Bicycle Accident Lawyer Phoenix AZ
If you or a family member or someone you know is injured as a result of a bicycle collision accident lawyer Phoenix AZ should be consulted as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, Arizona has consistently ranked high in the number of bicycle traffic fatalities, compared to its lower population with other states. Bike riding, particularly among urban commuters is on the increase and this had led to increases in cyclists fatalities nationwide.The numbers of bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and injuries have risen across the country.
The victim of a bicycle crash with a car or truck can be left with serious and permanent injuries. A bicycle accident lawyer in Phoenix AZ can evaluate the causes of a bicycle collision. Common causes of bicyclist crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities include:
•Drivers not seeing or failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists
•A vehicle turning left at an intersection•A bicyclist side swiped by a vehicle changing lanes
•A bicyclist being rear ended by a distracted or impaired driver
•A vehicle turning right ahead of a bicyclist
•Distracted drivers, cell phone usage is a common reason for inattention.
Unfortunately, even if a bicyclist is careful, serious injuries and fatalities occur. The lack of bike lanes and marked crosswalks is a contributing factor. Sometimes drivers don’t see bicyclists or don’t take proper precautions.
I represented a bicyclist who was traveling in the crosswalk in Scottsdale, at Thompson Peak Parkway and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, on a green light, with a walk sign, however he was struck by a left turning driver, serious injuries resulted.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the causes of a bicycle collision, evaluate who was at fault, and look into the possible insurance policies, personal or commercial that may be applicable. There may be liability coverage, a commercial policy, or underinsurance (UIM) or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that may apply in a bicycle collision resulting in injuries or death.
It’s interesting to know that there may be a claim by a bicyclist against the adverse party’s insurance carrier, and if that policy is not sufficient to pay the claim the bicyclist’s underinsurance coverage, if he has any, may also be used to satisfy the claim. If the adverse party did not have insurance the bicyclist’s uninsured motorist coverage, if he has any, may be used to pay the claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney will take care of the communications with the adverse party’s insurance carrier, obtain the medical records and lost income documentation.
The assistance and advocacy of the attorney is particularly important when serious injuries, are sustained, including head injury, neck and back injuries, neurological injuries, fractures. The decision to hire a personal injury lawyer, the right one, at the earliest possible time, is essential because the adverse party’s insurance company is in the everyday business of protecting its interests, not those of the injured bicyclist victim.
It is important to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer Phoenix AZ so that your case be evaluated and your rights protected.