Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

What You Should Do If You’re Involved in a Phoenix Bicycle Accident With the beautiful Phoenix weather, it’s not hard to understand why there are so many bicyclists on the road. Phoenix bicycle accidents and injuries are on the rise. In 2016, Arizona Department of Transportation reported that 1,350 bicyclists were injured. That’s an almost 6% increase from 2015. During 2016, 31 bicyclist fatalities were reported. Phoenix bicycle accidents can be very serious in nature. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in one. Read Our FREE Personal Injury Guide

Get Medical Care for a Medical Emergency

Phoenix bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries. Common serious injuries associated with bicycle accidents include concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken vertebra in the neck or back, broken bones, serious lacerations, and internal injuries. If you or someone else involved in the accident has a medical emergency, call 911.

Call the Police

Calling the police is important in two specific ways. First, it can help you get insurance information from the driver of the motor vehicle that was involved in the wreck. Accident scenes can result in a heated exchange between drivers. Phoenix bicycle accidents are no exception. Second, the responding officer will create a report that documents the scene of the accident. This is important because the officer is a third-party. Since they weren’t involved in the accident, it’s easier for them to create a non-biased account of what happened. Make sure that you get the report number so that you can get a copy of it.

Document the Scene of the Bicycle Accident

If you don’t have a serious injury, use your smartphone to take photos of the scene of the bicycle accident. You should take photos of where the accident occurred, the damage to your bicycle, and the damage to the other vehicle. These photos can be very helpful when negotiating with the insurance company. It also helps a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer who may file a legal claim on your behalf.

See a Doctor or Chiropractor Even If You Don’t Think You’re Hurt

Phoenix bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries because unlike someone in a motor vehicle, there’s nothing that really separates the bicyclist from the elements, the pavement, a vehicle, a tree, or any other object. There are times when someone involved in a bicycle accident doesn’t feel like they’re injured. Adrenaline surges through the body and we may not feel any pain. This happens regardless of whether you’re actually injured. If you don’t feel as if you were injured, it’s still important for you to go and get checked by a doctor or chiropractor. You may not recognize that you’re hurt. If minor injuries go untreated, they can get worse. If you do have a serious injury, you may not know right away. Seeing a medical professional can help ensure your safety and your health. Additionally, if you believe that the accident was the result of negligence of the motor vehicle driver, you may decide to talk with a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer. Although you may be eligible for financial compensation, not going to the doctor or chiropractor right away can be detrimental to your claim. The other driver or the insurance company may argue that you weren’t actually hurt if you wait to get medical attention.

Talk to an Experienced Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, schedule a consultation with a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer. Bicycle accidents can be complex for many reasons. One of those reasons is the concept of comparative negligence. This means that the insurance company and the court look at the accident to determine how much responsibility each party has. For example, the driver may be found 75% at fault and you may be found 25% at fault. How much fault you carry will affect how much financial compensation that you may qualify to receive. As a bicyclist, you have an obligation to take reasonable steps to protect yourself. This includes following the laws of the road. Even if you have no fault in an accident, you shouldn’t trust that the insurance company will treat you fairly. They’re looking to make a profit. They usually want to pay out as little as possible. This is why it is imperative that you work with an experienced Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your legal rights. Read Our FREE Personal Injury Guide Follow us on Facebook for daily updates.