What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona
Riders start these claims at a disadvantage that has nothing to do with the evidence — the assumption that the motorcycle was doing something wrong. Arizona law is friendlier to riders than that assumption suggests.
At the scene
Get medical attention even if you can walk away; adrenaline hides a great deal, and a gap between the crash and the first visit gets used against you later. Photograph the bike, your gear, the road surface, and sight lines. Keep the damaged helmet and gear — they are physical evidence of the forces involved.
The helmet question, answered plainly
Arizona requires helmets only for riders under 18. An adult riding without one is not breaking the law, and not wearing a helmet does not bar a claim. An insurer may still argue it contributed to a head injury specifically, which is an argument about damages, not a defense to liability.
"I never saw the motorcycle" is not a defense
It is the most common thing drivers say, and it usually describes the negligence rather than excusing it. A driver turning across a lane or pulling out from a stop owes a duty to look for what is there — including a motorcycle in plain view.
Fault, deadlines, and damages
Arizona uses pure comparative negligence, so even if some share of blame lands on you, your recovery is reduced rather than eliminated. Most claims must be filed within two years, or 180 days for a notice of claim against a public entity. And Arizona caps nothing — a constitutional prohibition that matters in rider cases, where injuries tend to be severe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover if I was not wearing a helmet in Arizona?
Yes. Helmets are required only under 18, and riding without one does not bar a claim. Expect an argument about head-injury damages specifically.
The driver says I was speeding. Is my claim finished?
No. Arizona reduces recovery by your share of fault instead of barring it, and fault percentages are ultimately for a jury.
Keep reading
This article is general information about Arizona injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
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