Tempe is one of the most-bicycle friendly cities in the country, recognized as such by the League of American Bicyclists. Although drivers in Tempe might be more accustomed than drivers elsewhere to sharing the road with cyclists, accidents still happen, and drivers are often at fault.
When you are in a collision with a motor vehicle while cycling or if your loved one is hit by a car while riding a bike, consult a local personal injury attorney immediately. A Tempe bicycle accident lawyer from our firm could hold the responsible parties accountable and help you seek the appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists are vulnerable in road accidents and often suffer significant injuries. Factors determining the severity of a cyclist’s injuries include the person’s age, vehicle speed, road and weather conditions, and others. According to a federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) fact sheet, cyclists between the ages of 10-24 make up a third of those treated for injuries after a bike crash, but adults aged 55-69 are most likely to suffer fatal injuries.
Every accident is unique and the injuries a bicyclist might sustain differ. Examples of common injuries sustained in bike accidents include:
- Internal organ trauma
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries to the limbs, shoulder, and neck
- Facial injuries (damage to the eyes and teeth is especially common)
- Bone fractures, especially of the ankle, lower leg, wrist, and clavicle
- Road rash, the common name for friction burns and cuts to the skin due to dragging against rough pavement
The law does not require cyclists to wear helmets, but it is advisable to do so, as helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.
Injuries associated with bicycle accidents can be slow to heal and might require extensive rehabilitation. Some are permanent, such as facial injuries that leave scars or head injuries that cause cognitive impairment or balance issues. A Tempe attorney could ensure that any claim seeks compensation for the full impact of the bike accident.
Driver Negligence and Bicycle Accidents
The law gives cyclists the same right to the road as motorists, although Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-815 requires them to travel as far to the right as possible if they are traveling slower than traffic. However, motorists do not always respect a cyclist’s right to the road and might drive in a way that endangers the biker.
Many bicycle/car collisions happen when a driver turns without yielding to an oncoming bike. Cyclists also often get hurt when a driver opens a door into their path or passes too closely, forcing the bicycle off the road. Sometimes a driver does not notice a bicycle stopped ahead and rear-ends them due to distractions such as texting and cellphone use.
A Tempe attorney could investigate the situation that led to the bicycle wreck. Any citation the driver received could be evidence of negligence that triggers liability for the cyclist’s damages. Even if the driver did not receive a ticket, a legal professional could use witness statements, surveillance video, vehicle maintenance records, and other tools to establish a driver’s responsibility for a crash.
Preserving Rights After a Bicycle Accident
Anyone who is in a bicycle accident should seek immediate medical care. Sometimes, a crash does not seem serious at first, but adrenaline can mask the symptoms of injury. Getting checked out by a doctor ensures that injuries are identified and treated promptly and establishes a connection between the injury and the accident.
If the accident involved a public employee on the clock, a government-owned vehicle, or if road conditions were a factor, the state or a local government could be a defendant in the case. An injured person has only six months to file a notice of claim with the appropriate government office or they lose the right to file a lawsuit.
If there is no government involvement, the statute of limitations for injury cases is two years from the accident date. When a child suffers injury, they have two years from their 18th birthday to sue, but it could be advantageous for the parents to bring suit on the child’s behalf sooner rather than later. Our Tempe bicycle collision attorneys could explain the time constraints that may apply in a specific situation to ensure the right to compensation remains intact.
Pursue a Bicycle Accident Claim With Our Tempe Attorneys
Bicycle accident injuries can have long-term consequences. When another party is to blame, they should compensate you for your losses.
You could receive reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses plus compensation for your pain and suffering. Speak to a Tempe bicycle accident lawyer from the Phillips Law Group about your situation today.
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