Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court, we fight for the rights of bicyclists injured in accidents caused by negligent motorists.
Experienced Phoenix Bike Accident Attorneys
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court, we fight for the rights of bicyclists injured in accidents caused by negligent motorists.
Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries that turn your life upside down in an instant. If you suffered an injury in a bike crash in Phoenix due to someone else’s negligence, you need a skilled Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer.
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Phoenix Bicycle Accident Guide
- WHY CHOOSE KURTZ RILEY LAW GROUP FOR YOUR PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
- PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION
- WHERE BICYCLE ACCIDENTS COMMONLY OCCUR IN PHOENIX
- WHAT ARE THE DANGERS CYCLISTS FACE ON PHOENIX ROADS?
- SEVERE INJURIES IN PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
- ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
- TIME LIMITS FOR FILING A BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IN ARIZONA
- DETERMINING LIABILITY IN PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
- DEALING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES AFTER A PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT
- ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AFTER A PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT
WHY CHOOSE KURTZ RILEY LAW GROUP FOR YOUR PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, our experienced Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured cyclists. Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases, including those involving catastrophic injuries.
We have a proven track record of success, recovering $200+ million for our clients through skillful negotiation and aggressive litigation.
Located near the Phoenix Art Museum at 10609 N Hayden Rd., Suite 106, we are committed to being your dedicated legal advocates during this challenging time. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and reclaiming your life.
PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION
If someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered, known as “damages” in legal terminology. Compensatory damages fall into two main categories: ECONOMIC DAMAGES These are direct financial losses with a clear monetary value, including:- Medical expenses (ambulance, ER, hospital stays, surgery, medications, etc.)
- Future medical costs for ongoing care
- Lost income from missing work
- Reduced future earning capacity due to disability
- Property damage to repair or replace your bicycle
These subjective losses do not have a set dollar figure but significantly impact your life, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life and activities
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
WHERE BICYCLE ACCIDENTS COMMONLY OCCUR IN PHOENIX
While a bicycle crash can happen anywhere, certain areas and roadways in Phoenix see a higher number of collisions involving cyclists. Some bicycle accident hotspots include:- Downtown Phoenix
- Indian School Road
- Camelback Road
- McDowell Road
- Central Avenue
- 7th Street and 7th Avenue
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS CYCLISTS FACE ON PHOENIX ROADS?
Cyclists are extremely vulnerable when riding through the Phoenix metro area, lacking the protection that a vehicle provides. When a negligent driver hits a bicyclist, the results are often catastrophic. Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Passing too closely
- Opening car doors into a cyclist’s path
SEVERE INJURIES IN PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
When a multi-ton motor vehicle crashes into a bicycle, the cyclist almost always bears the brunt of the impact. Even while wearing a helmet, a bicyclist has little protection against the force of a collision. Bicycle accident injuries are frequently severe and can even turn into life threatening injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Facial and dental injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Arizona law treats bicycles as vehicles, and cyclists must follow many of the same traffic laws as motorists. Understanding these regulations plays a part in establishing liability in accident cases: Right to the Road- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
- Bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, with some exceptions
- Drivers must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance when passing cyclists
- Functioning front light visible from 500 feet when riding at night
- Red reflector or light visible from 500 feet at the rear
- Working brakes capable of making the bike skid on dry pavement
- Helmets required for riders under 18 in Phoenix city limits
- Cyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Hand signals required for turns and stops
- No more than two cyclists may ride side-by-side
- Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
TIME LIMITS FOR FILING A BICYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IN ARIZONA
Understanding the statute of limitations is critical for protecting your rights after a bicycle accident: General Personal Injury Claims- Two-year statute of limitations from the date of the bike collision
- Clock starts running on the date of the accident
- Missing this deadline typically can prevent injured bicyclists from recovering compensation
- Claims against government entities require filing a Notice of Claim within 180 days
- Minor victims have until their 20th birthday to file (two years after turning 18)
- Discovery rule may apply if injuries weren’t immediately apparent
- Evidence may disappear or degrade over time
- Witness memories fade
- Insurance companies may be less likely to settle fairly if you wait
- Medical documentation is most valuable when created immediately after the accident
DETERMINING LIABILITY IN PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence legal system, making liability determination complex in bicycle accidents: Common Liability Scenarios- Negligent driver failing to yield right of way
- Unsafe passing or following too closely
- Opening car doors without checking for cyclists
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Multiple vehicle involvement
- You can recover damages even if partially at fault
- Your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault
- Police reports and accident investigations
- Witness statements and surveillance footage
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Expert testimony when needed
- Traffic camera footage
- Bike damage analysis
- Vehicle drivers
- Government entities (poor road maintenance or design)
- Vehicle or bicycle manufacturers (if equipment failure contributed)
- Property owners (if hazardous conditions played a role)
DEALING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES AFTER A PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT
Bicycle accident claims involving serious injuries are high stakes for insurance companies. They will have teams of adjusters, investigators, and defense lawyers looking for ways to minimize or deny payouts. Common strategies insurers use include:- Trying to get you to give a recorded statement where they ask leading questions to get you to admit fault
- Making a lowball settlement offer shortly after the accident, before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses
- Dragging out the claims process to wear you down and pressure you into accepting less
- Disputing the severity of your injuries or arguing they were pre-existing
- Claiming you caused or contributed to the bicycle accident
ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AFTER A PHOENIX BICYCLE ACCIDENT
Q1: What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Phoenix?
