Motorcycle Accident Claims in Arizona
The Arizona helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Motorcycle helmets: Arizona requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a properly secured protective helmet; riders 18 and older are not required to wear one. A.R.S. § 28-964
| Motorcycle helmet law | Motorcycle helmets: Arizona requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a properly secured protective helmet; riders 18 and older are not required to wear one. Operators must wear approved glasses, goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield. An adult operator may be cited if a passenger under 18 is not wearing a helmet. The statute does not address damages. Source: A.R.S. § 28-964 |
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| Lane splitting | Lane splitting and filtering: Arizona generally bans riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles and passing in the same lane as the vehicle being passed. A limited exception allows a two-wheeled motorcycle to pass a stopped vehicle in the same lane (lane filtering) if it is safe, the street has at least two adjacent lanes in the same direction, the speed limit is 45 mph or less, and the motorcycle travels 15 mph or less. Police officers on duty are exempt. Source: A.R.S. § 28-903 |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Pure comparative negligence. If the jury finds the injured person was partly at fault, the claim is not barred, but damages are reduced in proportion to that person's share of fault. A claimant who intentionally, willfully or wantonly caused or contributed to the injury does not get the benefit of comparative negligence. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-2505 |
| Minimum car insurance | For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, minimum liability limits are $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-4009 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More Arizona personal injury & wrongful death
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FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Arizona?
Motorcycle helmets: Arizona requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a properly secured protective helmet; riders 18 and older are not required to wear one. Operators must wear approved glasses, goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield. An adult operator may be cited if a passenger under 18 is not wearing a helmet. The statute does not address damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Arizona?
Lane splitting and filtering: Arizona generally bans riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles and passing in the same lane as the vehicle being passed. A limited exception allows a two-wheeled motorcycle to pass a stopped vehicle in the same lane (lane filtering) if it is safe, the street has at least two adjacent lanes in the same direction, the speed limit is 45 mph or less, and the motorcycle travels 15 mph or less. Police officers on duty are exempt.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Arizona?
Pure comparative negligence. If the jury finds the injured person was partly at fault, the claim is not barred, but damages are reduced in proportion to that person's share of fault. A claimant who intentionally, willfully or wantonly caused or contributed to the injury does not get the benefit of comparative negligence.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Arizona?
For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2020, minimum liability limits are $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (25/50/15).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Arizona?
A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.