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.