Riding a motorcycle in Arizona offers freedom, exhilaration, and a sense of community. But it also comes with serious risks—especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention or when conditions suddenly change. Staying safe on two wheels isn’t just about what happens in a crash—it’s about preventing one in the first place. Whether you’re new to riding or have years of experience behind you, these safety tips can help you stay in control and avoid danger.
The accident lawyers at Torgenson Law have worked with countless motorcyclists across Arizona. We’ve seen the devastating impact of preventable crashes, and we know that the best outcome is never needing a legal case in the first place. That’s why we’re sharing these essential safety practices—because your safety matters to us.
Every ride—no matter how short—calls for full protection. Motorcycle gear isn’t just about style. It’s the first barrier between your body and the pavement if something goes wrong.
Long pants and jackets made from abrasion-resistant materials like leather, Kevlar, or reinforced synthetics provide a critical layer of protection. Prioritize gear with built-in armor at key impact zones such as elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips. In Arizona’s intense heat, look for mesh riding gear designed specifically for high temperatures—it delivers protection without sacrificing airflow.
Never ride with exposed skin or casual clothing. Regular jeans and cotton shirts won’t stand up to the friction of a crash. Motorcycle gear is engineered to absorb shock and reduce injuries in ways that everyday clothing simply can’t match.
Wearing a DOT-approved helmet is one of the most important safety decisions you can make. Full-face helmets offer the greatest protection, shielding your head, face, and jaw from impact, debris, and wind.
Choose a helmet that fits snugly without creating pressure points, and always ensure the visor provides clear visibility—especially in Arizona’s shifting sunlight. While riders over 18 can legally go without a helmet in Arizona, our lawyers at Torgenson Law have seen the life-altering damage that can follow. A helmet isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a life-saving one.
Flying debris, bugs, and sudden gusts of wind can compromise your vision in an instant. Protect your eyes with shatterproof goggles or a full-face visor that stays secure during your ride.
Your hands also deserve attention. Motorcycle gloves with padded palms and reinforced knuckles protect against abrasions, burns, and fatigue. They also improve your grip, especially during sudden stops or rough weather.
Visibility is everything. Choose gear with reflective panels or bold, high-contrast colors that make you stand out in traffic. Riders are often overlooked by distracted or inattentive drivers—especially in blind spots or low-light conditions. Making yourself more visible isn’t just smart—it could be the difference between a close call and a crash.
At Torgenson Law, we’ve helped countless riders after collisions—and we’ve seen firsthand the difference proper gear makes. Injuries are often less severe when riders take the time to prepare. Your safety doesn’t begin on the road. It begins the moment you suit up. Our lawyers are here when the worst happens, but we’d rather you never need us in the first place.
Motorcycle crashes often happen because drivers simply don’t see the rider. Improving your visibility isn’t just a safety recommendation—it’s essential for your protection on Arizona roads.
Wearing bright, reflective gear is one of the easiest ways to increase your presence on the road. Opt for neon or fluorescent jackets, helmets, and vests that can be seen from a distance. Add reflective tape or decals to your helmet, saddlebags, or bike frame to make yourself more noticeable in low-light or nighttime conditions.
All-black gear might look sleek, but it makes you blend into the road—especially after dark. If you ride frequently at night or in poor weather, gear with built-in reflective panels is an investment in your safety.
In Arizona, it’s not just smart to keep your headlight on—it’s the law. Your motorcycle’s headlight must be on whenever the engine is running. But beyond the legal requirement, it dramatically increases your visibility to other drivers, especially those approaching from the opposite direction.
Consider installing a modulating headlight, which causes your beam to pulse slightly during the day. This subtle flicker is perfectly legal in Arizona and has been shown to draw attention without being distracting. It helps break through visual clutter so drivers actually notice you approaching.
You can also improve visibility by the way you ride. Stay out of blind spots and position yourself where drivers naturally look. In multi-lane traffic, riding in the left or right third of the lane—not directly behind a car—puts you in rearview and side mirrors more effectively.
Use turn signals early and make clear, deliberate lane changes. Avoid weaving between vehicles or riding too close to other cars. These behaviors not only put you at risk—they also make it harder for drivers to predict your movements.
Assertiveness doesn’t mean aggression. It means riding with presence and purpose so drivers can anticipate your path.
Making yourself seen is only half the equation. Even when you’ve done everything right, never assume you’ve been noticed. Always ride with a healthy level of caution, especially at intersections and during lane changes.
When other drivers fail to look for you, our lawyers at Torgenson Law are ready to stand by your side. If a driver’s negligence leads to injury, we’re here to fight for your rights—and hold them accountable.
Motorcyclists face an ongoing challenge on the road: staying visible and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Erratic maneuvers, sudden lane changes, or weaving between vehicles can catch drivers off guard and escalate the risk of a crash. When you ride with intention and predictability, you not only protect yourself but also command the attention and respect of others on the road.
