Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Cycling crashes are often caused by driver negligence. In Arizona, careless or reckless drivers often fail to provide adequate space for bicyclists and disregard their rights. If you were recently injured in a bicycle accident in Glendale, Arizona, you may have grounds for a claim against the motorist who caused the incident. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you in seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys serving Glendale, Arizona, today to discuss your potential injury case in a free consultation.

Steps to Take After a Cycling Crash in Glendale, AZ

What you do after a vehicle-bicycle collision may significantly affect your personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If a car crashes into you while riding a bicycle, your first action should be to call 911 for medical assistance and to report the incident to the Glendale Police Department. Even if you do not feel immediate pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away and request that a police report be filed. Gather contact and insurance details from the involved driver if possible. Ask for contact information from anyone who witnessed the cycling crash.

Take pictures and videos of the bike crash at all angles, including traffic lights, roadway signage, area of impact to the involved vehicles, torn clothing from being thrown in the collision, and the damaged bicycle and helmet. If you have any visible injuries, take photos of those as well throughout your recovery. Evidence plays an important role in supporting a claim for damages by providing documentation and proof of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the extent of injuries, and helping establish liability.

Avoid signing any documents from the insurer, as the insurance adjuster may reach out for a recorded statement or ask you to accept an initial offer. It is important to attend all medical appointments not only for your recovery but also because it can influence a personal injury case. Missed appointments and gaps in treatment may be viewed as unfavorable, and insurance companies may use this to dispute the value of a claim. After seeking treatment, protect your rights and interests by retaining legal counsel that is experienced in handling cases like yours.

Recoverable Losses After a Cycling Crash

A vehicle-bicycle collision may lead to severe and potentially permanent injuries. Such a crash may result in high expenses for treatment, wage loss from time off work, damage to property, and other losses. An injured bicyclist has the opportunity to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver through a personal injury claim. For instance, if the incident was due to driver negligence, the injured party may be able to seek damages from the insurance company representing the motorist. In an injury claim, the injured cyclist may be able to seek economic and non-economic damages.

Eligible claimants may be entitled to reimbursement of past and future costs of related medical treatment, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, scarring and disfigurement from bicycle-related injuries, loss of consortium for damage to a marital relationship, pain and suffering, and more. Punitive damages may be recovered but are generally reserved for cases involving egregious actions. In a bike crash case, punitive damages may be warranted if the driver was cited for criminal speed in Arizona or was driving while impaired. For more details, contact an attorney near you.

Unique Considerations for Vehicle-Bicycle Collisions in Arizona

Bicyclists face unique challenges on Arizona’s roads, as it may be challenging for drivers to spot them, and many motorists may not be used to sharing the road with cyclists. Furthermore, bicyclists lack protection, riding without airbags, seatbelts, and other safety features found in motor vehicles that help mitigate injuries. While bike helmets provide some level of protection, they offer limited defense against traumatic injuries sustained in collisions with vehicles. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash or abrasions from contact with the pavement
• Injuries to the face, including dental injuries and fractures
• Knee injuries, including patellar fractures and ligament tears
• Joint dislocations, particularly in the knees, wrists, and shoulders
• Lacerations requiring stiches, often from contact with road debris or sharp objects
• Broken bones, particularly in the collarbones, wrists, and upper and lower extremities
• Head trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries and concussions, even when wearing a bike helmet
• Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to loss of sensation, partial or complete paralysis, and impaired mobility

Is There Enough Insurance to Cover Injuries and Losses?

Arizona mandates minimum auto insurance coverage for property damage and bodily injury liability. Drivers are required to have at least $15,000 in coverage for property damage. Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for damages if a driver injures someone while operating their vehicle, with minimum limits set at $25,000 for one person’s injuries and $50,000 for injuries to more than one party. If you opt for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, it will cover the gap between the other party’s insurance and your damages.

UM and UIM protection can be used for accidents involving a driver who causes injury while you are behind the wheel of your vehicle or riding as a passenger. It may also extend coverage if you are hit by a driver while riding a bicycle or out walking. Uninsured motorist coverage may step in if you are injured in a hit-and-run. In the absence of UM and UIM coverage in a bicycle accident case, you may still have recourse. If you live with a family member who carries this coverage, it is possible to bring a claim, as long as that insurance policy does not list you as an excluded member.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a Claim for a Bike Crash?

There is a specific time frame within which an injured party can seek compensation for damages from an accident in Arizona. According to A.R.S 12-542, most claimants have a maximum of two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This means that if an accident occurs, it is important to settle with the opposing party or file in civil court to protect the statute. Remember that claims against government agencies must be filed no later than 180 days from the date of loss. Failing to do so may result in losing the right to recover compensation for damages.

Is It Expensive to Hire a Lawyer to Handle an Injury Case for a Cycling Crash?

There are many factors that may make personal injury cases for bike collisions complex legal matters. If you are unsure about your rights and options after a cycling crash, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney near you. Most law firms, including Southwest Injury Law, provide free case evaluations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your attorney secures compensation for you. Learn how we can assist with your Glendale bicycle accident case by scheduling a free consultation today. Call us or fill out an online contact form to get started now.

Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer Serving Glendale, Arizona

As a cyclist, there is only so much you can do to prevent a bike collision. Your safety heavily depends on the motorists around you, who may be speeding, driving under the influence, distracted by texting, or operating their vehicles while fatigued. Negligent driver behaviors can lead to serious accidents that may put your life at risk or that of a loved one. To protect your rights as a bicyclist, call our skilled bicycle accident attorneys in Glendale, Arizona, for a free case evaluation at (602) 777-3300.