by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Arizona Motorcycle Accidents Statistics

For many of Arizona’s 200,000 motorcyclists, there’s nothing better than feeling the wind rush through your hair as you cruise down the interstate on your motorcycle. With endless stretches of stunning desert landscape and year-round sunshine, you could say that Arizona is a motorcyclist’s paradise. However, paradise can quickly turn to a place much darker in the event of an accident.

Accidents are a part of life that many people experience at some point in their lives, but for motorcyclists with very little protection, these accidents can prove to be detrimental. Oftentimes in the event of a motorcycle accident, insurance companies do everything they can to prevent the motorcyclist from getting the compensation they are rightfully owed. That’s where we come in.

Going through a motorcycle accident is traumatic enough without having to struggle to find a way to pay for personal injuries and property damages caused by someone else. At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will work diligently to ensure that you get the maximum compensation available to you.

How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen a Year in Arizona?

According to the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), there were 3,104 motorcycle accidents in Arizona in 2016 alone. Of those accidents, 2,426 resulted in injury and 138 resulted in fatalities. While many motorcycle accidents result in head injury, the likelihood of head injuries are greatly reduced for those who wear a safety helmet when driving or riding a motorcycle.

A Look at Arizona Motorcycle Accidents Statistics

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents by a landslide is a collision with a passenger vehicle, oftentimes with the passenger vehicle being at fault. This type of collision can account for more than half of all motorcycle accidents in Arizona and approximately 56% of all motorcycle accident fatalities.

Speeding and cars making left-hand turns cause a significant amount of the state’s motorcycle accidents, as does driving under the influence. Although helmets are not required by law for motorcycle drivers and riders over the age of 18 in Arizona, they can considerably improve the chance of survival after a motorcycle accident.

In 2018, just 23% of motorcycle drivers who were wearing a safety helmet at the time of their accident sustained severe or fatal injuries. On the other hand, 36% of motorcycle drivers who were not wearing a helmet sustained severe or fatal injuries.

Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

Navigating the legal process necessary to file a claim and receive fair compensation can be lengthy and confusing without the help of a skilled attorney. Our award-winning team of attorneys uses an aggressive and compassionate approach to help ensure that our clients get what they deserve. We have dealt with many motorcycle accident cases and are skilled in handling every unique situation that comes our way.

If you or somebody you know has experienced property damage or personal injury in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek out proper legal help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys and find out why we are one of the top law firms in Phoenix, AZ.

 

 

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Who is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Whether somebody you love owns a motorcycle or you are a rider yourself, the thought of a motorcycle accident is enough to send shivers up all of our spines. These traumatic accidents can cause irreversible damage to the lives of those involved, from painful injuries and expensive hospital bills to loss of life.

The first and most critical step in making a claim for any damages in a motorcycle accident is determining who is at fault. At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our experienced team of attorneys is highly skilled in motorcycle accident cases. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident and believe you are entitled to compensation for personal injury or property damage, we are here to help.

What is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

There is a popular misconception that motorcyclists are the primary cause of motorcycle accidents. In reality, motorcycle accidents are more often the fault of passenger vehicle drivers. Because car drivers are at less risk than motorcycle drivers in the event of a collision, car drivers tend to drive more recklessly and are more likely to cause an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a collision than those in a passenger vehicle.

Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted driving
• Left-turn accidents
• Drunk driving
• Brake checking
• Reckless lane changes

While many people think that faulty motorcycle parts are common causes of motorcycle accidents, this is actually an incredibly rare occurrence. One of the best ways to avoid traumatic injuries in a motorcycle accident is wearing a helmet. In the state of Arizona, only motorcycle drivers and passengers under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet. However, regardless of the law, helmets are still recommended as the best way to avoid fatal injury in accidents.

Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our award-winning law firm handles each individual case with diligence, compassion, and efficiency. After suffering through a motorcycle accident, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and get taken advantage of by sneaky insurance adjusters who will pretend to be your friend.

We are here to ensure that you obtain the maximum compensation available to you, without dealing with a long and stressful process. Our aggressive approach to your case and compassionate approach to working directly with you helps ensure we obtain justice for you. From start to finish, we will keep you updated every step of the way so you are never in the dark. We are experienced in motorcycle accident cases and will know exactly how to help, so you just focus on healing and let us handle the rest.

