A cycling incident in such a large city as Phoenix can happen in an instant, leaving the rider wondering about their legal rights and essential steps to take after the crash. Even though the State Department of Transportation claims that fatal bicycle accidents in Arizona have gone down 10% over the past years, many bicyclists sustain serious injuries on local roads on a daily basis.
This means that you must be fully aware of what to do, where to seek help from, and how to act at the scene of the accident to protect yourself from every angle.
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys have broken down the list of practical and legally approved steps to take after the collision in Phoenix to proceed with confidence and clarity. A successful recovery starts with knowledge.
Stay Calm and Keep Safe
The first thing you should do after a Phoenix bicycle accident is to assess your condition with a cool head and ensure safety. You should move away from a busy street if that is an option. If not, stay put, but try to make yourself visible for the upcoming traffic to avoid sustaining further harm.
Scan Yourself Head to Toe
One of the most common mistakes injured riders make after a bike accident is underestimating the scale of their traumas. Take a deep breath and scan your body from head to toe. Listen to yourself. Do you feel dizzy? This may be a sign of stress or something more serious, like traumatic brain injury. Don’t brush off the mildest of signs that something is off.
Get First Responders on the Line
No matter how minor the bicycle accident seems, you should still report it. Call 911 as soon as you can. When the first responders arrive, they will assess the scene, your condition, and the approximate damages. Aside from professional aid, law enforcement will document every detail in an official report that you may also need when you choose to file a personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Not everyone knows that some medical conditions can manifest hours or even days after the incident. Only a trained medical professional can stop the first signs of those conditions ahead of time. Moreover, just like a police report, medical records can strengthen your case and help you maximize the average bicycle accident settlement in Phoenix.
Exchange Vital Details
If you plan to move forward with a compensation recovery, which is advisable, you should collect contact information from all the parties involved in a bicycle crash. You should inquire about such details as the following:
- Full name and address
- Contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Motor vehicle model, make, color, and license plate number
Be ready to provide such info in return. There’s one thing that our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers want you to remember: don’t approach any involved party if they seem agitated or straight-off aggressive. Let the police gather the necessary details instead.
Solidify Your Claim with Proof
The scene of the incident often contains critical pieces of evidence that will help you win your bicycle accident case in the future. In case you haven’t sustained serious injuries that require instant hospitalization, you can assess the scene and document every detail. Our bike accident attorneys suggest you pay special attention to the following:
- Take photos and videos of your traumas, property damage, road conditions, and other details that seem even relevantly important.
- Ask for a police report when the officer is done documenting the incident.
- Talk to eyewitnesses, if any. Ask about what they’ve remembered and record their statements. Inquire whether you can contact them in case the insurance company requires it.
Your Words Matter
Any Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer would tell you that what you say at the scene of the crash can and may be used against you. That is why you should always stick to facts. Don’t assume who’s to blame, don’t apologize, and don’t admit your fault.
Consult a Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to hire a bicycle accident attorney right off the bat. However, you won’t know if you need one unless you speak to a person who has a field-related background. Many law firms, including Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, offer free consultations and case evaluations these days. Just call a legal representative, tell your story, and ask them which course of action you should take to protect your rights and secure fair compensation in the future. In case you do need a personal injury attorney, our experienced team works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
Talk to Your Insurance Provider
It is best that you report the bicycle accident to your insurer even if you are 100% sure the incident isn’t your fault. First of all, it will speed up the legal process. Secondly, there may be claims filed against you, and your provider needs to be informed and ready.
What Are the Main Potentially Liable Parties in a Bicycle Accident?
Every bicycle collision is unique. That means that there isn’t a single culprit responsible for every accident that takes place on the roads of Arizona. The list of potentially responsible parties includes but isn’t limited to the following:
- Motor vehicle operators: When a driver gets distracted by a device, ignores a speed limit sign, runs a red light, or violates traffic laws in any other way, which leads to a bicycle accident, they will be accountable for the consequences.
- Governmental entities: Should an incident occur because of missing or poorly maintained bike lanes, missing or malfunctioning signs, or any infrastructure-related causes, local or federal authorities will be responsible for the outcome.
- Vehicle manufacturer: Some crashes happen because of mechanical failures. If your bike malfunctioned because of a faulty part, you can file a claim against the manufacturer.
- Other road users: Sometimes, a negligent pedestrian or fellow cyclist can interfere with your ride and initiate a bicycle accident. They will be the main liable parties in such instances.
Keep in mind that you can be a potential at-fault party as well. Riders who violate existing AZ bicycle laws, even unknowingly, will be responsible for the incident that their actions lead to.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Assist Your Case?
If you haven’t been in a bicycle accident before, you can hardly evaluate the full extent of support that trained legal advisors may provide. Let’s briefly discuss the major advantages of working with a field-savvy Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer:
- In-depth evaluation: Reputable attorneys know how to assess the situation on multiple levels. They are aware of local regulations, such as Arizona helmet laws, that can affect the outcome of your claim and how to deal with those effectively to build a solid case.
- Precise calculations: Trained legal assistants go beyond the bicycle accident settlement calculator claim evaluation. They will consider future costs and expenses to maximize the reimbursement you can recover.
- Thorough investigation: Most legal experts can gather evidence that may be unavailable to you for different reasons. They can collect medical bills, official reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to solidify the case.
- Skillful negotiations: Most insurance companies try their best to convince an accident victim to accept a settlement that benefits them. A trained attorney will deflect lowball offers and negotiate a fair settlement that you deserve.
- Peace of mind: Your legal representative will take over the process, ensuring that all deadlines are met and legal obstacles eliminated while you focus on your health and speedy recovery.
Taking the right steps after a Phoenix bicycle accident protects your health and legal rights. Report the incident, gather evidence, seek medical care, and consult a lawyer if needed. Quick action can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation.
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.
