If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Peoria, Arizona, you can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even if you were not wearing a helmet. Arizona law does not mandate helmet use for adult cyclists, and under the state’s comparative fault rules, you can still pursue a claim against a negligent driver even if you share some portion of the blame for the crash.

While Peoria has been actively expanding its network of bike lanes and multi-use paths to encourage cycling, riders still face significant risks. Cyclists traveling along busy arterial roads like Bell Road and Peoria Avenue frequently encounter high vehicle speeds and complex intersections, making them vulnerable to severe injuries when drivers fail to share the road safely.

The Reality of Bicycle Accidents in Arizona

The statistics surrounding bicycle safety in the state highlight a growing concern. In 2024, there were 48 bicyclist fatalities in Arizona, reflecting a concerning trend in vulnerable road user safety according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Furthermore, Maricopa County, which includes Peoria, accounted for 72.74% of all crashes and 50.13% of all fatal crashes in Arizona that same year.

As Jennifer Toth, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, stated: “Crashes are not accidents — they’re preventable. Impaired driving, speeding and distraction are the leading causes. These aren’t random events…”

Arizona Bicycle Laws and Cyclist Rights

Under A.R.S. § 28-812, individuals riding bicycles on roadways are granted the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. This means that cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians. However, it also means that motorists must respect a cyclist’s right to use the road.

When a driver fails to yield, speeds, or drives while distracted, they can be held liable for the resulting damages. If you have been hit by a car, consulting with a Peoria bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your right to fair compensation.

Comparative Fault and Helmet Use in Peoria

Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.

Insurance companies often try to use the lack of a helmet against injured cyclists to argue that the cyclist contributed to their own head injuries. However, because Arizona does not have a universal helmet law for adults, not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering damages. An experienced Peoria bicycle accident attorney can push back against these tactics and ensure fault is assigned fairly based on the facts of the crash.

What Can Injured Riders Recover?

A severe bicycle accident can lead to mounting medical bills, time away from work, and long-term physical pain. By filing a personal injury claim in Peoria, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Frequently Asked Questions