Bicycle Accidents Archives

Phoenix bicycle accident involving SUV results in serious injuries

A bike accident in Phoenix has left the 33-year-old woman in critical condition, the Arizona Republic is reporting. The Arizona bike vs. SUV accident took place on September 19, 2010 near the intersection of N. Desert Willow Pkwy. and East Rancho Tierra Drive on the far North Side of Phoenix. The victim of the Phoenix bicycle accident reportedly has sustained “life-threatening brain bleeding”.

The 44-year-old SUV driver the is believed to have been driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash. The Phoenix Police Department is handling the crash investigation. After the accident police arrested the driver and charged him with aggravated assault. They allege that the defendant appeared to be impaired and he further admitted to drinking 1 to 2 beers.

Police state he hit the bicyclist with his Chevy SUV after failing to yield a stop sign. Police further say that the woman was within a marked bicycle lane at the time of the accident, and she also had functioning lights on the bike. The Arizona Republic states that information above is according to documents filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.

It is not been reported if a Phoenix bike accident lawyer is involved in the case yet. At this point, there appears to be a very solid negligence case against the at fault SUV driver.

In the year 2008 there were just under 2000 bicycle accidents in the State of Arizona. In those accidents, 19 bicyclists were killed and 1674 were injured, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Bicycle accident numbers for the year 2009 have not yet been released.

Phoenix bike accident lawyers sign on to represent nine-year-old injured bicyclist

by Dave Abels

Arizona bicycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent a nine-year-old bicycle rider who was injured in a parking lot when he was struck by a car. The accident happened back on July 19, 2010 Chicago, Illinois in the parking lot small food store at the intersection of Austin and Division.

The child was traveling eastbound when the at fault driver swiftly pulled into the parking lot from the street and did not see the bicyclist. The vehicle struck the bike, knocking the boy to the ground.

The nine-year-old had bilateral leg pain and back pain right after the accident. He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. At the ER, x-rays did not show any broken bones and he was examined by physicians.

The bicycle rider’s pain did not go away over the next few days. The child’s mother took him for follow-up treatment with a medical doctor. He has had ongoing medical treatment since July.

As the weather starts to slowly cool off in the Phoenix area, there will be more and more bicycle riders on the road. Earlier this year Tucson, Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona were all listed in the 20 most bicycle friendly cities in the United States.

Motorists have to keep a proper lookout for, and be careful around Arizona bicycle riders. Sometimes even low impact bicycle vs. car accidents can cause serious injuries.

If you have been hurt in a Phoenix bike accident, contact the Arizona injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call (866) 99-ABELS to speak directly to a lawyer now.

Arizona bike accident lawyer settles case

by Dave Abels

Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys Abels & Annes have reached a settlement in an incident that occurred in Chicago, Illinois in February of 2010. Our client was riding his bicycle southbound on Clark Street when the defendant, who was driving a 2005 Ford going northbound, turned left and struck the bike rider. The at fault driver was trying to turn left/westbound on Cornelia Street and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.

The Chicago Police responded to the crash. After their investigation they issued a citation to the defendant for failing to yield on a left turn.

The bicyclist injured his right knee and left shoulder in the crash. After the accident he was seen in the ER at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Diagnostic testing was negative for fractures.

Days after the accident our client’s pain remained. He sought follow-up treatment with a medical doctor. The physician then referred him to physical therapy.

Weeks later the bicycle rider’s shoulder pain remained so an MRI was ordered. The test showed he had sustained a mild AC joint separation in the accident. He continued with physical therapy and his condition eventually improved.

The claim resolved for a little over $31,000 and we did not need to file a lawsuit to settle the case. Nationwide insured the at fault driver.
Continue reading “Arizona bike accident lawyer settles case”

Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys agree to represent pair of bike crash victims

by Dave Abels

Two victims of bicycle accidents earlier this month have turned to Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes for representation.

Both accidents occurred in Chicago, Illinois. On August 6 at about 7 p.m., an 11-year-old boy was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike on the sidewalk along 98th Street in Chicago. The Oldsmobile left the roadway, struck the child, and fled the scene. An alert witness was able to provide a license plate number to police. The boy was taken to the hospital with multiple injuries.