If you or somebody you know has experienced property damage or personal injury in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys and find out why we’re one of the top law firms in Phoenix, AZ.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense In Arizona

The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Zayed Al-Sayyed of The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, PLLC in Phoenix has been re-selected as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer in Arizona after his first year as an exceptionally respected member. This honor has been given to Mr. Al-Sayyed for his superior skills and qualifications in the legal field. Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only and is limited to the top 40 attorneys in each state or region who have demonstrated excellence and have achieved outstanding results in their careers in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law.

The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization of premier American trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional qualifications in criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers provides recognition to these distinguished attorneys, and also provides essential legal news, information, and continuing education to trial lawyers across the country.

During Zayed Al-Sayyed’s first year as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, Mr. Al-Sayyed has shown that he has continuously exemplified superior qualifications, leadership skills, and trial results as an admirable trial lawyer. The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 would like to thank Mr. Al-Sayyed for their continued and valued membership during such thriving times for this exclusive organization. The National Trial Lawyers anticipates exceptional growth for Mr. Al-Sayyed as an outstanding trial lawyer and well-respected member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40.

To learn more about The National Trial Lawyers, please visit: http://thenationaltriallawyers.org/.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Arizona is wildly popular among motorcyclists for its long stretches of breathtaking desert landscapes and seemingly endless sunshine. With so many motorcyclists in The Grand Canyon State, it may come as a shock to learn that there is a lot of speculation surrounding the Arizona motorcycle helmet laws.

It can be difficult to keep track, especially if you often travel between states, but it’s important to understand the motorcycle helmet laws of each state you travel to. In the neighboring state of California, everyone who rides a motorcycle must wear a safety helmet at all times. However, each state has their own specific laws pertaining to the use of helmets when riding on a motorcycle.

The highly rated Phoenix attorneys at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed are dedicated to ensuring that individuals are compensated for medical care, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In this quick guide to Arizona motorcycle helmet laws, we will break down everything you need to know if you plan on riding a motorcycle in this state.

What Are The Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

So, do you have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Arizona? Well, it depends. In the state of Arizona, only motorcycle drivers and riders under the age of 18 must wear a safety helmet by law. That being said, this law may be changing in the near future. In 2019, lawmakers introduced HB 2246, a law that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, regardless of age.

While not all motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet, Arizona state law requires all motorcycle riders to wear some form of eye protection. Even if you are over the age of 18 and are therefore not legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet in Arizona, we recommend that you wear one for your own safety. Our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys are incredibly familiar with how traumatic motorcycle accidents can be to all those involved.

Arizona Motorcycle Facts

Nobody expects to get into a motorcycle accident, but it can happen at any time for a number of reasons. In the event of an accident, wearing a helmet can go a long way in reducing potential injuries. Here are some fast facts about motorcycles in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:

• In 2019, there were 209,719 registered motorcyclists in Arizona
• That same year, there were 170 motorcycle-related fatalities
• In the reported accidents, 14.55% of motorcycle operators wearing a helmet sustained no injuries, compared to 7.57% of motorcycle operators who were not wearing a helmet and sustained no injuries
• The risk of sustaining a head injury in a motorcycle accident can be reduced by 69% by wearing a helmet
• The risk of fatality can be reduced by 37% by wearing a helmet

Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one have any questions about Arizona motorcycle helmet laws or are in need of representation for a motorcycle-related incident. Our dedicated team is here to help!

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

When should you get a lawyer for a car accident?

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in the Phoenix, Arizona (AZ) area, you may be wondering: should I get a lawyer involved? The truth is that car accidents are no small matter — even if significant injury or death did not occur, it is probably time to call an attorney.

The fastest way to decide if you need an attorney after a car accident is to receive a free consultation to determine if a lawyer is right for your situation. Additionally, consult the following question checklist to establish whether your accident merits further legal action:

Did serious injury or death occur?

If parties were seriously harmed or even killed in the car accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately. These accidents usually signal the beginning of a long and complicated lawsuit — one you cannot and should not handle on your own.

Serious injury cases in Phoenix, AZ often involve costly damages, and the potential risk of remaining unrepresented is far greater than the cost of hiring an attorney to represent you throughout the length of the claim.

Are you unable to work because of injuries sustained in the accident?

 If you suffered bodily harm that prevents you from returning to your job, an attorney can help you gain compensation resulting from your inability to work. This is especially true if you have suffered a permanent injury that will impact your ability to earn for the rest of your life.

Were multiple parties involved in your accident?

The more vehicles that are involved in a car accident, the more complicated insurance claims and settlements become. As these cases become increasingly complex, it is important to contact a lawyer who can help you negotiate with every party involved — you, your insurance company, the other parties, and their insurance companies.

