Police and local officials attempt to stop dangerous driving behaviors before they cause collisions. But unfortunately, every year, thousands of bicycle accidents continue to occur in Phoenix and across Arizona. These collisions cause significant damage to the vehicles and the bicycles involved but often, the worst damages stem from the personal injuries that are caused by a collision. Whether the injuries include broken or fractured bones, head or neck injuries, injuries to the shoulders, hips, or extremities, cuts and abrasions, or even scarring, these damages can lead to serious or even permanent conditions that require significant medical care.
These accidents and injuries cannot be erased once they occur but the victims of bicycle accidents in the Valley are not without relief. Victims may be entitled to bring a civil claim for damages against a responsible, at-fault motorist who caused a collision. In some cases, multiple claims may be possible against the driver of a car, the owner of a vehicle, or even a victim’s own insurance company. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand whether you have a valid claim, and if so, what types of relief may be possible in your case.
According to police in Tucson, a 23-year-old female was driving on Oracle Road southbound when she approached a 58-year-old riding a bicycle in a marked bicycle lane. The driver allegedly struck the bicyclist from behind, causing a collision that left the cyclist with serious injuries. According to witnesses, the driver fled the scene of the collision without calling for help or without checking on the status of the bicyclist.
Several witnesses reportedly were present when the collision occurred and one noticed authorities who responded to the scene. Emergency medical personnel assessed the bicyclist and transported the victim to an area hospital but the victim’s injuries were too severe and the cyclist was pronounced dead a short time after arrival. One witness to this morning’s collision followed the vehicle believed to have caused the crash until that vehicle came to a stop and parked in an apartment complex. The witness informed authorities of the location of the vehicle and a description of it, leading authorities to approach the 23-year-old suspect and arrest her. At the time of her arrest, authorities noticed signs of impairment and booked the driver on multiple charges including second degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident. Additional charges may be brought depending on the results of the ongoing investigation and drug tests done upon the suspect.
When a loved one is killed or seriously injured in a Phoenix accident, no amount of compensation can ever be considered adequate compensation for the losses that stem from that crash. However, a financial recovery can help ease some of the monetary burden left from a collision including wages that are not being earned and/or medical expenses that have been incurred or will be incurred in the future.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and to help you understand the legal implications of your accident. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation on your part and we will keep everything discussed confidential. If you have been injured or if your loved one has been hurt or killed, make sure your rights are protected. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
16-Year-Old Killed by Van while Jogging, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 24, 2014.
Resource:
Tucson hit-and-run kills cyclist; woman arrested, by Steve Stout, CBS5AZ.com, published September 25, 2014.