In the second incident, a woman was riding her bike on the bike path near Solider Field at about 7 p.m. August 14. Police report she was struck by a taxi cab that did not stop at a bike crossing. Instead, the 2008 Crown Victoria taxi cab accelerated through the crossing, striking the cyclist with the car’s left front fender.

The accident occurred on the Lake Shore bike path near Burnham Harbor in Chicago. The 24-year-old cyclist was transported to the hospital with back pain as well as multiple cuts and abrasions. She is seeking follow up treatment with an orthopedic doctor.

As the weather cools in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, tourists, winter residents and cyclists will share the roads in larger numbers. Avoiding a Phoenix bicycle accident requires motorists to share the road and yield the right of way. Attempting to crowd a bike rider, or ignoring his or her rights to the road, is a recipe for disaster.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports a total of 1,989 bicycle accidents in 2008. Fourteen riders were killed and 1,565 were injured.
Continue reading “Phoenix bicycle accident attorneys agree to represent pair of bike crash victims”

Mesa, Arizona Bicycle Accident – police asking for assistance

by Dave Abels

A recent Arizona bike accident has police looking for clues, according to AZCentra.com. The Mesa bicycle accident happened two weeks ago Sunday and has left a 29-year-old bicyclist in critical condition. Police are looking for information, as the cause of the accident is unknown.

The accident occurred near 1100 South Country Club Drive by a Wendy’s restaurant. Mesa police officers found him lying in a curb on the southbound side of the street around 8:00 p.m. They identified him from a driver’s license on his person.

The bicycle rider was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical by ambulance. He sustained serious injuries, including a spinal fracture, a head laceration and internal bleeding in his head.

The Mesa Police Department is still investigating the accident and they are trying to figure out if he was hit by a car.

If you have any information about the accident, please immediately contact the police department at 480-644-2211.

Arizona bicycle accident injures British Olympic Gold Metalist

by Dave Abels

A Phoenix, Arizona bicycle accident is making news as far away as the United Kingdom, after an Olympic gold medalist was injured after being rear-ended on his bicycle, the London Daily Mirror reported.

James Cracknell, 38, was thrown from his bike after being hit from behind by a truck at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Mirror reported that he was wearing a helmet and was making good progress, despite a gash to the back of his head and bruising on the brain.

Cracknell won a gold metal for Britain in 2000 and 2004 and was filming a TV serious called Cracknell’s Race Across America for the Discovery Channel. He was trying to break an endurance record by traveling from New York to Los Angeles by running, cycling, rowing in swimming, in just 16 days.

The Sun, (also a U.K. newspaper) said the accident occurred on a quiet road in Winslow, Arizona.

“James was taken to hospital where is being treated for a head injury.” the Discovery Channel said in a statement. “He is conscious and his condition is stable; doctors have said he is making good progress. His wife and family are at his side as he continues to recover.”

Arrest made in deadly Tempe, Arizona hit-and-run accident

by Dave Abels

A man has been arrested in connection with an Arizona hit and run accident that killed a bike rider in Tempe last week, according to azfamily.com. A 22 year old man from Mesa was arrested on Saturday and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, which is a felony charge. Police are also saying he has admitted being involved.

The arrest stems from a bicycle accident that occurred last Saturday night at Southern Ave. and Rural Road. The 32 year old victim was driving a motorized bike eastbound when the defendant turned his car left into the victim, causing a T-bone accident. The defendant then fled the scene of the accident. Video shows the bicycle rider was legally riding in traffic at the time of the crash.

Several people in other vehicles called police and stayed at the scene to try to help the bike rider. The victim was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.

Click here to read the entire story as reported by azcentral.com.

Man pleads to charges in fatal Phoenix bicycle accident after attempting to trade vehicle during Cash for Clunkers program

by Dave Abels

A man who tried to trade his vehicle in during the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program to hide evidence of its involvement in a fatal Phoenix bicycle accident has pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

The Associated Press reports the defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence. The charges stem from an Aug. 8 crash, which claimed the life of a 52-year-old cyclist who was riding with lights and reflectors.

