Bicycles can help save money on gasoline, provide some much-needed exercise, and are a practical means of getting from point A to point B. More and more Americans are choosing to reduce their carbon footprint by riding bikes these days. Phoenix is a great place to go for a ride due to its favorable climate and over 500 miles of dedicated bicycle paths and lanes.
Bicycle accident victims, especially those involved in car collisions, can face severe catastrophic injuries and even death. Cyclists are especially vulnerable to automobile collisions. It has been estimated that collisions with cars account for nearly 90% of all bicycle accident fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 932 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2020. That’s an 8.9% increase from 856 in 2019. Bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2% of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the experienced bike accident lawyers at Wattel & York in Phoenix, AZ for a free consultation right away. We can help you analyze your bike accident claim and come up with a plan for dealing with your serious injury caused by the at-fault party.
Arizona Bike Laws
Each time you hop on your bicycle, it’s imperative that you obey traffic laws. Staying on top of local and state cycling laws will keep you and your vehicle safe as you travel. Doing so will help you avoid comparative negligence in collisions and may reduce the amount recovered.
A bicycle helmet will help protect you from physical injuries and is the law in certain cities. Although Phoenix doesn’t require helmet usage, doing so can help protect you from injuries if you’re involved in an accident with a negligent driver. Speak with an experienced attorney at Wattel & York in Phoenix, AZ if you’re concerned about bicycle accident injuries.
Phoenix area bicyclists have the same rights as vehicles on most Arizona roads. That includes the right to take a lane and occupy space in moving traffic. Bicyclists also have the same responsibilities when it comes to signaling and moving with the flow of traffic. Drivers must yield to bicyclists when the law requires and have a duty of care to avoid collisions.
Phoenix, AZ Bicycle Accident Liability
If a driver is found to be negligent, according to AZ tort law, they can be held responsible and ordered to pay monetary damages to the victim. These damages include financial compensation for future medical expenses or a wrongful death claim to families of deceased victims.
When visual obstructions or dangerous design elements on the road contribute to accidents, then the town or municipality can be found liable. Construction companies may also be liable when their employees create road hazards and unsafe conditions for bike riders.
If a self-interested insurance company offers you a low-ball settlement, you don’t have to accept it. The insurance company will prioritize their interests first, and your best interests last.
At Wattel & York, our Phoenix, AZ bicycle accident lawyers work tirelessly with the insurer and bicycle riders to make sure they get fair compensation for their current and future medical bills.
Proving Fault in Your Bicycle Accident Claim
A bicycle crash traffic accident lawsuit falls under personal injury law. Adept personal injury lawyers understand that negligence is the central legal concept in any tort claim. Suppose you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident due to the negligent actions of another party. In that case, your Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer would help you prove your injury case.
You can succeed with your personal injury claim if you and your Phoenix personal injury lawyer can prove the defendant was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the damages listed in your claim. It will also be essential to prove that those damages would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s negligence.
An experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer will carefully assess your bicycle accident claim, review the medical report from your attending physician, and recover a copy of the police report from the accident to start building your personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Phoenix Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents more commonly occur around areas with heavy motor vehicle traffic and poor visibility. This is especially true in the evening. Bicyclists need to make themselves as visible as possible while on or near Arizona roads.
Inattention, distractions, texting while driving, speeding, and failure to signal are just a few of the causes of bicycle accidents with automobiles in the Phoenix area. Also, the lack of signage, road shoulders, or bike lanes can contribute to serious accidents involving bicyclists.
If you’re facing serious injuries because you’ve been in a bicycle accident with passenger cars or a drunk driver, then contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Wattel & York today. Drivers owe cyclists a duty of care, and driver negligence can lead to a bicycle accident lawsuit. Read on for more information, or contact us now for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Bicycle Accidents
Wattel & York has a plethora of experience as a personal injury law firm. We help accident injury victims recover financial compensation. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from Phoenix, AZ bicycle accident clients:
Is the driver always at fault in a bicycle-motor vehicle accident?
Whenever an accident occurs involving a motor vehicle driver and a bicyclist, the motor vehicle driver typically has the greater share of fault for the incident. However, cyclists can be found at fault as well via Arizona’s comparative negligence statute.
Can I file a legal claim if a roadway caused my bicycle accident?
Since a government agency is responsible for the road’s maintenance and safety, it may be possible to pursue compensation for your damages when roadways cause cycling accidents. However, taking legal action against the government is very difficult because many government agencies have sovereign immunity.
Many government agencies provide some type of claims process for damages their employees, programs, and services cause. However, navigating these processes without legal assistance is incredibly difficult. Claimants typically face limited recovery options.
What are the Types of Compensation Available for a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Case?
Even a seemingly mild bicycle accident with a motor vehicle can lead to severe injuries and long-term medical complications. If you desire to file a personal injury lawsuit in Phoenix due to a recent bicycle accident, it’s vital to fully assess your damages.
Arizona law permits personal injury plaintiffs to declare the following types of damages in a formal personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
What should I do if my child is injured in a bike accident?
Suppose the injuries your child sustains are substantial. In that case, you may be able to recover damages from the driver’s insurance company for medical care, skilled caregivers, hospital bills, and other expenses caused by your child’s accident. Injured children may also be entitled to compensation for any disability, disfigurement, or pain they continue to suffer.
How can I protect my loved one who suffered a wrongful death in a biking accident?
Serious bike accidents can lead to the wrongful death of a cyclist. If your loved one was killed while riding a bike due to the negligence of another driver, you and your family are entitled to compensation via a wrongful death claim.
Why should I work with Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys on my bicycle accident claim?
Personal injury law exists to hold negligent individuals accountable for their actions when they injure others, and your Phoenix bicycle accident attorney can help you build a strong claim to help you maximize your recovery.
Suppose you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in East Valley, West Valley, Chandler, Tucson, Yuma, or anywhere in the Phoenix, AZ area. In that case, you should seek the advice of a Phoenix bike accident attorney with experience in these types of cases.
At Wattel & York, our Phoenix, AZ bike accident lawyers know exactly how to handle your case and will help you recoup proper compensation for your injuries. Our team of Arizona bike accident lawyers will investigate every detail of your case and help you find the right medical specialist for your injuries.
Our firm of Phoenix injury attorneys operates on contingency, meaning that you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 866-763-4705 for a free, no-hassle case evaluation.
