift, agile nature of a motorcycle, riders tend to see operating these vehicles as a sport as opposed to a means of transportation. These factors heighten the hazards associated with riding, and thus, increase the chance of a motorcycle crash.

Motorcycle accidents have been an issue on a national level; the following are some of the impactful statistics from across the country:

  • 32,885 traffic fatalities occurred in 2010, 4,502 of which were motorcycle deaths
  • The NHSTA has spent over $30 million in the training of motorcycle riders in the hopes to reduce the number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities
  • In 1970, motorcycle operators were required to wear a helmet in 47 states
  • Today, only 20 states have a helmet law in place
  • There has been a direct correlation between the decrease in the number of states with helmet laws and the increase in the number of motorcycle accident deaths
  • States with partial helmet laws or none at all have much higher percentages of deaths following a crash than those who have a universal helmet law
  • Six out of every ten motorcycle crashes resulting in death occur at night
  • Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by almost 30 percent

In the first quarter of 2011, 22 states saw an increase in the number of motorcycle crash fatalities. As more and more motorists are educated on the dangers associated with motorcycles on the roads and highways, the likelihood of a crash decreases.

Free Case Review here for more information.

Arizona Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Arizona was amongst the 22 states in 2011 that saw an increase in the number of motorcycle deaths. An Arizona motorcycle accident has the potential to cause severe injuries in those involved, especially when a helmet is not worn by the rider. At Phillips Law Group, we believe that motorcycle education is one of the best techniques to deter the number of crashes each year.

Below are some of the most prominent Arizona motorcycle accident statistics:

  • About 2.26 people were killed every single day in Arizona due to a motor vehicle crash in 2011
  • Maricopa County saw the greatest number of injuries and fatalities in all of Arizona
  • 3,058 motorcycle accidents occurred in the state in 2011
  • Arizona saw 140 fatalities due to motorcycle crashes
  • Currently, 163,381 motorcycles are registered in Arizona
  • The Arizona Department of Transportation recorded a recent increase in the number of motorcycle-related injuries

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Arizona motorcycle accident, Phillips Law Group is prepared to walk you through each step of the legal process. We dedicate our time and energy to seeking justice that injured Arizona residents deserve.

Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Phillips Law Group strongly believes that negligent drivers must be held responsible for the damages that they cause on the Arizona highways and roads. Through meticulous research and thorough investigation, we are able to fully understand the situation at hand, and thus, craft an argument that places you in the best position to win.


Phillips Law Group is Arizonas law firm. To learn more about our firm, simply complete a Free Case Review and get started today.

Many motorists know that as soon as the weather gets warm, bikers will be out in full force. For them, nothing is better than being out on the open road as the wind rushes by. The problem is that riding a motorcycle also comes with an increased risk of being in an accident. Most accidents are caused by negligent drivers who do not pay attention to what is going on around them.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, it’s time to contact Phillips Law Group. We have over 26 years of experience in helping people just like you get the compensation they deserve. Your injuries can lead to difficult financial trouble, and the insurance companies do not always play fairly.

Give the Phillips Law Group a call today at 1-800-706-3000. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Bikers often have a bad reputation. Movies and TV shows portray them as loud and brash lawbreakers. You might even think that most motorcycle accidents happen because bikers speed with little care for those around them. While most groups have their bad apples, these stereotypes are mostly false. Motorcyclists are often everyday people who enjoy going out for a ride.

Back in 1981, the NHTSA studied data from 900 motorcycle accidents and 3,600 traffic accident reports. They concluded that the average pre-accident speed of motorcycles was 29.8 mph. They also found that only 1-in-1,000 accidents were at 86 mph or above. These numbers prove that motorcycle accidents can happen at any speed. While this is old information, most bike accidents happen in lower-speed urban areas and not on the freeway.

The NHTSA shared more recent data in 2017 that revealed:

  • 14 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists
  • 5,172 motorcyclists died
  • 94 percent of those killed were riders
  • 6 percent of those killed were passengers
  • 97 percent of accidents happened in clear or cloudy weather
  • 91 percent of accidents happened on non-interstate roads
  • 35 percent of accidents happened at intersections
  • 28 percent of bikers killed had a BAC of .08 or higher, according to the national average

What is Considered Speeding for Motorcycles?

