Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycling is becoming more and more popular for exercise and recreation. While traffic laws in Arizona are designed to protect bicyclists on the roadway, and to minimize the risk of accidents, collisions nevertheless occur. The result is often catastrophic, particularly for the person riding the bike. In fact, on a per capita basis, Arizona is one of the deadliest places for cyclists in the entire country. It ranks fourth in this category among all the states
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyer we will help you obtain compensation for those injuries. We are a full-service personal injury law firm with the experience to get the results you’re looking for. Call us to find out what we can do for you. Your initial consultation is free.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
While there are many possible causes of bicycle accidents, there are several that stand out and produce a significant percentage of these crashes. They include:
Dooring
When a person opens their car door without looking, the result can be disastrous to a passing bicyclist. Arizona law (A.R.S. 28-905) prohibits opening a door on any motor vehicle unless it can be done without interfering with other traffic, which includes bicycles.
Right turn cut-off
When a car makes a right turn, it may fail to see a bicycle traveling to its right. The driver often overtakes the bicyclist, then cuts off the bicycle, causing the collision. This is a violation of A.R.S. 28-735, which requires the driver of a motor vehicle to exercise due care and maintain a safe distance when overtaking a bicycle.
Left-hand turns
Another common cause of bicycle accidents is when a driver makes a left-hand turn into the path of an oncoming bicycle, cutting off or striking a bicyclist. This is a further example of the car driver failing to yield the right of way.
Right turn exit
This occurs when a car pulls out of a street, a driveway, or a parking lot, after the bicyclist has passed by the front of the automobile. The cyclist may be unable to avoid being struck when the vehicle makes a right turn out of the street or driveway. These collisions are usually the fault of the driver, who has failed to yield the right of way.
Rear-end crashes
If a cyclist is in the left lane making a left hand turn, or simply riding or stopped in traffic, being struck by a car from behind can lead to a serious accident. The law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance, and when the law is violated serious injuries and even death can result.
This is just a sampling of the types of bicycle accidents that can occur through the negligence of the driver of a car, bus, or truck. Other examples are distracted driving, aggressive driving, reckless driving, and drunk driving. In each case, the bicyclist will typically bear the brunt of any injuries.
Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
There is no way to predict the specifics of the injuries that might occur in a bicycle accident. The extent and nature of the injuries will depend upon factors such as the type of impact, how fast the vehicles were traveling, and roadway conditions, among others. Unfortunately, many of the more common injuries suffered by the bicyclist in these cases are serious. They include:
Head injuries
From concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), these are often the most serious and long-term injuries.
Spinal cord injuries
These can lead to paralysis.
Fractures and broken bones
Both the upper and lower extremities of a bicyclist are exposed, as are the torso shoulders, and hips. Broken bones are common in these accidents.
Any accident can produce scars, which could permanently affect your appearance, and might require plastic surgery.
In some cases, a bicycle accident could result in the death of the bicyclist. The statistical chance of being killed in an Arizona bike accident is relatively high compared with other states.
Compensation for your Bicycle Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a bike accident, you no doubt have medical bills which may be significant. In addition, you may have lost wages or other income, you may face future medical costs, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and more.
The first step in pursuing a claim is to gather information and investigate, in order to determine who was at fault. In many cases, the bicyclist is the innocent victim injured by the negligence of a car, truck or bus driver. Next, we turn to the issues of damages.
At the law office of Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers, our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries. We know how to place a value on a bicycle accident case, and we know how to deal with insurance companies. To find out how much your case is worth, contact us today. Your initial consultation is free.
Call us today for a free consultation 480-665-7324