Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona

Victims of motorcycle crashes often face a difficult road to recovery. They often encounter mounting medical expenses, a total loss of income during recuperation, and the enduring weight of long-term pain and suffering. Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona is the first step toward identifying your options for recovering compensation.

At Burg Simpson, our goal is to provide dedicated legal support for injured motorcyclists and their families. Our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers have the resources and experience to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Timely investigation is critical for determining what caused the motorcycle wreck and who is responsible. Call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona?

Motorcycle accidents represent a relatively small percentage of overall traffic collisions in Arizona, but they are disproportionately serious. There were 3,036 motorcycle crashes across the state in 2024, according to the most recent Crash Facts report from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

Only 2.5% of crashes statewide involved motorcycles. However, 219 riders and passengers were killed and 2,503 were injured, accounting for 17.8% of all fatalities and 4.5% of persons injured.

ADOT data show that Saturday is the peak day for motorcycle accidents, with the highest frequency of crashes occurring between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday also had the highest number of fatal crashes involving motorcycles.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

The vast majority of motorcycle accidents in Arizona (80.47%) occur in urban areas where traffic density and intersections create higher risks. In 2024, accidents in Maricopa County and Pima County alone accounted for 70.32% of Arizona’s motorcycle fatalities.

Intersections are particularly hazardous for riders, especially in multi-unit crashes. Left-turn collisions accounted for 38.89% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles. They were the second most common manner of collision in injury crashes, accounting for 27.41% of accidents resulting in injuries.

When Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Despite the common perception that riding at night is more dangerous, approximately 67% of all motorcycle crashes take place during daylight hours. While visibility for drivers and riders is reduced at night, this shows that lighting conditions are not the only factor to cause collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles.

What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona?

Numerous factors can lead to motorcycle accidents. Identifying the cause is crucial for determining who was at fault and evaluating your legal options:

Excess Speed

Speeding was the most commonly cited violation in motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Excess speed was noted as a factor in 13.75% of accidents overall and 20.07% of motorcycle crashes.

Driver Distraction

Inattention is a leading cause of multi-vehicle collisions. Data from 2024 show that 45.01% of motorcyclists were recorded as taking “no improper action.” This suggests that the other driver’s negligence — such as distraction — is often the primary cause.

Drivers of passenger vehicles often fail to see motorcycles due to cognitive distraction or a failure to properly scan the roadway for vehicles with smaller profiles. This can lead to catastrophic accidents that should have been avoided.

Failure to Check Blindspots

Due to their narrow profile, motorcycles are often obscured by the blindspots of larger passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Many accidents with motorcycles happen during lane changes when drivers fail to perform a physical shoulder check, leading to sideswipe collisions.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol involvement remains a critical safety concern. Data from 2024 show that alcohol was a factor in approximately 2.57% of motorcycle accidents, leading to 43 fatal crashes and 88 collisions resulting in injury.

The victims of drunk driving accidents have rights under Arizona law. In addition to the intoxicated driver, establishments that serve alcohol may be held liable for injuries and deaths.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Drivers who disregard traffic signals often do not notice an oncoming motorcycle until it is too late to avoid a high-impact collision. These violations often lead to T-bone or broadside accidents, which are frequently catastrophic for the rider. Angle collisions can lead to spinal cord injuries and other serious consequences.

Following a Motorcycle Too Closely

Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of multi-unit motorcycle crash, accounting for 26.87% of accidents in 2024. Because motorcycles can stop much more quickly than passenger vehicles, tailgating drivers often lack the reaction time necessary to avoid a collision.

Aggressive Driving

Behaviors such as “Failure to keep in proper lane” were cited in 5.38% of motorcycle operator violations, often tied to aggressive maneuvering or lane splitting. Aggressive driving by other motorists, such as cutting off a rider or purposefully blocking their path, can also create life-threatening situations for motorcyclists.

Poor Road Conditions

Single-vehicle crashes are frequently caused by road hazards. Accidents where the motorcycle overturns (522 crashes) and collisions with fixed objects (372 crashes) may be caused by:

• Loose gravel
• Potholes
• Uneven pavement 

These and other hazards may be a nuisance for a car, but they can cause a motorcyclist to lose control entirely. Government entities may face legal action for failing to maintain and repair the road.

Visibility Issues

Lack of visibility is often cited by drivers who claim they “never saw the motorcycle” before a collision. While most crashes happen in the daytime, glare from the sun or poorly designed intersections can further obscure a rider from a driver’s field of vision.

Drivers have a responsibility to stay aware at all times while operating a motor vehicle. This includes watching out for motorcycles when turning, changing lanes, etc.

Who Is At Fault for a Motorcycle Crash?

Determining fault in motorcycle accidents requires a thorough investigation. Evidence often points to the driver of the car, especially in left-turn scenarios where a motorist fails to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming rider.

Reporting by the ADOT shows that nearly half of all motorcycle operators were engaged in no improper action at the time of the accident. A personal injury lawyer versed in motorcycle accidents can determine whether you have a claim.

How Motorcyclists Can Avoid an Accident

There are a handful of safety tips that are proven to help motorcyclists avoid accidents and injuries:

• Wearing a Helmet: In 2024, 12.75% of motorcycle operators and 4.65% of passengers who suffered fatal injuries were explicitly identified as not wearing a helmet.
• Practicing Defensive Riding: You should always assume that other drivers do not see you, especially when approaching intersections or riding in a vehicle’s blindspot.
• Maintaining Lane Discipline: Avoiding erratic lane changes and staying in the proper lane can help reduce the 5.38% of motorcycle accidents directly linked to lane violations.
• Avoiding Riding Under the Influence: Given that nearly alcohol is a factor in nearly 20% of motorcycle fatalities, remaining sober while riding is the most effective way to ensure your reaction times are not compromised.

Unfortunately, no matter how safe you are, there is still the chance that another driver or rider on the road puts your life in danger through negligent behavior. When that happens and you suffer damages, we recommend seeking legal counsel as soon as possible.

Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At Burg Simpson, we understand the unique challenges riders face when pursuing compensation. Motorcyclists are blamed for accidents too often, even as the data show that it is just as likely that the driver of another vehicle was at fault. 

We know the causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona and how to prove that someone else was at fault for your injuries. Our firm handles the complexities of gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and proving the full extent of your injuries so you can focus on recovery.

For a FREE and confidential case evaluation, get in touch with Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today. Our Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers serve clients throughout Arizona.