Hurt in an Arizona motorcycle crash? Hire Henry.

This is one of the most common statements in motorcycle crash reports — and it actually works in the rider's favor. Arizona law requires every driver to maintain a proper lookout, check mirrors, and verify blind spots before turning or changing lanes. A driver who fails to see a lawfully operating motorcycle has breached their duty of care. We use police reports, intersection geometry, witness testimony, and sometimes accident reconstruction to demonstrate that the rider was visible and the driver simply was not paying attention.

Arizona does not require helmets for riders 18 or older. Eye protection — glasses, goggles, or a face shield — is required under Arizona motorcycle equipment law unless the motorcycle has a windshield. Not wearing a helmet does not make a rider at fault for the accident itself. However, insurance companies may argue that lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of head injuries, which can affect a claim under Arizona's comparative fault rules. We address this proactively when building a case, separating the question of who caused the crash from the question of injury severity.

Yes. Arizona law allows recovery for the full value of property damaged in an accident. For motorcycles, that includes aftermarket exhaust systems, custom paint, performance modifications, upgraded suspension, and any accessories that were on the bike at the time of the crash. We document these components with receipts, photos, and fair market valuations to make sure the claim reflects what the bike was actually worth — not just the base model book value.

They require more strategic preparation because of rider bias, but the underlying law is the same. The challenge is that insurance adjusters and jurors sometimes carry assumptions about motorcyclists — that they were speeding, weaving, or taking unnecessary risks. We build cases that neutralize these assumptions with objective evidence before they can take hold. When the evidence clearly shows the other driver's negligence, motorcycle cases are strong cases.

Riders are more vulnerable to road hazards that a car would drive over without noticing — gravel on a curve, potholes, uneven pavement, missing signage, or oil slicks. If a government entity failed to maintain the road or a construction company left debris, they may be liable. Claims involving public entities or employees generally require a notice of claim within 180 days and a lawsuit within one year after accrual. Those are separate requirements, and exceptions can apply. Claims against private parties can follow different rules. Ask an attorney to review the facts and deadlines promptly.

Arizona requires helmets only for riders under 18. If an adult rider was not wearing a helmet, that fact alone cannot be used to establish fault for the accident. Insurance companies sometimes try to use it to reduce compensation for head injuries through a comparative fault argument. We address this head-on, making clear that helmet choice and crash causation are separate legal questions under Arizona law.

Beam Injury Law offers a free consultation. The contingency fee is 33⅓% of the gross amount recovered if the matter resolves at or before mediation or settlement conference, whether before or after a lawsuit is filed. Filing a lawsuit alone does not increase the fee. If the matter does not resolve at or before mediation or settlement conference, the fee is 40% of the gross amount recovered, even if it later settles without a trial. The 40% rate also applies if the matter proceeds to trial or arbitration or results in a verdict, award, or judgment. No attorney fee is owed if there is no recovery. Case costs and expenses are separate and remain the client's responsibility regardless of recovery. Review the written agreement for the full terms before signing.