Bicyclists have a right to enjoy the roadways throughout the Phoenix area and to be safe when riding. Drivers have to be sure they pay close attention to bicycles. They have to respect the rights of these riders. A bicyclist who’s struck by a vehicle can suffer from catastrophic injuries that may impact them for the rest of their life.
There’s a major misconception from drivers that they have more right to use the road than bicyclists. Unfortunately, this leads to bicyclists being struck because motorists won’t respect their right of way. Not only is this unsafe, but it’s also illegal.
One primary issue is dooring. This occurs when someone parked on the side of the road doesn’t check for a bicyclist and opens their door directly in the path of the bicyclist. This can throw the bicyclist off their bike, which can lead to serious injuries.
Bicyclists can increase their safety by wearing proper safety gear, including sturdy shoes and a helmet. They also need to ensure they’re easy for motorists to see. Anyone who’s biking at night should have lights and reflective clothing.
Part of keeping bicyclists safe falls on the motorists who are on the road with them. Giving a person on a bike space to maneuver is one of these. Bicyclists may lose their balance and fall. Falling in the path of a moving vehicle would be devastating, but this won’t be as much of an issue if motorists just give the bicyclist room to ride.
Most bicyclists who are struck by a vehicle will need to get medical care. Some may have serious injuries, such as those to the spinal cord or brain. Getting prompt medical care and following the instructions you’re provided can help to ensure you’re mitigating damages, which is important if you plan on seeking compensation.
If you plan on seeking compensation, you should hire a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer to help you with your claim. They can work to get your case together so you can focus on healing from the injuries that you’re suffering from. There are many facets to bicycle accident cases that have to come together.
You’ll need to show that the defendant is liable for the damages of the crash and that the injuries you suffered are the result of the wreck. You also have to include all the damages that you have because of the crash. This must include the medical bills and other expenses that you’ll have in the future because of your injuries.
As we have outlined, bicyclists deserve to be safe when riding. The law in Arizona sets a statute of limitations that limits how much time you have to file your claim. You can’t waste time because you won’t be able to seek compensation if the time limit expires. Additionally, taking action as soon as you can after the crash may also help you to get the compensation you deserve faster. This is especially important if the case will have to go to trial, because courts have full dockets, and getting to the trial date might take a while.