Do you believe you were wrongly accused of being at fault for the accident?

 If, in the aftermath of an accident, the police report indicated you were at fault — when you believe you were not — it is best to call a lawyer. It will not be easy to prove that you were not the party at fault in the accident by yourself. Fortunately, an attorney can help you negotiate and collect evidence that speaks to your innocence.

Was the accident a result of negligence on the part of another party?

If the other party in the car accident was negligent in some way, you should contact an attorney. Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ can help you collect compensation based on the fact that you were injured due to the negligence of another.

Is your insurance company denying you your own coverage?

Sometimes, insurance companies act in bad faith. Even if you have insurance that covers the specific type of damages or injury you have sustained, they may not pay you for your claim — without even investigating your situation. If this occurs, it is time to call an attorney, who will help negotiate your claim and help you receive the funds you deserve.

Almost always, the answer is to pick up the phone

These are some of the situations in which you might need an attorney after an auto accident, but the truth is that many more exist. That is why when it comes to car accidents, the answer is almost always: call a lawyer.

Getting an attorney involved from the very beginning is the best way to prevent yourself from accidentally saying or doing something that might prevent you from gaining the compensation and legal justice you deserve.

The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed PLLC provides excellent service for clients in the Phoenix, AZ area who are victims of a car accident. Call or contact our legal team today for a free consultation to determine how you can gain compensation after an auto accident.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

What kind of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?

Even if you have — fortunately — never had to rely upon a personal injury lawyer before, you are probably familiar with them: lawyers who appear on television talking about how they have helped clients obtain compensation after they have been injured.

Unfortunately, advertisements often neglect to explain the basics of what a personal injury lawyer does for their clients — the benefits of which are numerous. What is a personal injury lawyer, and what sorts of injuries do their services cover? Is a personal injury lawyer right for you? Perhaps most importantly: what kinds of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?

Follow along for answers to all of these questions and more about personal injury lawyers and the host of services they provide.

Civil lawyers specializing in tort law

In Phoenix, Arizona (AZ), personal injury lawyers handle civil cases and specialize in a specific area known as tort law. Tort law includes private wrongs, personal injuries, car accident injuries and other types of injuries resulting from slip and falls to product liability. The main goal of a personal injury lawyer is to help the injured party — in many instances, you — obtain justice in the form of compensation for any losses suffered at the hands of another.

When it comes to personal injury, this most often means cases regarding negligence or intentional harm. Not only will personal injury lawyers seek to help their clients gain monetary compensation, but they will also work to protect clients from other sources of loss and harm that can occur alongside injury.

A list of personal injuries covered by a personal injury lawyer

The following injuries are all situations where a personal injury lawyer may become involved in Phoenix, AZ:

Some instances of personal injury

• Animal bites
• Aviation accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Boating accidents
• Car accidents
• Construction accidents
• Daycare negligence
• Defective products
• Insurance & bad faith claims
• Legal malpractice
• Medical malpractice
• Motorcycle accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Spinal cord injuries
• Truck accidents
• Wrongful death

In short: whenever one party harms another, whether in negligently or intentionally, there may be cause for a personal injury lawyer to get involved.

Some examples of negligence are when companies create harmful and defective products, when doctors injure a patient by failing to uphold the standard level of medical care another medical professional would have provided, and when drivers fail to operate a motor vehicle in a reasonable and prudent manner so as to cause an accident.

Another type of personal injury that occurs involves intentional harm. Examples of intentional harm are injuries that result from an assault. Personal injury lawyers are also able to help injured clients obtain compensation when injuries arise from an intentional harm.

How the process of hiring a personal injury lawyer works

A personal injury lawyer is traditionally hired when a civil action is brought against a party — such as a person or a business organization — by an injured person. Injured parties will rely on a personal injury lawyer to prosecute the case to obtain compensation for the resulting injury.

Sometimes these cases can be resolved through negotiation by the personal injury lawyer. If they cannot, the lawyer will file a lawsuit — otherwise known as a civil legal action where the plaintiff sues the defendant to obtain compensation for the resulting injury.

Have you been a victim?

If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area and think that you may be the victim of negligence or intentional harm, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Contact The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed PLLC for excellent service and more information about your legal rights — including how you can gain compensation for your personal injury.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

What to do after a car accident in Arizona

Car accidents can be both stressful and traumatic. During this time, you are in shock and the heart will be racing, legs and or hands may be shaking, and adrenaline may be coursing through your veins. Despite the trauma that comes with car accidents it is crucial to have an idea of what you need to do in the event that you are involved in a car accident. Here are some tips that you should follow should you find yourself in an accident.

