Bike Accident Lawyer – Do You Really Need One?

Do you need a bike accident lawyer? Chances are, the answer is yes. But what you may not know is that bike accidents are more common than you think. I was recently reading an article about a bike accident, and it reminded me how important it is to be alert while cycling on the road.

On Sept. 10, at the intersection of Ray Road and Mountain Parkway in Ahwatukee, a 13-year-old boy was struck by a driver who then fled the scene of the accident. According to Phoenix police, the vehicle was recovered last week but no arrests have been made, and an investigation is still open.

The local community has rallied around the victim. Five local bakeries and a pizzeria recently held a cake sale and auction to raise money and help the family pay medical bills. In another instance, a 14-year-old teen was struck by a vehicle while riding a bike on Sept. 13 near Mountain Parkway Ranch Circle.

In both instances, the teens were lucky to survive such an ordeal, yet they still await justice as neither driver has been caught and held accountable for their actions.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

In Arizona, more than 1,400 cycling accidents were reported in 2016.  Of all the crashes, 2% were fatal, and 90% resulted in injuries. Serious injuries are much more prevalent because cyclists simply don’t have the same protection as those in an automobile. Even if they’re wearing a helmet and safety gear, a bicycle accident victim could suffer serious injuries.

Some of the most common biking accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Nerve damage
• Dental injuries
• Facial trauma
• Muscle and joint sprains and strains
• Contusions
• Scraps and cuts

Although some accidents, such as those involving high speeds, can result in serious trauma, even accidents at slower speeds can lead to injuries.

How to Avoid a Bike Accident Injury

Riding a bike should be fun and just because there are risks doesn’t mean you should avoid enjoying the fresh air on a bicycle. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself and avoid cycling injuries.

• Always wear a helmet. In certain cities, such as Tucson and Sierra Vista, helmets are required for bicyclists under the age of 18.
• Don’t cycle while distracted and put your phone away
• Always scan around you
• Install and use rear-view mirrors on your bicycle
• Learn and use hand signals to warn drivers of your intentions
• Do not ride recklessly and always follow the rules of the road
• Wear bright colored clothing or invest in reflective gear for nighttime riding
• Use lights at night
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it.

Be on alert at all times. It may be fun to listen to music while riding but you should always be aware of your surroundings. Emergency vehicles may need to come through, a honking driver could alert you to danger, and more – so never ride distracted.

Why You Need a Bike Accident Lawyer

Being in a bike accident is traumatic and costly. As you recover from your injuries, worrying about insurance coverage and filing a claim should be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights.

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help ease the burden by being a liaison between you and the insurance company. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate your claim, obtain police reports, medical documentation of your injuries, and file a claim on your behalf.

You may be reluctant to file a claim but an insurance company may not provide adequate compensation and could even deny your claim. Don’t let an insurance company dictate how much compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bike accident, you need a good bike accident lawyer. Contact me today.