The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona are drivers failing to see motorcycles at intersections, unsafe lane changes, and left-turn collisions where a car turns in front of an oncoming rider. In the majority of these crashes, the driver of the car or truck — not the motorcyclist — is found at fault, largely because drivers frequently misjudge a motorcycle’s speed and distance or simply don’t look for one at all.

Arizona’s year-round riding weather means more motorcycles on the road for more of the year than most states — and unfortunately, more opportunities for these collisions. Here’s what typically causes them and how fault gets determined.

The Most Common Causes

• Left-turn accidents. A driver turning left at an intersection fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns directly into its path. This is one of the single most common causes of serious motorcycle injuries.
• Lane change collisions. Motorcycles sit in a driver’s blind spot more easily than a car does, and a driver changing lanes without checking properly can sideswipe a rider.
• Following too closely. Drivers often underestimate how quickly a motorcycle can decelerate, leading to rear-end collisions.
• Road hazards. Potholes, gravel, and uneven pavement are far more dangerous to a motorcycle than a car, and can cause a rider to lose control even without another vehicle involved.
• Dooring. A parked car door opening into traffic can force a rider into a sudden, dangerous swerve.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Arizona?

Arizona does not permit traditional lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic) in the way some states do. However, Arizona law does allow motorcycles to share a single lane side-by-side, and permits limited lane sharing at very low speeds in specific circumstances. If you were riding legally and were struck, this generally has no bearing on your right to compensation — but it’s worth having an attorney confirm the specific facts of your situation.

Why Fault Often Falls on the Other Driver

In most motorcycle collisions with another vehicle, an investigation typically finds that the driver failed to see the motorcycle, misjudged its speed, or violated the rider’s right of way. This doesn’t mean fault is automatic — insurance companies are also well aware of common (and often unfair) biases against motorcyclists, and frequently try to shift blame onto the rider even when the evidence doesn’t support it.

Why Motorcycle Injuries Tend to Be More Severe

Without the protection of a vehicle frame, motorcyclists are far more exposed in a collision, which often results in traumatic brain injuries, road rash, fractures, and spinal injuries — even in accidents that would cause only minor damage in a car-on-car crash. This is exactly why motorcycle accident claims tend to carry higher value than comparable car accident claims, and why insurers push back harder on them.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

• Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel capable of continuing on.
• Get the police report, photos of the scene, and contact information for witnesses.
• Preserve your damaged gear and motorcycle — they can serve as evidence of impact severity.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Get Your Motorcycle Accident Case Reviewed

At Ruben Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations for motorcycle accident victims across Phoenix and Tucson. Se habla español, and there’s no fee unless we recover for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I automatically assumed to be at fault as a motorcyclist?
No. Fault is determined by the specific facts of the crash — who violated the right of way, who failed to yield, and the conditions at the time — not by assumptions about motorcyclists in general.

Does not wearing a helmet affect my claim in Arizona?
Arizona doesn’t require helmets for riders over 18, and not wearing one typically doesn’t bar your claim, though it could be raised in relation to certain head-injury damages specifically. An attorney can explain how this applies to your case.

What if the driver claims they never saw me?
“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is one of the most common statements after these accidents, but it doesn’t excuse a driver’s duty to look for other vehicles, including motorcycles, before turning or changing lanes.

How is the value of a motorcycle accident claim determined?
The same core factors apply as any personal injury claim — medical treatment, liability clarity, available insurance coverage, and pain and suffering — though motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe, which often increases overall case value.

Call our Phoenix office at (623) 777-3405 or our Tucson office at (520) 777-1828 for a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours on call — and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation.