Arizona is One of the Most Dangerous Places for Cyclists

For Arizona Cyclists, the Statistics are Grim. Your Rights are Not.

The recent report highlighted by Yahoo News, naming Arizona as one of the most dangerous states for cyclists, is a sobering reminder of the risks bicyclists face on our roads. As lawyers dedicated to representing injured cyclists, we see the devastating consequences behind these statistics. Cyclist deaths in Arizona were only exceeded by Florida (6.8 deaths per million residents vs 10 deaths per million residents). Ultimately, the study’s ranking for most dangerous states for cyclists and overall cycling friendliness score place Arizona 49th, behind only Utah.

While the numbers are alarming, it’s crucial for every cyclist in Arizona to understand that these dangers do not negate your rights when an accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence.

The article correctly points to factors like the lack of infrastructure for cyclist safety and automobile driver behavior. From our experience, many bicycle accidents are not mere “accidents” but are the direct result of preventable negligence. This can include:

• Distracted Drivers: Motorists texting, eating, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road are a primary threat. A moment of inattention can lead to catastrophic injuries for a cyclist. Most drivers don’t realize that one second of inattention equates to almost 5 car lengths traveled.
• Failure to Yield: We frequently see cases where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, when turning, or when cyclists are in a designated bike lane. Arizona law provides cyclists with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, a fact too many drivers ignore.
• Aggressive Driving and “Share the Road” Violations: Impatient or aggressive drivers who pass too closely, cut off cyclists, or fail to safely share the road put lives at risk.
• “Dooring” Incidents: Drivers or passengers carelessly opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist can cause serious harm.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the risk to everyone on the road, including cyclists.
• Poor Road Maintenance or Design: While less common, sometimes governmental entities may bear responsibility if poorly maintained roads or dangerously designed intersections contribute to a crash. The government enjoys qualified immunity for its negligent decision making so it is important to contact a lawyer after a crash.

Why Hiring a Bike Accident Lawyer is Important

If you’ve been injured while cycling, the path to recovery can be long and arduous. Beyond the physical pain, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and significant emotional distress.

This is where experienced legal representation becomes vital. As your advocate, our role is to:

1. Thoroughly Investigate Your Accident: We gather police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence, and may consult with accident reconstruction experts to clearly establish how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
2. Hold Negligent Parties Accountable: We identify all responsible parties, which could include drivers, employers (if the driver was on the job at the time of the crash), or even government entities in certain circumstances.
3. Navigate Complex Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly challenging and frustrating. Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts. We handle all communications and negotiations to protect your interests. Let us deal with the frustration so you can focus on getting better.
4. Quantify Your Full Damages: We work to ensure all your losses are accounted for – not just immediate medical bills, but future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
5. Fight for Maximum Compensation: Whether through a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, by taking your case to trial, our goal is to get you full and fair compensation. We work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

The unfortunate reality is that Arizona’s roads can be perilous for cyclists. But being a cyclist does not mean you assume the risk of another’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. We will help you understand your legal rights and take the legal burdens off your shoulder. Contact our award winning attorneys for a free consultation.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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