Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Bicycle accidents usually involve significant injuries, including broken bones, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and scarring.  This can lead to insurmountable medical bills and permanent disability. The last thing you want to deal with is cops, insurance companies, and medical bills. We understand the challenges you face and our experienced bike accident lawyers are here to help.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, for cities with populations of 500,000 or greater, three Arizona cities are among the top U.S. cities for traffic deaths of cyclists.  Phoenix (3.4% of all traffic accident deaths), Tucson (6.1% of all traffic accident deaths), and Mesa (3.6% of all traffic accident deaths) made this sad list.

Our bike lawyers have years of experience representing cyclists injured in accidents.

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll deal with the insurance companies, help you obtain the medical treatment you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve–including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Do I need a bike accident lawyer?

Yes. Bicycle accidents frequently cause serious, life-altering injuries that lead to physical, emotional, and financial problems. It is important to hire an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. Insurance companies try to trick you into settling your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Gage Mathers Law Group has a team of experienced attorneys who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What can a bike accident lawyer do for me?

Our bicycle accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, including:

• Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
• Negotiating with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
• Negotiating with health care providers and other lien claimants.
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
• Representing you in court.
• Helping you get the compensation you deserve.

How long do I have to sue after a bike accident?

In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to take legal action to seek compensation. However, your deadline to act drops to 180 days if a state or local entity is responsible for your accident. For example, if you are hit by a police car. There are some exceptions for minors and disabled people. We always recommend hiring an experienced lawyer early because it can take time to investigate your claim, gather evidence, review documents, interview witnesses, and consult with experts, if needed.

What type of compensation can I get after being hurt in a bike accident?

Arizona allows injury victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses–essentially, anything that can be calculated to a specific dollar amount.
• Non-economic damages cover aspects of your injuries and damages that do not normally have an assigned dollar amount, like pain, suffering, disfigurement, disability, discomfort, loss of enjoyment of life, interference with familial relationships, and the general nature and extent of your injuries.

What if the driver did not see me? Can I be found at fault for causing my bike accident?

Bicyclists have rights when out on the roads of Phoenix and everywhere in Arizona. “I did not see the bike” is not an excuse. You have the same rights as other motorists.

That said, bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road. This means that you can be found partially at fault for causing an accident. In Arizona this is known as “comparative fault,” meaning that your actions may have contributed to the crash and are to be compared to the fault of other drivers in the accident. Thus, when insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, or a jury is evaluating your claim, the value will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Therefore, it is important that you have an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands all of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in Arizona to help advocate for you.

Important Safety Reminders for Bike Riders

• All bicyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
• Bicyclists are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Motor vehicle drivers need to share the road with bicyclists. Be courteous – allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
• Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk. To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.