Bicycle Crash Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

Bicyclists often share the road with other drivers but are the most vulnerable to severe injuries after accidents. They are not protected with seatbelts, airbags, or any other safety measures. The situation is often worse when you consider that the state does not require bike riders to wear helmets. This is why brain and spinal cord injuries are not uncommon in bicycle accidents.

In most cases, bike accidents are caused by negligent motorists who were not following proper procedures. They take turns at red lights, drive distracted, are under the influence, or can even change lanes suddenly. If you have been injured by a negligent driver who was not paying attention to the road, you can sue that person for compensation.

Here are the steps you should take after being injured in a bicycle accident:

• Call 911: You should always call for medical assistance after an accident. Not only will the police write a report, but you may have injuries that need to be treated. Not all injuries will manifest themselves at the time of the incident. You might be in shock and unable to feel the aches and pains until days later.

• Refuse to give a statement to the insurance adjuster: Once a claim has been made to the insurance company, you will receive a phone call. The other party’s insurance company will want to take down a statement from you regarding what happened. You are not required by any entity to comply and give a statement, which may be used against you later. Always consult an attorney first.

• Call a personal injury attorney: Insurance companies do not care about you. As you struggle with pain and suffering, mounting medical bills, and time off work, they only look out for themselves. The worst thing you can do is immediately accept the insurance company’s lowball offer, no matter how desperate your situation seems. A personal injury attorney, like the ones at Phillips Law Group, can gather all the evidence for your case and negotiate a fair settlement offer with the insurance company.

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In the State of Arizona, residents who decide to ride bicycles have the same rights as motorists. The laws do not change just because you put on a helmet and travel with two wheels instead of four. While the state does not consider a bicycle to be a vehicle, the same rules of the road apply.

The majority of these bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists who do not give cyclists the right of way. They do not believe they have to share the road nor pay attention to what is going on around them. In reality, motorists must give cyclists plenty of space and yield to them at all times, while cyclists have their own rights and responsibilities by law.

Cyclists must wear white headlight and reflective gear

Other drivers must be able to see you at all times, especially at night. This means a cyclist is required to wear a white headlight and use reflective gear while riding.

Safe passing is required

If a driver wishes to overtake a bicycle on the road, they must pass with due care by giving plenty of space. You must not move within 3 feet of someone on a bike.

Where cyclists ride matters

Cyclists must always ride on the right side of the road, except in certain circumstances. These include parked cars, obstacles on the right side, or passing other bikes moving slower than you.

Cyclists cannot be under the influence

While Arizona does not consider a bicycle to be a motor vehicle, DUI laws can apply if a cyclist is found riding under the influence. Bicyclists can still be subjected to the same duties as motorists.

Follow local regulations

State laws may not prohibit certain uses of bicycles, including highway or byway use, but local ordinances and laws may do so. Always be sure to check local and state laws before operating a bike on the roadway.

Be familiar with local helmet law

Arizona does not have a helmet law for pedal cyclists. Check local ordinances in your area to see if helmets are required within city or town limits.

Dooring law

No motor vehicle operator may open the door to a vehicle in the path of traffic unless it is safe to do so. The door must be kept closed at all times except when loading or unloading a passenger (including the driver) or goods (such as groceries). Doors cannot be exposed to moving traffic, including cyclists.

Have a question about a potential case?

After you have been injured in a bicycle accident, your life is going to be difficult. That is why calling personal injury attorneys will benefit you in the long run.

Phillips Law Group can help you recover money damages such as:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Rehabilitation expenses

• Lost wages

• Long-term medical care

• Pain and suffering

• Mental anguish

• Loss of quality of life

• Transportation

The team at Phillips Law Group understands the trauma you are facing and the worry you must feel when contemplating filing a legal claim. That’s why we stay available to you 24/7 – if you find yourself on this page in the middle of the night, you can talk to our representatives even now!

We want you to be fairly compensated, and we can help you achieve that goal. Our track record of providing excellent legal services to our clients speaks for itself.

Call us today at 1-800-706-3000 for a free consultation about your case. Remember, there is no fee unless you win, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.

Have a question about a potential case?