Goodyear Bike Accident Lawyers

For bicyclists to stay safe while riding on Arizona roads, there are several key precautions and guidelines they should adhere to. Firstly, bicyclists should wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, reflective clothing, and lights, especially when riding during low-light conditions. These safety measures ensure increased visibility and protection in case of an accident.

One important aspect is for bicyclists to be knowledgeable about and adhere to traffic laws. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Arizona, and as such, bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and obeying speed limits. Remaining predictable to drivers is essential for maintaining their safety.

By adhering to these safety measures, bicyclists can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer riding experience on Arizona roads. However, even if you do everything perfectly, there’s still a chance you can get in an accident.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Goodyear

We’ve dealt with numerous bike accident cases over the years. Here are some of the common reasons for them:

• Distracted driving. One of the most common causes of bike accidents in Goodyear is drivers being distracted while on the road. This typically includes using mobile devices, eating and drinking, or engaging in conversations that take focus away from the road.
• Failure to yield. Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, especially when making turns. Drivers may not anticipate or properly observe cyclists, leading to collisions.
• Door opening. Another frequent cause of bike accidents is when drivers or passengers open their car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists. This can lead to sudden collisions, particularly in areas with parked cars.
• Poor road conditions. Unmaintained or poorly designed roads, including potholes, uneven surfaces, or insufficient signage, can contribute to bike accidents. Uneven surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control or be thrown off balance, leading to crashes.
• Speeding or reckless driving. Excessive speeding or reckless driving behavior commonly results in bike accidents, especially in areas with higher traffic volumes. Vehicles not following speed limits or disregarding traffic rules may collide with cyclists unexpectedly.
• Lack of visibility. Poor visibility is a significant factor in bike accidents, whether due to low-light conditions, inadequate reflective gear or lights on bicycles, or cyclists not being easily seen by drivers. This is especially prevalent during dawn, dusk, and nighttime.
• Inadequate bicycle infrastructure. Limited or absent bike lanes, lack of designated cycling paths, or insufficient signage can increase the likelihood of accidents. Cyclists are forced to navigate through traffic or share lanes with vehicles, creating a higher risk of collisions.
• Intoxicated or impaired driving. Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or medication significantly increases the risk of accidents. Reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and loss of control can contribute to severe crashes.
• Inexperienced or careless driving. Glendale is a town that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. In some cases, bike accidents can result from inexperienced or careless drivers. This includes not obeying traffic rules, not signaling turns properly, or driving carelessly or unpredictably.

Regardless of the reason, these accidents often result in injuries — some of which can be significant or even life-threatening.

Common Injuries of Goodyear Bike Accidents

In some instances, bike accidents can unfortunately lead to various severe injuries. Here are some of the most common and severe injuries caused by such accidents in the area:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries. One of the most severe consequences of bike accidents is TBIs. These can occur when the cyclist sustains a blow to the head, resulting in damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries that lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. Bike accidents can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life, requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term medical care.
• Fractures and Broken Bones. The force of impact in a bike accident can lead to fractures and broken bones. These injuries are particularly severe when they affect major bones like the femur (thigh bone), pelvis, or spine. Fractures may require surgeries, immobilization, and rehabilitation to regain mobility.
• Internal Organ Damage. The impact of a bike accident can cause trauma to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Damage to these vital organs can lead to hemorrhaging, internal bleeding, or organ failure, requiring immediate medical attention and often surgery.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries. When a bicyclist is thrown from their bike during an accident, they can experience road rash, which is a severe abrasion caused by contact with the road surface. Additionally, soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained, sprained, or torn, causing significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Facial and Dental Injuries. Cyclists involved in accidents may suffer facial injuries, including fractures to the jaw, nose, cheekbones, or eye sockets. These injuries often require surgical intervention and can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Dental injuries, such as broken teeth or jaw misalignment, are also common and require specialized dental care.
• Psychological Trauma. Bike accidents can have a lasting psychological impact on individuals. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to cycling or traffic accidents are common psychological effects of severe injuries.

If you have suffered any of these injuries in a bike accident, contact the Goodyear bike accident lawyers at Torgenson Law. Our attorneys are expert investigators and will not stop until they have a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation. We will evaluate the circumstances and help you build a compelling case for compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have in Arizona?

In Arizona, bicycle riders have certain rights and responsibilities that are recognized and protected by the law. The rights of bicycle riders are aimed at ensuring their safety, promoting responsible riding, and allowing them to fully enjoy the benefits of cycling. These rights are often outlined in state statutes and are designed to accommodate the unique characteristics and needs of bicyclists.

One key right of bicycle riders in Arizona is the right to share the road with motor vehicles. Bicyclists have the same legal status as drivers of any other vehicle and are entitled to use public roadways, including streets and highways. This means that motor vehicles must treat bicycles with the same level of respect and give them ample space when passing. Bicyclists are also allowed to ride on the shoulder of a road unless it is explicitly prohibited by local ordinances.

Another important right of bicycle riders in Arizona is the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on their mode of transportation. This means that bicyclists should not be targeted or harassed by law enforcement, motorists, or pedestrians solely because they are riding a bicycle. Furthermore, bicyclists have the right to file complaints if they experience any form of discrimination or harassment while riding.

What Type of Compensation is Available for Bike Accidents?

When a bicycle accident occurs, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. The available compensation for victims of bicycle accidents in Arizona typically depends on the specific circumstances of the incident and the applicable laws and insurance policies. Here are some common forms of compensation that are often sought by bicycle accident victims:

• Medical Expenses. Victims can seek compensation for their medical bills, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment related to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering. Compensation can be awarded for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress endured as a result of the accident and injuries sustained.
• Lost Wages. If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be eligible to receive compensation for the wages lost during their recovery period. This may also include the loss of future earning capacity if the accident results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage. If the bicycle or any personal belongings were damaged or destroyed in the accident, victims may seek reimbursement or compensation to repair or replace them.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy. In cases where the accident causes lasting disabilities or impairments, victims may be entitled to compensation for ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, or modifications to the home or vehicle to accommodate their needs.
• Wrongful Death. If a bicycle accident results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

Bicycle accident victims must consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to fully understand their rights and options for compensation. The Goodyear bike accident lawyers at Torgenson Law can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and determine the appropriate amount of compensation to pursue for you and your family.

Why Choose Torgenson Law for Your Bike Accident Attorney?

Torgenson Law has been representing Goodyear accident victims for more than 20 years. During that time, we have helped dozens of bike accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries and damages. Whether it’s you or a loved one who has been harmed, call our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

The personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law will work with you and your family to uncover all the details of your case. We evaluate the unique circumstances surrounding your situation and guide you along the best path forward to receive justice.

We’re here to help. Contact us online or call 602-726-0747 today.