The Phoenix New Times reported the 23-year-old defendant was driving a 1992 BMW when he struck the cyclist shortly after midnight on a Saturday night. The accident happened at the corner of Cave Creek Road and Mountain Gage Pass Road. The cyclist was killed and the defendant left the scene of the accident.

Police said a fog light from a silver 1992 BMW was found at the scene and investigators determined the car must have sustained significant damage to the passenger side. The defendant attempted to trade the car in the next morning to take advantage of the government’s Cash for Clunkers program; he told personnel at the dealership he had struck a javelina.

The dealership contacted police and the defendant was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and tampering with evidence.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports nearly 2,000 Arizona bicycle accidents occurred in 2008, injuring 1,682 riders and claiming 19 lives.

Avondale, Arizona bicycle accident seriously injures 12-year-old girl

by Dave Abels

A 12-year-old girl was seriously injured in an Avondale, Arizona bicycle accident a week ago Wednesday afternoon after she was struck by a car while crossing the street, AZ Family reported.

Police are asking the driver of a delivery van to contact them to be interviewed about the accident. They believe the driver may have witnessed the crash. The Avondale Police Department reports that the girl was crossing Central Avenue eastbound at Madden Avenue while riding her bike. The vehicle in the curb lane stopped as she entered the roadway. But a Nissan Sentra struck the girl while heading southbound on Central in the inside lane.

The girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after suffering a head injury. Police report the girl was alert on Thursday and that her condition had been upgraded to stable. The driver of the Nissan remained on the scene. The investigation continues and there is no word yet on whether charges will be filed.

Police are asking the driver of a white box-type delivery van, similar to a FedEx delivery truck, to contact them at 623-333-7001 to be interviewed as a witness.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 716 people were killed and 52,000 were injured in bicycle accidents in 2008. Arizona bicycle accident killed 19 riders.

Bicycle safety tips for kids:

-Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

-Adjust a child’s bike for a proper fit.

-Check bike for maintenance issues, includes tires and brakes, before riding.

-See and Be Seen: Wear brightly colored clothing. Reflective tape or flashing lights are also a good idea. Make eye contact with a driver before proceeding.

-Control you bike and always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars.

-Watch for and avoid road hazards, including potholes, glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and dogs.

-Avoid night riding.

-Ride with traffic flow.

-Obey all traffic laws.

-Yield to traffic.

-Be predictable.

-Stay alert at all times.

-Look before turning.

Watch for parked cars.

City employee accused of causing San Luis, Arizona bicycle accident while driving drunk

by Dave Abels

Authorities are reviewing city procedures after a 10-year-old boy was injured in a San Luis, Arizona bicycle accident by an employee who was allegedly driving drunk in a city vehicle, the Yuma Sun reported.

The boy was riding his bike near a Walmart store on May 27 when he was struck by the city vehicle, according to the San Luis police chief. The defendant is charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. He has since resigned from his job with the city. The victim, a student at Harvest Preparatory Academy, suffered a broken pelvis, femur and shoulder in the accident.

“The employee was on duty and broke the rule,” city spokeswoman Karin Meza said. “The idea is see what improvements can be made to the procedures to avoid risks” of similar incidents occurring in the future. “We don’t know if supervision was lacking or if the rules need to be strengthened.”

Channel 13 reported that the accident happened shortly after 7 p.m. as the city worker was traveling west on Los Olivos Avenue. He struck the boy at the corner of Bernal Drive. Witnesses say he initially got out of his vehicle and attempted to help the boy. But, after seeing the witnesses, he climbed back in his city-issued Ford Ranger and left the area.

A police report indicated two beer containers were found in the city vehicle and a pair of breathalyzer tests showed the employee’s blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit.

As we reported on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, safety advocates are pushing to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona bicycle accidents. Nineteen cyclists were killed in Arizona accidents in 2008 and 1,682 were injured according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drunk driving accidents continue to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities nationwide, accounting for about one-third of all deadly crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationwide, 11,773 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2008 — or one person every 45 minutes.

In Arizona, 343 of the state’s 937 fatal crashes involved alcohol.