The factors that the NHTSA uses to determine whether speed contributed to a motorcycle accident include:

  1. The driver of the vehicle was ticketed and charged with a speeding-related offense
  2. Speeding is determined to have been a significant factor in causing the accident

For the second point to be considered, a police officer must conclude that the biker was:

  • Racing
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Exceeding the posted speed limit

This data shows that speed does cause motorcycle accidents. It also indicates that speed might not be as widespread of an issue as others might think. A greater contribution to motorcycle accidents involves the driving habits of other motorists on the road.

Why Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen

There is no doubt that riding motorcycles can be risky. The NHTSA says a motorcyclist is 29 times more likely to die in an accident than the average motorist. It is a challenge for other drivers to locate when a bike is around them or in their blind spots. It is also difficult for them to predict how that motorcycle is going to maneuver.

Riders are required to take a course on how to drive motorcycles properly since riding a motorcycle requires a different set of mental and physical skills than it does a passenger vehicle. Bikers are also more susceptible to road hazards and weather conditions. The good news is that many bikers are well-trained and highly experienced at riding.

Motorists who drive recklessly cause accidents that do not necessarily involve speed. These situations can include:

  • Improperly changing lanes
  • Failing to give enough space
  • Failing to yield to a motorcyclist’s right-of-way
  • Following too close to the back of a motorcycle
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol
  • Driving while fatigued

These are only a few examples of ways other motorists can put the lives of bikers at risk. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, call Phillips Law Group right away. We will help you fight to get compensation for your injuries and time off work.

Damages Incurred by Motorcycle Accidents

Both financial and non-economic damages can be incurred by a motorcycle accident. For one, medical bills can stack up and be quite expensive in the long run.

The cost of physical injuries

Numerous physical injuries can be caused by motorcycle accidents. Due to the nature of these types of events, injuries can be severe and life-threatening. Treatment and therapy can be costly, and you may lose some income while you take time to recover.

The types of injuries you can sustain in a motorcycle accident include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Disfigurement
  • Road rash
  • Nerve damage
  • Neck injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Muscle damage
  • Loss of limbs

Rest assured, motorcycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation to cover medical bills and loss of income.

The cost of the emotional damage

While many injuries may heal with time, some might require extensive surgery and recovery. Scars and disfigurement may last a lifetime. Brain injuries and the loss of limbs may lead to permanent disability. Battling major physical injuries may lead to mental disabilities as well.

During this time of recovery, you can also face:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Rehabilitation
  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Pain and suffering is one category of non-economic damages that a victim may qualify for under certain circumstances.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into an accident. As a rider, you should know the next steps to take after an accident has occurred. These steps can help you in your case later when you seek compensation for your injuries.

Get medical attention

Getting medical attention is important, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some bikers might feel the need to be tough and refuse medical help. The problem is that certain injuries may not manifest themselves until later. For example, it is common for whiplash victims to start feeling neck pain and soreness a few days after an accident.

Gather information

If you are able, gather contact information from witnesses. Witness statements go a long way in establishing who was at fault for the accident. You should also get information from the other party. Their insurance details and license plate number will help.

Take photos of the scene

Photographs from the scene of the accident can also be used to establish fault. Include anything that might have contributed to the accident.

Do not admit fault

You must never admit fault to anyone. Admitting fault can have a long list of consequences, including putting the target on your back. The other party could claim you are liable and go after you for compensation. So even if you think you were at fault, do not admit it.

Also, do not speak to the other party’s insurance company who will want a statement from you. Anything you say might seem innocent or feel well-justified, but the insurance adjuster may attempt to twist your words and use them against you.

Call a personal injury attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you can be facing many months of recovery. The last thing you need on your plate at this time is hands-on legal errands. Hiring a personal injury attorney who can do the legal work on your behalf can take the burden off your shoulders so you can simply focus on getting better.

Phillips Law Group exists to provide support when you need it most. We are a team of tough personal injury attorneys with experience in handling motorcycle accident cases. Our firm is among Arizona’s largest consumer law firms with many offices throughout the state. You do not have to face this difficult time alone.

Best yet, there is no fee for our legal services unless you win compensation. Call the Phillips Law Group today at 1-800-706-3000 to learn more. Our representatives are available to speak with you 24/7.