In Arizona, cyclists can ride bicycles year-round due to the climate that covers most of the state. This means that regardless of the time of year, drivers of cars, trucks, and vans should be alert for bicyclists and should respect the rights of these cyclists to ride in the roads that cross Phoenix. Yet despite the presence of bicycles, despite the laws that protect riders, and despite the obvious risks that exist if a collision occurs, drivers regularly ignore safety and act in a manner that is dangerous to all those on the roads.
When an impact does happen and a bicycle accident results, it is important for victims to understand their legal options and rights so that they can act upon those rights within a time period specified by the law. Failure to take action in a timely manner can lead to a claim being barred forever so if you have been injured, you may want to speak with an experienced bike lawyer to ensure that you are protected.
Following a typical crash, victims may be able to recover for the financial and non-financial harm they sustained like medical expenses and pain and suffering if those victims choose to act upon their rights. In the worst cases, a bicyclist may lose his or her life in a crash and then the right to seek relief may pass to that victim’s surviving family members, though no amount of money can ever be considered adequate in those cases.
Today, Phoenix police have confirmed that a collision occurred near the intersection of 51st and Southern Avenue early this morning and that a male cyclist lost his life as a result. Authorities are still investigating but eyewitnesses have indicated that the bicyclist was riding southbound in a marked bicycle lane when a white van approached the area. For unknown reasons, the van allegedly left its lane and crossed into the bicycle lane, colliding with the cyclist and causing him to be thrown from his bike.
Police were alerted and emergency medical crews responded to the scene where they treated the victim and transported him to an area hospital. Tragically, the injuries he sustained were grave and he was pronounced dead as a result.
The driver of the van fled the scene after the impact and without checking on the victim or speaking to police. Based on witness descriptions, police are looking for the driver and/or owner of that vehicle and they ask anyone with information to come forward at this time.
If you have been injured while riding a bicycle in the Phoenix area or if your loved one was hurt or killed in a crash, call the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no-obligation case consultation regarding your accident and your options.
We keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call whenever you need answers and everything discussed during the case consultation will always be kept confidential. If we can help you, call us today toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and let us fight for your right to compensation for your injuries.
Prior Blog Entry:
New Technology being Tested by ADOT to Alert, Deter Wrong-Way Drivers in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 12, 2015.
Resource:
Hit and Run accident kills 1, by Anita Roman, Fox 10 Phoenix, published August 13, 2015.