Step 1 – Safety Measures

Although you may have sudden onset stress immediately after the car accident, you must get to safety before doing anything else. If the accident is minor, you will need to pull your car over to avoid blocking traffic. If the car is severely damaged, you will need to put your car in park, turn off the engine, and turn on your hazard lights. In both instances, you should use warning triangles or flares if you have.

Step 2 – Get help and or Provide Aid

Once you have taken safety measures with your vehicle, you should check for any injuries to yourself or the people inside your car. You should always ask to be checked by an ambulance in case you have injuries that you could not detect. Additionally, you will need to call the police. A report from the police is essential in the claim process as it documents the accident and helps determine fault for the accident.

Step 3 – Gather Information

Gathering information is important in an accident scene. You will need to collect the following information:

• Contact information of all the people involved in the accident
• Driver’s license number for all drivers, car plate number, and vehicle description
• Insurance company and vehicle policy number
• Names and contact information of eyewitnesses
• Accident scene address and location
• Police officer’s name and badge number
• Photos of the scene

Step 4 – File a Claim

It is essential to contact your attorney immediately after the accident to discuss and strategize for the next steps of your claim. Your attorney will assist you in filing a claim with your insurance company and advise you on how to further proceed. Since recovering damages in a car accident can be a long and tedious process, your attorney can focus on the process while you focus on your health.

Conclusion

Car accidents can be stressful. Not knowing what to do after an accident can make the matter even worse. Although an accident can have immense effects, you need to take precautionary measures to ensure that you claim all your damages. You should contact your attorney as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed after your accident.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

What You Need to Know about Driving Under Influence (DUI) in Arizona

What does DUI mean?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense committed when a person drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle while he/she is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a vapor releasing substance, or any other drugs. Law enforcement officers can ask you to submit to a Blood or Breath test if they have a reasonable basis for believing that you are driving or are in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. Where the test shows a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more, you are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol and can face a number of penalties.

DUI Penalties

DUI penalties include administrative and criminal penalties that vary depending on the facts of the cases, including:

• BAC results;
• The number of convictions one has previously had; and
• The ages of the people in the vehicle.

Standard DUI

First Offense

The penalties for first-time offenders whose alcohol content is 0.08 or more but less than 0.15 include:

• A minimum jail term of not less than 10 days;
• Fines of at least $250;
• License suspension between 90 days to 1 year;
• An interlock ignition device on the vehicle may be required.

Second offense

The penalties for second-time offenders whose alcohol content is 0.08 or more but less than 0.15 include:

• A minimum jail term of not less than 90 days;
• Fines of at least $500;
• License revocation for one year;
• Ignition interlock device on the vehicle

Extreme DUI

Extreme DUI penalties apply to offenders whose alcohol content is 0.15 or more but less than .20.

First Offense

• A minimum jail term of not less than 30 days;
• Fines of at least $250;
• License suspension between 90 days to 1 year;
• Ignition interlock device on the vehicle.

Second Offense

• A minimum jail term of not less than 120 days;
• Fines of at least $500;
• License revocation for 1 year;
• Ignition interlock device on the vehicle.

Supreme Extreme DUI

Extreme DUI penalties apply to offenders whose alcohol content is more than .20.

First Offense

• A minimum jail term of not less than 45 days;
• Fines of at least $500;
• License suspension between 90 days to 1 year;
• Ignition interlock device on the vehicle.

Second Offense

• A minimum jail term of not less than 180 days;
• Fines of at least $1,000;
• License revocation for 1 year;
• Ignition interlock device on the vehicle

Aggravated DUI – Felony 

A DUI becomes an Aggravated DUI when the alcohol content is .08 or more and one of the following occurs:

• The DUI is committed while the persons driver license or privilege to drive is suspended, cancelled, revoked, or refused;
• The DUI is the persons third DUI within an 84 month (7 year) period;
• The DUI is committed and a person under 15 years of age is in the vehicle;
• The DUI is committed while the person is ordered to equip the vehicle with an ignition interlock;
• The DUI is committed while the person drives the wrong way on a highway.

An Aggravated DUI in Arizona is a class 4 felony that is punishable by 1-3.75 years in prison. Probation is available for a person that is convicted of an Aggravated DUI in Arizona. Probation can be up to four years and requires a 4 month term in prison as a condition of probation.

