Bicycle Accidents Involving Automobiles
Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Tempe, AZ
Bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists have a duty to follow the rules
of the road and share it safely. When this doesn’t happen, it puts
people at risk for
serious injury or
death. Bicyclists can be especially vulnerable to injury because they often
ride side by side with motorists and, aside from a helmet, there is little
to protect them in the event that they are struck.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), bicyclists
account for about 2% of deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 84% of which
involved victims aged 20 or older. In 2013 alone, 741 bicyclists were
killed in
automobile accidents, and several thousand others were injured.
If you have been involved in an accident, you may be wondering what to
do next. You should not have to pay for the cost of care if your accident
was caused by the negligent actions of another. It is important that you
get in touch with a Tempe personal injury lawyer as soon as possible because
you could be eligible to file a claim for compensation to take care of
your medical bills and other damages.
Carelessness and Negligence
Should a bicyclist decide to file a claim, they must work together with
their lawyer to determine the answers to the following questions:
- Were the accident and resulting injuries caused by any negligence or carelessness
on the part of the driver?
- Did any negligence or recklessness on the part of the bicyclist contribute
to or cause the accident?
There are a variety of negligent actions that could lead to an accident.
Drivers are obligated as part of their driving privileges to exercise
a duty of care while on the road. Any carelessness, whether intended or
unintended, can cause an accident and lead to serious consequences.
Examples of driver negligence can include:
- Driving into the bike lane
- Failure to use turn signals
- Ignoring posted traffic signs, including stop and yield signs
- Running red lights
- Distracted driving, including eating or using a cell phone while driving
- Driving unsafely for the current traffic or weather conditions
- Aggressive driving, including speeding and constant lane changing
Bicyclists, too, must also exercise care on the road to prevent accidents.
Like motorists, bicyclists also must exercise caution by obeying posted
traffic signs and signals and avoiding darting out into traffic.
Get Quality Representation for Your Claim – Call Now!
Bicycle accidents can involve large liabilities. If you or a loved one
has suffered as a result of a bicycle accident, call the Tempe bicycle
accident attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. We offer all of our prospective
clients a
free case evaluation to determine if you have a case that can bring you compensation.
To secure the high-level advocacy you deserve, get started by contacting
us today at (480) 568-6622, or
click here to fill out an
online form.