Bicycle Accidents

Get Legal Help After a Bike Accident

Rising fuel costs and a growing eco-consciousness in our country mean that bicycles are a more popular mode of transportation than ever. But increasing numbers of bikes on Arizona roads mean increasing numbers of collisions - events that may lead to injury, disfigurement, and death.

Bicycle accidents take place on all kinds of roads, in all types of weather, and under various conditions. Generally, intersections are the most dangerous place for cyclists, who can be struck by a vehicle that disregards the cyclist's right-of-way or refuses to yield.

At The Husband & Wife Law Team, our bicycle accident lawyers have handled many cases for injured bicyclists, earning a long list of favorable verdicts and settlements on their behalf. We understand the legal system and can give you the support you seek. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.

What Type of Recovery May Be Available?

Because bike accidents often end in severe injury to the bicyclists, victims can require extensive treatment, ranging from temporary intensive care to long-term medical attention. Fortunately, a Phoenix personal injury claim can help you secure the compensation to pay these bills. While every case is different and specific dollar amounts change, there are common categories found in a personal injury claim. They include:

• Economic damages - The hard costs of your accident (such as medical bills, hospital arrangements, lost wages, and emergency transportation).

• Non-economic damages - The intangible costs of your accident that have a profound impact on your quality of life. This can include pain and suffering and loss of consortium.

What Are Common Causes of Bike Accidents?

As a cyclist, you hoped that motorists would always pay attention to you, but they didn’t. Drivers are not the only problem out on the road, however. The lack of signage, road shoulders, and bike lanes all contribute to serious accidents involving cyclists.

Some examples of driver negligence or wrongdoing that The Husband & Wife Law Team has seen include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

• Distracted driving or inattention

• Failing to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists

• Bike lane intrusion

• Dooring or striking a bicyclist with a car door

• Running a stop sign or red light

• Driving at high speed

• Making an unsafe turn or an unsafe lane change

• Entering the street from a parking spot or driveway, or entering traffic directly in front of a cyclist

What Are Common Injuries After a Bike Accident?

Due to the considerable size difference between an automobile and a bicycle, cyclists often end up suffering a variety of serious injuries after being struck by a car. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, deep lacerations, facial disfigurement, internal organ damage, amputation, and burns. Here are three common serious injuries we see after most bicycle accidents:

• Bone Fractures - When you are hit by a vehicle, you can suffer injuries from the impact with the vehicle as well as the ground (called “secondary impact”). Cyclists are most likely to sustain fractures to the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, back, neck, face, collarbone, and pelvis.

• Head Injuries - Even if riders take the precaution of wearing a helmet, head injuries can still occur, including skull fractures, contusions, concussions, traumatic brain injury, and intracranial bleeding. After a brain injury, victims can suffer devastating and long-lasting effects that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

• Spinal Injuries - You could suffer compression of the spine, which may be caused by hitting the pavement, an inanimate object, or being sandwiched between your bicycle and the vehicle. The accident could sever your spinal cord, which typically results in permanent paralysis.

Children Injured in Bike Accidents

We know that the number of children injured while riding bicycles is growing every year, especially those hit by motor vehicles. Regardless of the circumstances, when a child has been in an accident, it is important for the child's guardians to research bike accident attorneys immediately. Because the injuries your child sustained may be substantial, your family could lose the quality of life you previously enjoyed. With the help of a lawyer, you may be able to recover damages from the driver’s insurance company for medical care, skilled caregivers, hospital bills, and other expenses related to your child’s accident. He or she may also be entitled to compensation for any disability, disfigurement, or pain he or she continues to suffer.

Wrongful Death After a Bike-Car Collision

In serious cases, a bike accident can lead to the wrongful death of a rider. If your loved one has been killed while riding a bike due to the negligence of another driver, you and your family are entitled to compensation.

The state of Arizona maintains a statute of limitations on all personal injury claims. This means that unless you meet the required deadline, you lose your chance at compensation. We recommend contacting our firm as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Serving Injured Bicyclists in the Southwest

When you have suffered serious personal injury because of another party's carelessness or irresponsible behavior, you deserve to recover compensation. We know that bicyclists are at a higher risk of injury in an accident due to their vulnerable nature. Since 1996, The Husband & Wife Law Team, has helped protect the rights of Phoenix residents after bike accident injuries.

Mark Breyer is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death law, a certification held by about 1% of Arizona lawyers. The Husband & Wife Law Team has successfully handled hundreds of cases for injured bicyclists. We are here to take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders and help you obtain the resources and support necessary during this difficult time. Call us for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Additional Information

• Bicycle Safety - NHTSA