A: After a bicycle accident:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Call the police to file an accident report
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Document the scene with photos if possible
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with the other party’s insurance company
- Contact an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident attorney
Q2: What are common bicycle accident injuries?
A: Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
Q3: How can a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer help me?
A: A Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Calculate fair compensation for your injuries
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
- Represent you in court
Q4: What compensation can I seek for my bicycle accident injuries?
A: You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Bike repair or replacement costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Q5: How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Phoenix?
A: In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to consult with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Q6: What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?
A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options:
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it)
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver
- Exploring other potential sources of compensation
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these options.
Q7: How much does it cost to hire a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney?
A: Most bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and the attorney only gets paid if they win your case. Typically, their fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive.
Q8: What if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?
A: Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help minimize your fault and maximize your compensation.
Q9: How long will my bicycle accident case take to resolve?
A: The duration of a bicycle accident case can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The complexity of the case
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial Some cases may settle in a few months, while others could take a year or more.
Q10: What if my bicycle accident was caused by poor road conditions?
A: If your accident was caused by poor road conditions, you might have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. These cases can be complex and have shorter deadlines, so it’s crucial to consult with a bicycle accident attorney promptly.
Q11: Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
A: It’s generally not advisable to accept the first settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make low initial offers. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate the offer and negotiate for fair compensation that covers all your damages.
Q12: What if my bicycle accident resulted in a wrongful death?
A: If a bicycle accident resulted in a wrongful death, the victim’s family members might be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering
Q13: How can I prove the driver was at fault in my bicycle accident?
A: To prove fault, your lawyer may use:
- The police accident report
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Photos from the accident scene
- Medical records documenting your injuries
Q14: What if I was hit by a car while riding in a bike lane?
A: The driver is likely at fault if you were hit while riding in a bike lane. Motorists must watch for and yield to cyclists in bike lanes. Your bicycle accident attorney can help gather evidence to prove the driver’s negligence.
Q15: How can I get a free case evaluation for my bicycle accident claim?
A: Many Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers offer free consultations or case evaluations. During this meeting, you can discuss the details of your case, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. It’s an opportunity to figure out if the lawyer fits your needs without any financial obligation.
Remember, every bicycle accident case is unique. Contact a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney for a free consultation for personalized advice about your situation.
Q16: What are some examples of distracted driving that can lead to bicycle accidents?
A: Distracted driving is a major cause of bicycle accidents. Some common examples include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Attending to children or pets in the car
- Applying makeup or grooming If a distracted driver caused your bicycle accident, an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help gather evidence to prove their negligence and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Q17: How does a personal injury law firm handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis?
A: When a personal injury law firm takes on a bicycle accident case on a contingency fee basis:
- You pay no upfront costs or hourly fees
- The firm covers all expenses related to investigating and pursuing your claim
- You only pay if the firm wins your case
- The fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or court award
- If you don’t win, you owe nothing This arrangement allows bicycle accident victims to seek justice without worrying about immediate legal costs, making quality legal representation accessible to all.
Q18: Can I file a bicycle accident claim if I suffered catastrophic injuries?
A: Yes, you can file a bicycle accident claim for catastrophic injuries. These severe injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Multiple fractures Catastrophic injury cases typically involve higher compensation amounts due to:
- Extensive medical treatment and long-term care needs
- Significant lost wages and potential loss of earning capacity
- Severe physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim that accounts for all your current and future needs resulting from catastrophic injuries.
