.svg)
Experienced Bike Accident Lawyer Serving Phoenix, AZ Area
When it comes to bicycle accidents, the Law Offices of Brandon White understand the unique vulnerability of bicyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles in Arizona's major cities. Our Phoenix bike accident lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of injured bicyclists and fighting for their rightful compensation.
Serving the Phoenix metro area and beyond, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys have been advocating for over 40 years. Trust us to navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Brandon White today to discuss your bicycle accident claim and receive the legal representation you need.
Bike Accident Statistics in Arizona
Each year in the United States, around 50,000 people suffer serious injuries in bicycle and motor vehicle collisions. Negligent dog owners are responsible for approximately 4 percent of bicycle accidents, with dogs running in front of or chasing bicyclists that result in serious injury. These accidents often result in severe or life-threatening injuries. If you've been injured due to a negligent driver, it's crucial to have an experienced bicycle accident attorney by your side to help you obtain fair compensation.
In 2018, Arizona reported 1,279 bicycle accidents, mainly caused by reckless motorists who failed to yield to cyclists sharing the road. Arizona traffic laws grant bike riders the same rights as other vehicles. Unfortunately, when motorists disregard these rights or fail to provide adequate space and attention, serious accidents occur. The statistics also reveal that out of the total crashes, 1,466 cyclists were injured, and 28 lost their lives. If you've been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve proper compensation for your damages. We encourage bicycle accident victims to seek the support of a skilled attorney to protect their rights and fight for justice.
Types of Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix, AZ
Right Cross
Occurs when a motor vehicle pulls out from a side street, alley, driveway, or parking lot exit to the cyclist's right, leading to a collision after the bike has passed the front of the vehicle or blocking the cyclist's right of way.
Right Hook
This happens when a motor vehicle operator fails to notice or forgets about the cyclist after passing them, and then suddenly makes a right turn, resulting in the cyclist colliding with the side of the car.
Left Cross
This involves a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction colliding with the cyclist while making a left turn, either striking the left side of the bike or cutting off the cyclist, causing them to hit the right side of the vehicle.
Door Prize
This occurs when the driver of a parked vehicle opens their door directly in front of the bicyclist, blocking their path without sufficient time to stop or swerve out of the way.
Rear End
This takes place when a driver hits the cyclist from behind due to inadequate distance and inattentiveness to the cyclist's movements.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Phoenix
When it comes to bike accidents in Phoenix, several common causes can lead to serious injuries. Our team thoroughly investigates these accidents, identifying fault and causation to help our clients take appropriate legal action.
Some of the most prevalent causes of bike accidents include:
Driver Errors
Negligence and recklessness on the part of drivers contribute to the majority of bicycle crashes. This includes actions such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
Dangerous Roads
Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven curbs, can pose hazards to cyclists. If the City of Phoenix was aware of these dangerous road defects and failed to address them, the government may be held liable for related bicycle accidents.
Bicycle Defects
Defective bicycles, with issues like loose bolts or weak frames, can lead to disastrous accidents. If you believe a bike defect contributed to your accident, preserve the defective bicycle and consult our product liability lawyers. The manufacturing company may be responsible for your damages.
Other common causes of bike accidents include speeding motorists, reckless/aggressive driving, tailgating, distracted driving, driving under the influence, unsafe turns or lane changes, inexperienced motorists, bicycle part defects, and negligent road maintenance. If you've been injured in a bike accident, our attorneys at Brandon White Law can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Talk to a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Seek justice for your bicycle accident. Call (602) 786-8535 for a consultation with a reliable Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Brandon White today to discuss your legal options and get the representation you deserve.
Common Arizona Bicycle Crash Injuries
In Arizona bicycle crashes, common bicycle accident injuries include leg injuries from initial vehicle contact and head injuries resulting from falls.
Common bike accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Damage to the eyes, head, and face
- Dislocations, strains, and sprains
- Fractures
- Soft-tissue damage
- Pelvic injuries
- Road rash
- Spine injuries
Bicyclists have little protection, leading to severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. Additional common injuries caused by bike crashes are broken bones, dislocated joints, whiplash, internal organ injuries, head and facial injuries, traumatic amputations, perforation injuries, lacerations, and bruising. If you've suffered a bicycle accident injury in Phoenix, AZ, make sure to get prompt medical attention. Seek professional care and consult with an experienced Arizona bike accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Types of Compensation Available for a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Case
Economic Compensation
Also known as special damages, this includes quantifiable losses that can be calculated after a bicycle accident.
These may include:
- Medical expenses related to the bicycle crash;
- Lost wages due to inability to work;
- Property damage costs (e.g., bike, cell phone, watch);
- General out-of-pocket expenses for household needs.
Non-Economic Compensation
Also referred to as general damages, this category involves losses that are more subjective and challenging to measure precisely.
It encompasses:
- Physical and mental pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of quality of life;
- Loss of consortium (impacted spousal relationship).
The total compensation available to a Phoenix bicycle accident victim depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Typically, the severity of the injuries directly influences the potential settlement amount. It's crucial to consult with an experienced Arizona bicycle accident lawyer who can assess the details of your situation, advocate for your rights, and help pursue a fair and comprehensive compensation package.
What If You Were Partially at Fault for a Bicycle Accident in Phoenix?
If you were partially at fault for a bicycle accident in Phoenix, there's still a possibility of recovering compensation for your injuries. In Phoenix, the legal system follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which allows injury victims to seek compensation even if they bear some degree of responsibility for the incident. This differs from other states that may bar recovery if a person is 50% or more at fault.
Under the pure comparative negligence system, the total amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For instance, if a bicyclist incurred $10,000 in medical bills and property damage, they could potentially recover the full amount. However, let's consider a scenario where the bicyclist was found to be 40% responsible because they were distracted by their phone while crossing an intersection.
In this case, if a personal injury jury determines the bicyclist's 40% contribution to the accident, their compensation would be reduced to $6,000 (60% of the total) to account for their share of fault.
Statute of Limitations for Arizona Bicycle Accident Cases
In Arizona, the statute of limitations dictates the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit for a bicycle accident against the responsible party. Generally, you have a window of two years from the date of the incident to initiate a claim. If you fail to file within this timeframe, it could result in the court permanently dismissing your case.
If you intend to pursue a bicycle accident claim against a government or public agency, Arizona law mandates that you provide notice of your personal injury claim to the agency within 180 days of the crash.
The time limitations associated with bicycle accident claims highlight the significance of promptly seeking legal counsel. Conducting a thorough investigation, building a strong case, and engaging in negotiations with insurance companies require time and effort. By consulting an attorney as soon as possible, you increase your chances of recovering compensation that adequately covers the full extent of your losses.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
Get the legal representation you need for your bicycle accident case in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact our experienced attorneys online or simply call (602) 786-8535 for better results and peace of mind.
