There is no blanket requirement that all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet in the state of Arizona. However, all drivers and passengers who are under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle.
Why Do Helmets Matter While Driving a Motorcycle?
While Arizona does not have a mandatory helmet law for all motorcyclists, that does not mean that riders should forego wearing helmets altogether. Helmets are proven to save lives and prevent serious injuries in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. Further, the NHTSA estimates that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets in 2017. In addition to saving lives, helmets also prevent major injuries.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) estimates that motorcycle helmets are 20% effective in reducing fatalities.
Penalties for Not Wearing a Helmet in Arizona
If you are under 18 and are caught riding without a helmet in Arizona, you will be subject to a fine of up to $500. In addition, points will be added to your driver’s license. Accumulating too many points on your license can lead to higher insurance rates and even license suspension. Therefore, it’s always best to play it safe and wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle in Arizona.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation: What You Can Recover in Arizona
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you can recover. The answer depends on the facts and circumstances of your particular case, but there are certain types of compensation that are common in many motorcycle accident cases.
1. Medical Expenses
One of the most common types of compensation that you can seek after a motorcycle accident caused by someone else is reimbursement for your medical expenses. This can include both the current costs of your medical care as well as any future costs that may be incurred as a result of your injuries. If you have health insurance, your insurer may pay for some or all your medical expenses, but you may still be able to recover from the at-fault driver for any expenses that are not covered by your insurance.
2. Lost Wages
Another common type of compensation you might be entitled to after a motorcycle accident is reimbursement for lost wages. If you’ve been injured in an accident, chances are good that you’ve had to miss work while you recover. This can also result in lost future earnings if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity as you did before the accident.
3. Pain and Suffering
In addition to economic damages like lost wages and medical expenses, you may also be able to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are more difficult to quantify than economic damages, but they can still be significant. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine what kind of pain and suffering damages you may be entitled to receive.
4. Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages against the at-fault driver. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of compensation from the at-fault driver – even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help you assess your legal options and fight to secure a fair recovery on your behalf. If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.