Positioning plays a crucial role in visibility. Riding in the center or left portion of your lane helps ensure that you remain visible in other drivers’ mirrors and out of their blind spots. This position also gives you more time and space to react to hazards like debris, merging vehicles, or potholes. You don’t need to hug the curb or shy away from your space—own it. You have the same rights to the road as any other vehicle.
Make every action deliberate. Use your signals early and clearly before making a turn or lane change. Reinforce your signals with hand gestures if traffic is heavy or visibility is low. Before you shift lanes, always check your mirrors and perform a shoulder check. These small habits give you a better read on your surroundings and prevent sudden movements that could lead to misunderstandings—or worse, collisions.
Lane splitting—riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic—may be common in some states, but it’s not legal in Arizona. Beyond legality, it’s a practice that tends to confuse other drivers and can lead to dangerous miscalculations. Stick to your designated lane, and give yourself ample room to maneuver safely.
Every ride requires focus. Stay vigilant about traffic patterns, road construction, and weather changes that can affect traction and stopping distance. Scan far ahead and anticipate stops, turns, and merging traffic. When conditions change—whether it’s a downpour, loose gravel, or a distracted driver nearby—adjust your speed, increase your following distance, and position yourself to maintain a safety buffer.
Smart, assertive riding helps you avoid the most common threats and ensures you’re ready to respond when the unexpected happens. At Torgenson Law, we know that staying safe isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about riding with awareness and confidence.
Even the safest riders can’t control the actions of other drivers. When a crash happens, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can have a major impact on your physical recovery and your ability to hold the at-fault driver accountable. Knowing how to respond after a motorcycle collision can make a world of difference.
The moments after a crash can be chaotic, but safety comes first. Always call 911, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. Emergency medical personnel can assess your condition and help transport you to the hospital if needed.
An official police report also gets filed when emergency services are called. That report may include initial fault assessments, witness statements, and critical scene documentation—each of which may support your legal claim.
Even if you don’t go to the hospital immediately, it’s essential to see a doctor within 24 hours. Getting checked out creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the crash. These records often form the backbone of a personal injury claim.
Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Keep records of your symptoms, treatments, expenses, and any time you miss work.
If you’re physically able, take photos or video of everything at the scene—the damage to your bike, the other vehicle, your injuries, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and weather. These images may later be used to show the severity of the impact or prove a driver’s negligence.
Collect the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses, as their statements can back up your version of events. If you’re too injured to document the crash, ask someone nearby to help.
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly—and often with the goal of minimizing their liability. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything before speaking with a lawyer. Even casual remarks can be used against you.
The lawyers at Torgenson Law can step in to protect your rights. We’ll communicate with the insurance companies, build a strong case on your behalf, and help ensure you aren’t taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
Motorcycle crashes are life-altering—physically, emotionally, and financially. When you’re facing the aftermath of a serious accident, you need more than legal help. You need a team that understands what you’re going through and stands with you every step of the way. you need more than legal representation—you need someone who understands what you’re going through. At Torgenson Law, we take your case personally because we know how deeply these events affect your life.
Arizona’s roads can be unpredictable. From congested highways to poorly maintained rural roads, the hazards motorcyclists face are everywhere. Our lawyers have worked with injured riders across the state, many of whom were hit by distracted drivers, blindsided at intersections, or forced to react to dangerous conditions. We use that experience to anticipate obstacles in your case—and overcome them.
We collaborate with respected medical experts and accident reconstructionists to build a clear, fact-based picture of what happened. Every detail matters: from traffic patterns to helmet use, we dig deep to make your case as strong as possible.
You’ll never be just another case number at Torgenson Law. From the first phone call to the final outcome, you’ll work directly with your legal team—not just a case manager or assistant. We explain your options in plain English, return your calls promptly, and keep you updated every step of the way.
Our team knows that recovery takes time, and legal battles can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make it our job to handle the legal pressure so you can focus on healing. Whether your case settles out of court or goes all the way to trial, we stand by your side.
Legal fees shouldn’t be another burden. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. There are no retainers, no hourly rates, and no hidden costs—just a promise that we fight hard because your future matters.
We hope you never need us—but if you do, we’re here. Our team takes every motorcycle crash seriously, because we know the stakes are high. We’ll help you take the next step with confidence and compassion.
Your safety matters. Your recovery matters. And if someone else’s carelessness put either at risk, we’re ready to help you set things right.
At Torgenson Law, we hope you never need us. But if you’re hurt while riding, we’re ready to fight for you. Until then, ride smart, stay alert, and keep these safety tips in mind.
Arizona’s roads can be unpredictable. But with the right precautions—and a team that has your back—you can enjoy every ride with more confidence and less risk. Reach out to us today if you have questions about a recent crash or just want to know your rights. When your recovery matters, we take it 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.
