Bicycling is a popular activity in Phoenix and across Arizona as the weather in the area makes it possible year-round. Though you are more likely to see cyclists when the temperatures are mild than you are during the mid-summer heat waves, bike riders are present in the valley every month of every year. One reason for this is that the laws in Arizona authorize cyclists to ride in the roads much like a car is authorized to drive on them, leading to the legal riding of a bicycle across Phoenix.
But even though it is legal for bicyclists to ride, and even though it is an affordable and efficient means of transportation, there are inherent dangers to those on a bike, often taking the form of vehicular traffic. If the driver of a car, truck, or van fails to notice a bicycle or fails to acknowledge the rights of the rider, a bicycle accident can result, potentially leading to injuries. When this is caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of a driver, an injured bicyclist may be entitled to relief for his or her damages that result from the crash, including medical and surgical bills that may be incurred. Speaking with a lawyer in Phoenix who has experienced representing victims of bicycle accidents may help you understand your legal rights if you have been hurt in a crash.
A collision between bicyclists and a minivan took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in Cornville and one rider lost her life as a result. Police investigated the incident and believe that a 90-year-old man driving a minivan approached three bicyclists on Cornville Road, west of Beaverhead Flats Road. The man allegedly told authorities that he believed he had room to pass the bicyclists and attempted to do so as he drove, striking the rear-most rider and causing a crash. The rider, a 48-year-old woman, was thrown from her bicycle and onto the driver’s windshield before being thrown to the ground. The driver reportedly ran over the victim’s bicycle and dragged it for some distance following the first impact.
A 52-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter were riding a tandem bicycle some distance in front of the 48-year-old woman and both the man and his daughter were also thrown off their bicycle, though the cause of that remains unclear. Emergency medical crews responded to the crash and transported the 48-year-old woman by air ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center while the 52-year-old man and his daughter were transported to Valley Medical Center. The man and his daughter were not seriously injured but the damage done to the 48-year-old woman was extreme, leading to her death on Saturday evening.
Police do not believe that the driver was impaired but blood tests are pending. The driver has been ordered to retake an Arizona state driving test as a result of the crash. It is not clear whether the driver will face charges and, if so, what the nature of those charges may be.
If you have been hurt while riding a bicycle in Phoenix or if your loved one has been killed, make sure you understand your legal rights and whether you may be entitled to relief. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all victims deserve an attorney on their side who will fight for their rights. We offer a free case consultation to all injury victims who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. There is no obligation for taking advantage of the free consultation and everything discussed will remain confidential.
If you have been hurt in an accident, call the injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to give you the answers you deserve, whenever you need them.
Prior Blog Entry:
Officer Killed in Wrong-Way Phoenix Crash, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 14, 2014.
Resource:
Gilbert bicyclist killed, 2 hurt in Cornville crash, by Phil Benson, CBS 5 Arizona, published May 18, 2014.