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Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycling is the primary mode of transportation for many people in Phoenix, AZ. Unfortunately, the rate of cyclists getting hit on public roadways is increasing. Bicyclists are disadvantaged in rural and urban areas, with minimal bike paths on streets. Like pedestrians, bicyclists are vulnerable to the dangers of the road.
Our team is here to help, boasting decades of experience handling personal injury cases. We have skilled bicycle accident attorneys in Phoenix, AZ, ready to help you. Equally important, Dr. Joseph Ramos is an emergency medicine physician and an attorney with years of experience guiding treatment.
Don’t let your rights go unprotected. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Phoenix and want the skill of lawyers and doctors guiding your case, contact us or complete this form for a no-cost evaluation of your situation.
National Bicycling Accident Statistics
The number of people bicycling instead of driving their cars is increasing in the U.S. The high price of gas, a renewed focus on health and wellness, and the sheer enjoyment a bike ride can deliver makes cycling an increasingly favored activity. However, the national statistics for bike/car collision-related fatalities and injuries are grim.
As state and local regulations continue to enforce bicycling safety laws to improve the roads for cars and cyclists alike, more people will ride for recreation or commuting. However, as the number of cyclists on roadways increases, state and local authorities must work harder to give cyclists a fair and safe share of the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was a 10.87 percent increase in the number of bicyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes from 846 in 2019 to 938 in 2020.[1] The number of bicyclists injured remained consistently high over recent years, with 49,000 in 2019.
Bicyclist deaths are highest during the summer months between June and September.[2] Additionally, nearly 75 percent of all bicycle accident deaths occur in urban areas. Further, failing to yield to the right of way is the most common cause of death, closely followed by bicyclist visibility.
Know the Arizona Bike Laws
According to Arizona State Law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Most crashes occur at intersections when the motorist is at fault because they fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists. Specific laws that apply to bicyclists and motorists include the following:
- Stop for traffic lights and stop signs (ARS 28-644)
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks (ARS 28-792 and ARS 28-904)
- Before turning or changing lanes, look behind you, signal to show your plan (bicyclists may extend their left arm for a left turn and right arm for a right turn), and yield to any traffic already there (ARS 28-756)
- Any vehicle moving slower than the average traffic speed shall drive in the right-hand lane or “as close as practicable” to the right edge of the road, except when preparing to turn left or passing (ARS 28-815)
What Should I Do If I’m in a Bicycle Accident?
There are many dangers on the road, but none are as potentially deadly as a moving automobile. If you were involved in a bicycle/auto accident in Phoenix, there probably wasn’t much you could do to prevent it. However, it would be best if you did a few things immediately after the accident to help protect yourself going forward.
Report the accident to local law enforcement.
When you file a report, law enforcement officials begin their investigation and make sure all parties provide the necessary information, including insurance coverage. The traffic accident report may be a significant factor in recovering damages for your injuries and losses.
Seek medical attention for your injuries.
If you don’t receive treatment at the time of the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible afterward. You may not feel pain until later due to the adrenaline rush accompanying collisions. Let a physician assess your condition and capture photos of injuries and equipment damage. The images and medical records may also help your case if you seek damages.
File an additional report after you've had medical attention.
You can file an additional report with the police if you receive medical attention from emergency room staff for your injuries. The addition to the traffic accident report should detail everything from your point of view. This addition becomes part of the official accident report.
Speak to your Phoenix, AZ, bike accident attorney.
Speak to your Phoenix, AZ, bike accident attorney immediately after the accident. Your attorney will fight for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries and returning to the life you love.
How Bicyclists Can Avoid Collisions on the Road
Although bicycle laws differ from state to state, all bicyclists must follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists while on the road. There are some steps you can take to ensure your safety as a bicyclist:
- Ride a bike that fits you and performs well
- Ride with the flow in the same direction as the traffic
- Plan your route to avoid as much traffic as possible in areas where speed limits are slower, or choose a designated bike path
- Wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, bright clothing during the day, reflective gear at night, and have a white front light, red rear light, and reflectors
- Obey street signs, traffic signals, and road markings just as you would in a car
- Stay focused and alert to your surroundings
- Ride defensively, anticipating motorists’ actions
Arizona Bicycle Accident FAQs
Yes. Under Arizona law, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers when using public roads. This means drivers are required to share the road and exercise reasonable care around cyclists. When a driver fails to yield, opens a car door into a cyclist’s path or drives distracted, they may be held responsible for the injuries that result. A Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help evaluate how traffic laws apply to the specific circumstances of your bicycle accident.
Under Arizona Revised Statute 28-815, you are to follow the same rules of the road when riding a bicycle as you would when driving a car. You are to ride with traffic on the right-hand side of the roadway. You can use the other lanes when preparing for a left-hand turn, passing a slow vehicle, or navigating a road hazard.
Arizona does not have a statewide law requiring adult bicyclists to wear helmets. Some cities may have helmet requirements for minors, but in Phoenix adults are generally not legally required to wear one. That said, choosing not to wear a helmet does not automatically prevent an injured cyclist from pursuing a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may raise the issue but fault in a bicycle accident typically depends on how the crash occurred, not whether a helmet was worn.
Pedestrians have the right of way when obeying traffic signals at crosswalks. If the traffic signal is not working, all vehicles, including bicycles, must give the pedestrian the right of way if they have already started across the road or are close enough to be in danger. However, ARS 28-792 also says that “a pedestrian shall not suddenly leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in Phoenix. If a driver leaves the scene, it’s important to report the crash to police as soon as possible and seek medical care right away. Even if the driver is never identified, you may still have options for compensation through your own insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage or other available sources.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
Don’t hesitate to contact our expert bicycle accident attorneys in Phoenix, AZ. We will advocate for your rights and hold the driver responsible for their actions. You can trust our team, led by Dr. Joseph Ramos, physician and attorney, to recover damages on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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