Bicycle Laws
Additional Information
Legal Representation After a Bicycling Accident
Riding a bike, especially when you are sharing the road with large, heavy, and fast cars, can be incredibly stressful. You must always be aware of your surroundings in order to avoid an accident, as well as the rules of the road. Bikers, just like drivers, have laws that they are expected to follow in order to prevent collisions. Following these rules also means that if you do end up in a collision, you cannot be considered at-fault or partially at-fault for the resulting damages.
When filing a claim, you'll need proper representation to make your bike accident claim. That is where The Husband & Wife Law Team of Mark and Alexis Breyer can help. For decades, they have represented individuals just like you who have been injured by negligent drivers and were struggling with severe pain and mounting medical bills. Our goal is to help you get on the road to recovery in the most efficient and comfortable way possible. For some of the best legal help.
Arizona Laws for Bicyclists
The state of Arizona classifies bicycles as vehicles, and this means that the same laws apply to bicyclists and motorists. If you are riding your bike, you must stop at stoplights and yield to pedestrians, but you are also expected to receive the same respect on the road from other drivers.
Because bicycles are a specialized "vehicle," there are some additional laws that pertain to them that cyclists and drivers are expected to follow. As a rider, always remember to:
Ride as close to the curb as possible when you are traveling on city streets. If you're on a street without a sidewalk, ride as close to the edge of the road as possible without endangering yourself.
Don't ride on the sidewalk. The sidewalk is for pedestrians, and your bike is considered a vehicle.
When you're traveling with a companion, never ride more than two abreast in the lane of traffic.
If you are riding at night, the law requires that you mount a white light to the front of your bicycle. This light must be visible to cars coming towards you from 500 feet away at a minimum.
If you're traveling outside of normal daylight hours, your bicycle must be equipped with a red reflector light in the back, so that vehicles traveling behind you can see you in front of them.
These are only a few regulations related to Arizona state bike laws. Just as with driving a car, the complete set of laws is far more complex, with many more nuances included. That being said, you should remember that drivers have a duty of care towards those they share a road with. Even if you are not following laws to a tee, you may still not be the at-fault party, especially since drivers must be far more careful to not cause injuries than bikers.
Arizona Helmet Laws
Bike helmets are considered a vital piece of safety equipment for any cyclist, and you have likely been told to wear a helmet since early childhood. Because bikes are so unprotected, with no seat belts, airbags, or protective walls, safety gear is one of the best ways to make sure you walk away from an accident as injury free as possible.
In fact, regardless of your age or your biking experience, bike helmets can mean the difference between life and death during a collision. Over the past few decades, studies have shown that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the odds of serious brain injury by almost 85%. However, if you did not wear a helmet at the time of your accident, that does not make you responsible for your injuries.
In fact, there are no statewide laws regarding bicycle helmets. While it is recommended, Arizona does not require riders of any age to wear a safety helmet. However, certain municipalities do have codes that require riders under the age of 18 to wear a bike helmet. Flagstaff, Pima County, Sierra Vista, Tucson, and Yuma require bike helmets. Outside of those locales, it is up to the individual rider or their parents to decide. This means that if the at-fault party tries to blame you for your own injuries because you chose not to wear a helmet, you can quickly remind them that helmets are not required by law.
Recovering Compensation Following a Bicycle Accident
If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a Phoenix bike accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. While every case is different, most personal injury claims – including those involving bicycles – often cover similar damages. Depending on your particular situation, you may be able to collect on one or more of the following:
Hospitalization and treatment
Emergency transportation
Pain and suffering
Physical therapy
Lost wages
Future medical bills
Property damage
Dealing with the financial fallout of a biking accident can be incredibly difficult, especially if you have to take time away from work in order to heal. That is why filing a claim against the at-fault party and demanding proper compensation is so important for your healing process. Getting the compensation you deserve, however, will rely on the skill of the attorney you choose to work with.
Consult With a Phoenix Bike Accident Attorney at The Husband & Wife Law Team
If you have been involved in a crash and suspect that the driver violated Arizona law, the Phoenix bike accident lawyers at The Husband & Wife Law Team, can help. We have in-depth knowledge of bicycle law and can provide a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. After this complimentary evaluation, you will have a better idea of whether you should try to collect damages in a court of law. Call The Husband & Wife Law Team, to see how we can help with your case.