Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Arizona
Transportation statistics report that 1,139 bicycle accidents occurred in Arizona in a recent year. In a staggering 96% of those crashes, at least one bicyclist suffered injuries. Sadly, 44 riders died.
Why are bicycle accidents so dangerous? First, cyclists have little to protect them from the violent impact of a collision compared to other motorists. Bicycles are also small and narrow, making them less visible to drivers. Regardless, Arizona law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. If a negligent driver causes a bike crash, an injured rider can seek compensation for their injuries.
If you sustained injuries while riding your bike, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer from Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC can review your case and discuss your legal options in a free consultation. Call or contact us today to learn how we can help.
Why You Need Our Arizona Bicycle Accident Lawyers
At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping Arizonans recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses following a crash. For us, it’s not just about winning; it’s about securing meaningful compensation that makes a difference in your life.
Our personal injury law firm is uncompromising in its commitment to our clients. When you work with us, you get lawyers with:
- Decades of experience – We have represented personal injury victims throughout Arizona for over 20 years.
- Track record of success – Our proven trial lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through favorable verdicts and settlements, including a $300,000 settlement for a cyclist who suffered a broken leg in a crash with a city employee.
- Reliable communication – Our legal team places a premium on client communication. We are available to speak with you one-on-one, providing personalized legal support every step of the way.
- Personalized strategies – No two cases are alike. When we handle your personal injury claim, you will get customized legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
When you want an advocate who cares, choose Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC. Call us now to get started.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accident Claims
Determining liability is crucial to winning a bicycle accident case. Liability means the other party’s legal responsibility for the crash. You cannot recover compensation for your injuries without proof that the other party is at fault.
Establishing liability requires thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to the crash and gathering evidence to support your version of events.
Understanding Arizona’s bicycle laws is a key step. Under Arizona law, cyclists must stop for stop signs and traffic lights, use headlights and rear reflectors when riding at night, and signal their turns. Gathering evidence showing you were following these laws can help reduce your liability for the accident.
Other examples of evidence to determine liability for a bicycle accident include:
- Medical records
- Police report
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Traffic, dashcam, or security video footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Cell phone records
- Toxicology test results
- Physical evidence, like bloody or torn clothing
- Expert testimony
But what happens if you share responsibility for the bike crash? In cases of shared fault, Arizona’s pure comparative negligence law applies. This rule reduces a plaintiff’s compensation by their degree of fault. So, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the bicycle crash, you would only recover 80% of the money sought.
Take note: Insurance companies often rely on the comparative negligence rule to reduce their payouts to accident victims. Adjusters may use various strategies to place blame on you. An Arizona bicycle accident attorney can anticipate these tactics and build an airtight case to counter their challenges and reduce your liability.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident victims can seek full and fair compensation for a broad range of losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Incidental expenses, like transportation to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accidents involve collisions with negligent drivers. Common causes of crashes include:
- Speeding
- Failure to maintain adequate distance between the car and bicycle
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring blind spots
- Unsafe lane changes
- Opening car doors without checking
- Reversing without looking
While most bike accidents involve a motor vehicle, other causes also contribute to crashes, such as:
- Poorly maintained roads
- Obstacles or debris in the roadway
- Missing or faded signs
If these or any other factors led to your bicycle crash, ask a lawyer to review your case.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Some of the most common injuries suffered by cyclists are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer severe head injuries that cause permanent cognitive and physical disability.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine or spinal cord can lead to chronic pain conditions or paralysis.
- Broken bones – Broken arms, wrists, ribs, and legs are common among bicycle accident victims, often due to the initial impact with the vehicle that struck them and the secondary impact with the ground.
- Road rash – When cyclists slide across the road surface in an accident, they can suffer severe cuts and abrasions, known as road rash.
- Soft-tissue injuries – Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can stretch and tear in a bike accident, sometimes requiring costly surgery and extensive physical therapy to heal.
- Internal injuries – The blunt force trauma cyclists can experience in an accident can cause potentially deadly internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
How to Choose the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney in Arizona
Consider these criteria before selecting a bicycle accident lawyer:
- Experience – Does the lawyer have extensive experience handling cases similar to yours? Look for a lawyer with a successful track record in bicycle accident cases.
- Availability – Is the attorney available to answer your questions and update you on the status of your case?
- Reviews and testimonials – Does the lawyer have positive online reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients?
- Fee structure – Make sure you understand how their fee arrangement works. The personal injury attorneys at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if they recover compensation for you.
Most importantly, follow your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable with your attorney, the quality of the legal representation will suffer.
Contact Our Arizona Bicycle Accident Lawyers
A bicycle crash can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Reach out to the knowledgeable bike accident attorneys from Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC today. We can do the legal legwork for you while you focus on healing. Contact us now for a free case review.