How do you choose to get around the Valley? Do you drive most of the time, preferring to control your own schedule and your own route as you drive? Do you prefer to take the bus or the light rail, finding public transportation to be easier and more affordable than driving yourself? If you are like a growing number of residents in the Valley, including those in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Chandler, you may ride a bicycle occasionally or regularly as you travel. Bike transit can be easy, efficient, and cost effective to many adults and children in the Valley, explaining some of its rise in popularity in recent years.
Yet with the increase in bicycle riders has unfortunately come a large number of bicycle accidents in Phoenix, many of which result in injuries or even death. These incidents can be complicated and the way they are treated by the law complex, leaving many victims wondering if they have any rights or whether there is anything they can do to obtain relief for their damages. Victims and their family members may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer in the Phoenix area to learn about what options may exist after a crash occurs, including whether a civil claim for monetary damages may be possible. In many bicycle crashes, relief is available if a victim seeks it within a time period specified by Arizona law.
Last week, a 23-year-old man was riding a bicycle on a sidewalk near the intersection of 59th Avenue and Roosevelt in Phoenix when a crash occurred. At this time, police believe the cyclist attempted to cross Roosevelt when a semi-truck in the area attempted to turn, crossing the intersection where the cyclist was riding. The truck struck the rider and knocked over the victim, trapping him under the truck and dragging him for a short distance before the victim became dislodged. At that time, it was apparent that the cyclists was critically injured and emergency crews ensured he was transported to an area hospital for help. Though doctors tended to him, the victim’s injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the bike crash.
Authorities are still reviewing all the relevant information in this incident to try and determine what caused the collision between the semi-truck and the cyclist, including whether either or both individuals involved erred prior to impact. It is not clear at this time whether any traffic citations will result from the collision or whether any charges will be brought.
If you ride a bicycle or if your loved one does and a collision in the Phoenix area has affected your life, you may have a valid claim that entitles you to financial compensation for your damages, including the medical expenses you incurred or will incur in the future, wages you were unable to earn while you were recovering, and pain and suffering.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience helping victims of bicycle accidents and if you have been hurt, we want to help you as well. To make sure you understand your options, we offer a free case consultation without any obligation on your part and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery in their case and we fight for the best possible outcome for each and every client we help.
If you have been hurt, call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Taxi Cab Accident in Phoenix Leaves Passenger Dead, Another Critically Injured, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 10, 2014.
Resource:
Bicyclist killed in west Phoenix crash, by Jill Monier, Fox 10 News, published November 6, 2014.