Speak With a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Bicycling is increasingly popular in Phoenix for commuting, recreation, and fitness—but sharing the road with motor vehicles can be dangerous. When drivers fail to watch for cyclists, the consequences are often devastating. Bicycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, long recovery periods, and mounting medical bills, while insurance companies attempt to shift blame onto the cyclist. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, working with an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to injured cyclists throughout Phoenix. Our legal team understands Arizona bicycle laws and is ready to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595
Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Cyclists have little physical protection compared to motorists. Even a low-speed collision can cause life-altering injuries.
Bicycle accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Cyclists are fully exposed to impact
- Drivers often fail to see bikes in traffic
- Falls can cause head and spinal injuries
- Secondary impacts with pavement or other vehicles are common
- Helmets reduce risk but cannot prevent all serious injuries
Phoenix’s wide roads, fast traffic, and frequent right-turn conflicts increase the risk for cyclists.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Phoenix
Most bicycle accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
Failure to Yield
Drivers often fail to yield when turning, merging, or entering intersections where cyclists have the right of way.
Distracted Driving
Texting, navigation apps, and in-car distractions lead drivers to overlook cyclists.
Unsafe Passing
Arizona law requires drivers to give cyclists adequate space, yet many pass too closely.
Right-Hook Accidents
Drivers turning right may cut off cyclists traveling straight through intersections.
Dooring Accidents
Parked drivers opening doors into bike lanes can cause serious crashes.
Where Bicycle Accidents Commonly Occur
In Phoenix, bicycle crashes frequently happen:
- At intersections and crosswalks
- In bike lanes along major roads
- Near downtown and urban corridors
- Around schools, parks, and trails
- In residential neighborhoods
Intersections and turning points are particularly dangerous for cyclists.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Because cyclists lack protection, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken arms, legs, and collarbones
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Wrongful death injuries
Many victims require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care.
Arizona Bicycle Laws and Cyclists’ Rights
Arizona law recognizes bicycles as vehicles and grants cyclists important rights, including:
- The right to use roadways
- The right to bike lanes where provided
- The right to share lanes when safe
- Protection under traffic laws
Drivers who violate these rules may be held liable when a cyclist is injured. Helmet use, while strongly recommended, is not required for adults and does not bar injury claims.
Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident
Fault in bicycle accidents is often disputed. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared—but injured cyclists can still recover compensation even if partially at fault.
Liability may depend on:
- Right-of-way rules
- Driver speed and attentiveness
- Lane positioning
- Visibility and lighting
- Road design or signage
Insurance companies frequently attempt to blame cyclists unfairly, making legal representation essential.
Evidence Used in Bicycle Accident Claims
Strong evidence is critical to proving negligence. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam or helmet-cam video
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Bicycle damage and inspection
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Prompt investigation helps preserve evidence before it disappears.
When Government Entities May Be Liable
Some bicycle accidents are caused by unsafe roadway conditions, such as:
- Poorly maintained bike lanes
- Potholes or debris
- Inadequate signage or markings
- Dangerous intersection design
Claims involving government entities require strict notice deadlines and specialized procedures.
Compensation Available to Injured Cyclists
Because injuries are often severe, bicycle accident claims may involve substantial compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Long-term medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Bicycle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Bicycle Accident Claims
Insurance companies often attempt to:
- Blame cyclists for “not being visible”
- Argue failure to follow traffic laws
- Minimize injury severity
- Push low settlements early
An experienced Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer ensures cyclists are treated fairly and claims are properly valued.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Bicycle Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how devastating bicycle accidents can be. Our legal team aggressively advocates for injured cyclists and works to overcome bias against riders.
We focus on:
- Conducting thorough accident investigations
- Preserving video and physical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Working with medical and reconstruction experts
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle accident injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Acting quickly helps protect evidence and your right to recovery.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Bicycle Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, do not let insurance companies shift blame or undervalue your injuries.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Transportation – Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
https://azdot.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Bicycle Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Bicycle Safety Research
https://www.iihs.org
