When you’re on your motorcycle, every second on the road requires sharp attention—not just from you, but from everyone sharing the road. Arizona’s right-of-way laws exist to create order and prevent chaos at intersections, merges, and turns. But when drivers ignore those rules, it’s often riders who pay the steepest price.
In simple terms, the right-of-way refers to who has the legal authority to proceed in a driving situation. Whether it’s a four-way stop, a left turn at a green light, or merging onto a highway, Arizona law spells out who must yield. Motorcycles are entitled to the same rights as any other vehicle—but they are often overlooked. When drivers violate these rules, serious collisions happen.
Knowing your rights isn’t just about staying safe—it’s about being prepared to hold negligent drivers accountable if they put you in harm’s way.
Motorcycle crashes involving right-of-way violations aren’t just careless driving errors—they’re often the direct cause of catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These collisions typically happen in split seconds, yet their consequences can affect a rider’s life forever. The problem is not just visibility—it’s a lack of awareness and respect for motorcyclists on the road.
Intersections are among the most hazardous places for motorcyclists. A common—and particularly dangerous—scenario involves a driver making a left turn across oncoming traffic. Many drivers miscalculate a motorcycle’s speed or underestimate how close the rider actually is. As a result, they initiate a turn directly into the rider’s path, leaving little to no room for evasive action.
These crashes are often high-impact and occur too quickly for riders to respond. The combination of angle, speed, and force can result in catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
Because of their smaller profile, motorcycles are easily lost in a car’s blind spot. When drivers fail to check mirrors or signal before merging, riders can be caught off guard. A sudden lane change at highway speeds can lead to a sideswipe or force a rider off the road entirely.
Proper mirror checks and blind spot awareness are critical—yet often ignored. These simple habits can prevent devastating outcomes.
Arizona law requires all drivers to yield the right-of-way at stop signs and when entering or crossing intersections. But many ignore this obligation—especially when the oncoming vehicle is a motorcycle. Riders who have the legal right to proceed are often cut off or struck by inattentive drivers.
Even minor intersections can become danger zones when drivers assume they can beat a motorcycle through the crossing. The results are often sudden, severe, and completely preventable.
Unlike larger vehicles, motorcycles appear smaller and can seem farther away than they actually are. This optical illusion leads many drivers to believe they have more time than they do to make a turn or enter traffic.
When drivers misjudge the distance, they pull out too soon or turn in front of a rider. That moment of miscalculation puts the rider in an impossible position—either crash or take evasive action at high speeds.
Motorcyclists pay the price for these common driving errors in ways that car drivers rarely do. Every failure to check a mirror, yield appropriately, or respect lane boundaries puts riders at risk of lifelong injuries.
Understanding how and why these violations happen is the first step to preventing them—and holding negligent drivers accountable. That’s where the motorcycle accident lawyers at Torgenson Law step in. We know these crash patterns. We know the laws that protect riders. And we fight to make sure your rights are upheld when others fail to share the road.
As a rider, you already know how exposed you are on the road. But when another driver breaks the rules, your vulnerability becomes a liability. Unlike those in cars or trucks, you don’t have the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seat belts.
Even a low-speed crash can throw a motorcyclist from their bike. The impact with the road, other vehicles, or surrounding objects can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. Protective gear helps, but it can only do so much against the force of a vehicle strike.
It’s not uncommon for drivers to say, “I didn’t see the motorcycle” after a crash. While it might be true, it doesn’t excuse the behavior. Cars and trucks have larger blind spots, and some drivers simply aren’t looking for motorcycles. That split-second of inattention can change a rider’s life forever.
There’s a harmful stereotype that motorcyclists are reckless or aggressive. That bias can influence how witnesses, insurance companies, and even police view a crash. It adds another layer of difficulty when you’re trying to assert your rights and seek justice.
When a driver causes a crash by failing to yield, the consequences go beyond a simple ticket. Arizona law holds drivers accountable for the injuries and losses they cause—especially when vulnerable road users like motorcyclists are involved.
A driver who violates right-of-way laws may be cited by police. In more severe cases—especially if the violation leads to serious injury or death—they could face reckless driving or vehicular assault charges. These offenses carry serious penalties, including license suspension, fines, or even jail time.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, bike repairs, and pain and suffering. The at-fault driver and their insurance company may be responsible for paying these damages. This is where the legal system can help level the playing field.
