Prescott Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Prescott Valley Bicycle Accident Attorney

Riding your bicycle can be a fun, exciting activity to pass the time, stay in shape, or get around town. Regrettably, bicycles can also lead to severe injuries if you are involved in a serious accident with a pedestrian or, worse, a vehicle. Depending on how much protective gear you may be wearing at the time of the accident, if any, you could be dealing with life-threatening injuries. If you wish to pursue legal action, a Prescott Valley bicycle accident lawyer can help.

Arizona’s Bicycle Laws

Riding a bicycle does not mean you are afforded less rights than the other motorists on the road. Bicycles have every right to be on the road like everyone else, and other drivers need to be aware of the possibility that a bicyclist might be nearby. It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself if you are in a bicycle accident. One of the most effective ways to prevent injuries is to wear a helmet. If you are injured, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer in Prescott Valley can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the support you need.

The state of Arizona does not have comprehensive bicycle helmet laws. Only three cities have mandatory bicycle helmet laws for anyone under 18 years old. The rest of the state does not have a helmet requirement. Even though they are not largely required in the state, it is still recommended that you wear one whenever you are riding your bicycle. Bicycle helmets have proven countless times that they can save lives when accidents do happen.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to pursue legal action against the party responsible for causing your bicycle accident, it is important that you adhere to the state of Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is two years. The state allows you two years to build your case, gather the evidence you need, speak with a bicycle accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you cannot file timely, your case may be dismissed.

If you are unable to file your claim before the two years have passed, your case may be dismissed entirely, and you will have no chance to pursue damages, and no action will be taken. Building a strong bicycle accident case can take a long time, so you should start building your case as soon as you can. If you are worried that your case isn’t strong enough, speak with a bicycle accident lawyer promptly.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Even if you are a very safe bicyclist in Prescott Valley, it is important to remember that the other drivers on the road may not be as safety-conscious. Getting hit by a larger vehicle is a bad situation regardless of how safe you are. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident can be a big help if the time ever comes. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself after an accident:

• Check for Injuries: Depending on the nature of the accident and how much protective gear you were wearing, you could have severe injuries. Be sure to check yourself after an accident. Look for any bloody spots, bruising, protrusions, sprains, and broken bones. If you do not find any injuries but are still in a lot of pain, be sure to say something to the EMTs once they arrive.
• Call 911: You should call 911 as soon as you can. You need to get EMTs and police officers out to the accident scene as soon as possible. Allow the EMTs to look you over for any injuries, and tell them about any pain you are experiencing. See a doctor later for a more thorough examination.
• Exchange Information: You should exchange your insurance and contact information with the other parties involved. Get their name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance carrier. Give them the same information.
• Don’t Admit Fault: Throughout this whole process, be sure to never admit fault for the accident. Admitting fault could seriously damage your claim when the time comes to file. Be honest and civil with the other parties, the police, and your insurance company, but never admit fault. Even apologizing can be considered admitting fault.
• See a Lawyer: Once you have gathered enough evidence and seen a doctor, you should consider engaging a bicycle accident lawyer to start building a case for compensation. Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Prescott Valley and protect your rights and get professional guidance on legal action.

FAQs About Prescott Valley, AZ Bicycle Accident Law

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Generally, the driver of the vehicle that hit the bicycle is considered to be at fault, especially if the accident happened because they failed to yield to a bicyclist. Bicycles are the more vulnerable vehicles on the road, and drivers of larger vehicles should be responsible for keeping their distance. However, there can be times when the bicyclist is at fault.

What Happens If I Get Hit While on My Bicycle?

If you get hit while you are riding your bicycle, it is important that you stay calm and take the proper steps to protect yourself. Check yourself for any injuries, call 911, let the EMTs look you over, exchange insurance information with the driver who hit you, document the accident scene, and see a lawyer when the time comes to file a claim.

How Often Are Cyclists at Fault?

Cyclists are at fault for vehicular accidents more often than one might expect. While most of the time, the driver of the larger vehicle is considered to be at fault, the cyclist can be at fault if they break the traffic laws, resulting in an accident. If the cyclist runs a red light or fails to yield, it can be considered their fault.

What Is the Most Common Cause of a Bicycle Accident?

There are many different causes of bicycle accidents in Arizona. One of the most common is failing to yield the right of way to a cyclist. Unfortunately, there are many drivers that do not consider bicyclists to be drivers. Car drivers may not expect to see them on the road, so they aren’t looking for them. The failure to notice cyclists often results in accidents.

Contact Us Today

At The Kaiser Law Group, we can help you build your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with a team member.