In a state that courts outdoors enthusiasts as much as Arizona does, bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality. In 2019, more than 1,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives in bicycle accidents, with more than 700 dying in bicycle-motor vehicle accidents. Injuries from these incidents are typically serious, sometimes life-threatening or even fatal. As such, being injured in a bicycle accident can be impactful in a number of ways. Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. specializes in helping victims of bicycle accidents to obtain compensation for injuries sustained because of the carelessness of others.
As the top Prescott bicycle accident attorneys, we know all too well how frustrating it is for cyclists who have followed the rules of the road to be injured in an accident due to the negligence of others.
While many things might contribute to a bicycle accident, cyclists should be wary of these few most common causes.
Arizona law dictates that when a car passes a cyclist on the road, they must give at least three feet of side clearance. However, impatient, inconsiderate or distracted drivers or those unfamiliar with the road rules may give less, causing a collision.
Hazardous roadways don’t always mean inclement weather issues; sometimes, it means poorly maintained roads or overgrowth of vegetation, making it difficult to see or maybe litter in the path of a cyclist, causing the cyclist to have to choose between colliding with a vehicle or veering off the road entirely.
Many car drivers are not aware of the traffic laws that govern roadway interactions between bikes and vehicles. For instance, in Arizona, bike riders have the same right of way rules as motorists. Yet if a driver is unaware of this, they may think they have the right of way in a situation that they don’t and expect the cyclist to yield. Some drivers also underestimate the speed at which a cyclist is peddling, cutting them off because they think they have more time than they do.
Distracted driving is also an issue for cyclists, as drivers may sometimes be looking at their phones or just not paying attention, colliding with a cyclist. Failure to keep a proper lookout for other traffic including bicycles, especially at or near an intersection, causes bike-car crashes. After all, the injuries suffered by an unprotected cyclist are often considerable, partly because they lack a vehicle’s exterior metal protection and seat restraints and/or airbags during a collision with a bicycle.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, the financial consequences can be severe. This is one of the reasons why hiring an experienced Prescott bicycle accident lawyer is vital. Damages can cover any number of expenses associated with the accident, past and future, including:
The truth is that a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. It can cause anxiety and post-traumatic stress, especially when a cyclist is hit by a much larger vehicle.
Working with a Prescott bicycle accident lawyer is beneficial, especially with specialists like Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. We are adept at helping to establish fault in bicycle accidents, a process that is not as easy as you may think. Even when it is fairly obvious that a vehicle caused a crash, insurance companies often go to extensive lengths to prove otherwise. We have helped many bicycle accident victims to overcome the challenges set forth by savvy vehicle insurance companies who set out to prove the cyclist was at fault.
We ensure that you don’t forget the statute of limitations deadline before filing your bicycle accident claim. Depending on the negligent party—for instance, if a government entity was to blame for failing to maintain the roadway—the time window might be even smaller. Our bicycle accident lawyers will guide you through the process to ensure that you recover for you losses.
Often, cyclists get the short end of the stick when it comes to collisions with vehicles or negligence on the part of property owners due to the silent prejudice of most drivers against them, which insurance companies rely on. As such, if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you need the assistance of a Prescott bicycle accident lawyer with experience and extensive legal knowledge in this area. Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. specializes in this practice area and has worked with numerous cyclists to get the compensation they deserve after being injured due to the carelessness of others.
We may be able to help you as well if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident. Call us today at (928) 910-7268 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.