Arizona follows a comparative negligence model, which means even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover damages—just reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Unfortunately, insurance companies use this to their advantage and try to shift blame onto the rider. That’s why having the right legal support matters.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, emotions run high and injuries may be more severe than they initially seem. The steps you take immediately and in the following days can play a major role in protecting your health, preserving critical evidence, and strengthening your legal case.
Your health should always come first. Even if you feel okay, hidden injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation creates an official record that can link your injuries to the crash—something insurers and courts often require.
Always contact the police after a crash. An official accident report often includes diagrams, witness statements, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault. This document becomes a key piece of evidence, especially if there’s a dispute later about who had the right-of-way.
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the crash site. Photograph your motorcycle, the other vehicle, damage to both, any skid marks, nearby road signs, traffic lights, and the overall layout of the intersection. Don’t forget to capture injuries and collect names and phone numbers of witnesses. These details can make or break a claim.
You will need to notify your insurance company, but exercise caution. Stick to the facts and avoid assigning blame or offering opinions. Insurers are trained to use early statements to reduce or deny payouts. Wait to make any formal statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Getting a legal team involved early makes a big difference. Our lawyers at Torgenson Law are ready to investigate every detail of your crash, collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, and shield you from insurance tactics that aim to shift blame onto you. We’ll take on the burden of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most—recovering.
When you’re recovering from a motorcycle crash, the legal process shouldn’t add to your stress. At Torgenson Law, our commitment is personal. We advocate for Arizona riders with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering drive to make things right. From the moment you contact us, you’ll have a legal team that stands with you and fights to protect your rights.
We don’t see you as a file number—we see the person behind the injuries. Your story matters, and our lawyers take the time to understand every detail. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, financial pressure, or both, we’re here to listen, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the process with honesty and care.
You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. We keep you informed, return your calls, and make sure you’re never in the dark. That’s the kind of service we’d want for our own families—and it’s the service we deliver to yours.
Motorcycle crashes often involve unique dynamics that other lawyers may miss. Our team has the experience and technical knowledge to uncover the truth. We gather evidence like traffic camera footage, black box data, police reports, and expert testimony to demonstrate exactly how the crash occurred.
We’re familiar with the ways insurance companies try to spin these cases—and we don’t let them get away with it. Whether it’s a left-turn collision, failure to yield, or improper lane change, we know how to establish fault and build a strong claim from day one.
Legal help shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. No hourly rates. No upfront retainers. Just a promise: if we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Our focus is on your recovery—both physical and financial. Whether your case is settled or goes to trial, we fight with everything we’ve got. Because when your future is on the line, we take that personally.
Motorcycle crashes caused by right-of-way violations aren’t just unfortunate accidents—they are often the result of careless or inattentive driving. When you take action against negligent drivers, you not only defend your rights—you help create a safer riding environment for others across Arizona. At the same time, there are important steps you can take to protect yourself every time you get on your bike.
Visibility can be the difference between being noticed and being hit. Wear bright, reflective clothing and always use your headlights—even during the day. Opt for a position in the lane that puts you squarely in a driver’s mirror. Avoid lingering in blind spots and use hand signals along with turn indicators to make your intentions clear.
Motorcycles are harder to see, especially in heavy traffic or poor lighting. Don’t assume other drivers see you—make yourself unmissable.
Defensive riding is your best shield. Expect the unexpected: a car making a sudden lane change, a distracted driver rolling through a stop sign, or someone turning left without seeing you. Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and approach intersections with heightened awareness.
Consider mounting a front- and rear-facing camera to record your rides. In the event of a crash, video evidence can be instrumental in proving liability. Keep a phone mount within reach to capture photos after a crash, and store a notepad in your saddlebag for quick notes or witness contact information.
Taking legal action isn’t just about compensation—it’s about change. When negligent drivers are held accountable, it forces facilities, insurers, and individuals to take motorcyclist safety seriously. It may even lead to improved road designs, better training for drivers, and increased public awareness about sharing the road with motorcycles.
You don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is here to walk beside you and guide you forward.
Our lawyers at Torgenson Law don’t just handle motorcycle cases—we respect the riding community because we’re part of it. We know how Arizona roads are built, how local drivers behave, and how insurance companies operate.
You deserve more than just legal advice—you deserve to be heard, supported, and treated like a person, not a claim. When you’re ready to pursue justice, we’re ready to fight beside you.
Reach out today. No pressure. No upfront cost. Just answers—and a legal team that takes your recovery personally.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