Conclusion

Driving while intoxicated may have adverse impacts on your family and loved ones and may equally lead to the loss of your finances and jobs. If you are battling with DUI charges, then you will need help from someone who not only comprehends Arizona DUI laws but is also experienced and aggressive and can reach a positive conclusion while fighting for your situation.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

How Long do You Have to Report an Accident in Arizona?

Accidents can happen to anyone and at any time. Although the incident may be disturbing, you should not forget to take precautionary measures. When you get involved in an accident, you should first make sure that everyone in the car is safe. Secondly, you will need to file a report. But just how long do you have to report an accident in Arizona?

How long do you have to file an accident report?

Technically, you are supposed to file an accident report and notify your insurance company as well as your attorney right away. However, the incident can be so traumatic that the question, ‘How long do I have to file an accident report?’ may not be among your top concerns. It is important to remember that filing an accident report is one of the precautionary measures you need to take when you are involved in an accident. It must be done immediately.

How to file an accident report?

Filing an accident report after being involved in an accident requires you to call a law enforcement officer to the scene of the accident. Arizona laws require law enforcement officers to be called to accidents scenes when:

• Damages exceed $1,000;
• There are injuries;
• There is death;
• There is the issuance of a citation

 

You should always remain at the scene of the accident until a law enforcement officer arrives and completes an accident report. An accident report typically has the following information:

• The time, day, month and year of the accident
• The location of the accident
• Parties involved in the accident
• Witnesses
• Description of facts
• Vehicle registration and insurance numbers

You are your accidents best investigator. Filing an accident report may not be enough at times. You should always collect further information, such as photos and video of the vehicles involved in the accident and of the scene.

Can I access my accident report?

Anyone involved in a car accident can access the accident report filed by the police officers by making a formal request. If you are not certain about how to get the report, it is advisable to seek the help of an attorney. Your attorney will not only obtain the accident report, but will investigate the collision and take the necessary steps to preserve your claim and obtain the compensation you are owed.

Conclusion

Car accidents happen to even the most careful drivers. Despite the shock and initial fear that you may be subjected to immediately after the accident, taking certain precautions such as filing a police report can prevent further losses. If you are uncertain of what to do after an accident, you should contact your attorney immediately and get advice on the steps and precautions to take.

by Zayed Al-Sayyed

When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is no stranger to dealing with clients who have been involved in a car accident. We know that deciding whether or not to talk to a lawyer if you’ve been in a wreck or fender-bender can be a big decision. We want you to be able to make an informed decision so we’re laying out a few of the tricks that insurance companies like to play (and how to avoid them).

At the end of the day, insurance companies are in business to make money, and the more money they pay out to you, the less they have to add to their bottom line. There are several tactics insurance companies may employ to keep from paying you a fair settlement.

When deciding whether or not to hire an attorney after a car accident, time is of the essence. First, there are legal deadlines, the most well-known being the statute of limitations. This will vary depending on your state, but this is the time in which your case must be filed in court. Secondly, there may be deadlines involved with your insurance about the timeframe in which you notify them of the accident.

You will also want to make sure that you are able to preserve evidence from the accident. Quickly hiring an attorney after a car accident can help you preserve vital pieces of evidence that may no longer exist in the future.

Finally, an attorney can help with collecting information from witnesses which can be crucial depending on the nature of your case. While some people may choose never to hire an attorney after a car accident because no one was hurt, it’s still important to be aware of the 3 following tricks insurance companies will use to benefit them and not you.

1. Delay Your Settlement

Insurance companies will delay paying your settlement for 3 main reasons. First, the longer they hold onto your money, the longer they can continue to collect interest off of it. Second, the longer they hold onto your money, the higher the chances you’ll need money to pay for medical bills, debt, etc. They’re hoping you become desperate enough to take a low settlement. Finally, if they delay long enough, the statute of limitations will run out and you will lose the ability to collect any money for your injuries.

2. Pressure You Before You’ve Had a Chance to Speak with a Car Accident Attorney

There’s a good chance you will be contacted by your insurance company or the other person’s insurance company shortly after your car accident. Remember that you do not have to speak to them before speaking to an attorney and doing so may put you in a position where you are accepting a settlement for less than what you deserve.

3. Deny Your Claim

This is a common practice among many insurance companies, and they will find ways to deny your claim and hope that you will walk away with nothing or with a much smaller settlement. Remember, the goal of the insurance company is to make money, not pay you.

If you have recently been in a car accident and would like to know your options, please visit our website at https://alsayyedlaw.com and see if we can help you with your case. We look forward to serving you.