While it is not even February, it is probably safe to say that the Valley’s season of absolutely perfect weather has officially arrived. There are obviously numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors in the sunny 75-degree weather such as hiking, golfing, and of course bike riding.
During this time of year, the cycling community is out in full force. Perhaps, you are a die-hard bicyclist, decked out in spandex on a high-dollar specialized bike. Or maybe, you are simply a weekend bicycle rider, cruising the neighborhood. Regardless of your reasons, bicycling offers many benefits, as it is a fun way to exercise, it is eco-friendly, and it reduces traffic on our Valley roadways. However, like anything else, an increase in bicyclists often leads to an escalation in bicycle-related personal injuries.
Personal injury claims involving bicyclists can be problematic in proving exactly what happened and who is at fault. Fortunately for you, our Phoenix bike accident attorneys are here to answer your questions related to bicycle injury claims.
Unfortunately, motor vehicles collide with bicyclists far too often. If this happens to you, it is important to not negotiate with the driver, but instead, contact the police. By involving the police, you are protecting yourself against false promises and ensuring that the driver’s contact and insurance information are correct. It is imperative to also provide the responding officer your account of what happened. If the driver who caused the collision is cited, the chances of recovering for any damages will be high.
Following the collision, it is important to promptly seek medical treatment. By seeking medical attention, you will have documentation of any injuries sustained from the accident. You will also need to take photos. Photos should include your injuries and the scene of the crash as well as physical evidence such as your bike, helmet, and the other individual’s car. Finally, do not discuss any details of the incident with the negligent driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney!
The short answer is yes! Under A.R.S. § 28-812, a person riding a bicycle on a roadway is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. So, similar to a driver, police offers or other traffic authorities can cite bicyclists for running stop signs, ignoring traffic signals, and riding on the wrong side of the road. It is crucial that you abide by the traffic laws because in the event that you suffer personal injuries, a traffic citation can significantly hinder or outright prevent your ability to recover any personal injury compensation. Not to mention, you could also be liable for causing injuries to another.
Generally speaking, traffic laws, as they relate to bicyclists and their personal injuries can become complicated. Regardless of the circumstances, you should absolutely call your Arizona Injury Lawyers to better understand your potential personal injury claim.
In motor vehicle-bicycle collisions, the bicyclist is obviously the one at greater risk of injury. Additionally, bicycle injuries, particularly when motor vehicles are involved, often result in catastrophic damages. With Arizona minimum liability insurance being $25,000, the driver responsible for your injury may be underinsured to cover the full extent of your personal injury damages. Fortunately, if you have made the responsible decision to purchase Uninsured (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage for your own vehicles, it will likely apply if you are injured on your bicycle.
Every bicycle injury case is different, and for this reason, it is nearly impossible to give clear-cut advice pertaining to your injury. If you are injured in a bicycle collision, give Torgenson Law a call for a free consultation at (602) 726-0747.
