Bicyclists are at a disadvantage when traffic accidents occur because they tend to take up less space and have less protection than other vehicles involved. If that weren’t bad enough, though, cyclists are at an increased risk for collisions because they may be involved in all the same types of crashes facing cars but also in some bicycle-specific collisions. In addition to crashes caused by failures to yield or by speeding, a dooring incident may lead to a bicycle accident. Dooring occurs when a driver or a passenger in a vehicle opens a door into the oncoming path of a cyclist, causing the biker to strike the opened door. This is just one example of a type of crash that poses a threat to bicyclists but not to drivers of cars.
Where can a bicyclist turn once a collision occurs? This is a question often asked in Arizona and in Phoenix because many riders do not understand their rights, including whether they have a valid claim for relief. In many cases, victims of these collisions can bring a civil claim for their financial damages and can recover for any and all losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The laws can be complex so speaking with a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in understanding your rights if you have been involved in a collision or if your loved one has been injured or killed.
Earlier this week, a crash occurred in Phoenix between a car and a bicycle, leaving the cyclist’s rider dead. The incident occurred near Pecos and 17th Avenue in the westbound lanes. Police have confirmed that prior to the impact, the bicyclist was in a marked lane for bicycle-only traffic when the collision occurred. Their investigation is ongoing at this time and officials are still trying to determine why the two vehicles collided, and whether either party involved erred prior to the crash.
It is not clear whether the driver of the car was injured or whether any citations will be issued as a result of this incident.
Every year, more than 1,000 bicyclists are injured in traffic accidents in Arizona every year, and those victims range from the very young to the very old. Riding a bike is no longer just for children as greater numbers of adults opt to ride as a means of transportation while others choose to ride for pleasure.
These cyclists are entitled under the law to ride in the roads just like cars are entitled to drive, yet too often, motorists ignore cyclists or fail to look for them and cause collisions. When this happens, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that you may be entitled to relief following your crash. 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 and we offer it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If an accident has affected your life, do not continue to suffer in silence. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Car Accident in Phoenix Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 12, 2014.
Resource:
Bicyclist killed in south Phoenix crash, Fox 10 News, published November 12, 2014.